College life can be intense: deadlines, exams, and long hours spent indoors. Therefore, I have collected a few beautiful hiking trails that offer an escape from stressful city life. The goal? To quiet the mind and ease the soul. Whether you are a local student or studying abroad, these hikes can truly take your breath away. Best of all, many of them are accessible by public transport. There is no need to be a professional hiker; I have gathered trails suitable for all levels.

As we know, Budapest is divided into Pest and Buda. For hiking purposes, Buda deserves our main focus. The Buda Hills are part of a protected natural region and offer a peaceful escape in less than an hour from the city center. In this area, you will find dense green forests from spring onward, filled with birdsong and the hug of the wind in the trees. Unlike the vast wilderness of the United States, in Hungary, you are more likely to come across old stone ruins or historic lookout towers. At the same time, there is no need to fear wild predators; bears or wolves are extremely rare in this region. The same can’t be said in the Romanian mountains.

Easy Hikes

Let’s start with the easy hikes ranging from 5 to 10 km. I recommend it to all.

1. János-hegy (János Hill) and Erzsébet kilátó (Elizabeth Lookout), (5–7 km, 1.5–2 hours, Easy)

How to get there: Bus 21 or 21A from Széll Kálmán tér (square) to Normafa, then walk toward János Hill.

This trail offers one of the highest panoramic views in Budapest at 527 meters. The hike itself is short and manageable, which makes it ideal for beginners. At the top, you can enter the beautiful lookout tower named after Queen Elizabeth of Hungary, also known as Sisi, who was both Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary. It is said that she enjoyed visiting this hill.

For a more exciting start, you can begin at Zugliget, the lower chairlift station, which we call “Libegő” in Hungarian. The chairlift elevates you 262 meters high in about 12 minutes and takes you close to János Hill. From there, the tower is only a short 10–15-minute walk away.

2. Normafa to Budaörs (7.5 km, 2–2.5 hours, Easy)

How to get there: Bus 21 or 21A from Széll Kálmán Square to Normafa.

This gentle downhill route follows a lovely forest path and allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature. It is a pleasant and relaxing walk, perfect for a slower-paced day outdoors.

3 – Hárs-hegy (Hárs Hill) and Gyermekvasút (Children’s Railway) Trail (6–8 km, 2–2.5 hours, Easy)

How to get there: Tram 61 from Széll Kálmán Square to Hűvösvölgy.

This shaded forest trail gives you the chance to see the famous Children’s Railway while enjoying a calm and peaceful walk. It is a great choice for those looking for a more chill hiking experience.

Moderate Hikes 

Moderate hikes are suitable for those who have some previous hiking experience or regularly engage in sports. These trails require a bit more lung capacity and comfort with longer distances and changes in elevation. However, even if you have not hiked in a while, you can attempt them if you feel well-prepared and energized. Another advantage is that many trails have side routes, allowing you to shorten the hike if needed.

4. Hármashatárhegy (Hármashatár Hill) and Panoráma-kör (Panorama Loop), (10 km, 3 hours)

How to get there: Bus 65 from Kolosy Square to Fenyőgyöngye.

With a maximum elevation of around 480–490 meters, this is one of the higher viewpoints in Budapest. The 10-kilometer loop offers impressive views over the city and the Danube, making the steady climb worthwhile.

5. Apáthy-szikla (Apáthy Rock) (7–9 km, 2.5–3 hours)

How to get there: Bus 11 from Batthyány Square to Nagybányai út (Avenue).

This hike stands out because of its limestone rock formations, uneven terrain, and short but steeper sections. Although parts of the trail are more challenging, the panoramic view from the top makes the effort completely rewarding.

6. Juliánus-kilátó (Juliánus Lookout Tower) from Zebegény (8–10 km, around 3 hours)

How to get there: Take the train from Nyugati Pályaudvar (Railway Station) to Zebegény (1 hour ride with pretty amazing views if you sit by the window).

