Hungary's Unobvious Attractions: 5 hidden treasures
April 11, 2025
Hungary is a country that hides many fascinating places, often overlooked by tourists focused on visiting Budapest. If you're planning a romantic trip or just want to discover a lesser-known face of the country, we have a suggestion of 5 non-obvious attractions that are sure to make your trip unforgettable. From mysterious caves to picturesque national parks and charming palaces, these places will amaze you with their beauty and unique atmosphere. Get ready for an adventure-filled trip that will allow you to discover the true treasures of Hungary!
Ad
Underground wonders and natural beauty
Our Hungarian adventure begins with the fascinating world of the underworld. The first point on the map is the Baradla Cave in Aggtelek, also known as the Aggtelek Cave. It is a true wonder of nature that delights with its rock formations and mysterious atmosphere. The cave is located in Aggtelek, in the northeastern part of Hungary, near the border with Slovakia. To get there, it is best to use a car or an organized tour from nearby cities such as Miskolc or Kosice (on the Slovak side).
The entrance to the cave is located at: Aggtelek, 3759 Hungary. Tours are only possible with a guide, and tours start at full hours. It is worth remembering that the temperature inside the cave is about 10°C, so be sure to bring warm clothing. The tour is about 1 km long and lasts about an hour. Ticket prices range from 2,800 to 3,500 HUF for adults (as of 2023), but exact information on prices and opening hours can be found on the official website http://www.anp.hu/.
Baradla Cave is part of a larger complex of caves that together form the Hungarian Karst National Park. This unique area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers not only fascinating underground passages, but also picturesque landscapes on the surface. The park is located in northern Hungary and is an ideal destination for nature and outdoor enthusiasts.
In the Hungarian Karst National Park you will find numerous hiking trails that lead through beautiful forests, meadows and hills. This is the perfect place for romantic walks and picnics. For more active couples, there are biking trails and Nordic walking opportunities. There is also a campground in the park, which can be a great base for exploring the area.
It's worth noting that the park is available year-round, but some attractions, such as cave tours, may have limited availability during the winter. It's always a good idea to check up-to-date information on the park's official website before planning a visit.
After exploring the park and caves, you can relax in one of the picturesque villages in the area, such as Jósvafő or Szinpetri. There you'll find charming guesthouses and restaurants serving traditional Hungarian food, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Picturesque landscapes and royal residences
Continuing our journey through Hungary's not-so-obvious attractions, we move to the area of Lake Balaton, Central Europe's largest lake. Here, another natural treasure awaits us - Balaton-felvidéki Nemzeti Park, or Balaton Foothills National Park. It's a place that impresses with its diverse landscapes and abundance of nature.
The park stretches along the northern shore of Lake Balaton and is located in Csopak, at Kossuth u. 6, 8229 Hungary. To reach the park, it is most convenient to use a car, although buses from the larger towns on Lake Balaton also run during the summer season. The park is open year-round, but offers the most activities from spring to autumn.
There are many attractions waiting for you in the Balaton Foothills National Park. You can take a romantic walk among the vineyards, visit charming villages such as Tihany famous for its lavender fields, or climb extinct volcanoes that offer spectacular views of Lake Balaton. The park also offers numerous biking routes that will allow you to discover the charming corners of the region.
One of the highlights of the park is the opportunity to observe rare bird species in the Kis-Balaton Nature Reserve. This is an ideal place for couples who are interested in ornithology or simply enjoy observing nature. It's worth taking binoculars and a camera with you to capture these unforgettable moments.
After a day in nature, it's time for a bit of luxury and history. Our next destination is the Royal Palace of Gödöllő, located at Gödöllő, Grassalkovich-kastély 5852, 2100 Hungary. This is one of the largest Baroque palaces in Hungary and was a favorite vacation spot of Empress Elisabeth, known as Sisi.
The palace is open to the public all year round. Opening hours are usually 10:00am-5:00pm (last entry at 4:00pm), but check the official website http://www.kiralyikastely.hu/ for up-to-date information. Ticket prices range from HUF 2,600 to 3,200 for adults (as of 2023), depending on the tour chosen.
Wandering through the chambers of the palace, you can feel the atmosphere of old times and imagine the life of the royal family. Especially romantic are the palace gardens, ideal for a stroll for two. On summer weekends, the palace hosts concerts and other cultural events, which can be a great addition to your visit.
There are several cozy restaurants and cafes around the palace, where you can end the day with a romantic dinner. If you plan to stay overnight, there are many cozy guesthouses and hotels in Gödöllő that will allow you to extend this special time.
Natural wonders and relaxation in hot springs
To conclude our tour of Hungary's non-obvious attractions, we suggest you visit a place that combines natural beauty with the possibility of relaxation - Sódomb in Egerszalók. This remarkable place, also known as the 'Hungarian Pamukkale,' is located in northeastern Hungary, not far from the city of Eger.
Sódomb, or Salt Hill, is a unique geological formation formed by hot springs rich in minerals. Water flowing out of the depths of the earth forms white limestone terraces on the hillside that look like frozen waterfalls. This remarkable phenomenon can be admired at the address: Egerszalók, 3394 Hungary.
To reach Sódomb, it is best to use a car. From Budapest, the trip takes about 2 hours. You can also take the train to Eger, and from there take a bus or cab to Egerszalók (about 10 km). The site is accessible all year round, but looks best on sunny days, when the white terraces contrast with the blue sky.
The best view of the limestone formations is from the vantage point to which a walking path leads (about 1 km one way). Admission to the area around Sódomb is free, but parking is charged (about HUF 1,200 per day, as of 2023). It's worth setting aside at least 2-3 hours to explore and take photos.
After walking around and admiring this natural wonder, you can relax at the thermal pool complex, which is located at the foot of the hill. Bathing in the hot springs is the perfect way to end a romantic day. The thermal water has healing properties and is especially recommended for musculoskeletal and skin problems.
In the area around Egerszalók you will also find many other attractions. Nearby is the town of Eger, famous for its wine production and historic fortress. You can combine a visit to Sódomb with a tasting of local wines in the Valley of the Beautiful Lady (Szépasszony-völgy) or a tour of Eger's Baroque center.
If you're planning to stay in the area, you'll find plenty of accommodation options in Egerszalók and nearby Eger - from cozy guesthouses to luxurious spa hotels. This is the perfect place for a romantic weekend for two, combining elements of relaxation, nature and culture.
A journey through these non-obvious attractions of Hungary will allow you to discover the lesser-known, but extremely charming face of the country. From mysterious caves to picturesque national parks, royal palaces to unusual geological formations, each of these places offers unique experiences and the opportunity to create unforgettable memories. Remember to check the official websites of the attractions for up-to-date information on opening hours and ticket prices before you go. We wish you a wonderful, romantic journey through Hungary's hidden treasures!
Similar articles
Ad