Mária-út, M01-34 (Rakamaz – Nyírszőlős)

The Mária-út M01-34 is a 25 km point-to-point pilgrimage trail in northeastern Hungary, connecting Rakamaz to Nyírszőlős across the flat Nyírség lowlands. Gaining just 80 m of elevation, it is rated Grade II — mild inclines on a well-walkable route. This stage forms part of one of Central Europe's great international pilgrimage networks, crossing birch-forest tracks and rural farmland through Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county.

About the Mária-út, M01-34 (Rakamaz – Nyírszőlős)

The Mária-út (Mary's Way) is a network of Catholic pilgrimage trails connecting the shrine of Mariazell in Austria to the Csíksomlyó pilgrimage site in Transylvania, Romania — an international route of approximately 1,400 km. The M01 designation identifies the main northern branch, which threads through northeastern Hungary before crossing into Romania. Stage M01-34 is one section of that northern arc, managed by the Mária Út Közhasznú Egyesület.

The stage departs from Rakamaz — a market town of around 5,000 residents at the historic confluence of the Tisza and Bodrog rivers, on the southern edge of the celebrated Tokaj wine region. It finishes at Nyírszőlős, a compact village in the heart of the Nyírség, Hungary's largest continuous sandy plain. This gently undulating plateau of loess and wind-blown sand was shaped after the last Ice Age and is now covered by birch-pine forests, orchards, and arable fields. The name Nyírség derives from the Hungarian word for birch: nyír.

With a cumulative elevation gain of just 80 m and an equal descent of 80 m across 25 km, M01-34 is one of the flatter stages of the M01 route — well suited to walkers who want a full day on the trail without technical demands. The marked route follows sealed country lanes, compacted dirt farm tracks, and short woodland path sections. Waymarking is currently rated four out of five stars (partially complete sections), so downloading a GPX track before departure is strongly recommended. GPS files in both GPX and KML format are available from the official website.

The stage sits in a corner of Hungary far from mainstream tourist circuits. Where major highways converge on Budapest, Rakamaz and Nyírszőlős occupy a quieter northeast defined by subsistence farming, wooden belfries, and Calvinist village churches. For pilgrims walking the full M01 route, this section marks a transition between the volcanic foothills of the Tokaj-Zemplén hills and the open expanse of the Great Hungarian Plain. The region is featured on the Visit Hungary official tourism portal as one of the country's most distinctive rural landscapes.

Route Overview & Stages

Stage M01-34 is designed as a single walking day of 25 km. The terrain is consistently flat with only minor undulations where the route crosses sandy ridges and low stream drainage channels. The breakdown below uses three waypoint sections based on the route's main settlements and midpoint farmstead:

Total route: 25 km, cumulative elevation gain 80 m, elevation loss 80 m. Most fit walkers complete M01-34 in 6–7 hours at a comfortable pace. A more contemplative rhythm — pausing at the church in Buj and the wayside shrine near Kóborlótanya — extends the day to 8 hours. Water is available in Buj at approximately km 9 and at the finish in Nyírszőlős, with a dry 8 km middle section to plan around when filling bottles.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Rakamaz riverfront: The trail departs from a town historically positioned at the confluence of the Tisza and Bodrog rivers. The embankment area offers open views across the floodplain before the route moves inland into the sandy Nyírség terrain — a natural departure moment that marks the shift from river-influenced to plateau landscape.
• Tokaj wine region proximity: Rakamaz sits on the southern edge of the Tokaj wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2002. The iconic Tokaj Aszú dessert wine is produced within 10 km of the trailhead. An evening in Tokaj town before or after the stage adds significant cultural depth to any multi-day M01 pilgrimage itinerary.
• Buj village and Reformed church: Around 9 km into the stage, the village of Buj provides a natural mid-morning rest stop. Its Calvinist church — white-plastered exterior, wooden-galleried interior, and a separate wooden belfry — exemplifies the ecclesiastical architecture that survived the Ottoman period intact in northeastern Hungary.
• Nyírség sandy woodland: The middle section of the stage passes through the characteristic landscape of the Nyírség: birch (Betula pendula) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) stands rooted in wind-blown sandy soil. This habitat type is now partially protected within the Nyírség-Szatmár-Bereg Landscape Protection Area and represents one of Hungary's ecologically distinctive lowland environments.
• Kóborlótanya farmstead: A historic tanya (isolated Hungarian farmstead) at the approximate midpoint of the stage serves as a natural pause point. Tanyák were established as satellite farms across the Great Plain during the 18th and 19th centuries and remain a defining feature of rural settlement in northeastern Hungary.
• Marian wayside crosses and chapels: The M01 route is punctuated by carved wooden crosses, small roadside chapels, and Marian shrines maintained jointly by Catholic and Calvinist communities. Several stand along the final 8 km between Kóborlótanya and Nyírszőlős, offering quiet stopping points for walkers of any background.
• White stork nesting: The mosaic of wetland margins, agricultural fields, and village edges supports some of Hungary's highest densities of white stork (Ciconia ciconia). Breeding pairs occupy platform poles at village entrances from April through August — one of the stage's most memorable wildlife encounters.
• Nyírszőlős village: The stage terminus is a quiet agricultural settlement typical of eastern Hungary's rural pattern: a single main street, a central church, and a community well. Its name translates roughly as birch vineyard. Regular buses run the 5 km south to Nyíregyháza, the county capital, from the village centre throughout the day.

