Night of the Forests: Free Buda Hills Guided Hike After Dark

  • 31 Aug 2026 11:31 AM
Night of the Forests: Free Buda Hills Guided Hike After Dark
The Buda Hills take on a completely different character after sunset, and on Friday 4 September, the general public have the chance to explore them on a guided nighttime hike as part of the first-ever Night of the Forests.

The free event takes place on Hárs Hill, starting and finishing at Szépjuhászné, and offers two routes of around 2 km and 3 km. 

The shorter walk is relatively easy, while the longer loop includes around 100 metres of elevation gain and some steeper, occasionally rocky sections.

The routes lead towards the distinctive Makovecz Imre Lookout Tower, with the longer option continuing towards Nagy-Hárs Hill and the Kaán Károly Lookout Tower.

Along the way, forestry experts will host themed nature stations where participants can learn about the sights, sounds and smells of the forest at night, discover animal tracks and find out more about the creatures that become active after dark.

The event offers expats a rare opportunity to experience one of Budapest’s major natural areas in a group, at a time when it feels very different from its daytime self. 

A headlamp or torch is essential, while sturdy closed hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Night of the Forests is organised by the National Federation of Hungarian Forestry Associations and is intended to become an annual event. This first edition also marks the organisation’s 160th anniversary.

Night of the Forests 2026

No registration is required in advance.

Date: Friday, September 4

Time: 7:30pm–11pm

Location: 
Hárs Hill in Buda

Start/finish: Szépjuhászné

Getting there:

Szépjuhászné can be reached from Széll Kálmán tér by buses 22, 22A and 222. Organisers recommend using public transport and checking return connections in advance, as evening services can become less frequent.

More:
erdeivandor.hu

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