A tranquil morning and overcast sky, with camera in my hand, I set out on a trekking trail, criss-crossing virgin forests of Buda hills.
Buda hills are a low mountain range, comprising of numerous hills on Buda side of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. For my trekking adventure, I chose Janos Hill famous for its imposing Elizabeth Lookout Tower at an height of app 528 mt and a deer trail among dense forests. It is a popular destination among walkers, trekkers, and mountain bikers.
Morning walker in Buda hills
Good thing was that Budai Sport Hotel, where I stayed, happened to be in the vicinity of Janos Hill which proved to be an advantage to accomplish my trekking adventure, fully. Janos Hill falls in district XII of Budapest. This is the only district which lies in the hilly suburbs of Budapest and is termed as the lung of Budapest as it covers vast area of green.
Lookout Tower was at a distance of around 3km from my hotel. That was a gradual ascend to the hilltop and then I had the magnificent Tower in front of me.
Further, inside the Tower 3 storeys to climb to reach at the top. And the stunning panorama, from up there, made me motionless and I forgot to capture those images in my camera . Eventually, I came out of my oblivion and started clicking.
After exploring interiors and exteriors of the Tower, I ventured into deer trail. I did not spot any deer, but the aroma of the fresh air, I was breathing in, cheered me and made up for my slight disappointment of not spotting a deer.
Before concluding my post, I have to share an instance with you. While I was trekking, I came to know that the Tower entrance would open after 8am. It was 7am and I decided to continue my trek, anyway. Last stretch was very isolated but a journalist inside me was never worried.
I reached at the gate, looked around the Tower to explore the entry inside. Nearby, I saw a person busy in repairs. I approached him and told him that I was a journalist and requested him to facilitate my entry inside the Tower, if at all possible, at that time. He did not understand English but, certainly, he got my point and nodded. He went inside, talked to someone then directed me to enter the Tower and climb the staircase. All conversation between us was in, sort of, symbolic gestures. If it had not been a strong willed person like me with journalistic skills, none other woman would have thought of entering the Tower, at that point of time .
Buda is such a gorgeous place, and your pictures have given me a huge case of wanderlust to return to this beautiful part of the city. I never had the chance to go on a trail walk there, but I’ll have to for sure do this next time that I return. 🙂
You will love this trek.
Looks like a beautiful foggy morning walk! I bet it’s nice to walk alone sometimes. Lets you be alone with your thoughts!
Absolute fun. More so when we do in foreign country, not familiar with the language too.
Solo trekking is nothing I have never done. Even where I live. Let alone abroad. I think I would love to do it. Buda hills sounds like a fantastic place to do that! xx corinne
Absolute thrill doing solo.
Wow, I would’ve enjoyed walking through this park as well. It looks quite adventurous!
Certainly so.
What a beautiful place to go walking! I’ve never visited there, but I’d like to one day.
Mystical place to walk.
It looks lovely there, I do adore the adventures of walking. Its such a great way to sight see. Its great that your accomodation was ideal for exploring the area too!
Exploring while being in the serenity of nature.
Those pic show some really amazing atmosphere! I loved Budapest – it’s such an incredible city, I never hiked there though..
Buda hills is refreshing hike.
Brave entering that tower alone! It looks really foggy. Was it extremely cold? This place looks a bit isolated. I might have been scared trekking here!
Very isolated. No doubt have to be brave while being cautious too when venture alone in such surrounding.
I been to Budapest few years back but my time was quite limited so didnt manage to do like what u did. You are so lucky and I would love to go back and try this out. Solo or not, I am not sure yet.
Do so next time you will cherish it.
This sounds like an incredible place to visit. The hiking trails and the panoramic view from the Lookout Tower look wonderful. What an experience!
Panorama is stunning from top.
I love trekking like this, it’s so relaxing and you’ll feel totally calm and just enjoy what comes your way. It’s nice that you pushed through until the last tower! Everything’s so beautiful.
Absolutely wonderful trek.