13th This place is Awesome! A Séd Valley adventure hike in the Bakony Hills

Te HATESZ Association is organizing its 13th annual family hiking day to showcase the hills, valleys, and rock formations as part of the Veszprém-Balaton European Region of Sport 2026 initiative.

There is no greater experience than admiring winding Séd Stream Valley from one high point after another. The horizon is dominated to the east by Veszprém, the city of queens. The Bükk Hills cling to peaks over 600 meters high in the north, while deep gorge valleys run down to the plateau in the south. The Szentgál-Tiszafás (yew woods) Nature Reserve—unique in Europe—is easily accessible over 8 km, even with kids. The 25-kilometer route starts in Veszprém and follows the valley of the beautiful Séd Stream to Bánd, on a 30-km course—which is of moderate difficulty—and the  valley and the views of the High-Bakony hills offer additional sights. The 45-km marathon course is a real challenge for those who love peaks, with 975 meters of elevation gain.

The hikes are calculated based on the following performance times: 8/25/30 km distances at a pace of 4 km per hour, and the 45 km distance at a pace of 5 km per hour. Runners who arrive late at the starting line may start at their own pace, but they must take into account the closing times of the checkpoints, and must return to the finish line in Bánd by 7:00 p.m. at the latest. Our hike is once again a round of the North Transdanubian Cup this year. 

The route will be marked along hiking trails, through Natura 2000 areas, and on forest roads. Participants are required to follow the rules for being in the forest and the organizers’ instructions.

During the hike, disturbing wildlife, as well as collecting protected and highly protected plants, animals, and the collection or damage of plants, animals, and minerals or rocks is prohibited; it is mandatory to preserve the condition and values of the protected area in question, as well as to comply with the relevant rules and regulations.

I. 25 km route: Veszprém GYSEV Train Station and II. 8/30/45 km: Bánd Tourist Center

• I. Start in Veszprém: Departures between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.; the 25 km course starts from GYSEV Train Station in Veszprém.
• Start II in Bánd: 8/30/45 km routes start at Bánd Tourist Center
• The finish line for Tours I and II is in Bánd. From the main street, turn off at Kakukk Panzió (near the bridge, at the valley crossing) and follow the paved road past the castle hill. Parking is permitted for event participants on this day.

All participants will receive a map and itinerary for the route. We will provide drinking water at staffed checkpoints. We also welcome hikers with dogs, but owners are responsible for their dogs.

Awards include a certificate, a pin, or a wood medal. All participants will be treated to delicious snacks at the finish line. 

Everyone participates in the hike at their own risk; no compensation may be claimed from the organizers under any circumstances. Before setting out, choose a route that is appropriate for your physical condition and your ability to navigate the terrain. If you give up on the hike or need help, be sure to call the organizers.

Please bring your favorite mug with you, because we don’t provide disposable cups.

IF YOU CAN MAKE IT—it’ll be a great hiking day!

• 8 km / 220 m elevation gain, 3 hours walking time, departure between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., Bánd
• 25 km/615 m elevation gain, 7 hours hiking time, departure between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., Veszprém
• 30 km / 640 m elevation gain, 8.5 hours walking time, starting between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. from Bánd
• 45 km / 975 m elevation gain, 11 hours of hiking time; start between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. from Bánd

Pay in cash at RAJT in the form of a 2,500 HUF donation.

Participants in the hiking day support the activities of HATESZ association through their registration fees, which go toward the maintenance of hiking trails, organizing environmental protection campaigns, operating the Bunker Museum and Hajag Tourist House, and organizing sports and cultural programs.

We welcome pre-registrations, which will make check-in easier, but on-site registration is also available for a limited number of participants.

We can provide lunch, a certificate, and a medal to those who pre-register!!!

We’ll send a hike information sheet to those who have pre-registered on October 15.

We look forward to seeing you at HATESZ Summit Hike, hoping for a beautiful fall hiking day. Be there!

Our Partners: Veszprém-Balaton Regional Cultural Foundation, VERGA Zrt., the Local Government of Bánd, GYSEV

For a decade, our association has been actively working to develop tourism in the Bakony region with modest resources: we operate Hajag tourist lodge, have completely renovated Fekete István memorial and Uncle Tóni’s hut in Szentgáli Tiszafás, we have created an interactive nature trail along the Séd Valley bike path, we organize special hiking tours and forest bike tours, and in Veszprém, we maintain and manage two nature reserves. HATESZ – Doing Good!

TRY IT – It'll Be Better!

Source of the text and images: hatesz.hu.