Budapest is known for its magnificent architecture, abundant thermal springs, and of course the varied cultural and culinary delights of the city. If you are looking for some green scenery on your trip, though, read on to discover our top recommendations for private nature tours. Remember that hiring one of our knowledgeable private guides gives you the luxury of moving at your own pace. Now let’s get outdoors!
City Park
Budapest has a lot of green space set aside for citizens and visitors to enjoy. The two most well-known and popular are City Park (Varosliget) and Margaret Island (Margit sziget). City Park was established during the early part of the 19th century and became the first public park in the world. It was the main venue of the 1896 millennial celebrations in Hungary, which also saw the opening of the underground railway beneath Andrassy Avenue.
To explore City Park, it is recommended to enjoy the walk from Vajdahunyad Castle at one end of the park all the way to the Budapest zoo located on the opposite end. The castle is located at the Heroes’ Square end of the park and is also home to the Museum of Agriculture. Ticket purchases are required to enter the museum, and from 2015 it became possible to climb up to two of the towers, from which you can get a view over the park and surroundings. Please note that visiting the towers requires being part of a guided tour.
As mentioned, the other side of the park hosts Budapest Zoo - one of the oldest zoos in the world. You can also find a wooden maze, go-karts, petting zoo, and Holnemvolt Park - where amusement rides can be enjoyed. There’s also the transport museum, which should delight children thanks to its impressive collection of model trains. The park has much to offer and is a great place for family members of all ages. As for green spaces, there are trees and gardens, expansive green lawns, shimmering ponds, and many promenades and paths to enjoy.
Margaret Island
Margaret Island is sometimes compared to London’s Hyde Park or New York City’s Central Park. It is a tranquil island in the Danube River, and was once used as the royal hunting grounds. It was named after King Bela’s daughter, who attended a nunnery on the island and became known as Saint Margaret in later life.
Similar to City Park, Margaret Island sports a variety of attractions. Enjoy a warm soak at the Palatinus Strand Thermal Spa, or take a leisurely stroll through the Rose and Japanese gardens. Visit the ruins of a Dominican Convent (where Saint Margaret lived) and a Franciscan Monastery. Watch the dancing water jets at the Musical Fountain, or look for squirrels as you follow the winding paths through the trees. You can walk around the island in about an hour and a half, or walk the length of the island in about 45 minutes. It is recommended to visit the water tower at dusk for a breathtaking view over the city as the lights come on.
Gellert Hill
Gellert Hill is a 140-meter-high mound of dolomite at the edge of the Danube, on the Buda side of town. It gets its name from Bishop Gellert, who was invited by King Stephen to come to Hungary around 1000 CE to convert the Hungarians to Christianity. Some resisting pagans rolled him down a slope in a barrel into the Danube River in 1046.
The hill is one of the best places to enjoy a view of the city and river. Due to the steep nature of the slopes, the walking paths can be a bit grueling for small children or the elderly. In that case, there is a funicular that takes passengers up. At the top, there is the Citadella, built by the Hapsburgs in the 19th century. The citadel has served various purposes since its construction and is now a popular tourist attraction. Modestly priced tickets are required to enter the citadel, but be aware that it is sometimes closed to visitors. There is also a statue of Bishop Gellert and the ‘Statue of Liberty’ which commemorates Hungary’s liberation from Nazi rule. The statue can be seen from almost anywhere in the city, and it has become a symbol of Budapest.
Another historic site is Cave Church. This church was established in the natural caves of Gellert Hill. The hill also stores some of the city’s drinking water in an underground reservoir. You will also find the Gellert Hill Thermal Bath at the food of the hill. This would be a great place to relax after taking the hike up the steep, wooded slopes. Even if you went up by funicular or bus, you will still want to make time for a rejuvenating soak.
Normafa Park
Trogain, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Buda Hills, Normafa Park is still within Budapest’s city limits, but it is also where the city gives way to the forest-covered hills. The park takes its name from the norma (beech) trees which are abundant here. To get to the park from downtown Budapest, there are buses that take anywhere from 50 to 70 minutes, depending on your starting point. Buses 221, 212, and 21 all go to the park and stop near the cable lift station. John's Hill Cable Car, which is actually an open chair lift, takes visitors to the top of the hill if they choose to forgo the hiking trails. The highest point on the hill is 477 meters up. The park features walking and jogging paths, open lawn spaces, playgrounds, and of course breathtaking vistas of the Buda Hills.
A long and narrow plateau connects the park to Janos Hill, which is even taller at 528 meters, and at the top sits Elizabeth Lookout. The lookout tower was built in 1910 and named after the Hapsburg Empress Elizabeth. The tower was reconstructed in the 2000s with a 100-step spiral staircase taking visitors to the top for a 360 degree view of the surrounding hills with downtown Budapest and the Danube in the distance. The park is especially beautiful in fall, when the forests put on their autumnal best.
There are hiking trails of longer distances leading from Normafa Park to other hills in the area. Some of these are long enough for a half day of hiking. Dogs are permitted on many of the trails, though must be on a leash in some areas. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, especially during the quieter hours. The Normafa Club House provides accommodation to visitors who wish to stay in the area.
Conclusion
In addition to Budapest's many attractions, its city parks and local hills provide both citizens and visitors alike with green spaces where one can enjoy a walk beneath the trees, relax in the open air, or even get in some good exercise on the steeper slopes of the hills. For the travelers in need of a touch of nature in their itinerary, you have your choices of beautiful city parks and wooded hills with great views. If you need to know more, then get in touch with one of GoWithGuide’s professional private guides. They are ready to give you the best experience of nature in Budapest.