Eastern Alps hiking trails connect Austria and Hungary

The eastern slopes of the Alps, spanning Austria and Hungary, offer various hiking and mountain biking trails that connect the two nations through shared historical landscapes.

In the Hungarian village of Velem, located in the Kőszeg Mountains, visitors can find the St. Vitus chapel, built in the early 18th century atop ancient ruins. The area holds significant historical layers, including Celtic terraces dating back 2,000 years and Roman watchtowers that once protected aqueducts for the city of Savaria.

Other notable routes include the trek to Geschriebenstein, the region's highest peak situated on the border of Hungary and Austria, and the 14-kilometer Springs Trail (Források útja), which features 11 stops highlighting various water sources. Additionally, the town of Kőszeg is highlighted for its medieval Jurisics Castle, a Gothic fortress that played a key role in halting the Ottoman army in 1532.