Mária-út, M02-28B (Budapest, Budatétény – Ercsi)

The Mária-út M02-28B is a 25-km point-to-point trail in Hungary, gaining approximately 100 m of elevation along the Danube lowlands from Budapest's Budatétény district south to the Danube town of Ercsi. Rated easy, it follows a designated leg of the International Walking Network through flat riverside farmland and Csepel Island villages, passing the landmark Lakihegy radio tower and crossing the Danube by ferry.

About the Mária-út, M02-28B (Budapest, Budatétény – Ercsi)

The Mária-út — Hungarian for "Mary's Way" — is one of Central Europe's most significant pilgrimage corridors, stretching from Budapest toward the venerated Marian shrine of Mariazell in Austria and connecting dozens of churches, chapels, and sacred wells dedicated to the Virgin Mary along its path. As a recognised route of the International Walking Network (IWN), it carries the same cultural weight as the Camino de Santiago in Western Europe, drawing pilgrims, long-distance walkers, and cultural travellers from across the continent.

The M02-28B segment from Budapest-Budatétény to Ercsi covers roughly 25 km through the flat, agricultural lowlands south of the capital. Unlike the hilly Buda Hills sections further north, this stage offers straightforward walking on well-defined tracks and quiet country lanes through the unique geography of Csepel Island — the large river island that divides the Danube south of Budapest — before crossing back to the western bank by ferry and finishing in Ercsi. The elevation profile is gentle, with a cumulative gain of just 100 m, making this one of the more accessible stages of the entire Mária-út network.

Operated by the Mária Út Közhasznú Egyesület (Mary's Way Public Benefit Association), the trail is waymarked with the characteristic blue-and-white Mária-út blazes. This particular segment is classified as a variant (B-route) of stage 28, meaning it offers an alternative alignment to the main M02 trunk. The route connects the 22nd district of Budapest with Fejér County, crossing administrative boundaries through some of the least-touristed Danube landscapes in Hungary.

For hikers who want to plan nutrition carefully on this 6–7 hour day walk, the calorie guide for a full hiking day gives a solid baseline for the flat but long distances typical of Danube lowland stages like this one.

Route Overview & Stages

The M02-28B runs south from Budapest's outer suburb of Budatétény, crosses onto Csepel Island, threads through several Danube-side settlements, and finishes in Ercsi after a ferry crossing over the main Danube arm. The terrain is consistently flat — the Danube flood plain rarely rises more than a few metres above river level — with the occasional levee or embankment providing the only "ascent." Total distance is approximately 25 km, typically completed in a single long day of 6–8 hours.

Navigation: The route is waymarked with Mária-út blue-and-white trail markers. GPX and KML downloads are available from the official website. Note that as of 2026, this segment is classified as "nem bejárt" (not recently surveilled) by the association, so waymarks should be cross-checked with a downloaded GPS track before departure.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Budatétény Starting Point & Church of the Assumption — The trail begins in Budapest's 22nd district at Budatétény, home to a handsome Baroque parish church. The area also hosts the Nagytétény Castle Museum, one of Hungary's finest collections of period furniture set in a restored 18th-century manor, making it well worth a pre-hike visit.
• Csepel Island Landscape — Once past the city limits, the trail enters the distinctive flat topography of Csepel Island, Hungary's largest river island at 257 km². The wide-open flood-plain scenery — poplar windbreaks, willow carr, and wide Danube arms — feels a world away from Budapest despite being only kilometres from the city.
• Lakihegy Radio Tower — One of Hungary's most distinctive industrial landmarks, the Lakihegy LW transmitter tower was built in 1933 to a height of 314 m (now 303 m after wartime damage). It dominated the Danube plain for decades as one of Europe's tallest structures. The tower is visible for many kilometres and acts as a natural waypoint for walkers approaching from the north.
• Halásztelek Wetlands — "Halásztelek" translates as "Fisherman's Plot," and the settlement retains traces of its riverside heritage. Backwater channels and oxbow lakes around the town support diverse birdlife including herons, kingfishers, and white-tailed eagles — bring binoculars.
• Danube Ferry Crossing — The highlight of the entire stage for many pilgrims: a short but evocative ferry crossing over the Danube, cutting the main river channel and depositing walkers on the western bank. The crossing takes only a few minutes but the views up and down the Danube are exceptional, especially in the slanted light of late afternoon.
• Tököl Town Centre — Tököl is the largest settlement on the route and offers the best resupply opportunity. The town square retains a modest historic character and there are several cafés and a supermarket for restocking before the final push to Ercsi.
• Ercsi Marian Chapel — The trail's southern terminus at Ercsi is anchored by a Baroque chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, entirely in keeping with the pilgrimage character of the Mária-út. The chapel dates to the 18th century and contains votive offerings from grateful pilgrims over several hundred years.
• Ercsi Danube Waterfront — Ercsi's riverside promenade makes a satisfying and scenic end to the walk. Benches overlooking the broad Danube provide a natural resting place, and the town's small restaurants serve Hungarian classics — a bowl of gulyás at the end of 25 km feels well-earned.

