Hungary — Top 10 Attractions

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Tourisfair English

6 min readApr 14, 2022

The enchanting Hungary is special, especially because of its diversity of sights. The wild nature is characterized by gigantic lakes, forest and grass landscapes. Attractions like castle ruins, waterfalls or a stalactite cave invite you to discover. We have compiled a selection of interesting places and give you an overview of the best sights in Hungary.

Lake Balaton

The first thought that comes to mind when hearing Hungary, is probably Lake Balaton, because it is a popular summer vacation destination for national and international guests. No wonder, Lake Balaton is the largest inland lake in Europe and its 179 km long shores are lined with beaches, hotel resorts, and clubs. At the Hungarian Sea, as the lake is also called, festivals are also held regularly on the beach. However, enough mosquito repellent should always be packed, because the area is notorious for the flying tormentors.

Visegrád

As one of the largest rivers in Europe, the Danube naturally shapes the Hungarian landscape and nature. Particularly impressive for photo motifs is the Danube bend, above which the secret viewing terrace of the Hubertus Hut rises near Visegrad. The trip to this Instagram hotspot can be easily combined with a hike through the Visegrad mountains. At Prédikálószék (or Preacher’s Chair), a lookout tower awaits, offering a fantastic view of the entire region. At some point, you will have to climb ravines over narrow stairs, so a little hiking experience goes a long way.

Sódomb

This special natural spectacle must not be missed by travelers to Hungary, because at Sódomb (Salt Hill) nature has done a fine job. Not far from the famous wine town of Eger — about five kilometers to the west — there are wide sinter terraces with thermal water in Egerszalók. Thus Egerszalók with its steaming healing water is the most famous thermal spa of the region, and is well known as a place of healing. At the top of the terraces, the thermal water shoots out of the ground like a geyser. Travelers can enjoy many different spas here.

Nationalpark Bükk

To experience the real, genuine Hungary, travelers must experience its nature. The name of the Bükk National Park is derived from the Hungarian word for beech, so it is clear what awaits travelers here. This is namely the largest contiguous forest area in Hungary. The approximately 100,000-hectare area in northern Hungary offers an extensive flora and fauna. Especially the variety of butterflies is famous. In addition, the largest waterfall in Hungary is located in the area. The nature can be explored via numerous hiking and biking trails.

Hollókő

Travelers get a complete package of history and culture here. Just under 100 kilometers north of Budapest is the village of Hollókő, where time seems to have stood still. The small settlement of 400 inhabitants has remained unchanged since the 20th century, which is why it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been attracting vast numbers of tourists for years. So if you want quaint houses, village streets, traditional costumes and traditional dances, you will not be disappointed here. The village is watched over by the mighty ruins of an old castle, probably built for protection against the Tatars.

Puszta

Nothing is more Hungarian than the Puszta. Endless expanses, wild horses and fearless horsemen. The grassy steppe that originally covered the largest area of the Hungarian Great Plain is now best explored in Hortobágy National Park, which covers 82,000 hectares. Scenically, there is little to distract the eye from the flat, grassy expanse, and that is exactly what makes up the typical puszta landscape. Sometimes tourists can still find the gallows wells originally used for watering cattle, which have become a symbol of the Puszta. As well as the horse shows, where the riders stand on the backs of their horses.

Tata

The picturesque small town of Tata is surrounded by a naturally beautiful environment and blessed with streams, canals and lakes. The water town is also rich in monuments, museums and parks. Öregvár is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Öreg. An old castle from the 14th century! If you take a walk to the smaller Derito Lake towards the southeast, you can see cute wooden fishermen’s huts on a small island. A really great photo when they are reflected in the blue water.

Budapest

The capital of Hungary alone has so much to offer that travelers could spend several weeks here without getting bored. If you walk along the banks of the Danube, you will inevitably come to the imposing Parliament building, which is visible from afar. Above everything towers the Fishermen’s Bastion, which provides beautiful photo motifs, especially in the evening light. If you like it mystical, explore the labyrinth system under the castle hill. And our tip for the subsequent refreshment: typical Hungarian goulash. Afterwards, you can relax in a coffee house.

Baradla

Hungary also has a lot to offer underground. The Baradla stalactite cave in Aggtelek National Park is definitely worth a visit. The cave system, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, is also home to the highest stalagmite in the world. There are a total of 200 stalactite caves in the system, of which the Badla Cave is the longest at 25 kilometers. If you want to learn more about the region and the caves, you should take a little more time. The Baradla nature trail, which takes just under three hours, connects Aggtelek and Jósvafô and is definitely worth the time spent.

Szeged

Szeged is the third largest city in Hungary and, as a cultural and student city, is most famous for its lifestyle. Here travelers can take a walk in the pretty city center and lose themselves in the past among the magnificent palaces. Particular visual highlights include the cathedral and the new synagogue. Numerous restaurants and cafés in the courtyards of these same palaces invite you to linger and relax. However, with all the local delicacies should also leave room for the typical goulash Szegediner style.