funiQ logo

The green side of Újbuda: riding along the creeks

Download track as GPX file for your GPS device.
Teljes táv: 14 km
Össz. emelkedő:  70 m
Össz. lejtő: -70 m
Magasság max.: 132 m
Magasság min.: 103 m

Start: Etele Square, Kelenföld Railway Station

How to get there:

by car: parking in Etele Square or street nearby
by public transport: underground M4; tram 19, 49; bus 53, 87, 101B, 101E, 103, 141, 150, 154, 154B, 178, 240
by train: Kelenföld Railway Station

The tour discovers the greenest parts of the district along Keserű Brook and Hosszúréti Brook including the airfield in Budaörs and the former site of Kánai Church from the early Middle Ages. These are green oasis just a stone’s throw away from the busy city. This is an easy trip with very little elevation gain and inspiring attractions.

Route plan

Set out from Etele Square where you can get from various locations in the district along biking lanes, such as along Bartók Béla Street or Etele Street as well as from Gazdagrét. Cross the underpass at the railway station to the Őrmező side and proceed to Budaörsi Street. Instead of riding through the underpass to the other side turn left and take the bikeway. Keep riding between Őrmező Residential Area and the highway and where the bikeway ends cross Balatoni Street and continue in Neszmélyi Street.

Kelenföld railway station
Kelenföld railway station Photo: funiQ

Take the first left (Hérics Street) and at the end turn right to Jégcsap Street. At the end of Jégcsap Street you could take a shortcut under the highway to Kőérberki Street but discovering green areas instead is better alternative. Proceed to the valley of Keserű Brook first.

Heading to the left you can leave inhabited areas behind and you can reach a natural environment along Dobogó Street with a beautiful meadow. Right before passing under Road 7 (Balatoni Street) it is worth walking up the little hill on the right to see the vast green meadow.

On the other side of the underpass take the first street on the right (at the colored concrete barriers). At the end turn right to Péterhegyi Street. After a short ride along Péterhegyi and Egér Streets turn right at the tree nursery and follow Dobogó Street.

After a right angle turn keep riding on Poprádi Street and turn right before the little bridge over Keserű Brook. Ride along the creek and cross Balatoni Street. Keserűvíz and Gyógyvíz Streets will take you to the entrance of Kőkaland Sport Facility. Along the narrow path on the left of the gate you can reach the bikeway along Kőérberki Street where turn left.

Riding on the bikeway you will have a view over the natural reserve of Kőérberek Sodic Meadow protected for its special fauna and flora. Bitter curative water (keserűvíz) is one the unique natural values of Hungary. This mineral water is formed under very special geological circumstances in in a special geochemical process. It is a rare phenomenon all over the world. Curative water from the area is bottled and sold under the names “Hunyadi János Water” and “Ferencz József Water”.

Kőérberek Sodic Meadow (Bitter water facility) The Kőérberek Sodic Meadow aka Bitter Water Spring is the only sodic field of Budapest. It gained a natural reserve status in 1982. Its bitter water rich in sodium-sulfate and magnesium-sulfate is one of the best-known curative waters of the country.

Riding on you will cross Egér Street and continue uphill ahead. At the top you will see the airfield of Budaörs and Hills of Budaörs on the right. The neglected but listed airfield building with the impressive driveway is the only Bauhaus style airport hall. It was built in 1937 by plans of Virgil Borbíró.

The Airfield of Budaörs The Airfield of Budaörs used to play a key role in the aviation of Budapest. Since Ferihegy Airport (today known as Liszt Ferenc Airport) was restored after WW2 it is used as a sport aviation center. The terminal building was listed in 2000.

Right after passing the airfield cross the rails on the other side of the street and ride ahead in Muskétás Street. Cross the bridge over Hosszúréti Brook, turn left and continue along the brook (and tram rails). On the right it is Kamaraerdő and soon you will get to Kána Pond formed by damming the brook.

Kána Pond The fishing pond on the border of District 11 and 22 is calm and peaceful despite its location next to the Balaton Street. The pond formed by damming Hosszúréti Brook offers various species of fish to anglers and a park for recreation.

Keep riding and cross the pond on the second bridge towards the residential area in Kánai Street. Next to a football field you will find the site of Kánai Church on the right with a memorial plaque about the most populous settlement of the area in the early Middle Ages.

site of Kánai Church Kána was a village in the Middle Ages in the area of today’s Újbuda. Ruins were discovered when construction works began in the early-2000s and was later excavated. Ruins of pit-houses, fireplaces, a cemetery and a church were discovered. The site of the church is open to visitors free of charge.

Riding around the sports facility cross Balatoni Street and continue along Kapolcs Street. Now you are in Kelenvölgy. The street takes you back to the creek near a riding farm. Cross the street and continue in Honfoglaló Street. Take György Street on the left and ride uphill to Ringló Street, turn left and then take the second right (Bezdán Street). The second street on the left (Tó Street) takes you to the hidden pond of Kelenföld called Blue Pond.

Blue Pond (Kék-tó) Blue Pond (Kék-tó), the former mine pit in Kelenvölgy is used as a fishing pond with carps, catfish, pikes, crucian carps and grass carps. A playground and a path around the pond offer other ways of enjoying nature as well.

Taking Felsőgalla Street and then Állvány Street you will reach Kővirág Street and the rails. Turn left and ride along the noise barrier until the next underpass. On the other side turn left and take Szerelmey Miklós Street. Ride straight ahead and then cross Keserű Brook and take Solti Street. At the end if the street ride around the noise barrier and cross Egér Street. Continue straight ahead along Than Károly and by turning left to Gyergyótölgyes Street you will arrive at your starting point: Kelenföld Railway Station.