With the heat of summer a distant memory yet the snow of winter yet to arrive, autumn is the best time to take up running – again. Here are nine tracks in prominent or picture-postcard locations around Budapest where you can break out the running shoes on sole-friendly surfaces.
1/9
Bikás Park
The track at Bikás Park is about 800 metres long and one of the most popular routes in Buda, thanks also to easy access to the outdoor gym and sports courts alongside.
District XI. Bikás Park
Metro M4 Bikás Park
2/9
Feneketlen-tó
Another cherished running spot in Buda is Feneketlen-tó, the Bottomless Lake. In addition to the street workout equipment, there are tennis courts, as well as a jogging track around this urban oasis.
District XI. Frankfurt-sétány
Bus 7/trams 17, 19, 47, 49, 56 Kosztolányi Dezső tér
3/9
Ferenc tér
One of the most intimate squares in District IX was renovated in 2016, when a fast-running track was unveiled, frequented ever since by local residents. The space surrounded by apartment buildings and restaurants is one of the safest parts of the city, so you can fully concentrate on your run.
District IX. Ferenc tér
Trams 4, 6
4/9
Holdudvar Park
Óbuda's popular park, Holdudvar, was renewed this year, which not only means a larger playground, street workout equipment, benches and table-tennis tables, but also a 450-metre running track surrounding the park, in a sedate residential setting. For more details, see here.
District III. Ágoston utca 4
Trams 1, 41 to Óbudai rendelőintézet
5/9
Margaret Island
This ever-popular green oasis between Buda and Pest would be most locals’ first choice or running track – and, indeed, the five-kilometre course is a godsend, with Danube views as you jog. Afterwards, you can give tired muscles a treat in the waters of the Alfred Hajós Pool or the legendary Palatinus lido.
District XIII. Margaret Island
Trams 4, 6
6/9
Normafa
Normafa is not only one of Budapest's favourite hiking destinations, but is also an ideal place for runners to put themselves through their paces. The two-kilometre laned track runs from Jánoshegyi út to Elizabeth Lookout Tower, and is ideal for those who want to enjoy the fun of exercise in fresh air, away from the noise of the city.
District XII. Normafa
Bus 21/Children’s Railway
7/9
Rákóczi Garden
Rákóczi Garden in Csepel is a little-known alternative option where, besides the huge park and playground, a treadmill has been created as part of the recent renovation. The enclosed area is closed at night, but by day there are public toilets, drinking fountains and a secure place to run.
District XXI. Rákóczi tér 34
Bus 151 to Rákóczi tér
Up in District IV, Semsey Aladár Park received a completed overhaul, including the introduction of a lane track. One of the largest parks in Újpest has a circuit 340 metres long, which provides the perfect opportunity for sole-friendly running in the shade of trees for the entire length.
District IV. Lebstück Mária utca Trams 12, 14 to Kiss Ernő utca
9/9
Városmajor
The jogging track in Városmajor is not only a great resource for residents of the area, but takes the pressure off popular Margaret Island, with a 585-metre track, overseen by lamps and surveillance cameras, so you run safely even after dark. Street workout is also available for those who prefer other forms of exercise.
District XII. Szilágyi Erzsébet fasor
Trams 56, 59, 61/bus 5 to Nyúl utca
