Hungary’s Tourist Trails Found Contaminated with Asbestos

The Magyar Természetjáró Szövetség (MTSZ) has begun mapping tourist routes that may be polluted with asbestos‑laden stone slag. The investigation focuses on sections of the nationally marked Kéktúra and other hiking trails in western Hungary.

Initial inquiries to state forest services and national park administrations identified contaminated segments on the Szombathely Forestry Company’s area and the Őrség National Park. Confirmed or suspected contamination covers roughly five kilometres of the Kéktúra and about thirty kilometres of additional tourist paths. The hazardous material originates from Austrian quarries, where the stone was historically used for road building and later spread to private roads, parking areas and forest tracks.

MTSZ has posted the findings on an online map that is continuously updated. Warning signs and, where necessary, temporary closures are being considered. Health experts advise hikers to avoid stirring up dust, to clean clothing away from the home, and to use FFP2/FFP3 masks if contamination is suspected, as prolonged exposure poses greater risks, especially to children and dogs.