Feel the jittery joy of climbing between treetops, gliding down huge waterslides, or negotiating tight turns while speeding within a world-class racetrack – all of these adventures and many more are available to the public this summer in Budapest. From a family-friendly chairlift ride ascending toward the highest peak of Hungary’s capital to an entire lake loaded with extreme water-sports athletes, the action-packed attractions here offer something for every type of thrill seeker.
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Sziget Eye
Directly in the heart of downtown Pest, rise above it all in a gigantic Ferris wheel taking riders 65 meters skyward above Erzsébet Square. This state-of-the-art spinning sensation is the city’s most animated landmark all summer long, especially after dark when the air-conditioned cabins light up with brilliant bulbs. Inside, passengers revel in a state of convivial vertigo while admiring incredible panoramas encompassing St. Stephen’s Basilica, Castle Hill, the Liberation Monument, and many other spectacular sights. Pest V, Erzsébet tér. www.sziget.hu
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Challengeland
Nestled within a forested peak of the Buda Hills, this stimulating obstacle course welcomes adrenaline addicts of all ages to climb, swing, crawl, and soar between trees linked by a sophisticated system of cables, bridges, ropes, and many other compelling connections. Highlights include zip lines, Tarzan swings, a climbing wall, a giant labyrinth, and even an airborne rowboat. Meanwhile, kids enjoy exploring the 300-square-meter log castle that includes a subterranean series of secret passageways. Buda XII, Konkoly Thege Miklós út 21. www.kalandpalya.com
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Hungaroring Kart Center
This month, the world’s top professional drivers descend upon Budapest for Hungary’s annual Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Hungaroring raceway just outside of the capital city’s boundaries. While only the pros can participate in that competition, everyone is welcome to zip around in cutting-edge miniature Formula 1 cars at this recently renovated go-kart course equipped with tire sidewalls and an advanced timing system, all offered right in the middle of Hungaroring’s world-famous track and open throughout summertime. Mogyoród. www.hungaroringkartcenter.hu
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OMSZK Wakeboard Center
At this cool destination for sun-splashed daredevils located a short journey north of Buda, varied ramps, jumps, and rails emerge from the waters of a private lake equipped with a suspended cable system to pull wakeboarders around a gnarly course. While experienced aquatic athletes can rent whatever they need to execute their mad midair maneuvers, lessons for beginners are offered that include usage of the board, bindings, and vests, and a fully stocked shop presents a huge range of gear that guests can try before buying. Budakalász.
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Aquaworld Resort Budapest
At the northern edge of Pest, this gigantic water park offers a rip-roaring assortment of spine-tingling slides – including one that towers 17 meters above the ground – along with a 180-meter-long mountain river flanked with steep rocks and a wave pool suitable for surfing, all beneath a huge transparent dome alongside outdoor pools. Decorated like an ancient temple hidden in the middle of a dense jungle, this popular destination provides enough adventurous attractions to keep everyone in the family amused for days. Pest IV, Íves út 16. www.aqua-world.hu
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Zugliget Chairlift
Soar up the side of Budapest’s highest hill while delighting in ever-expanding vistas after being swept away by this cable-suspended chairlift stretching nearly a kilometer long. On the way up, branches brush the legs of riders while they wave to local residents below, and at the top it’s an easy hike up to the summit and its crowning Erszébet lookout tower, a century-old stone belvedere presenting perspectives across the entire city and beyond. When taking the chairlift back down János Hill, the views are even better. Buda XII, Zugligeti út 97. www.facebook.com/libego
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Hungarian Railway Museum
At first glance, this sprawling educational site may appear to be a simple storage area for vintage locomotives, but this decommissioned depot offers visitors several unique opportunities for riveting adventures – here guests are given the opportunity to operate a real steam engine. Other interactive draws here include riding in a car converted for rails or aboard a horse-drawn tram, while an electric-engine simulator created with original equipment lets people pretend to be engineers without any risk of crashing. Pest XIV, Tatai út 95. www.vasuttortenetipark.hu