Best Time to Hike the Mária-út, M02-28B (Budapest, Budatétény – Ercsi)

The M02-28B sits in the Danube lowlands at an elevation under 150 m, so altitude is never a factor. Season selection is driven entirely by temperature, precipitation, and the condition of the unpaved flood-plain tracks.

Spring (March–May) is the prime hiking window. Temperatures range from 8 °C to 22 °C, wildflowers line the levee banks, and migratory birds are active in the wetlands. Ground conditions dry out after March snowmelt and trail surfaces are firm by April. April is the single best month to hike this stage: mild temperatures, long daylight hours (13+ hours), and low tourist pressure combine for an ideal experience.

Autumn (September–October) runs a close second. Harvest-season colours transform the agricultural plain, temperatures cool back to comfortable hiking range (10–20 °C), and the Danube is typically at a lower, calmer level. September still has the risk of summer heat spikes; October is more reliably cool.

Summer (June–August) is possible but demanding. Temperatures frequently exceed 32 °C, the flood plain offers almost no shade, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in July. If you must hike in summer, start before 7 a.m. and carry at least 2.5 litres of water — resupply points are spread 5–8 km apart. In 2026, Hungary has been experiencing above-average summer heat, so early starts are especially important.

Winter (November–February) brings fog, mud, and very short daylight (less than 9 hours). The trail remains hikeable in dry conditions but waterlogged field tracks can become impassable after heavy rain. Not recommended unless you have local knowledge of current conditions.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Accommodation options along the M02-28B are sparse by long-distance hiking standards, reflecting the suburban and agricultural character of the corridor rather than an established pilgrimage tourism infrastructure. Tököl and Ercsi are the only realistic overnight stops on this segment.

• Tököl — Several small guesthouses (panzió) operate in town, charging approximately €30–45 per night for a double room. Book ahead in spring pilgrimage season as capacity is limited.
• Ercsi — The town has a handful of B&B-style establishments and one small hotel; expect to pay €35–55 per night. The tourist office can assist with referrals. Self-catering apartments are also available through booking platforms.
• Camping — Wild camping is legally restricted in Hungary outside designated sites. A small campsite operates seasonally near the Ercsi waterfront; check opening dates before your visit.
• Day-hike option — Given Budapest's proximity and good rail links, many hikers treat this as a day walk from the capital, which eliminates accommodation logistics entirely.

Getting There & Back

The M02-28B is unusually well-served by public transport for a rural Hungarian trail, thanks to its proximity to Budapest.

To the start (Budatétény): Take HÉV suburban railway line H7 from Budapest-Kelenföld station (reachable by metro line M4) to Budatétény-Tétényliget stop. Journey time approximately 25–30 minutes; trains run every 15–20 minutes on weekdays. Current HÉV schedules are available from BKK (Budapest Transport Centre).

From the finish (Ercsi): MÁV regional trains connect Ercsi with Budapest-Kelenföld and Budapest-Keleti stations in 45–65 minutes, running roughly every 1–2 hours. The nearest international airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), approximately 35 km northeast of Ercsi — allow 75–90 minutes by combined train and metro.

Ferry: The Danube ferry crossing on this stage operates seasonally (typically April–October). Check locally for exact schedules; the crossing takes 10–15 minutes and costs a nominal fee of under €2.

Permits & Fees

No hiking permit is required to walk the Mária-út M02-28B. The trail crosses public land and private agricultural land under established right-of-way agreements managed by the Mária Út Közhasznú Egyesület. There are no entry fees for the trail itself.

• Pilgrim passport: The Mária-út issues a voluntary pilgrim credential (zarándoklevél) that can be stamped at churches and participating establishments along the route. Not mandatory, but a meaningful keepsake. Apply via the official website.
• Ferry fee: A small fee applies for the Danube ferry crossing (typically under €2 per person).
• Nagytétény Castle Museum: Standard admission approximately €5–8 if you plan a pre-hike visit.

Gear & Packing List

The M02-28B is flat and well-supplied enough that ultralight day-hike gear is sufficient for most conditions. A 25-litre daypack comfortably carries everything needed. If you plan to stay overnight in Tököl or Ercsi, a 35–45 litre pack keeps things manageable on the long, exposed stretches between villages.

