Uncover Hungary’s Charms: Cities, Landscapes, and Traditions
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Delve into Hungary's castles, cathedrals, and charming towns. Uncover vibrant traditions and a fascinating past.
Hungary is a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation. It offers a variety of opportunities for tourism, hiking, city visits, gastronomy, music and historical culture. The main tourist destinations in Hungary are different from each other, the regions offer different sights to the visitors.
Bükk Mountains
The Bükk Mountains are located in the northern part of the country and are the largest contiguous forest area in Hungary. The Bükk Mountains offer a variety of hiking trails, caves, waterfalls, viewpoints and castles for hikers. The highest point of the Bükk Mountains is the Istállós-kő (959 m), which offers a magnificent panorama of the surrounding mountains and valleys. One of the most popular sights in the Bükk Mountains is the Szalajka Valley, where the Fátyol-vízesés (Veil Waterfall), the Kőris-hegyi-barlang (Kőris-hegy Cave) and the Bükkábrányi ősfenyők (Bükkábrány Primeval Pines) can be found. There are also many thermal baths in the Bükk Mountains, such as the Miskolctapolcai Barlangfürdő (Miskolc Cave Bath), the Bogácsi Termálfürdő (Bogács Thermal Bath) and the Lillafüredi Palotaszálló (Lillafüred Palace Hotel).
Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Hungary and a paradise for lovers of swimming, sailing, fishing and water sports in the summer. There are many charming villages, wine regions, cultural and historical monuments around Lake Balaton. The northern shore of Lake Balaton is the Balaton Uplands, which is rich in natural and built heritage. Here is the Balaton Uplands National Park, the Tihanyi Peninsula, the Badacsony Hill, the Szent György Hill, the Szigliget Castle, the Keszthely Castle and the Festetics Palace. The Somogyi Hills stretch along the southern shore of Lake Balaton, between the Kis-Balaton (Small Balaton) and the Zalai Hills. Here is the Balatonlelle Adventure Park, the Siófok Great Beach, the Zamárdi Free Beach, the Balatonboglár Spherical Lookout Tower and the Balatonederics Africa Museum.
The Danube River
The Danube is the largest and most important river in Hungary, which crosses the country from north to south. There are many historical, cultural and natural values along the Danube. The Danube Bend stretches in the northern part of the Danube, between the Visegrád Mountains, the Börzsöny Mountains and the Pilis Mountains. Here is the Visegrád Castle, the Esztergom Basilica, the Szentendre Island, the Zebegény Lookout Tower and the Dobogókő Forester’s House. Budapest is located in the middle section of the Danube, which is the capital and largest city of Hungary. Here is the Parliament, the Buda Castle, the Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Heroes’ Square, the Széchenyi Bath, the Margaret Island and the Gellért Hill. The Danube-Dráva National Park stretches in the southern part of the Danube, between the Gemenc Forest, the Béda-Karapancsa Landscape Protection Area and the Mohács Island. Here is the Gemenc Forest Railway, the Mohács Busójárás (Busó Walking), the Siklós Castle, the Pécs Basilica and the Villány Wine Region.
The Great Plain
The Great Plain is one of the most fascinating regions of Hungary, rich in historical and natural sights. Hortobágy National Park: The largest puszta area in Europe. The Puszta is a steppe-like, treeless, grassy area bordered by the Tisza and Körös rivers. The Puszta is the cradle of Hungarian folk culture, pastoral life, horse-riding traditions and folk art. Here is the Bugac Puszta Temple, the Kecskemét Arboretum, the Hortobágy Nine-Hole Bridge, the Debrecen Great Forest, the Nyíregyháza Zoo and the Szeged Cathedral.Szegedi Dóm: The neo-Gothic cathedral is located in a central location in Szeged, Ópusztaszeri National Historical Memorial Park: Here is the famous Feszty Panorama, which depicts the age of the Hungarian Conquest, Kiskunság National Park: Home to protected plant and animal species, the Tisza-tó (Tisza Lake) and the Kiskunság Arboretum can also be found here.
Pécs
The most important city in the Southern Transdanubia region is Pécs, which is worth exploring not only for sightseeing but also for excursions. The city is rich in historical and cultural monuments and its Mediterranean atmosphere attracts visitors.
Gázi Kászim Pasha Mosque: The Pécs Mosque, officially the Church of Our Lady of Candlemas, is Hungary’s best-known example of Turkish architecture. It’s Europe’s northernmost intact mosque and functions as a Roman Catholic church today. Turkish decorations and Koranic inscriptions are still visible on the walls.
Pécsi székesegyház (Pécs Cathedral): The cathedral of the Diocese of Pécs, founded in the 11th century. Known for its impressive organ with 6101 pipes, which after extensive renovation in 2008 became world-renowned as the largest mechanical slider action church organ.
Zsolnay Museum and Mausoleum: A museum showcasing the iconic porcelain products of the Zsolnay factory, including an array of unique ceramics and sculptures.
Around Pécs:
Abaliget: Renowned for its stunning cave bath and scenic viewpoints, ideal for hiking and nature enthusiasts.
Orfű: A scenic lakeside town, perfect for water sports and outdoor relaxation.
Harkány and Villány Wine Region: Harkány with its famous thermal spa and the vineyards of Villány, are must-visits for those who appreciate both wellness and great wine.
Western Hungary: Treasures Await
Sopron: An enchanting town with stunning attractions:
Tűztorony (Firewatch Tower): The city’s medieval symbol offering breathtaking views from the top.
Fő tér (Main Square): A charming central square filled with cafes, restaurants, and colorful buildings, including St. Michael’s Church.
Lőverek: An inviting city park perfect for walks, picnics, and enjoying the scenery.
Fertő Lake: Near Sopron, this UNESCO World Heritage Site invites leisurely walks, cycling, and birdwatching.
Kőszeg: This historic town boasts gems like:
Jurisics-vár (Jurisics Castle): Standing strong as a testament to medieval defense against Turkish forces.
Hétforrás (Seven Springs): Each spring bears the name of one of the seven Hungarian chieftains. These provide excellent hiking opportunities and pure drinking water.
Esterházy-kastély (Esterházy Palace), Fertőd: Hungary’s grandest Baroque palace, once home to famed composer Joseph Haydn. Guided tours unveil its grandeur.