You can go sledding and skiing at Budapest’s hilltop Normafa

Up in the Buda hills, Normafa is a top-notch hiking destination for city dwellers, offering forest trails and breathtaking views. It is popular at all times of the year, but a visit here proves to be even more tempting now as part of its slopes recently got covered in snow. The snow might be artificial (made by snow cannons), but it allows visitors to enjoy winter sports, such as sledding or cross-country skiing.

'Now that the energy crisis has closed most indoor sports facilities for the winter months, Normafa offers a great opportunity for outdoor sports such as sledding and cross-country skiing. The snow-covered areas are available free of charge. In the future, the cross-country skiing trail near St. Anne's Chapel will be subject to a fee, as in other ski areas, but the ticket will also include changing and shower facilities in addition to the maintained and night-lit trail' the municipality announced.

Useful info

• This activity is highly dependent on the weather (snow cannons are only turned on when the temperature drops to sub-zero), so check their Facebook page or make some calls before you set off on a journey.
• Find more info here.
• Use of the slopes is at your own risk and by entering the snowy area you agree to the rules of use.
• You can reach Normafa from Buda transport hub Széll Kálmán tér by buses 21 or 21A, from Hűvösvölgy by the Children’s Railway or from Városmajor by the Cogwheel Railway.
• And while there, enjoy the Alpine atmosphere, a warming tea, and a strudel at the Normafa Ski House.