Getting out and exploring on two feet is a great way to see everything a city has to offer, as well as discovering places you might never have noticed before! From sightseeing tours and city center parks, to rugged natural landscapes. The Culture Trip takes you on a tour of Budapest’s best walking trails.
One of Budapest’s most popular areas for hiking, this meadow just 800m from Normafa is a haven of peace and quiet. Start off at Normafa and walk through the meadow up to Fairy Rock which offers stunning panoramic views over Budapest. Then it’s back down to Anna Meadow for a picnic after an easy hike in the fresh country air.
János Hill
Natural Feature, Park
As the highest point in Budapest, this is a great hike for anyone hoping for a little more of a challenge. There are two places to start your walk from. Set off from Normafa, it’s a 30 minute walk to the Elizabeth Lookout Tower for views over the city and an easy walk. Alternatively, take the 291 bus from Nyugati Train Station to Zugliget, Libegő; from here, a steep path takes hikers up to the hill’s peak.
Ördögorom (Devil's peak)
Park, Natural Feature
Starting at the Farkasreti temeto (Farkasreti Cemetery) in Buda, follow the green triangle route to the small train station on nearby Szechenyi Hill. From here, continue on to Normafa to complete a roughly 4km route comprising of stunning views over Budapest. Once at Normafa, you can either keep going to the Elizabeth Lookout Tower, relax with a picnic or take public transport down into Budapest’s city center.
Budaörs
Located just outside Budapest, head to the town of Budaors for a family friendly trip with plenty of marked hiking trails to enjoy. Easily reachable by public transport, we’d recommend heading to Budaors city hall to start your walk. From here, head up to Farkas-hegy for beautiful views and to see the monument of gliders on top of the hill. You can then either head back down into town, or continue your journey by following the red cross trail to Rupp-hegy, from where a number of buses will take you back into the town center.
This nature reserve in the hills of Buda is a great destination not only for a hike but also to discover more about the nature of Budapest. A visitor’s center provides information about the area’s rich natural habitat, while there’s also a lookout tower for those all important views over Budapest. The area is wheelchair accessible and family friendly and a number of un-challenging walking trails can be found in the reserve.
Ferenc Hill
Park
Hidden away in the Buda hills, this small green area is a great place for accessible yet undiscovered walking trails. Reachable by bus (stop Zoldmali lejto) it’s a perfect spot for a picnic thanks to the small, peaceful park providing space from the dense foliage and wooded areas which dominate the hill.
This walking trail in the Buda hills allows you to tick off a number of lookout towers and enjoy panoramic views over the city along the way. The route takes you from Normafa to Janos-hegy and the Elizabeth Lookout Tower. From here, head over to Szépjuhászné in Budapest’s 2nd district before walking to Nagy-Hárs-hegy via Kis-Hárs-hegy. You’ll then be able to loop back to Normafa to complete the route.
A Walk Along the Danube
Bridge, Building
This sightseeing route offers the chance to take in a number of Budapest’s most iconic sights and allows for plenty of coffee breaks along the way! Starting at the Hungarian Parliament Building, head along the banks of the Danube towards the Chain Bridge. Crossing the river, it’s up to the Fisherman’s Bastion before walking across to Buda Castle. Then it’s time to head to Gellert Hill for views over the city from the Citadel, before walking down to the Gellert Thermal Baths. Either take a relaxing soak in their healing waters, or cross over Elizabeth Bridge and head back into the city center.
Hármashatár Hill
Natural Feature
Popular with hikers, mountain bikers and paragliders, this leafy green area stands on the border of Budapest’s 3rd and 2nd districts. Pine and oak trees offer shade from the sun, while a walk to the top of the hill provides a beautiful view over Budapest. The Arpad Lookout Tower, with its vantage point over the Danube and beyond, can also be reached from here if walkers wish to extend their route.
Margaret Island
Park, Natural Feature
As well as being a great place for a run in Budapest, the centrally located Margaret Island is also a good option for a walk in the city, especially for those with young children thanks to its flat terrain and ease of access. Take a picnic and walk around the island. For a longer route, cross over Arpad Hid onto Obudai Sziget, an island with a more rugged feel, known for hosting the Sziget Festival during summer.
