Forest Walk That Also Protects Our Hearts: First Cardio Nature Trail Opens in Region of Sport

For the Veszprém-Balaton region, the joy of exercise and social responsibility go hand in hand. Szomszédok (Neighbors) Cardio Trail, which has just been inaugurated, embodies this philosophy. This much-needed development was funded by Északi Szomszédok Association applied under our program, and the professional expertise was provided by St. Francis Hospital of Budapest.

The nationwide program launched by St. Francis Hospital of Budapest aims to bring cardiovascular rehabilitation and preventive healthcare into the natural environment. Along designated hiking trails measuring approximately 2.5 and 5 miles (4 and 8 kilometers), visitors will find informational signs and heart rate monitoring stations. At these checkpoints, hikers measure their heart rate and record the results either on a trail log or online.

This simple method allows participants to track how their bodies respond to physical activity over time. Based on the submitted data, healthcare professionals can also provide personalized feedback, helping to identify potential health issues at an early stage.

At the ceremonial handover, the partners involved in the project’s implementation also emphasizAt the official opening ceremony, the partners involved in bringing the project to life also emphasized the importance of the initiative.

Speaking about the region's strong sense of community, Markovits Alíz, CEO of Veszprém-Balaton 2023 Jsc., said:

"With the official opening of the Neighbors Cardio Trail, we have reached another important milestone. Our clear goal is to make an active lifestyle accessible to everyone—including those facing health challenges. This much-needed project provides a safe, supportive environment where older adults and people recovering from illness can confidently take the first steps toward better health."

The trail also connects two neighboring communities, a feature highlighted by local leaders.

László Bercsényi, Mayor of Balatonalmádi, remarked:

"This trail is an excellent example of what can be achieved when two municipalities work together to promote sports and healthy living. Our hope is to see more and more smiling, energetic, and active seniors enjoying this route in the years to come."

Katalin Pál-Gyarmati, Mayor of Szentkirályszabadja, expressed a similar view:

"This initiative is much more than a marked trail—it promotes a health-conscious way of life. It encourages all of us to make time in nature, regular physical activity, and caring for our cardiovascular health part of our everyday routine."

Cardio exercise programs also play a huge role in disease prevention. This was emphasized by Csilla Pál, head of communications at St. Francis Hospital of Budapest:

“Through this program, we take the supervised exercise that normally takes place in the hospital out into nature, making it accessible to the general public—including those seeking to maintain their health and prevent illnesscan also benefit from. The goal is to identify potential health issues early onand screen them out.”

Dr. Péter Baglyas, the project’s healthcare partner, noted:

“I feel that this is the area where we can do the most for our health with the smallest lifestyle changes for our overall health. The program is not a substitute for a cardiology exam, but it greatly helps make exercise a part of our daily lives.”

As the rep of the organization behind the successful implementation, Attila Dolgos, chairman of Északi Szomszédok Public Interest Senior Citizens’ Cooperative, addressed the opening audience:

“In the future, it will also be your responsibility to tell your neighbors and friends about what a wonderful opportunity this program. After all, simply walking a trail like this regularly is enough to maintain our health.”

The Veszprém-Balaton European Region of Sport 2026 program series demonstrates, through this development as well, that sports and an active lifestyle are for everyone. We look forward to welcoming locals and visitors alike so that as many people as possible can experience the healing and rejuvenating power of outdoor exercise in the forest on Szomszédok Cardio Trail!

In fact, in the future, even more similar projects are expected in the Region of Sport, so it’s worth following our news on all platforms.