Located in the Danube Bend, this hike offers a unique view of the river’s curve and the surrounding mountains. Due to steady uphill sections, it falls into the moderate category. However, it remains manageable for those with basic fitness levels.

Harder Hikes

Harder hikes involve longer distances, greater elevation gain, and steeper climbs. The terrain may also be less even, adding a sense of adventure and discovery.

7. Dobogókő Panorama Trail (13 km, 4–5 hours)

How to get there: Bus 880 from Újpest-Városkapu.

Part of the Pilis Mountains, this area reaches nearly 700 meters in elevation, making it significantly higher than the Budapest hills. Because of the longer climbs and increased elevation gain, the hike feels more mountain-like and truly breathtaking.

8. Budakeszi Forest Loop (12–14 km, around 4 hours)

How to get there: Bus 22 from Széll Kálmán Square to Budakeszi.

This longer forest loop provides steady elevation changes and a more extended outdoor experience for those seeking a challenge.

9 – Farkas-hegy Trail (15 km, 4–5 hours)

How to get there: Bus 8E from Kelenföld to Budaörs.

Meaning “Mountain of the Wolves” in Hungarian, this trail is known for its steeper climbs and dramatic rocky scenery. It is ideal for experienced hikers looking for a more demanding route.

Bonus Trail 

10. Zebegény – Remete Barlang (Remete Cave) – River Panorama Trail (14 km, 4–5 hours)

How to get there: Train from Nyugati to Zebegény.

This final hike combines forest paths, caves, and river views. It feels more adventurous and less touristy. With steeper climbs and a longer distance, it is best suited for experienced hikers.

What makes these hikes special is not only the exercise but also the perspective. Once you leave the city center behind and step into the hills, Budapest suddenly feels calmer. The Danube curves quietly in the distance, Parliament becomes a small landmark, and everyday stress seems to fade away.

Before heading out, always check the weather forecast. Wear comfortable hiking or sports shoes, and bring at least one liter of water, a light snack or fruit, sunscreen, and mosquito spray. It is also important to check for ticks after your hike and remove them properly if necessary.

Most importantly, take your time. Look up from your phone. Notice the forest sounds, the cliffs, the wide river views, and the historic memorials hidden along the way. Nature is closer than we think. As the good weather approaches, gather a few friends, or go alone, and simply breathe in the fresh air. Hope you enjoy!

Photos by Axlo Freefall

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In a time, that’s been overtaken by digital cameras and smartphones, film photography is having a comeback. Often considered to be an outdated format, analog photography has started to pull in the younger generation and their hearts, fueled by nostalgia, artistic look, and a desire for authenticity in a digital world. A photographer, Ansel Adams, once said, “Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art”.

One reason for the comeback is the aesthetic that only this one can offer. Film has its own quality, like the grainy textures, vibrant colors, and imperfections, that digital filters have so much struggle to replicate. I think that photographers are drawn towards the imperfect look of film, where each roll of film can hold surprises that can only be seen after you develop it. This chance, paired with the slower pace of shooting on film, turns photography into an art form. Unlike on digital, where hundreds of shots can be taken in minutes, film encourages you to be mindful about what you shoot, making every click intentional. In the words of contemporary photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto, “The only way to get a good photograph is to take time and make it with intention.”

I believe that film is also fueling a cultural shift. Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are looking more for retro vibes, from vinyl records to vintage clothing. Film photography fits this analog style, giving us a connection to the past. Platforms like Instagram amplify this, with hashtags like #FilmIsNotDead. Thrift stores and online marketplaces have made vintage cameras accessible, with models like the Canon AE-1, which I personally have, for around $50-$200. Meanwhile, companies like Kodak and Fujifilm are bringing back discontinued film and have been reporting sales growth.

Film photography is often seen as an art form. The experience of handling film, the anticipation of waiting for development, and then the surprise of seeing the images all give it its appeal. As a photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson said, “To photograph is to hold one’s breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality,”.

