Mária-út, M02-27B (Dobogókő – Budapest, Máriaremete)

The Mária-út M02-27B (Dobogókő – Budapest, Máriaremete) is a 26 km point-to-point trail in Hungary's Pilis hills, gaining 480 m of elevation while descending 920 m overall from the forested Dobogókő plateau to Budapest's historic Máriaremete chapel. Rated Grade III — with frequent climbs and rocky forest paths — it is an International Walking Network pilgrimage stage combining sweeping Danube Bend panoramas with centuries-old Marian shrines.

About the Mária-út, M02-27B (Dobogókő – Budapest, Máriaremete)

The Mária-út (Mary's Road) is Hungary's most significant Marian pilgrimage network, linking sacred springs, baroque chapels, and medieval monasteries that have drawn pilgrims for centuries. Designated as part of the International Walking Network (IWN), the routes carry European long-distance walking credentials and connect with pilgrimage paths across Austria, Slovakia, Croatia, and Slovenia.

Segment M02-27B is one of the most dramatic and varied stages on the entire network. It begins at Dobogókő — a mountain resort village sitting at roughly 700 m above sea level in the Pilis hills, about 40 km northwest of central Budapest — and ends at the Máriaremete chapel, tucked into a limestone gorge on the city's northwestern boundary. The 26 km route descends a net 440 m over varied terrain: exposed ridgeline paths with long views, shaded beech forest, narrow rocky gullies, and quiet country lanes threading through the villages of Pilisszentkereszt and Csobánka.

The Pilis hills form the northern edge of the Transdanubian Mountains and are protected as part of the Duna-Ipoly National Park. This landscape — limestone ridges, forest-covered slopes, and scattered springs — gives the route its character. Medieval Pauline monks, members of Hungary's only homegrown monastic order, centred their community here at Pilisszentlélek; their 13th-century monastery ruins lie just off the trail. At journey's end, the baroque Máriaremete chapel has drawn Budapest's faithful since the 17th century and remains an active place of worship.

The M02 main line runs from Mariazell in Austria through Slovakia, entering Hungary at the Danube and heading south toward Pécs. The 27B variant takes a direct line from the Pilis summit to Budapest, making it ideal for day-hikers and independent pilgrims. The official Mária-út website maintains free GPX downloads and stage descriptions in both Hungarian and English. Trail marking follows the Hungarian national system: the Mária-út waymarker (a blue M on white background) appears at key junctions alongside standard yellow route signs.

Route Overview & Stages

The trail runs south-southwest from Dobogókő, losing altitude progressively with several short counter-climbs that account for the 480 m cumulative elevation gain despite an overall descent of 920 m. Three natural waypoints — each anchored by a named sacred spring — divide the route into manageable sections.

Most fit hikers complete the full 26 km in 7–9 hours including rest stops. If you prefer a two-day split, Pilisszentkereszt village (1 km below Stage 1's endpoint) has bus connections back to Budapest Erzsébet tér, making it a natural overnight break point. Bring at least 2 litres of water from Dobogókő; the named springs along the route carry historical significance but their potability should be confirmed locally before drinking.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Dobogókő summit plateau (700 m): The highest point on the route and one of the most popular day-trip destinations near Budapest. A lookout tower offers 360° views over the Pilis and Visegrád Mountains, and the village has cafés and accommodation for pre-hike preparation or post-hike recovery.
• Rezső-viewpoint: A rocky outcrop a short distance from the summit, regarded as the finest panorama point on this section of trail. On clear days you can see the full curve of the Danube Bend, the towers of Esztergom and Visegrád to the north, and the blue silhouette of the Börzsöny Mountains across the river.
• Tost-rock: A limestone tor along the ridgeline bearing a carved relief of Saint Bernard of Menthon, patron saint of mountain travellers. The carving marks the pilgrimage character of the route and offers a quiet rest stop with eastward views over the Pilis forest canopy.
• Szakó-saddle: A saddle in the ridge where the trail pitches steeply into the valley below. The descent is rocky and demands attention after rain. From here the forest transitions from exposed ridge pine to dense beech and oak cover that shades the rest of the descent.
• Hoffman-spring (Hoffman-forrás): A reliable water source below Szakó-saddle, named after a 19th-century forester. The small stone trough beside the flow is a natural checkpoint and rest stop before the long drop into Pilisszentkereszt valley.
• Pilisszentkereszt-Szentkút (Holy Well): A Marian spring chapel with an iron crucifix and a covered spring basin. Pilgrims have stopped here for at least 300 years. The village of Pilisszentkereszt 1 km below has a restaurant, grocery store, and bus stop for those breaking the route into two days.
• Pilisszentlélek Pauline monastery ruins: Accessible via a 20-minute detour off the main trail, these 13th-century ruins mark the founding site of Hungary's Pauline order. The setting — a narrow limestone valley with oak forest — rewards the detour even for hikers without a devotional interest.
• Máriaremete Chapel, Budapest: The baroque endpoint built into the rock face of a limestone gorge at the city's western edge. Active since the 17th century and still a working pilgrimage destination, it draws thousands of Budapest residents on summer and autumn weekends. Arrive during opening hours — typically 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. — to enter the interior and complete the pilgrimage properly.

