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hungary Travel Guide

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Its capital, Budapest, is bisected by the Danube River. Its cityscape is studded with architectural landmarks from Buda’s medieval Castle Hill and grand neoclassical buildings along Pest’s Andrássy Avenue to the 19th-century Chain Bridge. Turkish and Roman influence on Hungarian culture includes the popularity of mineral spas, including at thermal Lake Hévíz.

Tihany is a hilltop resort on the southern shore of Lake Balaton, and the mountainous northern shore is an important wine-growing region. The northern spa town of Eger has an Ottoman-era thermal bath, art nouveau architecture and a medieval castle with Turkish additions. In the south, the Old Town of Pécs is on a Roman site, and has an early Christian necropolis. Siklós Castle has 13th-century dungeons. Classical composer Joseph Haydn was music director at the rococo Esterházy Palace in northwestern Fertőd for many years.

best tour places in hungary

Budapest

Budapest, Hungary’s capital and largest city, is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. One of the best places to visit in Hungary, Budapest is home to the world’s largest thermal water cave system as well as the world’s second largest synagogue and third largest Parliament building, the city’s top attraction. You’ll find spectacular views of the Danube and the city from Fishermen’s Bastion, originally part of the city wall. A poignant memorial to Jews killed in World War II can be found at Shoes of the Danube, where Jews removed their shoes before being shot and washed away by the river.

Lake Balaton

When relaxing at a resort becomes more appealing to you than walking another cobblestone street to see another medieval building, head to Lake Balaton. Europe’s largest freshwater lake is also Hungary’s most popular summer resort. It’s so big it’s sometimes referred to as the “Hungarian Sea,” a delightful misnomer since the country is landlocked. Grass covers many of the beaches, though some resorts have created artificial sandy beaches. Siofok is the lake’s party capital, while ferries at Fonyod take passengers to Badacsony, a major wine-growing region. The north shore offers more wineries, the historical bathing town of Balatonfured, and the baroque Festetics Castle.

Eger

Eger, northern Hungary’s second largest city, is known for several things. Founded by Hungary’s first Christian king, Saint Stephen, in the 10th century, the city is famous for its magnificent baroque buildings. The king founded an Episcopal cathedral, with Eger remaining an important religious center today. The cathedral was built on Castle Hill, with the city growing around it. The castle and basilica remain the city’s top sights, followed by the Valley of the Women, a series of wine cellars and restaurants built into surrounding hills. Check out the Torok Kori Minaret, the northernmost Turkish minaret in Europe; the 150-step climb to the top is steep, but the views are worth it.

Sopron

Established in Roman times, Sopron has been both an Austrian and Hungarian city over the centuries. A 1921 vote decided it should be part of Hungary, earning Sopron the nickname of “Most Loyal Town.” The Gate of Allegiance honors this. It is located on the main square next to the city landmark Firewatch Tower. The city was devastated by World War II, though many of its medieval buildings escaped damage. Sopron today is one of Hungary’s major wine producing regions, one of the few famous for both its red and white wines. Great hiking is available in the nearby Alps.

Pecs

Pecs is a multicultural city where different ethnic groups co-exist peacefully together, where refugees are enfolded into the bosom of the city, making it one of UNESCO’s Cities of Peace. Home to the first university in Hungary, founded in 1367, Pecs has been ruled over by Romans, Christians, and Ottomans. A mild climate, magnificent museums, medieval buildings and fine wines make Pecs a popular travel destination. Historic religious buildings are a big draw, including Pecs Cathedral, Szchenyi Ter, Pecs Synagogue and Mosque of Pasha Gazzi Kassim.

Aggtelek National Park

If you’re a spelunker, put Aggtelek National Park on your bucket list for Hungary. Located in northern Hungary about a three-hour drive from Budapest, the park is home to the largest stalactic cave, in Europe. Guided tours, geared to physical capabilities, are available. A special cave experience is listening to concerts inside Baradla. The park is a protected area, with some parts off-limits to tourists, while visitors must remain on marked hiking trails in others. Aggtelek National Park is a good place to see flora and fauna, and visit quaint villages within its boundaries.

Heviz

If soaking in hot springs water relaxes you, head to Heviz, home to one of the largest thermal lakes in the world. Water temperature varies from 24 to 37 degrees (71 to 100 °F), making for a pleasant swim. The water flows from its source fast enough to change every 3-1/2 days, keeping the water clean. Located near Lake Balaton, Heviz is famous for its spas with many flourishing resorts. After a swim in these medicinal waters, you might want to hike in the nearby forest, or take in a food festival or outdoor concert. With a Mediterranean-like climate, Heviz is a popular year ‘round destination.

Debrecen

Debrecen, which served as Hungary’s capital various times over the century, is an important cultural center. Heavily destroyed during World War II, Debrecen is considered the intellectual center of the country, starting with the founding of Calvinist College in 1538. Now known as the University of Debrecen, the college is famous for its architecture. The city has a thriving music scene and is home to the Bela Bartok International Choir competition. Top attractions include the Reformed Great Church, the largest Protestant church in Hungary; the Deri Museum with its collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, and the annual Flower Carnival.

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