Best Time to Hike the Mária-út, M01-34 (Rakamaz – Nyírszőlős)

The M01-34 stage is walkable from late March through October. Its lowland character eliminates high-altitude snowpack hazards, but summer heat and seasonal ground softness on unpaved sections are genuine factors to plan around.

Spring (April–May): Temperatures range from 10–20 °C. Birch and fruit trees bloom across the Nyírség. White storks return to village nesting poles in early April. Paths can be soft after winter rainfall but firm up significantly by mid-April. May is the single best month for this stage — temperatures between 14 and 22 °C, low humidity, long daylight hours, and the landscape at its greenest before summer heat sets in.

Summer (June–August): Heat becomes a significant factor in the lowland Nyírség. July temperatures in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg regularly reach 30–34 °C, and the exposed field sections between Buj and Kóborlótanya offer limited shade for extended stretches. Start before 07:00 and carry a minimum of 2.5 litres of water per person. Pilgrim numbers peak in July and August, making advance booking for accommodation essential.

Autumn (September–October): September is the second-best hiking month. Temperatures ease to 12–22 °C, the Nyírség birches begin turning golden, and the harvest season brings activity to surrounding farmland. October brings increased rain probability and daylight shortening to under 11 hours by month's end. Sandy path sections can become slippery after sustained autumn rain.

Winter (November–March): Not recommended. Paths become waterlogged or frozen, designated pilgrim accommodation closes for the season, and daylight drops below 9 hours. As of 2026, the Mária Út Közhasznú Egyesület posts seasonal trail condition updates on its website — worth checking before any early-spring or late-autumn walk.

Practical Information

Accommodation

M01-34 begins and ends in small settlements, so overnight options are modest but reliable for pilgrims on the M01 route.

Rakamaz (start): Several guesthouses and private rooms (vendégszoba) operate in town, typically priced €20–35 per person per night including breakfast. Some walkers base in Tokaj, 8 km south, where hotel infrastructure is fuller at €40–80 per night. The Mária-út app lists designated pilgrim accommodation (zarándokszállás) along the M01 — community halls, parish houses, and private homes — usually priced €10–18 per night. Book ahead in May and September when demand is highest.

Nyírszőlős and Nyíregyháza (end): Nyírszőlős has limited overnight options. Most pilgrims continue by bus the 5 km south to Nyíregyháza — the county capital — where hotels run €35–90 per night and hostel beds start at €12 per night. Nyíregyháza also provides restaurant options and retail services for resupply before continuing the M01.

Wild camping: No formal prohibition on the route, but most land adjacent to the path is privately owned farmland or orchard. Contact local parishes or the Mária-út Association for informal permission where required.

Getting There & Back

To Rakamaz: MÁV (Hungarian State Railways) operates regular services from Nyíregyháza to Rakamaz with a journey time of approximately 15–20 minutes and trains running roughly hourly. Nyíregyháza is connected to Budapest Keleti station by direct InterCity services (journey time approximately 2 hours 30 minutes). By road, Rakamaz is 22 km northeast of Nyíregyháza on Road 36.

From Nyírszőlős: Bus line 20 runs from Nyírszőlős to Nyíregyháza bus terminal every 20–30 minutes; the 15-minute journey costs approximately €0.80. From Nyíregyháza, onward train connections in both directions run throughout the day.

Nearest airports: Debrecen International Airport (DBR) lies approximately 70 km southwest of Rakamaz — a 60-minute drive or combined train-bus journey. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is 240 km to the west, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to Nyíregyháza by InterCity train.

Permits & Fees

No permit is required to walk M01-34. The route crosses public roads and designated footpaths where right-of-way is protected by the Mária-út network landowner agreement. Access is free year-round. Pilgrims wishing to collect a zarándokigazolvány (pilgrim credential) — comparable to the Camino de Santiago credencial and stamped at churches and pilgrim houses along the M01 — can register at no charge with the Mária Út Közhasznú Egyesület.

Gear & Packing List

M01-34 is a single long day on flat to gently rolling terrain. A 35–50 L pack is appropriate for pilgrims carrying overnight gear between stages. The flat character reduces load-transfer demands compared to mountain routes, but a well-fitting hip belt matters significantly over 25 km on firm surfaces.

