Best of Budapest Parks: Janos Hill

Budapest is a dense city, especially on the Pest side of town. Even though I was only in the city for a handful of days, my soul still yearned to get off the streets and into the woods. Thankfully there is a bus you can take to the end of the line, which will put you right into the Buda Hills. Here you will find the trail to Janos Hill [Budapest, János-hegy 1121 Hungary] the highest point within the city limits. The hike is neither too long nor strenuous. There are some interesting trees along the path which remains flat for much of the trail.

We saw a woodpecker fly on by. Soon after you reach the road you begin a short ascent to Elisabeth Lookout.

At the top you can climb up the tower to multiple levels for different views.

Inside the tower you can grab some snacks and have a little post-hike picnic. You can hike down the same way you came, or you can opt to take the libego – or chairlift – for a small fee down the hill. We opted to take the chairlift so we could soak in the views.

It was a great decision and turned out to be one of my fondest memories on the trip. Breathing in the fresh air, watching the city in the distance, and my toes dangling below. For avid hikers this isn’t a serious mountain climb, but for nature lovers this is a great experience to get into the woods in Budapest.