Weekend & Day Trips from Budapest

The fascinating Aggtelek National Park is located just less than three hours from Budapest and was the first Hungarian national park established to protect a stunning natural asset, the Baradla Cave. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the seemingly-normal landscape of the park hides no fewer than 1200 caves. Besides joining a guided tour of the amazing Baradla Cave system, you can also join an extreme caving expedition in some of the other caves. Other activities in the national park include equestrian adventures and walking, hiking or biking an impressive network of scenic trails. Guided nature walks are also offered at the Aggtelek National Park and the Baradla Cave.

Debrecen is a bustling city located just less than three hours from Budapest. If you enjoy viewing historic architecture you can visit the Main Building of the University of Debrecen, the Debrecen Reformed Church (1538) and the historic Old Town area which is home to Piac Street and Kossuth Square. >[?If you are traveling with the family you can all have some educational fun at the Agora Scientific Adventure Center, the Debrecen Zoo and Amusement Park and the Water Tower Adventure Center. Sample some delicious Hungarian food and learn about the history of Hungarian cuisine on a Debrecen on Food Tour.

Debrecen, Hungary

Located in the city of Miskolc in north-eastern Hungary, about two hours from Budapest, the Castle of Diosgyor is an impressive medieval fortress which is thought to have been built as far back as the 12th century. To learn all about the history, myths and legends of the castle you can join a guided tour. The guides are all in period dress to add authenticity to your visit and you can choose an English tour. A large part of the castle has been renovated and offers an authentic look into the lives of the former inhabitants. To add a little extra interest one of the towers has been left un-restored.

Diosgyor Castle, Miskolc, Varu u.24, 3534 Hungary, Phone: +36-46-53-33-55

Located just two hours by train from Budapest, the charming town of Eger is an ideal destination for a day trip. The town’s main claim to fame is that 2000 of its residents withstood the advances of a determined army of 60,000 Turks in 1552. (However, the Turks later returned in 1599 and controlled the city for nearly a century). Highlights of your visit should include a visit to the castle (here you will find museums, dungeons and more), a stroll through the attractive Baroque old town and perhaps a visit to the lively indoor market for an authentic taste of local delicacies.

Eger, Hungary

The historic city of Esztergom was formerly the capital of Hungary and is still the headquarters of the country’s Catholic Church. Established in 972AD, Esztergom is one of the oldest cities in Hungary, boasting many historic sites to excite all history and architecture enthusiasts. Various day-tours from Budapest include Esztergom in their itinerary but if you would like more time to explore the city you can travel there directly by train or hydrofoil. The main historic highlights of the city are the Esztergom Basilica (third largest church in Europe), the Royal Palace and Vizivaros (aka Watertown) which is scenically located on the banks of the Danube and is home to several Baroque churches and various ruins.

Esztergom, Hungary

The town of Fertod is home to another of Budapest’s seriously impressive castles which you should not miss seeing. Esterhazy Castle is located on the shores of Lake Ferto, close to the Austrian border and is sometimes referred to as the “Hungarian Versailles” for its impressive style and beauty. Interestingly, part of the castle (in fact, the servant’s quarters) was once the home of the famous composer Joseph Haydn (1766-1790) and operas were staged there several times a year until the main opera theater burnt down. A guided tour is the best way to see the castle and you can request an English fact sheet to help you appreciate all the features.

Fertod, Esterhazy Castle, Joseph Haydn Utca 2, Fertod, 9431, Hungary

The Royal Palace of Godollo (Godollo Palace) was completed in the 1760’s and is Hungary’s largest baroque manor house. For many years after WWII the lovely old building, which is rumored to have been the favorite residence of the Hungarian Queen Elizabeth, was abandoned and left to decay. Luckily, renovations commenced in the mid 1980’s and today you can visit and tour 32 restored rooms spread over two floors. Highlights include the Ornamental Hall, the Queen’s Reception Room and the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Exhibit, which documents the queen’s assassination. Other interesting exhibits include the Chapel, the Baroque Theater and the WWII Horthy’s Bunker. The extensive grounds are open to the public daily.

Godollo Palace, Grassalkovich-kastely 5852, 2100 Hungary, Phone: +36-28-41-01-24

Gyor is certainly well off the regular tourist radar and even within Hungary the town is not very well known. This is all the more reason to put it on your day trip list and learn about it for your-self. Gyor is located just over an hour from Budapest and on arrival you will find a charming small town which boasts a generous helping of interesting baroque architecture and historic monuments. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the attractive Old City’s cobbled streets and squares before setting off to immerse yourself in the winding lanes of the Episcopal District of Kaptalan Hill. In every nook and cranny of the city you will find interesting churches, synagogues, museums and other attractions. Round off your day by visiting the Exhibiting Center at the Audi factory.

Gyor, Hungary

Located just 100km from Budapest, the little village of Holloko is a perfectly preserved UNESCO World Heritage example of what a rural Hungarian village looked like before the 20th century. The village was originally settled back in the 17th and 18th centuries and, unlike many living museums, this village is still inhabited and thriving. As you take a walk around the Old Village you can admire 58 traditional houses and perhaps visit the Doll Museum and the Village Museum. Do take the time to stop in at one of the traditional restaurants to taste delicious regional specialties and admire their interesting interiors. You can also visit the 13th century Castle of Holloko which is located just outside the village.

Holloko, Hungary

When you need a brief break from the almost-overwhelming history and culture which abounds in and around Budapest you can head to the Hortobagy National Park for some outdoor recreation. Do not expect this national park to be a place for hiking and biking – it is more of a heritage site which protects and showcases authentic Hungarian pastoral and rural traditions. A highlight of your visit will be watching the Puszta (Hungarian cowboys) entertain visitors with a wonderful show of equestrian skills. You will also be able to take a Jeep excursion to see unusual wildlife like the unique Raka sheep, which have huge V-shaped horns. Bird-watching is also very rewarding in the park.

Hortobagy National Park, Debrecen, Sumen u.2, 4024 Hungary, Phone: +36-52-52-99-20, Map