Essential items for this stage:

• Footwear: Road-to-trail shoes or lightweight hiking boots suitable for sealed roads and compacted sandy paths. Waterproof uppers are useful in spring when field sections remain soft.
• Water: 2 litres minimum, 2.5 litres in summer. Refill at Buj (km 9) or Nyírszőlős; the 8 km middle section is dry.
• Sun protection: A wide-brim hat and SPF 50 sunscreen are essential on the exposed field sections in summer. Understanding how many calories you need on a full hiking day will also help with snack and energy planning across a 7–8 hour stage.
• Navigation: Download the GPX track from mariaut.hu before departure. Waymarking on M01-34 is partially incomplete and should not be relied upon as the sole navigation method.
• Pack: A 35–45 L volume is comfortable for day-stage walking with overnight gear. For walkers researching options, our tested ranking of the best ultralight backpacks for 2026 covers packs from 690 g for those keeping base weight low across multi-stage pilgrimages.

Recommended packs from the HikeLoad gear database:

• Fjällräven Abisko Hike 35 — a structured 35 L pack well suited to long lowland days with a moderate 8–12 kg load, with a padded back system that handles unsealed road walking comfortably over time.
• Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 — excellent load transfer for pilgrims carrying 10–14 kg across consecutive M01 stages, with an expandable +10 top section for flexible packing.
• Osprey Aether 65 — for walkers combining M01-34 with several adjacent stages while carrying camping equipment, a sleeping bag, or extra clothing layers.

Similar Trails You Might Like

The M01-34 stage belongs to a broader network of themed long-distance routes across Hungary and the Carpathian Basin. If the flat terrain, rural character, and pilgrimage heritage of this stage appeal, these trails share related qualities and cover comparable Hungarian lowland territory:

• Camino Benedictus (Tihany–Pannonhalma–Lébény–Mosonmagyaróvár–Rajka) — Hungary's Benedictine pilgrimage route, tracing monastic heritage from the shores of Lake Balaton to the Slovak border.
• ST307 Nagylók–Mezőfalva — a long-distance route across Hungary's central plain, expert-rated for distance and navigational self-sufficiency.
• ST311 Kalocsa–Bóni-fok — follows the Danube floodplain through southern Hungary, expert-rated.
• ST202a Čunovo–Lipót — traces the Danube corridor south from Slovakia into northwestern Hungary, expert-rated.
• ST203a Lipót–Győr — continues the Danube route toward the historic city of Győr, expert-rated.

For hikers drawn to point-to-point trails with a completely different character — steep mountain passes instead of flat lowland tracks — our guide to the Theth to Valbona hike in Albania's Accursed Mountains describes one of Eastern Europe's most dramatic single-day crossings, offering a compelling contrast to the contemplative pace of the Mária-út.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to walk Mária-út M01-34?

May is the best single month. Temperatures sit between 14 and 22 °C, the Nyírség landscape is in full spring bloom, and paths are firm after the spring thaw. September is a strong second choice — cooler air, golden birch colour, and reliable weather before the October rains arrive. Avoid July and August where possible: temperatures regularly exceed 30 °C on the exposed field sections between Buj and Kóborlótanya.

How difficult is the M01-34 stage?

The route is rated Grade II — mild inclines with good walkability throughout. With only 80 m of cumulative elevation gain across 25 km, there are no significant climbs at any point. The main challenge is the distance itself: 25 km on firm surfaces is a substantial full day for walkers not accustomed to sustained hours on foot. Fit hikers with some trail experience will find this rewarding rather than demanding.

How many kilometres per day should I plan on the Mária-út?

M01 stages average 20–28 km per day, and M01-34's 25 km sits comfortably within that range. Most pilgrims aim for 20–25 km per day to allow time for churches, chapels, and cultural stops. On flat stages like this one, stronger walkers occasionally push to 28 km, but compressing the distance leaves little room for the contemplative pace the Mária-út is designed for.

What accommodation is available along the M01-34 stage?

At the start in Rakamaz, guesthouses run €20–35 per night, with designated pilgrim houses (zarándokszállás) typically €10–18. At the finish, continuing 5 km to Nyíregyháza opens up hotels from €35 and hostel beds from €12 per night. Book accommodation in advance for May and September, when pilgrim numbers on the M01 are at their highest and the best options fill early in the season.

Do I need a permit to walk Mária-út M01-34?

No permit is required and access is free year-round. The route is covered by the Mária-út network landowner agreement, protecting right-of-way across public roads and designated footpaths throughout the 25 km stage. An optional pilgrim credential (zarándokigazolvány) — comparable to the Camino de Santiago credencial and stamped at churches and pilgrim houses along the M01 — can be registered at no charge with the Mária Út Közhasznú Egyesület.