I moved to Hungary and soon after, the pandemic happened. My dreams about finally traveling around Europe visa free were crushed with the lockdown. I could either mope about this or take this opportunity to see the country I was stuck in. A simple google search will tell you 101 things to do in Budapest. Trust me, Iβve done it a thousand times over. But when I started looking for options outside of the capital, I had to rely mostly on recommendations from my local friends. Thank you guys! I will now try to pass that information on.
Hereβs a list of my favourite places in Hungary, off the beaten path:
1. Lake Balaton
No surprise here, the first one had to be Balaton. Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe and a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Balaton holds a special place in my heart, the perfect weekend getaway from Budapest during the pandemic. An hour away from the capital, it is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills, vineyards, and charming towns.
WHERE TO STAY
The lake itself stretches for 80km and you can choose your base depending on what interests you. My personal favourite and the one I always stayed at is
BalatonfΓΌred, located on the northern shore. (Not like I had a choice, my friendβs house is there and I will always opt for free accommodation).
Another popular area is Tihany. Located on the Northern shore, itβs popular for its lavender fields. The area has Hungaryβs first large industrial lavender plantation. End of June, when the lavender bushes begin to bloom, is the best time to visit.
Siofok is the place to be if you want to party. Balaton Sound, one of Europeβs largest open air music festivals, also takes place near Siofok every summer.
THINGS TO DO
Regardless of where you choose to stay, there are many activities you can do in the area and visiting another town around the lake is very accessible.
Swimming: Balaton is known for its clear, shallow waters, which are perfect for swimming. There are several beaches and swimming areas around the lake, including the popular PlΓ‘zs Beach in SiΓ³fok and the picturesque Tihany Peninsula.
Watersports: Visitors can enjoy a range of watersports on the lake, including windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking. There are several rental shops and schools around the lake that offer equipment and lessons β I would just free ride with a friend who has a sailboat, best summer activity ever!
Cycling: Balaton has a network of cycling paths that wind through the beautiful countryside. Visitors can rent bicycles and explore the area on two wheels, passing through charming towns and vineyards.
Wine tasting: The Balaton region is known for its wine production, and visitors can enjoy wine tastings at several wineries around the lake. The town of Badacsony is famous for its white wines, while the town of BalatonfΓΌred is known for its red wines.
Thermal spa: The town of Heviz is located near the lake and is known for its thermal spa. The Heviz Thermal Lake is the largest thermal lake in Europe and is said to have healing properties. It didnβt help in healing my anxiety but you can give it a go.
WHEN TO VISIT
The peak season for visiting Balaton is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the lake is a beautiful destination year-round, and the shoulder seasons, from May to June and September to October, offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
Protip: Find friends who ownboats
2. Aggtelek National Park
Aggtelek National Park is one of Hungaryβs most fascinating natural reserves, located in the countryβs northeast, near the Slovakian border. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers an area of about 20,000 hectares. The parkβs landscape includes canyons, sinkholes, and caves more than 700 caves have been discovered in the park so far.
My goal in any national park I go to is to find the remotest possible location with no other human beings and thatβs what made Aggtelek so memorable for me. We found a beautiful hike starting from the town, JΓ³svafΕ, the last town on the Hungarian side before you cross over to Slovakia. The hike follows along the stream up to a meadow. Now, I never expect to be overwhelmed by nature in Hungary but these unspoiled, wildlife meadows really took my breath away. The floor covered with flowers and butterflies was still not the best part, it was the 100 horses galloping down the hillside.
WHERE TO STAY
The town of Aggtelek and nearby villages offer a range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and campsites. The park also has several restaurants and cafes that serve traditional Hungarian cuisine and local specialties.
THINGS TO DO
The Aggtelek National Park is a haven for cave explorers, and visitors can take guided tours of some of the parkβs most spectacular caves, including the Baradla Cave, which is the longest cave system in Hungary. The cave system stretches for more than 25 kilometers, with the first few kilometers open to the public.
