Here at WAW, we spend a lot of time exploring new hikes and walking holidays, both for work and personal passion. As a team of dedicated hiking enthusiasts, many of us spend our free time on the trails. Being from Hungary myself, I’ve always loved hiking in my home country, and this year I had the unique opportunity to participate in one of the most memorable adventures of my life—the Fjällräven Vandortura. This five-day journey offered not only breathtaking landscapes but also a chance to connect with a vibrant community of fellow hikers. Inspired by the larger Fjällräven Classic series, which began in Sweden and has since expanded to various countries in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In the past years the Fjällräven Vandortura has seen many scenic regions in Hungary. This year’s route took us through the stunning Bükk region in North Hungary, adding to the tour’s legacy of unforgettable outdoor experiences. And how amazing of a choice that was!
The Fjällräven Vandortura Trekking Experience
Fjällräven has been organizing the Fjällräven Vandortura in Hungary for a decade now, although two events were skipped during the Covid years. This year marked their 8th event, and it truly felt like a celebration! Our adventure kicked off in the charming town of Felsőtárkány, with a looped route that brought us back to where we started. Covering nearly 100 kilometers over five days, the Fjällräven Vandortura was both challenging and rewarding. The first day, at 23 kilometers, was the most demanding, but the distances became more manageable as the days progressed, averaging around 20 kilometers per day. With a decent level of fitness, it’s very doable—just remember to stay hydrated, take breaks, and keep a steady pace.
The group consisted of around 150 participants, but the trail never felt crowded as people naturally broke off into smaller groups or walked solo. The Fjällräven Vandortura is tent-based, meaning no formal accommodations in mountain huts or guest houses—everyone carried their own tents and camped at the campsites along the trail. These campsites along the Fjällräven Vandortura were well-organized, so if you’re concerned about comfort, rest assured—it was all quite comfortable and convenient!
So each night, participants set up their tents at designated camping areas, which were equipped with basic amenities like showers, sinks, and communal dining areas. Meals were simple yet satisfying. Participants were provided with lyophilized (freeze-dried) meals for lunch, which were easily prepared using portable gas stoves. In the evenings, we enjoyed cooked dinners that catered to both vegan and omnivore preferences. As a vegan myself, I found it quite easy to make sure I had something to eat, and the organizers were super accommodating.
Who Is the Fjällräven Vandortura For?
If you’ve been thinking about trying a longer trek but don’t want to tackle it alone, the Fjällräven Vandortura is ideal. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in nature while connecting with like-minded adventurers who share a love for the outdoors. And it’s not just about walking—the sense of community is incredible. Along the way of the Fjällräven Vandortura, you can pick up valuable tips from fellow hikers on everything from camping setups to gear choices and trekking strategies. Being part of a group helps boost your confidence, and sharing the experience with others makes it all the more rewarding.
Psst! For Dutch speakers, we have our own organized group trips at WAW too—check them out here!
The trek is open to beginners, but just so you know, the terrain had its challenges. However, it was nothing that a person with average physical fitness couldn’t handle! The first day was particularly tough, as we walked 23 kilometers, but after that, the days became a bit easier. Each day’s route offered beautiful views, especially because it was in the Bükk region, making every step worth the effort.
While most participants were Hungarians on the Fjällräven Vandortura, we also had a few hikers from abroad, and everything was organized with both Hungarian and English speakers in mind. So, no matter where you’re from, you’ll feel right at home on this trek. For those of you craving an even more international experience, don’t forget to check out the Fjällräven Classic series, which offers similar adventures in different parts of the world. It’s a great way to discover stunning landscapes and meet trekkers from all over the globe.
Essential Gear for the Fjällräven Vandortura
In terms of gear, I took the essentials: a 55-liter Fjällräven Kajka 55 backpack, a two-person Fjällräven Abisko Shape 2 tent, a Primus Lite gas stove, and basic camping supplies like a sleeping mat and a sleeping bag, with some of the essential toiletries and hiking clothes. The bag was perfect for the trip—roomy enough for everything I needed but not too bulky. I was also impressed by the design of the tent, which was easy to set up and offered plenty of space. Cooking on the gas stove was a breeze, and the meals I prepared were simple but satisfying.