For a trail this length, pack selection matters: a comfortable, load-bearing daypack makes the difference between an enjoyable 25 km and a punishing one. The Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 handles overnight loads efficiently, while the Osprey Aether 65 suits anyone combining this stage with a multi-day Mária-út through-hike. For a stripped-down day walk, the Salomon ADV Skin 20 is a low-weight option that breathes well in the Hungarian summer heat.

• Footwear: Trail runners or light hiking shoes — no need for heavy boots on the flat flood-plain tracks. Waterproof footwear recommended for spring when levee-side paths can be soft.
• Water: Carry minimum 1.5 litres at departure; resupply in Lakihegy, Tököl, and Ercsi. No reliable natural water sources on the open plain.
• Sun protection: Essential from May through September. A broad-brimmed hat, SPF 50 sunscreen, and UV-protective shirt are non-negotiable on this exposed, shadeless route.
• Navigation: Download the GPX track from mariaut.hu before departure. Mobile signal is generally reliable, but a paper backup helps in the rare event of battery failure.
• Ferry fare: Carry a few hundred Hungarian forints (or €2) in cash for the Danube ferry crossing.
• Rain layer: A lightweight packable shell for afternoon thunderstorms (June–August) or spring showers.

For multi-day Mária-út travel, see the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 for tested carry options suited to long, flat pilgrimage stages.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the Danube lowland character of the M02-28B appeals to you, several nearby routes in Hungary offer a similar blend of riverside walking, flat terrain, and cultural interest. The Hungarian section of the Danube corridor is particularly rich in pilgrimage paths and designated long-distance routes. For something entirely different, the Albanian highlands offer a dramatic contrast — the Theth to Valbona hike is one of the most spectacular mountain crossings in Europe and pairs well with a Balkan itinerary routed through Budapest.

• Camino Benedictus (Tihany–Pannonhalma–Lébény–Mosonmagyaróvár–Rajka), Hungary — Another significant Hungarian pilgrimage route, linking Benedictine abbeys across Transdanubia with a strong cultural and architectural itinerary.
• ST307 Nagylók – Mezőfalva, Hungary — An expert-rated stage in Fejér County passing through the same Danube lowland landscapes as the M02-28B endpoint.
• ST311 Kalocsa – Bóni-fok, Hungary — Traces the southern Danube floodplain through the Kalocsa Plain, home to paprika fields and the famed Kalocsa Cathedral.
• ST202a Čunovo – Lipót, Hungary — Follows the Danube through the Szigetköz wetland reserve, one of the most ecologically rich river landscapes in Central Europe.
• ST203a Lipót – Győr, Hungary — Connects the upper Danube wetlands with the historic city of Győr, combining nature and Baroque architecture in equal measure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to hike the Mária-út M02-28B?
April is the optimal month. Spring temperatures of 10–20 °C make for comfortable walking, the flood-plain wildflowers are in bloom, and daylight extends past 7 p.m. giving flexible start times. Autumn (September–October) is an equally strong alternative with cooler air and harvest colours. Avoid July and August unless prepared for temperatures above 32 °C on fully exposed, largely shadeless terrain.

How difficult is the M02-28B from Budatétény to Ercsi?
This stage is easy by hiking standards. The entire 25 km gains only around 100 m of elevation, meaning no significant climbs at any point. The challenge lies in the cumulative distance and exposed conditions rather than gradient. A reasonable base fitness level — enough for a 6–8 hour day walk on flat ground — is all that is required. The Danube ferry and one or two road crossings are the main navigation considerations.

How many kilometres per day should I plan for on this trail?
Most walkers complete the full 25 km in a single day at a comfortable pace of 4–5 km/h. Budget 6–8 hours including breaks, resupply stops, and ferry time. If combining the M02-28B with adjacent Mária-út stages as part of a multi-day pilgrimage, a daily target of 18–22 km leaves time to visit the churches, chapels, and local attractions that give the route its cultural depth.

What accommodation is available along the M02-28B?
Accommodation is limited on this segment. Tököl, roughly halfway, has several small guesthouses (panzió) charging €30–45 per night. Ercsi at the endpoint has a small hotel and B&B options at €35–55 per night. Wild camping is not legally permitted in Hungary outside designated sites. Many Budapest-based walkers treat this as a day hike, returning to the capital by train from Ercsi in under 65 minutes.

Do I need a permit to hike the Mária-út M02-28B?
No permit is required. The trail is free to walk under established right-of-way agreements. The only fees are the nominal Danube ferry crossing charge (under €2) and optional museum admission at Nagytétény Castle before departure. The Mária-út organisation offers a voluntary pilgrim credential (zarándoklevél) that can be stamped at churches along the way — a meaningful memento available through the official website at no charge.