Normafa Canopy Walkway

A long preparation has preceded the development of the final route of the canopy walkway related to the renewal of the Normafa forest park. Archabit Kft. and Hello Wood – commissioned by the Hegyvidéki Council – examined in detail how a trail can be created in a way that it respects the properties and values of Normafa.

Natural Treasure

Normafa and the surrounding forests are not only popular hiking destinations, but also special natural treasures. There are 400-year-old oaks, linden trees and 2-300-year-old beech trees in the area. This forest park has one of the largest, exceptionally complex old tree groups in Hungary. During the previous centuries, it has been highly protected and cared for – since most of the area belongs to Budapest.

Environmental Rehabilitation

The final route of the canopy walkway will be located in the closed, currently heavily polluted area of the former Sport Hotel, thus facilitating efforts to rehabilitate it. Through this development, nature can reclaim the area. In addition, the advantage of the plot is that it is sloping, so the walkway starting from the ground level can easily rise above the canopy of the trees, from where there is a stunning view of Budapest.

Education

According to Hello Wood’s proposal, the canopy walkway will act as a study trail promoting the protection of Normafa’s natural values. As an experiential learning hub, it will draw attention to native tree species threatened by climate change, such as beech, ash, oak, hornbeam, linden, maple and wild cherry. The purpose of the study trail is to educate the visitors, especially the children about the environment.

Moderation and Sustainability

The principle of moderation and sustainability has been a primary consideration throughout the design and consultation process. By the end of the preparatory phase, an unparalleled consensus had been reached by the council, the nature conservation associations, the civil organisations and the designers.