1. Ballooning over Lake Balaton

Early-evening flights over Balaton are still taking place into late October, lifting off late afternoon from Hévíz, depending on the weather, and taking in sunset.

Trips last three to four hours and include a glass of local champagne. More details here.

2. Pilot an aircraft in Budapest

At Tököl Airport near Budapest, you can learn how to become an airline pilot thanks to an experienced crew who show you the ropes.

Sit in the cockpit of a real-life simulator and feel what it’s like to take off with the fate of hundreds of passengers in your hands! More details here.

3. Spelunking - AKA Caving in Aggtelek

Delve into the mesmerising underground world of Aggtelek National Park by embarking on a caving expedition that takes you through intricate passageways, past awe-inspiring stalactites and along underground rivers. 

From within the national park, visitors can explore the primary channel over a distance of 7 km. It is the largest and most majestic cave in Hungary More details here.

4. Glider Joy Riding Over Budapest

At weekends between late April and October, the MÁV Flying Club offers glider flights from Farkashegy Airfield near Budapest.

Thrill-seekers sit in the front of a K7 or PW6 to take in panoramic views of the Buda hills and the city of Budapest beyond. Check before you fly – rides are seriously weather-dependent. More details here.

5. Indoor Skydiving in Budapest

The Skyward Wind Tunnel near Szent Imre tér on Csepel island is where you can fly like a superhero without leaving Budapest, safe for children, seniors and everyone in between.

You can float on your own or fly in a group to freefall safely as an individual or communally with friends and colleagues. More details here.

6. Mine-Diving in Budapest

A labyrinth of limestone passages meanders under east Pest. Winemakers once used them as cellars, before the Dreher Brewery took it over.

During the war, a hidden plane engine factory operated here. Nowadays some of the rooms are still underwater – you can dive in cold but clear depths. More details here.

7. Skydiving Over the Danube

Every weekend from May to October, experienced skydivers take out thrill-seekers for a tandem jump out of an aeroplane 3,500-4,000 metres up.

Flights take off from Dunaújváros, south of Budapest, and descend over the Danube. More details here.

Words by Peterjon Cresswell for Xpatloop.com
Peterjon has been researching the byways of Budapest for 30 years, extending his expertise across Europe to produce guidebooks for Time Out and his own website liberoguide.com