The park also offers a range of other activities, including cycling, horseback riding, and fishing in the rivers that run through the park.
WHEN TO VISIT
Best time is March to September though the caves and trails are open year long.
Protip: Try local specialties like the βturo rudi,β a delicious Hungarian dessert made with quark cheese and chocolate.
3. Szentendre
Between Esztergom and Szentendre the river Danube makes a sharp turn south before flowing through Budapest. This area, located between Budapest and Esztergom, is called the Danube Bend, one of Hungaryβs most important touristic regions, full of cultural and historical monuments. The area is perfect for a one-day excursion in Hungary. It has a number of charming settlements, my favourite one being Szentendre.
Szentendre is known for its beautiful architecture, rich cultural history, and vibrant arts scene. Itβs where the artists of the city would escape the city life, and I can see why. Cobbled streets, small cafes, a beach by the river, it is a quiet dainty picturesque town. Szentendre is easily explored by food. The streets are lined with colourful buildings, churches and galleries. It is also known for artisanal crafts, including ceramics, jewelry, and textiles for any shopaholics out there.
Protip: You can take a ferry from Budapest along the Danube to Szentendre, the ferry runs twice daily and is covered by the Budapest transport pass.
4. HollΓ³kΓΆ
HollΓ³kΓΆ is definitely one of the most unique villages Iβve been to in Europe. Only an hour away from Budapest, HollΓ³ko has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its exceptional cultural value. Itβs a preserved medieval settlement that lets you time travel to what life was like in Hungary before the agricultural revolution of the 20th century.
THINGS TO DO
On a day trip to HollΓ³kΓΆ from Budapest, you can also explore the surrounding countryside, with many historic castles, churches, and thermal baths. The nearby Bukk Mountains offer hiking and skiing opportunities, and the nearby city of Eger is home to several historic sites, including a castle and a 16th-century Turkish bath.
WHEN TO VISIT
HollΓ³kΓΆ can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and festivals take place. The Easter Festival is a popular event that takes place in the spring, while the Harvest Festival takes place in the fall. Both festivals are a great opportunity to see local folk culture, there are dance performances prepared, music in the streets and food stalls to try the local cuisine of the PalΓ³c people. Not to mention, they give out free wine to everyone visiting.
5. BΓΌkk National Park
Bukk National Park is one of the most beautiful natural destinations in Hungary. Located in the northern part of the country, Bukk National Park offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region. From towering peaks to lush forests, Bukk National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers.
Getting to Bukk National Park
The nearest major city to Bukk National Park is Miskolc, which is about 30 kilometers away. From Miskolc, you can take a bus or drive to the park. If you are traveling from Budapest, the journey will take about 2.5 hours by car or bus.
WHERE TO STAY
The most popular places to stay are in the nearby towns of Eger and Miskolc.
THINGS TO DO
Hiking: The park is famous for its hiking trails, which offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The most popular hiking trail is the Blue Trail, which takes you through some of the most stunning areas of the park.
Caving: Bukk National Park is also home to some of the most spectacular caves in Hungary, such as the Istvanlak Cave, which is open to the public. There are many other caves in the park that can be explored with a guide.
Wildlife watching:Bukk National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, and lynx. Bird watchers will also be delighted with the parkβs abundance of bird species.
Thermal baths: Bukk National Park is also famous for its thermal baths. The most popular one is the Egerszalok Thermal Spa, which offers visitors a chance to relax in the naturally warm and mineral-rich waters.
WHEN TO VISIT
Bukk National Park can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and the park is at its most beautiful. Summers can be hot and crowded, while winters can be cold and snowy.
I spent two years of the pandemic living in Hungary. If it wasnβt for the lockdown, I wouldnβt have given a chance to what the country has to offer outside of Budapest. As travel is so convenient in Europe, I would have taken the many very cheap flight options out to a different country. And this was my pandemic my silver lining.