At the time of our visit late last week, the workers were adding the finishing touches to the spherical wooden lookout tower comprised of triangles in an octagonal formation, which has been under construction since September at the very peak of Hármashatár Hill, surrounded by World War II anti-aircraft gun turrets. While the new tower was still closed to the public when we were there, we were told that the official handover would take place approximately a week later, which could be anytime now.
At an elevation of approximately 500 meters high, the lofty structure is perfectly positioned to overlook the city from a whole new point of view – when the weather is clear, this vantage point provides views far beyond the Budapest city limits, including the hills beyond Szentendre and Gödöllő, with the Megyeri Bridge clearly visible between them. We also heard a rumor about a catering facility to be established on the lower level of the lookout tower, although this information hasn’t been confirmed yet – in any case, we like the idea.
The lookout tower was built on the highest point of Hármashatár Hill, nearby the Hangár Bisztró, and it is relatively easily accessible by public transport – take bus 65 from District III’s Kolosy Square to its highest stop, from whence it takes about 45 minutes to hike to the peak (see this article for more details). If driving, proceed up Szépvölgyi Avenue from Kolosy Square until reaching Hármashatár Avenue (a sharp right turn at the Fenyőgyöngy restaurant), and follow it all the way until reaching a small compound of hilltop buildings; park near the Hangár Bisztró, and the peak is just a few minutes’ walk away on the uphill trail – see the map below for more details.
