Hungary is a country whose name resounds with history. The capital city of Budapest is known for its fabulous architecture and hot springs, and is also called the Heart of Europe. Whether you are visiting the country for the historical monuments, the beautiful countryside, outdoor activities, or cultural delights, Hungary has plenty to offer. In this article we’ll introduce five of the best locations to visit in Hungary.
Remember there’s no better way to get to know a country than with the help of a local private guide. GoWithGuide has several experienced guides ready to show you the best of their homeland. Now let’s hit the road!
Budapest
The nation’s capital is an obvious priority. Here you will find breathtaking structures such as the massive Buda Castle, the elegant Matthias Church, the impressive Parliament Buildings, and the fantastic Fisherman’s Bastion. You can explore these sights on foot, or you can enjoy them from a distance with a relaxing river cruise down the Danube. The scenery is especially beautiful in the evening when the buildings are illuminated.
Another nickname for Budapest is the ‘Hot Spring Capital of the World’. The city has many natural hot springs, with both large-scale hot spring spas and smaller ones dedicated to personal beauty care. Furthermore, Budapest is known for its festivals, and if shopping is your fancy, there are some famous streets and market halls for that too.
The city is also home to an assortment of hole-in-the-wall bars and restaurants tucked among the medieval streets. Historic buildings, vintage shops, and museums such as the Palace of the Arts, the Museum of Terror, and even a pinball machine museum! Whatever your interest, Budapest is sure to have something for you.
Tihany on Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton is Europe’s largest freshwater lake. It is surrounded by historic towns and vineyards, with ferries providing service across the expansive waters. The village of Tihany is said to be one of the top destinations in Hungary outside of Budapest. It is located on a small peninsula, and one of the main attractions is the 17th century Benedictine Abbey. Within this abbey the earliest records of the Hungarian language are preserved, and the entire peninsula is a popular tourist destination year round.
The southwest section of the peninsula is a nature reserve where no vehicular traffic is permitted. There is a well-marked network of trails, so you can enjoy a peaceful stroll amidst the trees near the lakeshore, and if you visit in June you can enjoy the scent of lavender in the air.
For the ambitious, there is a cycle path circumnavigating the 197 kilometer shoreline of the lake. In addition to the many resort towns, there are also beautiful forests, particularly at the Balaton Uplands National Park.
Sopron
The city of Sopron is located just eight kilometers from the Austrian border. It is best known for its collection of historic buildings. The city suffered extensive damage during WWII, however many of the medieval and baroque buildings survived the devastation. Sopron currently has 240 protected buildings and 115 are officially listed as monuments. The Old Town, where most of the protected buildings are, is surrounded by a medieval wall that was built upon Roman ruins.
Sopron is located not far from the foothills of the Alps where great hiking awaits. It is also one of Hungary’s major wine producing regions. As a bonus for those with a love for chocolate, the Harrer Chocolate Factory is located in the town, and yes, tasting tours are available.
Hortobagy National Park
The eastern part of Hungary is where you’ll find Europe’s largest semi-natural grasslands as well as Hortobagy National Park. The park was established in 1973 to preserve the unique flora and fauna of the steppe. Here you may see herds of horses, cattle, oxen, and even water buffalo out grazing, and bird watchers can look for some of the 342 species of birds. An informative visitor center provides an up close look at some of the fauna, and there are hiking and biking trails for exploring the area.
Other attractions include the 9-arch bridge, the Herdsman Museum, and the National Herdsmen Competition which offers a glimpse into the traditional lives of Hungary's grassland cowboys.
The grasslands are a place to see beautiful sunsets, and at night the sky becomes a glittering spectacle that is great for stargazing as the plains are far from city lights.
Baradla Cave and Aggtelek National Park
Bordering Slovakia is the Aggtelek Karst Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearly 200 square kilometers (over 77 square miles) of the region is protected within the Aggtelek National Park. There are some 280 caves within the park, the most impressive being the Baradla Cave. This is the largest stalactite cave in Europe, stretching 25.5 kilometers (15.84 miles), with 8 kilometers being in Slovakia. The cave is famous for its incredible stalactites and stalagmites, as well as many other limestone cave formations. Another popular cave is the Peace Cave, which can be visited for its alleged therapeutic properties.
Above ground, the park protects several species of wild animals such as the gray wolf, Eurasian lynx, red deer, and wild boar. Many birds can be observed in the park, including the eastern imperial eagle, saker falcon, and kingfisher. Cultural monuments including monasteries, churches, forts, and museums are also located within the park boundaries.
Conclusion
Hungary is a country boasting varied beautiful landscapes. It is culturally and historically rich, with many spectacular monuments representing different periods in the country's multifarious past. Each region offers different travel delights; whether you are a history buff, a food and wine connoisseur, or a nature and outdoor enthusiast, Hungary has so much to see and do.
Hiring a private guide for your personalized tours is a great way to become intimately acquainted with the country. A private guide can bridge the gap to a better understanding of the local culture and history. GoWithGuide has friendly guides ready to give you an exclusive tour. Get in touch with one as you plan a fulfilling trip!
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