Budaihegység

The Budaihegység, also known as the Buda Hills, is a mountainous region in Hungary located on the Buda side of Budapest. It is a popular recreational area for both locals and tourists, offering a variety of hiking trails, viewpoints, and natural attractions. The highest point in the range is János Hill, which stands at 527 meters (1,729 ft) and is home to the Erzsébet Lookout Tower, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

Geologically, the Budaihegység is part of the Transdanubian Mountains and is characterized by its limestone and dolomite formations. The area is known for its extensive cave systems, some of which are open to the public, such as the Pálvölgyi Cave and Szemlőhegy Cave. These caves showcase impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. The hills are also home to diverse flora and fauna, including forests, meadows, and various bird species.

The Budaihegység has a long history of human settlement and use. Ancient settlements and fortifications have been found in the area, and it has served as a source of stone for construction in Budapest for centuries. Today, it is a protected landscape area, managed to preserve its natural beauty and ecological significance. The Children's Railway, a unique narrow-gauge railway operated by children under adult supervision, runs through the hills, providing a scenic and educational experience for visitors. The Chairlift, connecting Zugliget to János Hill, is another popular mode of transport offering scenic vistas. The region's accessibility and natural appeal make it a vital green lung for the bustling capital city.