Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A densely wooded arc around a sixth of Budapest's circumference, the Buda Hills are
as close to nature as you can get within the city limits. The hills are a favourite place
for walking in all seasons, with trails marked with the distance or the duration (“ó”
standsforhours;“p”forminutes).Whilesomepartscanbecrowdedwithwalkersand
mountain-bikers at the weekend, it's possible to ramble for hours during the week and
see hardly a soul. The most rewarding destinations for those with limited time are the
“railwaycircuit”,usingtheCogwheelandChildren'srailwaysandthechairlift,andthe
Bartók Memorial House. Further south is the Farkasréti Cemetery, noted for its archi-
tecture as well as the celebrated personages buried here.
ARRIVAL AND GETTING AROUND
By public transport
Széll Kálmán tér is the easiest starting point for all the destinations in
the hills, including all points along the railway circuit. The Cogwheel Railway is two stops
away on tram #59 or #61 or bus #155 or #156; alight opposite the cylindrical
Budapest Hotel
;
bus #155 goes on to the bottom of the Chairlift while tram #61 goes on to Hüvősvölgy. Bus
#21 and #21A go up to Normafa; the #21 goes on to Csillebérc.
By bike
Exploring the Buda Hills by trail-bike is a more ambitious option, if you've got a
day to spare and the stamina. Velo-Touring (XI, Előpatak utca 1 1 319 0571,
velo-tour-
ing.hu
) rents 21-gear bikes (from €14/day; €100 deposit) and can advise on routes; its office
is about 1km from Farkasréti Cemetery. Bikes can be carried on the Cogwheel (validate an
extra ticket) and Children's railways (200Ft fee).
The railway circuit
This is an easy and enjoyable way to visit the hills that will especially appeal to kids. The
whole trip can take under two hours if connections click, but you're better off taking your
time and completing it over the course of a leisurely half-day.