Getting into film photography is easy. Cameras can be found easily, and developing your film can be done at home or at a local lab. YouTube tutorials will be your best friend when it comes to learning about film, trust me, I know.

As a film photographer myself, it’s become part of my personality. I own multiple cameras, from a Canon AE-1 program all the way to the Soviet FED 4, each with its own personality. I go through at least a roll a week, sort of becoming a ritual to load film and then waiting to see my images come out. I’m proud to be part of the movement to keep film alive, and I’ve introduced many friends to it, sharing tips and cameras, watching them fall in love with analog the same way I did.

For those wanting to start, an easy and affordable way is by buying old used Soviet cameras like Zenit, FED, Zorki, and Lomo. These cameras are amazing. I own a few, and one thing about these cameras is that they are built like tanks. If a tank ran over one of these cameras, then the tank would probably be damaged and not the camera. They are budget-friendly and teach you the key parts of photography.

I think the power that film has is its ability to slow us down. In a world where so many things have become instant, the part of waiting for prints feels unknown. It’s about the process, the patience, and the story each frame tells. Film photography isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving. Wim Wenders, German filmmaker and photographer, puts it, “Photography is about finding out what can happen in the frame. When you put four edges around some facts, you change those facts,” a reminder of how film’s limitations can inspire creativity.

Photo by Alex Contreras

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Is the Canon AE-1 Program still a worthwhile purchase today? This legendary camera, released in 1981, changed photography with its features and how accessible it was to everyone. Since then, the camera has remained a favorite among film photographers and collectors. But today, in a time that is dominated by digital technology, does this analog classic still hold value?

The Canon AE-1 Program was a hit when it was released, selling over a million units in its first year. Its design and features made it stand out to many people at the time, offering high-level photography to everyone. Today, it has a cult following, loved for bringing the art of photography to everyone.

“It was the camera that made automatic exposure mainstream,” said photographer Ken Rockwell. “The AE-1 Program bridged the gap between complex professional gear and consumer-friendly design.”

One of its most iconic things about the camera is the shutter sound, the mechanical click that everyone knows. “It’s a tactile experience that digital cameras can’t replicate,” said Sarah Thompson, an American actress. “That sound alone makes it worth picking up.”

The AE-1 Program offers many things:

Program Mode: Automatically sets both shutter speed and aperture.

Shutter Priority Mode: Allowed users to select shutter speed while the camera adjusted aperture, offering creative control.

Manual Mode: Gives you full control of all the settings

FD Lens Compatibility: Canon has an extensive FD lens lineup, with there also being many third-party lenses too.

I think the features made it very appealing at the time, especially for beginners. Its metal body added to the appeal, making sure that it was made to last. I still have my grandfather’s AE-1 program, and it still looks brand new.

But is it still a good choice in 2025? I think for many, the answer is yes. The camera’s durability means many units from the 1980s are still functional, like mine, and its classic analog format makes images have a special aesthetic that digital cameras struggle to create.

But there are downsides. Film and development costs can add up, and the camera doesn’t have modern features like autofocus, but I find that that is something anyone can overcome. Maintenance can also be an issue, as repairs may be needed depending on the condition of the camera; finding parts can be hard.

“Film photography is a labor of love,” said Thompson. “If you’re willing to invest the time and effort, the AE-1 Program is still a fantastic camera. But for casual users, it might not be the most practical option.”

Ansel Adams, an American landscape photographer and environmentalist, once said, “The Canon AE-1 Program is a testament to the enduring appeal of simplicity and functionality in design.” Popular Photography magazine added in 1981, “The AE-1 Program is a camera that will change the way you think about photography.”

Overall, the Canon AE-1 Program remains a piece of history that is worth considering in 2025. Its iconic design and analog format make it a great choice for anyone wanting to get into film, or if you are simply a collector. While it lacks modern features, its quality and character continue to shine. For those drawn to the art of film photography, this classic camera is still a solid pick.

Photo by Alex Contreras

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