Is Gell rt Hill difficult to climb?

Yes, it is considered a challenging walk due to the steep incline and many sets of stairs. However, the paths are paved and there are plenty of benches along the way to rest and enjoy the viewpoints.

What is the best time to visit Gell rt Hill?

The best time is about an hour before sunset. This allows you to see the city in daylight, enjoy the golden hour glow on the Danube, and see the city lights turn on from the Citadel.

Can I reach the top of Gell rt Hill without walking?

Yes, Bus 27 runs from Mricz Zsigmond krt r to the 'Bsz lmu kz' stop, which is a short, flat walk from the Citadel and Liberty Statue.

Is there an entrance fee for Gell rt Hill?

Access to the hill, the Garden of Philosophers, and the viewpoints at the Citadel is free. There are small entry fees for the Cave Church and the Gell rt Thermal Bath.

What are the main landmarks on Gell rt Hill?

The primary landmarks are the Liberty Statue, the Habsburg Citadel, the St. Gerard Monument, the Cave Church, and the Garden of Philosophers.

Is Gell rt Hill safe at night?

The main paths are generally safe and popular with locals and tourists alike in the evening. However, it is poorly lit in some wooded areas, so staying on the main paved routes is recommended after dark.

What is the history of the Liberty Statue?

Erected in 1947, it was originally a Soviet monument commemorating the liberation of Budapest from the Nazis. After the fall of Communism, the Soviet inscriptions were removed, and it was rededicated to all who fought for Hungarian freedom.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 50 min

Duration

5

Stops

Challenging

Difficulty

About This Tour

Perched high above the Danube, Gell rt Hill offers some of the most dramatic vistas in Central Europe, but its beauty is matched by a complex and often turbulent history. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the rugged slopes of District XI, where sacred sites and military fortifications stand as witnesses to Budapest's past. From the peaceful Garden of Philosophers to the imposing heights of the Citadel, this route is designed for those who want to see the city from a different perspective—both literally and figuratively. As you ascend, you will encounter the stories of martyrs, monks, and soldiers, all while navigating a landscape that feels worlds away from the bustling streets of Pest across the river. This walking route is characterized by its diversity. You will begin in a quiet, contemplative park featuring statues of the world's great spiritual leaders, before moving toward the dramatic monument of Saint Gerard, the hill's namesake. The climb is challenging, but the reward is a series of unrivaled viewpoints overlooking the Elizabeth Bridge and the Great Market Hall. At the summit, the Citadel stands as a reminder of Habsburg rule and Soviet liberation, crowned by the towering Liberty Statue. The descent takes a spiritual turn as you visit the unique Cave Church, carved directly into the dolomite rock, before concluding at the world-famous Gell rt Thermal Bath. Choosing a self-guided adventure on Gell rt Hill allows you to tackle the steep inclines at your own pace, stopping for photos or a quiet moment of reflection whenever you choose. Whether you are interested in the religious heritage of the Pauline Order or the military history of the 1848 Revolution, this neighborhood stroll provides a comprehensive look at one of Budapest's most iconic landmarks. It is a journey through nature and history that reveals why this hill remains a sacred and strategic heart of the Hungarian capital. A walking tour Budapest experience is never complete without witnessing the sunset from these heights, making this route a favorite for photographers and history buffs alike.

Highlights

Panoramic 360-degree views of Budapest and the Danube
The peaceful Garden of Philosophers statues
The monumental Liberty Statue and the Habsburg Citadel
The mystical Cave Church (Rock Church) of the Pauline Order
Stunning Art Nouveau architecture of the Gell rt Thermal Bath

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (5)

1

Garden of Philosophers

Begin your self-guided adventure in this hidden gem of a park. Created by sculptor Nndor Wagner, the Garden of Philosophers features eight bronze and granite figures representing the world's major religions and spiritual paths. In the center, you will find five figures—Abraham, Akhenaten, Jesus, Buddha, and Laozi—standing around a small golden ball, symbolizing the 'Invisible One' or a common spiritual source. The statues were designed to promote mutual understanding and peace. It is a quiet, meditative spot that offers a gentle start to your climb, providing a unique contrast to the more military and religious monuments you will encounter later on the hill.

2

St. Gerard Sagredo Statue

Standing tall above a cascading waterfall, the monument of Saint Gerard (Szent Gell rt) commemorates the Italian bishop who played a pivotal role in converting Hungarians to Christianity. According to legend, in 1046, pagan rebels placed Gerard in a barrel spiked with nails and rolled him down this very hill into the Danube. Today, he holds a cross high, overlooking the Elizabeth Bridge. The neoclassical colonnade surrounding the statue provides a magnificent frame for photos of the Pest side. As you stand here, you are standing on one of the most historic points of the hill, where the city's medieval and religious identities collide.

3

The Citadel and Liberty Statue

The summit of the hill is dominated by the Citadel, a massive fortress built by the Habsburgs after the 1848-49 Hungarian War of Independence to intimidate the local population. However, the most striking feature today is the Liberty Statue. Originally erected in 1947 to commemorate the Soviet liberation of Budapest from Nazi forces, the monument was later modified to celebrate all those who sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of Hungary. The lady holding a palm leaf high above her head has become a symbol of the city. Take a moment here to walk the perimeter and enjoy the most famous viewpoints in the country, stretching from the Parliament to the Buda Castle.

4

Gell rt Hill Cave

As you descend toward the river, you will find the entrance to the Rock Church, or Sziklatemplom. Carved into a natural cave system, this site was founded by Pauline monks in the 1920s, inspired by the sanctuary at Lourdes. During World War II, it served as a field hospital and a shelter. In the early 1950s, the Communist regime suppressed the Pauline Order, walling up the cave's entrance with thick concrete. It wasn't until 1989, with the fall of the Iron Curtain, that the wall was demolished and the church reopened. Inside, the temperature remains a constant 20 degrees Celsius year-round, offering a cool, spiritual retreat from the climb.

5

Gell rt Thermal Bath

Your walk concludes at the base of the hill at the Gell rt Thermal Bath, one of the most famous spa complexes in Europe. Built in the Art Nouveau style between 1912 and 1918, the building is a masterpiece of mosaics, stained glass, and marble columns. The springs feeding these baths have been known since the 13th century for their medicinal properties. Even if you don't go inside for a soak, the exterior architecture and the grand entrance hall are well worth admiring. This is the perfect place to end your journey, perhaps by relaxing in the nearby cafes or taking a tram back across the Liberty Bridge into the city center.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical self-guided walk takes between 90 and 120 minutes depending on your pace. The total distance is roughly 2.5 kilometers, but the steep elevation gain accounts for the time.