The Mecsek Mountains were given the status of Protected Nature Park in 1977 for “the characteristic features and rich natural value of the landscape, diverse rock formations, natural springs and mountain streams, meadows and forests, unique plants and protected animal species”. Sounds good, right? Nice… Today’s route goes through the entire nature park.

The morning starts at the edge of the city of Pécs. At the foot of the 197 meter high TV tower (on top of a 534 meter high mountain) is a nice café where you can start the morning with a strong Hungarian Eszpreszó. Once upon a time you could climb the TV tower and had a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings, lying in the valley at about 200 meters. Unfortunately the tower is closed nowadays. Next to the café you will find a staircase to a kiláto or viewpoint. Less high, but still a nice view of the city. On a clear morning you can see the oldest University of Hungary, as well as the Pasha Qasim Mosque and the Bishop's Palace. If you have the time, take an extra day to get to know Pécs a little better.

The TV tower itself is a strong example. It was built in 1967 with 18,000 kg of reinforced concrete. In 1995, with an antenna change, the tower was 197 meters high. This still makes it the tallest building in Hungary. Unfortunately, you are no longer allowed to climb the TV tower. But next to the tower there is now a café, where you can start the day with coffee and cake. And next to the café you can walk up a staircase to a viewpoint where you can enjoy the view over the city.

After your visit to the TV tower, you descend the hill towards the city. Here you can do some shopping at a local supermarket before continuing your tour. There are a few places along the route to take a break at a restaurant, but these are scarce. There are certainly enough beautiful picnic spots along the way. One option is to take food and drinks with you on the way, so that you can enjoy a nice lunch outside and a beautiful view?

From Pécs you start your climb back into the hills. And with this you also immediately enter the Mecsek nature park and mountains. This nature reserve is densely forested with mainly oak trees. You will also notice this during your ride: the road winds wonderfully through this nature reserve. Slowly you come out of the forests again and you have a view of the hilly area, the fields and many small villages.

The Mecsek Mountains are also rich in minerals. That is why there were several mines (coal and uranium) in this area in the past. The Zobák- akna (mine) is one of them. Until about 1989, this coal mine was still busy. Until then, 2/3 of the inhabitants of the surrounding villages and towns worked in these mines. After the closure, the area was abandoned. About 23,000 people left the area in search of other work.

Officially, the mine is not open to visitors, because the buildings on the site are on the verge of collapse. It would be extremely dangerous to walk around here. If you are an urbex photographer, you might still find it worth a visit. The imposing buildings are slowly being reclaimed by nature.

A less exciting, but equally beautiful sight, is Marévár. Maré Castle was probably built sometime before 1300. It was strategically located, on top of a steep hill. From here, the surrounding area could be viewed well. It changed hands several times, ranging from Hungarian nobles to the Ottomans. Until the 17th century, the fortress was slowly expanded, but unfortunately, the fortress burned down to ruins and was never restored. Despite being a ruin, it is known as the last besieged castle in Hungary: in 1956, Hungarian revolutionaries retreated to the building to defend themselves against communist soldiers. You can visit the ruins. From the parking lot, you walk about 500 meters to the top of the hill. For a small entrance fee, you can look around the various rooms, enjoy the beautiful views and, if you run into the castle historian, hear beautiful passionate stories about the history of this castle. Please note that there is no restaurant upstairs. On a hot day it is wise to take a bottle of water with you up.

A drink that you definitely shouldn't take up the mountain on a hot day as a thirst quencher is Pálinka. This strong drink, with an alcohol content of between 40% and 50%, is distilled from fruit. Traditionally, you drink this before a meal or when you have guests over. The route takes you past one of the 600 distilleries that Hungary has: the Gáti Papa Pálinkafőzde és Fogadó. You can get a tour of the small factory here (by appointment) or even participate in a tasting. In the latter case: brace yourself and arrange a taxi! ????

Even if you stay sober, the next part of the route will take you in all directions. The narrow road winds wonderfully into the forest. As soon as you come out of the forest again, you can take a break in the village at one of the two local restaurants. Piccolo Bistro is along the route. Vadrózsa restaurant is a little off the route. In this village (Szászvár) you can also visit a bishop's mansion from the 14th century. The mansion has been destroyed, rebuilt, expanded and renovated several times over the centuries. Today it is open for viewing again between 9:00 and 17:00 (closed on Mondays).

The route continues towards the North. The fields and meadows are clearly visible in the slightly rolling area. You slowly drive back into a forest. Here you can stop at the Sasfészek-kilátó (eagle lookout). This wooden lookout tower shows you the yellow rolling fields from above.

With all the walking and motorcycling you will get hungry. At the Széki csárda in Kishertelend you can enjoy delicious local dishes.

A final sight along the route is Pécsi Tó (Lake Pécs). This lake is part of a number of artificial lakes in the region around Pécs. The purpose is to prevent flooding. Over the years it has also become a popular recreational area. On a warm day you can swim or canoe here.

The route itself ends at Piros Talicska Csárda, on the west side of Pécsi. Here you can have a chat about the tour before the day is over.