Just in time for Christmas! One of Budapest’s most romantic outdoor attractions, the Chairlift, has been given a major makeover around its top terminal. Whisking couples above the hills of Buda in dual-seated carriages, the Chairlift skims the treetops lining the steep slope of János Hill to arrive within walking distance of the Elizabeth Lookout Tower. Now visitors can stop off at a newly unveiled recreation park and take in the fabulous views before the calf-crunching climb to the city’s highest point.
Easily accessible by public transport from Széll Kálmán tér, the Chairlift has been a feature of the Buda skyline since 1970. For 1,000 forints (1,400 forints return), it provides a glide of 15 minutes and unsurpassable views, terminating at a station that had changed little since this attraction opened.
Following the renewal of nearby Normafa woods with walkways and a playground, the area beneath the summit of János Hill has been re-landscaped and now features a recreation park, pavilions, benches and tables.
This is just the first stage in a wider development project – by winter 2019-20, it is expected that cross-country skiing and (hooray!) a toboggan run will be in place for snowy fun on the slopes.
District XII. Zugligeti út 97
Open daily: Jan, Nov & Dec 10am-3.30pm. Mar & Oct 10am-5pm. Apr & Sept 10am-6pm. May-Aug 10am-7pm.