Best Time to Hike the Mária-út, M02-27B (Dobogókő – Budapest, Máriaremete)

The trail is walkable year-round but conditions vary considerably by season. As of 2026, the Pilis hills see the highest rainfall in May–June and again in October–November, so timing around these windows matters for comfort and safety on the exposed upper ridge.

April – May brings mild temperatures of 10–18 °C on the ridge, wildflowers across the beech forest floor, and firm ground after the winter mud season. The canopy is still opening, keeping viewpoints unobstructed, and trail markings are easy to follow. Long daylight hours provide comfortable margins for a relaxed 7–9 hour crossing.

June – August is the busiest period. Temperatures at Dobogókő can reach 28–30 °C on exposed ridgeline sections. Start before 7 a.m. to reach shaded lower forest before midday heat. Thunderstorm risk increases in July and August — check forecasts and aim to be below the ridge by early afternoon. Water at Hoffman-spring is especially valuable in summer; read our guide on how many calories you need for a full hiking day for hot-weather fuelling strategies.

September – October is the prime season for this trail. Cooler temperatures of 8–18 °C, golden autumn foliage in the beech and oak woods, excellent visibility from Rezső-viewpoint, and lighter trail traffic combine to create the most rewarding experience on the route. The single best month is October: the canopy turns amber and copper, air is crisp, rainfall is still relatively low, and the Máriaremete chapel is active with its traditional autumn pilgrimage season.

November – March is possible for experienced winter hikers but demands preparation. The upper sections around Dobogókő can ice over after cold spells, and Szakó-saddle may require microspikes. With 7–8 hours of usable daylight, the 26 km route leaves little margin — assess conditions and weather forecasts carefully before a winter attempt.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Dobogókő has the most organised overnight options at the trail's start. Hotel Nimród and several smaller guesthouses cluster in the village, with doubles ranging from 40–75 EUR per night in high season (July–August). The Vadász tourist hostel offers dormitory beds from around 15–20 EUR per person. Book ahead for weekends between May and September, which fill quickly with day-trippers from Budapest.

In Pilisszentkereszt — the natural break point for a two-day crossing — private rooms (szoba kiadó) advertised along the main road typically cost 25–40 EUR per room per night. Advance booking by phone is strongly preferred; there is no centralised online reservation system. Csobánka has one guest house catering to walkers; confirm availability on arrival or by phone.

At the Budapest end, the Máriaremete area connects directly to the city by bus, placing the full range of Budapest accommodation — from 20 EUR hostel dormitories to 120+ EUR boutique hotels — within 25–35 minutes of the trail's finish.

Getting There & Back

From Budapest to Dobogókő: take Metro Line M2 to Batthyány tér, then the HÉV suburban rail to Pomáz, then the 892 Volánbusz service to Dobogókő. Total journey time is approximately 90 minutes. Alternatively, bus line 880 runs directly from Budapest Erzsébet tér (Volánbusz terminal) to Dobogókő — timetables are seasonal, so check current schedules at Visit Hungary or the Volánbusz website before departure.

From the endpoint at Máriaremete, Budapest bus line 65 connects to Szépvölgyi út, then tram 17 or bus 65A reach the city centre in 25–35 minutes depending on connections. No car is needed for this route if you use public transport for both legs.

Nearest airport: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), approximately 55 km from Dobogókő. The 100E airport bus runs direct to Deák tér in central Budapest in about 35 minutes, then onward to Dobogókő as above.

Permits & Fees

No hiking permit is required for the M02-27B trail. The route crosses Duna-Ipoly National Park territory, but day hiking on all marked paths within the park is free of charge for every visitor. GPX track downloads from the Mária-út Association's website are free after a simple online registration. Wild camping is not permitted within the national park without a written permit from the park directorate; overnight walkers must stay in recognised accommodation in Dobogókő, Pilisszentkereszt, or Csobánka.

Gear & Packing List

The M02-27B is a Grade III trail covering 26 km of mixed terrain — sufficient to justify a proper trail pack rather than a casual daypack. The main hazards are rocky descents below Szakó-saddle and exposed ridgeline walking in summer heat or autumn rain. Before choosing a carry system, read our 2026 ultralight backpack guide for a detailed comparison of packs tested on similar terrain.

