Why go to Normafa ?
One of my favorite places in Budapest is the Normafa area on the top of the Buda hills. I love to go there for a walk, hike, run, or for a picnic. It’s just an amazing feeling to be able to relax in the nature so close to the city. Normafa is beautiful regardless of the season and I would absolutely recommend discovering Buda hills if you live in Budapest or if you are visiting Budapest as a tourist.
There are several trails through the forest and a wonderful view of the city from the peak. If you come to Normafa by public transportation you can take one of the paths towards János hill (János-Hegy) and reach the Elisabeth Lookout Tower in about 20-30 minutes. The tower is a beautiful building in itself but it is a good idea to take the steps all the way up and enjoy the fantastic views over Budapest, Budakeszi and Budaörs.
Normafa offers a great place for outdoor adventures year around, in the winter it is the locals’ number one favorite spot for sleighing and skiing. I am really looking forward to some snowy days this winter...
The temperature on the top of the Buda hills is normally a couple of degrees lower than on the Pest side. Remember to wear good shoes and in the cooler weather something to keep you warm. Time goes fast when having fun and the trip to Normafa is normally at least a couple of hours so it might be a good idea to take some snacks and drinks with you as well.
Food
If you get hungry after a day in the fresh air, you could enjoy a lunch or dinner in a cozy restaurant Normakert vendéglő just on the top of Normafa near the parking lot and the bus stop. On the other side of the building with lovely views to the city, there are even some outdoor food stands offering traditional Hungarian Langos as well as sausages. Halfway to the Elisabeth tower there is a really cool new ‘food truck’ / outdoor restaurant serving some street food and drinks . Near János hill you can find a little café that is open during the summer months and sometimes on the weekends.
Other attractions nearby
Challengeland (Kalandpalya)
Children’s’ Railway
Budakeszi Game Preserve Park
How to go to Normafa ?
To reach Normafa by public transportation, take bus 21 or 21A from Széll Kálmán Square to the Normafa stop.
You can also reach the Janos Hill area in Normafa by taking the Zugliget chairlift (Zugligeti Libegö képek). Zugliget Valley station can be reached by bus 291 departing from Nyugati Pályaudvar.
Another possibility to go to Normafa is to use the Cogwheel railway (Fogaskerekű /Tram line number 60). It runs from Varosmajor to Széchenyi-hegy. Cogwheel is also a popular choice amongst the mountain bikers who use the public transportation to get up on the Buda hills and at the end of the day on the forest trails, bike down all the way back to the city. Your metro pass will cover your ride so there is no need to purchase a separate ticket.
