Dent, Bob: Budapest for Children - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)
13. Getting some Fresh Air - The Buda Hills
92 GETTING SOME FRESH AIR Normafa A traditionally popular, open spot in the hills with a beautiful view across to Hármashatár Hill and to northern Pest. (First stop on the children’s railway, or no. 21 “red” bus from Moszkva tér. The bus can also be picked up at the “Sváb hegy” stop of the cog-wheel railway.) Several options here for walking around the woods or along the hillside, picnicking, etc. Kiosks and snackbars, plus a small play area with wooden equipment northwards, towards “Anna-rét”. In winter this is a favourite spot for skiing and sledging. János Hill [János-hegy] The highest point in Budapest, on the top of which is a stone look-out tower with four levels which offers a spectacular panorama of the surrounding hills and most of the city. (Opening times a bit erratic, but should be open daily from may to September from 10 ’till about 6. In winter, often open at weekends.) There are a variety of ways of getting there and back. A path from the “János-hegy” stop on the children’s railway leads up through the woods to the hill. It can also be reached along the road or path from Normafa (about a 20 minute walk). On weekends and holidays bus no. 190 connects the hilltop, via Normafa, with the cog-wheel railway’s “Sváb-hegy” stop.) The most exciting and interesting way for children to reach János Hill is by the Chair Lift (3). On holidays and weekends it can be quite a lively place, even in winter. Plenty of walking possibilities from here along clearly marked routes. Szépjuhászné This is the name of the fifth stop on the children’s railway from the upper terminus. Alongside Budakeszi út, it can also easily be reached on the no. 22 bus from Moszkva tér. There are ruins of an old monastery nearby. Nagy-Hárs Hill is just to the north and you can either climb up or walk around it on the marked path. Just to the east is Kis-Hárs Hill, which has two look-out towers. Marked paths from here also lead to Hűvösvölgy.