• Backpack (30–50 L): A 30–35 L pack handles water, food, and a rain layer for a single day hike. For a two-day itinerary with overnight at Pilisszentkereszt, move to 45–50 L. The Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 balances carrying comfort and weight for longer pilgrimages, while the Osprey Aether 65 suits walkers carrying full camping kit over a two-day crossing. Ultralight day-hikers will find the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L cuts packweight significantly without losing load-carrying structure on the stony descents.
• Footwear: Trail running shoes are adequate in dry conditions; low ankle boots reduce fatigue on the stony descent from Szakó-saddle to Pilisszentkereszt. Waterproofing matters from October onward when morning ground frost and wet leaves are common.
• Water: Carry at least 2 L from Dobogókő. Hoffman-spring is the primary refill point but treat the water or confirm potability with locals before drinking. Pilisszentkereszt village has a shop for mid-route supplies.
• Food: No resupply exists on the trail between Dobogókő and Pilisszentkereszt (~10 km). Pack a full day's nutrition before departure. Our guide on calorie needs for a full hiking day provides useful benchmarks for a 26 km effort at Grade III intensity.
• Navigation: Download the GPX track from mariaut.hu before departure — mobile signal is intermittent on the upper ridge sections above Szakó-saddle. A printed 1:25 000 Pilis tourist map is a reliable backup and available in Budapest outdoor shops.
• Layers: Even in summer, Dobogókő sits at 700 m and early mornings can be cool. A wind shell and mid-layer cover most conditions. In spring and autumn, waterproof trousers earn their weight on an 8-hour day with unpredictable Pilis weather.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the M02-27B appeals for its combination of pilgrimage history, mixed forest terrain, and straightforward Budapest logistics, several other Hungarian and Central European routes offer comparable character. The Camino Benedictus traces Hungary's Benedictine heritage from Tihany on Lake Balaton to the Austrian border — flatter, longer, and ideal for multi-week walkers seeking a different kind of sacred landscape. For Danube-corridor trail walking in the same region, consider:

• Camino Benedictus (Tihany–Rajka) — Hungary's premier abbey-to-abbey long route along the Danube
• ST202a Čunovo – Lipót — expert-graded Danube floodplain walking north of Budapest
• ST203a Lipót – Győr — follows the Danube upstream toward Győr through river islands and floodplain forest
• ST307 Nagylók – Mezőfalva — expert-graded route across the Hungarian plain
• ST311 Kalocsa – Bóni-fok — southern Hungary river-margin trail along the Danube near Kalocsa

For a very different terrain profile at a comparable single-day challenge level, the Theth to Valbona hike in Albania packs dramatic alpine scenery and significant elevation gain into one memorable mountain crossing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Mária-út M02-27B?

October is the best single month: autumn foliage in the Pilis beech and oak forests, temperatures of 8–18 °C on the ridge, relatively low rainfall, and excellent visibility from Rezső-viewpoint toward the Danube Bend. April and May are a strong second choice, offering wildflowers, firm trails, and long daylight hours. Avoid hiking exposed upper ridge sections between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in July and August unless you started at dawn.

How difficult is the M02-27B trail?

The official Hungarian trail grading is Grade III, indicating challenging terrain that requires reasonable fitness and prior experience on uneven ground. The route gains 480 m and descends 920 m cumulatively over 26 km, producing tired legs even for experienced walkers. Rocky sections on the descent from Szakó-saddle demand attention after rain. Confident hikers with regular trail experience will find the route demanding but very achievable as a full-day effort.

How many kilometres per day should I plan for?

The full route is 26 km, typically completed in 7–9 hours including rest stops at viewpoints and the named springs. Most hikers tackle it as one long day from Dobogókő to Máriaremete. For a two-day itinerary, break at Pilisszentkereszt after approximately 10 km on Day 1, then cover the remaining 16 km on Day 2 — the second day involves less total elevation change and allows a more relaxed pace through the Csobánka section.

What accommodation is available on the trail?

Dobogókő has the most organised options at the trail's start: Hotel Nimród and the Vadász tourist hostel cover the 15–75 EUR price range and cater specifically to hikers and pilgrims. Pilisszentkereszt offers private rooms at 25–40 EUR per night (phone booking preferred). Csobánka has one small guest house. Budapest at the trail's end provides a full city range from 20 EUR hostel dormitories to upscale hotels, all reachable in 25–35 minutes by public bus from the Máriaremete finish point.

Do I need a permit or pass to hike the M02-27B?

No permit is required. The trail traverses Duna-Ipoly National Park territory, but day hiking on all marked paths is free of charge for every visitor regardless of nationality. GPX track downloads are available free of charge from the Mária-út Association after a quick online registration at mariaut.hu. Wild camping without a park permit is not permitted within the national park; overnight walkers should use the guesthouses and private rooms in Dobogókő, Pilisszentkereszt, or Csobánka.