Here you can find some other recommendations that could be useful:
- Trekking Poles: Helpful for navigating uneven terrain and reducing strain on your knees.
- Hydration System: A water bladder or multiple water bottles to keep hydrated throughout the day.
- Headlamp: Essential for navigating in low light or setting up camp after dark.
- First Aid Kit: Always useful for handling minor injuries or emergencies.
- Multi-tool: Handy for a variety of tasks, from gear repairs to meal prep.
- Weather-appropriate Clothing: Layers, including a waterproof jacket, to adapt to changing conditions.
- Portable Charger: Keeps your devices powered for emergencies and capturing those memorable moments.
- Camp Shoes: Lightweight and comfortable footwear to give your feet a break after a long day of hiking.
- Insect Repellent: A must-have for keeping bugs at bay, especially during warmer months.
- Travel Towel: Quick-drying and compact for keeping fresh after a day on the trail.
- Personal Hygiene Items: Biodegradable soap and hand sanitizer to keep clean and fresh throughout your trek.
- Maps and Compass: While GPS is great, having traditional navigation tools can be crucial if technology fails.
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The Origins of Fjällräven and the Classic Hikes
For those of you who’ve been wondering how the iconic Fjällräven hikes came to be, let’s take a stroll through history. Fjällräven, which translates to “Arctic Fox” in Swedish, was founded in 1960 by Åke Nordin. It all began in the small Swedish town of Örnsköldsvik, where Åke, a passionate outdoor enthusiast, decided to craft a durable and functional backpack that could handle the rugged Scandinavian wilderness. His innovation led to the creation of the famous Kånken backpack, which has since become a global icon.
Fast forward a few decades, and Fjällräven had grown into a leading brand in outdoor gear, known for its quality and commitment to protecting nature. In 2005, the company decided to take their passion for outdoor adventures one step further by launching the Fjällräven Classic series. The concept was simple yet brilliant: create a series of multi-day hikes in stunning locations around the world that bring together outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. As mentioned before, the first Fjällräven Classic was held in Sweden, and the concept quickly gained traction. The idea was to offer a well-organized yet authentic hiking experience, and over the years, the Classic series expanded to various locations, and inspired also the Fjällräven Vandortura in Hungary.
The Community Spirit
What made the Fjällräven Vandortura experience even more special was the community aspect. There’s something truly unique about sharing a journey like this with others. We learned from each other, shared stories, and helped one another along the way. The sense of camaraderie was tangible, making every challenge easier to face. For anyone hesitant to try solo hiking, this tour offers the perfect opportunity to test your limits in a supportive environment.
In addition to the hiking, Fjällräven adds a fun, eco-conscious element to the tour by encouraging participants to collect litter along the trail. Each of us was given a trash bag, and those who collected the most litter were rewarded with prizes, such as Fjällräven gear. While I didn’t win, I loved contributing to keeping the trails clean and pristine. This initiative was a testament to the commitment of Fjällräven Vandortura to environmental stewardship and further enriched the community experience. This trek isn’t a race or a competition—it’s all about the experience. There were no prizes for finishing first, but they did recognize the youngest and oldest participants, which was a nice touch. It really is more of a community experience than anything else.
Looking ahead, the Fjällräven Vandortura is definitely high on my list of adventures to repeat! Whether I return next year or in a few years, the experience has left a lasting impression. This isn’t just a hike; it’s an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, challenge yourself, and build lasting friendships along the trail. Expect a rewarding adventure that’s both exciting and often challenging, packed with fun and unforgettable moments. If you’re considering taking the plunge, I wholeheartedly recommend it—you won’t be disappointed!
Interested in exploring group hikes or embarking on a solo adventure? Check out our available hikes at WAW Travel or drop us an email at hey@waw.travel. We look forward to seeing you on the trails!
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