Hiking in the capital from Normafa to Hármashatár-hegy

Itinerary

• From Normafa follow the Blue ↺ (K↺) trail.
• At Anna-rét (Anna Meadow) change to the Green (Z) trail.
• Pass Tündér-szikla and cross Budekeszi Road.
• Walk along the streets and you will reach (still along the Green (Z) trail) Apáthy-szikla and Árpád Lookout Tower.
• Cross Szépvölgyi Street and climb Hármashatár-hegy.
• 400 meters before the peak change to the Blue (K) trail.

Turn-by-turn directions

The trip starts from Normafa, locals’ favourite spot to escape to nature. Head towards Anna-rét (Anna Meadow) along the lower path avoiding crowds especially around the diners. At the fire pits the path forks. Follow the Green (Z) trail to the right.

The first attraction of the trip is Tündér-szikla sitting on the hill of the same name at 383 meters. You can climb another rock next to it on a safe path as due to accidents earlier it is forbidden to climb Tündér Rock itself.

This is a perfect spot to pause your walk and enjoy the view. You may spot more lookout towers from here, such as Erzsébet Lookout Tower on János-hegy or Kaán Károly Lookout Tower on Nagy-Hárs-hegy. If you are lucky (or patient) you may take a photo of the Children’s Train just opposite on the hillside from this special angle.

The trail passes under the ropeway of Libegő and continues to round János-hegy through the forest. You will arrive at Budakeszi Road. Cross the street and continue along the paved road. The trail enters atmospheric suburban streets. Take your time to visit Napraforgó Street with experimental residential buildings, outstanding examples for Bauhaus architecture in Hungary built in 1931 to demonstrate modern architecture.

Take the stairs near Szabó Lőrincről School. They will be your company for long. The trail ascends along the hillside streets and arrive at Apáthy-szikla at 242 metres.

Apáthy-szikla named after the former owner of the area is a dolomite peak where you may have ambiguous feelings as it is a great viewpoint on an island in the urban environment with all the advantages and disadvantages of this location.

In a few minutes you will arrive at the cave of Kőkapu painted red by iron oxide.

Past the cave the trail rounds Látó-hegy and arrives at Árpád Lookout Tower sitting at 376 metres. The stone building is rather an observation platform than a tower built in classic or historic style and resembles an artificial ruin. It offers a view over Buda Hills and the Danube.

Next the trail traverses through a forest and continues along the paved road of Szépvölgyi Street. Turn right at Selyemakác Street and an ascent begins through the woods. At a junction where the Blue ↺ (K↺) joins in turn right. At the multi-trail junction where your trail meets the paved road turn left onto the Blue (K) trail keeping to the dirt path to reach the top of

Hármashatár-hegy.

Guckler Károly Lookout Tower on the top sits at 499 offering a stunning 360-degree view over the capital and the surrounding hills.

Get back to the multi-trail junction and follow the Green (Z) trail to the left. At the next junction continue straight ahead along the Green + (Z+) to get back to the city along Hedvig Street.