loader image

The spirit of the Vértes: sacral traditions, legends and ruins, gastronomy, herbs and mushrooms

Wander among the hidden monasteries and castle ruins of the Vértes, while taking part in a nature and mushroom foraging tour. We will learn about the treasures of nature, collect mushrooms and fruits, learn about ecology, nature and environment with the help of our guide, and experience first-hand the natural phenomena caused by climate change. Depending on the weather, we will have the opportunity to collect edible mushrooms and herbs, and to fill our study baskets.

The hike is recommended in spring and autumn, but it is possible all year round.
The length is about 7 km, the difficulty level is medium, the ascent is 160 m.

(The photos are illustrations, the species and crop richness depends on the weather, can not be guaranteed!)

The tour will take place in the “wilderness” of the Vértes, in the dense forests between Vértesszentkereszt and Pusztavám.

During the hike we will collect mushrooms and learn about wild flowers and herbs. Our guide is Attila Koszka, a conservation engineer, mushroom inspector and trophy evaluator, who will tell us about mushrooms, medicinal plants and forest ecology during the hike.

We will have lunch in Vértesszentkereszt, where Anita, the host of DoriNita Farm, will be waiting for us with a hot meal, cookies and syrup. At the place of lunch we can also get acquainted with the mushrooms and plants we have collected in the basket. Afterwards, we will visit the ruins of the former Benedictine Abbey of Vértesszentkereszt.

After lunch, a local guide will show the group around and talk about the monastery and its fascinating legends.

The ruins of the Benedictine abbey, built in the veneration of the Holy Cross, are hidden in the dense forest of the Vértes. At the top of a small rise, the former monastery appears like a vision from among the huge trees. The sacral site, hidden in the forest, has 8-10 metre-high wall remains, wide wall pillars and fragments of the doorway arch in their original position, yet it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful monuments in the country.

The first written record of the Benedictine abbey dates back to 1146. So in the first half of the 12th century, the monastery of the Csák clan in Vértes was already here. According to Anonymus, the estate itself was given by the chieftain Árpád to Előd and then by King Stephen I it was donated to the Csák family.  The walls that have been discovered and the archaeological finds testify to the fact that the monastery was continuously expanded from the 12th century to the 16th century.

According to spiritual teachings, our planet is interwoven by so-called Saint George lines (Ley lines, dragon streams), along which healing energies are concentrated, especially at their intersections. Travellers visiting the ruins can absorb the healing energies of the Saint George lines.

After visiting the ruins, we head back to the cars and continue collecting mushrooms and forest treasures if possible.

Once back at the cars, Attila will inspect the mushrooms in everyone’s baskets and only then can we depart.

(The photos are illustrations, the species and crop richness depends on the weather, can not be guaranteed!)

Program options:

  • Guided tour with renowned biodiversity researcher and mushroom expert
  • Home-made, hearty lunch with local flavours
  • Expert mushroom inspection
  • Entry to Vértesszentkereszt Abbey and guided tour

The tour requires some physical fitness due to its length, difficulty, elevation and duration. 

The program can be adapted to the needs of the participants.

The price of the tour is calculated after having discussed the specific services and programs that are to be included.
Upon request, transfer can be provided.
 

To discuss your needs and request a quote, please contact us at info@humtour.com or click on the button at the bottom of the page.

We will send you an email within 24 hours to confirm your request for a quote, and once we have agreed on the exact details, you can pay for your tour by bank transfer.

If you have questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us!

We look forward to welcoming you!
The Humtour Team

Contact info:

info@humtour.com
06 30 292 95 16

Interested in our other tours? We offer a variety of opportunities to explore Hungary’s hidden sides, ranging from a colorful medley of activities in Orfű, through wine tasting with other gastronomical pleasures in Mór to a mountain adventure in the Bükk and so on. You can take part in our Tours individually or with a small group, but you can also book our trips as Team Building experiences for your company.

Our guests’ satisfaction is not only our mission but also our best recommendation. Check out our reviews on Tripadvisor.
Follow Humtour on Facebook and Instagram for our latest news and events, and also check out our YouTube channel.

Check out our photos related to the tour! (Click on the gallery to enlarge!)

(The photos are illustrations, the species and crop richness depends on the weather, can not be guaranteed!)