On the last day of the year, Budapest swaps fireworks for hiking boots. On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, a free New Year’s Eve trek winds through the Buda Hills, ticking off the area’s most iconic viewpoints and peaks before wrapping up in Cool Valley (Hűvösvölgy) with hot tea, mulled wine, and fresh pogácsa. Registration is required, but there’s no fee—just bring the vibe and a warm jacket.
Where and when
Start: Áron Márton Square (Márton Áron tér), 1124 Budapest. The route links the János Hill Cave (Jánoshegyi-barlang), Fairy Rock (Tündér-szikla), and the summit of János Hill (János-hegy), serving up a winter panorama that’s pure magic even in the chill. Expect crisp forest air, rocky vantage points, and those postcard skyline moments that make you forget it’s December.
How it ends
The finish line in Cool Valley (Hűvösvölgy) is all comfort: steaming cups, clinking mugs, and warm bites shared among hikers. It’s a laid-back, social send-off to the year, carved into the city’s favorite hills—simple, scenic, and zero-cost with a quick sign-up.
