The Night of the Chairlifts in Hungary on 11 July
- 3 Jul 2026 7:11 AM
One summer evening every year, chairlifts across the country extend their operating hours well past sunset, giving expats and locals alike a rare chance to glide through the cool mountain air under the stars, catching stunning views of illuminated cities and dark forest canopy.
For 2026, the nationwide event features four distinct locations, each offering a completely different vibe—from Budapest's glowing urban skyline to deep-woods mountain retreats.
Here is everything you need to know about the participants, pricing, transport, and how to secure your spot.
1. Zugliget Chairlift (Budapest) – The Urban Skyline View
The city’s most iconic ropeway takes you up to János Hill, offering a romantic, sweeping view of Budapest’s illuminated landmarks. On a clear night, you can easily spot the glowing Parliament building in the distance.
Timing: 7:00 PM – July 12, 1:00 AM.
(Note: Last uphill ride is at 12:30 AM; last downhill ride is at 1:00 AM).
The Vibe: Live music will entertain crowds at the valley station, and the panoramic buffet at the top station will remain open all night.
Tickets: HUF 5,000 for a special round-trip ticket (includes one uphill and one downhill ride). Children under 3 travel free.
Crucial Booking Rule: Due to extreme popularity, tickets are exclusively available online via the official BKV webshop. No tickets will be sold on-site.
Address: Zugligeti Libegő Valley Station – 1121 Budapest, Zugligeti út 97.
Getting There: Parking is severely limited. It is highly recommended to take public transport. Use Bus 291 from Nyugati Railway Station, or take the R158 retro Ikarus bus running direct heritage shuttle loops from Széll Kálmán tér (standard BKK tickets/passes apply).
2. Lillafüred Chairlift Park (Miskolc / Bükk Mountains) – The Family Festival
Located in the scenic Bükk Mountains of Northern Hungary, Lillafüred pairs its night rides with a mini-festival atmosphere perfect for families.
Timing: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. The day starts with classic daylight sightseeing and transitions into a sunset and starlight cruise.
The Vibe: Capped with family activities, including a giant photo wall, coloring corners, a balloon-twisting clown, a photo competition, and a chance to meet the park's mascot Lynx.
Tickets: Available on-site only. Adults: HUF 3,900 (return) / HUF 2,800 (one-way). Children, students, and seniors: HUF 3,100 (return) / HUF 2,500 (one-way).
Address: Lillafüredi Libegőpark – 3517 Miskolc, Erzsébet sétány 77.
3. Oxygen Adrenalin Park (Sástó / Mátra Mountains) – The Midnight Thrill
Perched in the high-altitude Mátra forest, this adventure park extends both its panoramic chairlift (Mátra Libegő) and its famous alpine bobsled track for the night.
Timing: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight. (Ticket sales and final boarding close at 11:30 PM).
The Vibe: Double the fun by combining a peaceful night chairlift ride with a high-speed, illuminated bobsled run down the mountain.
Tickets: Available on-site only on the day of the event. The park operates on its own token currency called fitying (1 token = HUF 1,000). The return chairlift ride costs 2 tokens (HUF 2,000) per person.
Address: Oxygen Adrenalin Park – 3200 Gyöngyös-Sástó, Mátra füredi út. (Note: Parking costs 1 token/HUF 1,000—keep a token handy to exit the gate).
4. Zemplén Adventure Park (Sátoraljaújhely) – The Deep Wilderness View
Tucked away in the far northeast corner of Hungary near the Slovakian border, the Magas-hegy chairlift offers a peaceful, pitch-black wilderness experience over the tree canopies.
Timing: Open until 9:00 PM. (Final boarding is at 8:00 PM).
Tickets: Available on-site only. Adults: HUF 4,000. Children, students, and seniors: HUF 3,500.
Address: Zemplén Kalandpark – 3980 Sátoraljaújhely, Torzsás út 1.
More Information
Whether you prefer the glittering urban sprawl of the capital or a quiet mountain escape, the Night of the Chairlifts is a classic Hungarian summer tradition.
For full terms of travel, safety updates, and to book your mandatory online tickets for the Budapest location, check the official transit notices at the BKV Event Page or browse regional updates via Sokszínű Vidék.
Photo: bkk. hu
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