Perched atop Kis-Hárs-hegy the spiral staircase of the Makovecz Imre-kilátó beckons. It offers more than just a climb. It provides a journey into the artistic soul of a visionary architect. This is Makovecz Imre-kilátó.
The Makovecz Imre-kilátó stands proudly in Budapest’s II district. Specifically, it is located on Kis-Hárs-hegy. The tower straddles the border of Kurucles and Lipótmező. Imagine this. In 1977 the Pilisi Állami Erdőgazdaság built a simple lookout. Makovecz Imre who was the forest’s chief engineer designed it. By the turn of the millennium it had badly decayed. The Makovecz Imre-kilátó closed in 2006.
Fast forward to 2008. The Pilisi Parkerdő Zrt invested three million forints. They rebuilt it based on nearly identical plans. It reopened on July 9, 2008. Locals unofficially called it Makovecz-kilátó even then. The official naming ceremony took place on May 12, 2012. Family members of the architect attended. He had passed away the previous year.
But the story doesn’t end there. From July to September 2018 volunteers from the Makovecz Imre Foundation renovated the Makovecz Imre-kilátó. Architecture students from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics assisted. They strengthened the central structure. They installed sturdier railings. Finally, they repainted the entire tower. The forest management also renovated the steps leading to the Makovecz Imre-kilátó.
Look closely at the design. A concrete-encased steel pipe forms its spine. Since the reconstruction, thirty spirally arranged acacia beams create two intertwined spiral staircases. At the top a small terrace awaits. The circular lookout offers panoramic views. You can see north Buda, downtown Budapest, Castle Hill, and the Citadella. To the northwest, spot Nagy-Hárs-hegy and the Kaán Károly lookout tower. Hármashatár-hegy stands to the northeast with its distinctive towers.
The Makovecz Imre-kilátó sits on a small forest clearing. Benches and tables are placed for hikers. The Children’s Railway line passes nearby.
Getting here is easy. Several marked hiking trails crisscross Hárs-hegy. You can approach from the Szépjuhászné station. Alternatively, start from Hűvösvölgy. Even the nearby streets, such as Széher Road and Kuruclesi Road, provide access. The 22 bus stops at Szépjuhászné. The 29 bus stops at Csibor utca. The 129 bus terminates at Széher Road. Each is a short walk away. The Children’s Railway’s Hárshegy station is even closer. The Hárs-hegy nature trail also passes by the Kis-Hárs-hegy peak.
The Makovecz Imre-kilátó is more than just a lookout. It is a tribute to a great architect. It exemplifies his connection to nature. As you ascend its wooden curves remember Imre Makovecz. He immersed himself in the forest. His creations echo its timeless beauty. Take a moment. Breathe in the fresh air. Admire the view. Appreciate the artistry. The Makovecz Imre-kilátó awaits your discovery.