Places to Visit in Hungary Outside Budapest

Hungary is a stunning country in Eastern Europe, home to stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and incredible natural beauty. From its bustling capital Budapest to the lesser-known gems outside the city, Hungary has plenty to offer the intrepid traveler. This guide will highlight some of the best places to visit in Hungary outside of Budapest, from historical cities and quaint villages to stunning national parks and thermal baths.

Introduction to Hungary

Hungary has a long and rich history, dating back to the 9th century when it was founded by the Hungarian tribes. The country has endured turbulent times throughout its history, most recently during the communist era of the 20th century. Despite this, Hungary is now a thriving democracy with a vibrant economy and culture.

Hungary is a small country of around 10 million people, with the majority living in the capital city of Budapest. Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, boasting stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful natural scenery. However, Hungary has much more to offer than just Budapest; its other cities, towns, and villages are all full of rich culture, stunning views, and interesting activities.

Gyor

Gyor is a city in northwestern Hungary, located around 100 kilometers from Budapest. The city is known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, with many medieval and Renaissance buildings still standing today. One of the most popular attractions in Gyor is the Baroque Town Hall, which dates back to the 18th century. Gyor also boasts plenty of cultural attractions such as museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as many parks, gardens, and walking trails.

Gyor is an ideal destination for nature lovers; the city is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and winding rivers. The nearby Raba-Gyor wetlands are particularly popular with birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Gyor is also home to several thermal baths, including the AquaCity thermal spa complex which features a variety of pools and saunas.

Book an example tour: Gyor Sightseeing Tour

This 3-hour sightseeing tour of Gyor takes you to some of the city’s best attractions. You’ll visit the Town Hall Square and explore the narrow streets of the Old Town. You’ll also get to explore the city’s famous Baroque buildings, churches, and museums. The tour also takes you to Gyor Castle, where you’ll learn about its fascinating history and admire the stunning views from its rooftop terrace. Afterward, you’ll get to enjoy a traditional Hungarian lunch in one of Gyor’s quaint restaurants. Book a Sightseeing Tour of Gyor here.

Eger

Eger is a city located in northern Hungary, just over 100 kilometers from Budapest. It is known for its spectacular Baroque architecture, as well as its vibrant culture and vibrant nightlife. Eger is also home to several important historical sites, including the Eger Castle which was built in the 13th century. The castle is now home to several museums and galleries which are open to visitors.

Eger is also known for its thermal baths; there are several spa complexes located around the city which feature pools filled with natural thermal water. The most famous is the Szechenyi Spa, which features several outdoor pools as well as indoor saunas and steam rooms. The spa complex also offers massages and other treatments.

Book an example tour: Eger Castle Tour

This 3-hour guided tour takes you to one of Eger’s most famous attractions: the Eger Castle. You’ll explore the castle’s impressive fortress walls and fortified towers, as well as its fascinating museum dedicated to Hungarian history. You’ll also get to explore the castle’s numerous galleries and courtyards, learning about its rich history along the way. Finally, you’ll get to enjoy stunning views of Eger from the castle’s rooftop terrace. Book a Eger Castle Tour here.

Holloko

Holloko is a small village located in northern Hungary near the border with Slovakia. It is well-known for its unique architecture; most buildings here are made of stone and feature traditional wooden shutters and red-tiled roofs. The village has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its significance as a living example of traditional Hungarian folk architecture.

Holloko is home to several museums which showcase traditional Hungarian life and culture, as well as several craft workshops where visitors can learn about traditional handicrafts such as pottery, weaving, and woodcarving. The village is also home to several churches as well as beautiful forests and rolling hills which make for great hiking trails.

Book an example tour: Holloko Village Tour

This 4-hour guided tour takes you around Holloko village, exploring its unique architecture and traditional craft workshops. You’ll wander through cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses and learn about the village’s rich history from your knowledgeable guide. You’ll also get to explore some of Holloko’s many museums and churches, as well as its stunning forests and hillsides. The tour ends with a delicious Hungarian lunch at a local restaurant. Book a Holloko Village Tour here.

Balaton National Park

Balaton National Park is located on Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. The park is home to stunning scenery including lush forests, rolling hills, sandy beaches, wetlands, and crystal-clear lakes. It is a popular destination for nature lovers due to its diverse wildlife; it is home to over 200 species of birds alone as well as deer, wild boar, foxes, badgers, otters, bats, snakes, lizards and more.

The park is also home to several historical sites such as castles and ruins from Roman times. Visitors can also enjoy boat tours around Lake Balaton or take part in various water sports such as sailing and kayaking. There are plenty of trails for hiking, biking or horse riding through the park’s peaceful forests, as well as plenty of beaches for swimming in summer months.

Book an example tour: Balaton National Park Hiking Tour

This 4-hour guided tour takes you around Balaton National Park on foot, exploring its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. You’ll wander through tranquil forests and admire spectacular views of Lake Balaton from elevated viewpoints along the way. Your knowledgeable guide will teach you about the park’s history and explain how it is working towards conservation efforts in order to protect its fragile ecosystem. You’ll also get to explore some of Balaton National Park’s historical sites such as castles and ruins from Roman times before ending your hike with a delicious local lunch at a nearby restaurant. Book a Balaton National Park Hiking Tour here.

Conclusion

Hungary is home to many fascinating places outside of Budapest which are well worth exploring for any traveler looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. From historic cities like Gyor and Eger to quaint villages like Holloko and stunning national parks like Balaton National Park, there’s something for everyone looking for an interesting adventure in Hungary outside of Budapest.