BEST PANORAMA - One afternoon trip to the peak of Budapest -

If you have ever laid foot in Hungary, you might have noticed that we do not have too many mountains... to tell the truth almost nothing. Our highest peak is the Kékes with 1014 metres, I think this really shows in which terms we have to think about hills here. In Budapest, at least, we like to call every little bump on the ground a hill. So we have Gellért-hill with the freedom statue, Castle hill with the castle and the least touristic, but most beautiful: János (John) Hill.

Fall, you can admire the beautiful colours and go hiking, in August we come here to watch the falling stars and make wishes, in Winter it is the ski and sledge paradise, and in Spring it is filled with couples and children.

Already getting there is adventurous and exciting. You take either the bus 90 form Moszkva tér but that is way too boring. Try the Fogas (cogwheel train - picture above) which climbs up so steep that you won't believe your eyes, and listen to the cute door closing sound :) Another speciality of Fogas is that you can transport your bike on it, as many bikers like to make tours in János hill.

Another option is the Children's Railway, but this is  rather a transport to use once there. The Children's Railway is from communist times, imagine like a scout group whose only aim is to maintain this railway alive and happy. More retro is impossible and prepare to cross the woods :)

And last but not least, you can take the "Libegő", something like Budapest's one and only ski lift. You will fly above fancy and well kept Buda gardens, say hello to the owners.

With the fresh air and wandering, you will get hungry. Luckily there is the Rétes Büfé waiting for you at Normafa - try the "túrós rétes" - it is a sweet with cottage cheese, something similar to the Strudel. Delicious! You will rather find it open on weekend!

Keep strolling in this heaven on earth...

and after half an hour's walk you will rich the watch tower. 529 meters - you are Budapest's highest point with quite a sight in front of your eyes. Sissi (you know, the wife of Franz Joseph the Hapsburg) used to love Budapest and Hungary and she found especial joy at this place - this is why this watch-tower bears her name.You will understand what she loved so much about it -  you can spot the Parliament, the Danube, a friends house, and funny shaped hills around - it is magical.

PS: perfect for picnic!