Hands-on Hungary adventures: UV mineral hunts in Pilisjászfalu, Gyöngyössolymos quarry finds, Mátraszentimre birch sap fest, and Mátra rock crystal tours—family-friendly, guided, keep what you collect. Book set or custom dates.
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Ásványtúrák 2026 offers hands-on mineral and fossil collecting adventures in some of Hungary’s most scenic spots. Think mountains, valleys, natural eye candy, and the thrill of discovery—whether you’re a curious adult, a family with kids, or a dedicated rockhound. Guided tours run on set dates, and groups of over 10 can book custom departures. Everyone takes home what they can carry—sometimes a single lucky find covers the tour price.
On Sunday, February 22, Pilisjászfalu lights up—literally. This night hunt uses UV-A light (365/395 nm) to reveal fluorescent treasures. The site regularly yields striking calcite in beautiful forms, most of it UV-active. In places, whole rock faces blaze under UV, a knockout spectacle where you can pick and pack the best glowing pieces. Bring a backpack and stamina: there’s no strict limit beyond what you can haul home.
On March 1, the route heads to Gyöngyössolymos and the abandoned Asztagkő (Asztagkő) quarry for barite, goethite, and quartz. After unloading back at the cars, those with energy left can detour to an agate–jasper–chalcedony spot for more collecting. Expect a 0.9–1.2 mile hike to the first site. Wear solid shoes, pack water, and plan to dig in—literally and figuratively.
From March 27 to 29, Mátraszentimre hosts its birch sap tapping weekend within the Open Gates in Mátraszentimre (Nyitott kapuk Mátraszentimrén) program, spotlighting the spring-only tapping of birch sap. Collecting happens when the sap starts to flow, and patience is key: drawing about 169 oz of birch water can take roughly three days. It’s worth it. Birch sap is rich in nutrients, minerals, trace elements, and vitamins. It supports lymph cleansing, detoxification, reduces systemic inflammation, strengthens immunity, and helps alkalize the body. Used externally, it nourishes and hydrates the skin and helps prevent an oily, flaky scalp. While the sap drips, the village fills the wait with craft and food programs and a market—plenty of reasons to spend three days in the Mátra.
This tour covers three separate sites where rock crystal lies right on the surface—no soil disturbance needed—so everyone can snag more than just a few points. Typical Mátra crystals measure 0.2–0.8 inch, but 1.2–1.6 inch pieces turn up here too. Bring a backpack; clusters can still be anchored in bedrock and outgrow a small box. A mason’s hammer helps brush aside leaf litter or knock off excess matrix. As always, you can carry out as much as you can gather.
Further offerings in February and March run through March 13–November 15. Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
