10 Best Castles to Visit in and Outside of Budapest

Budapest, Hungary (explored) (14995308504)-by Thomas Depenbusch (Depi) –Wikimedia Commons

10 Best Castles to Visit in and Outside of Budapest

The earliest Hungarians arrived in Hungary around 896, beginning the country’s cultural history. Under the rule of King Stephen, it attained independence in 1000. The nation has seen several battles and the emergence and fall of powerful empires as a result of its historical heritage. There are over 2000 beautiful palaces and strongholds in total, with links to the nation’s Celt, Roman, Germanic, Hun, and Magyar heritages. Anyone contemplating a vacation to Hungary must see these magnificent monuments. These surviving castles weave fanciful and historical tales. Hungarians go above and above to value their heritage, adding to the experience. Theatrical depictions of significant occasions and people can be found here. These castles will captivate individuals of all ages and tastes. Here are the best Castles to visit in and outside of Budapest.

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1. Buda Castle

Buda Castle – Sept 2008-by Eastfarthingan-Wikimedia Commons

The Hungarian kings have lived in the Buda Castle complex, also known as the Royal Palace or the Royal Castle, for centuries, beginning with King Bela IV of Hungary in the 13th century. The castle looks out over Castle District from its perch atop Castle Hill. Although the huge Baroque mansion that now dominates most of the site was constructed between 1749 and 1769, it was initially finished in 1265. The castle was converted into an arts center in the International Gothic style by King Sigismund Buda, the Roman Emperor. The Danube river may be seen from the castle’s exteriors, which are now accessible to the general public. The Royal Palace’s courtyards and gardens are also accessible to visitors for strolling. The History Museum, the National Széchényi Library, and the Hungarian National Art Gallery are its other interesting attractions.

How far from Budapest: 5 min (1.5 km) via Hunyadi János út, 6 min (1.9 km) via Alagút, 7 min (1.8 km) via Bem rkp. and Hunyadi János út.

practical information

address: Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary

phone:+36 1 458 3000

website: Buda Castle

2. Eger Castle

Numerous historical fights have taken place at Eger Castle. It is well known that this barrier managed to repel the overwhelming Turkish force. For over a century, Eger Castle protected Christian Europe. It is well known for its defense of Eger during the Siege of Eger against the 40,000-strong Ottoman force. In order to deny the enemy cover, Baron István Dob burnt down the nearby village before defending the castle with just 2,300 troops and the local populace. The castle eventually fell into ruin as a result of the Mongol invasion, and it wasn’t restored until 1470. It holds exhibitions to celebrate the history of the castle and Baron István Dob’s strategic leadership during the Ottoman defense. The Muster of Arms exposition is among the most well-known of these displays.

How far from Budapest: 37 min (16.7 km) via Route 10, 38 min (17.6 km) via Szentendrei út, 38 min (18.7 km) via Slachta Margit rkp.

practical information

address: Eger, Vár 1, 3300 Hungary

hours:mon-sun; 9 am-9 pm

phone: +36 36 312 744

website: Castle of Eger

3. Vajdahunyad Castle

Vajdahunyad Castle Budapest September 2013-by Felix King-Wikimedia Commons

Vajdahunyad Castle is a castle in Budapest, Hungary’s City Park. It is a replica of Romania’s Hunyad Castle, sometimes called Corvin Castle, in Hunedoara. It was constructed in 1896 as a component of the Millennial Exhibition, which commemorated Hungary’s 1,000th anniversary of the Carpathian Basin Conquest in 895. In 1904, the Hungarians had its stone and mortar restored in honor of the memorial, resulting in the impressive castle seen today. Vajdahunyad Castle was built in four different architectural styles to commemorate the advancement of architecture under the rule of the Magyars. The Gothic wing of the castle is based on Corvin Castle in Romania, as well as a number of other historical structures. The Hungarian Agricultural Museum hosts its concerts, exhibitions, and other celebrations in this charming castle. 

How far from Budapest: 20 min (6.3 km) via Bem rkp., 22 min (6.4 km) via Bem rkp. and Dózsa György út, 24 min (6.3 km) via Andrássy út.

practical infomation

address:Budapest, Vajdahunyad stny., 1146 Hungary

hours:mon-sun; 10 am-5 pm

phone:+36 1 422 0765

website: Vajdahunyad Castle

4. Visegrad Castle

On the right bank of the Danube River is where Visegrad Castle is located. Strategically, this castle was built to guard the key trade route between Buda and Esztergom, defend the Danube Valley, and act as a customs office to regulate imports into the area. The “Visegrad Four” alliance between Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and the Czech Republic was formally ratified in Visegrad Castle, earning it a unique place in history. Up until the 16th-century Battle of Mohács, Visegrad Castle had a large political impact. Currently, the citadel is home to a beautiful landscape and at least six permanent installations. Whether someone is interested in the history of medieval weapons, regal hunting, or just the beauty of the Danube River, it is able to keep their interest.

How far from Budapest: 58 min (44.8 km) via Route 11, 1 hr 8 min (50.5 km) via Váci út and Route 11, 1 hr 11 min (48.6 km) via Route 10 and Route 11.

practical information

address: Visegrád, Várhegy, 2025 Hungary

hours: Mon-sun; 9 am-6 pm

phone:+36 26 598 000

website:Visegrád citadel

5. Sümeg Castle

Sümeg Castle entrance-by Coldcut-Wikimedia Commons

Sümeg Castle, built by King Béla IV of Hungary in the middle or late 13th century, is located 20 miles north of Lake Balaton atop the Castle Hill mountain. It has grown several times over the course of its existence. The castle’s asymmetrical design, which was constructed with a North-South orientation, follows the contours of the hill. Sümeg Castle has experienced sieges, just like any other border fortress. It underwent numerous renovations over time. It endured two fires and sat in ruins until it was recently restored in the 20th century. The Sümeg Castle Theatre narrates the fascinating tales of the castle’s past. Take a trip to the armor and carriage museum, which has collections of sabers, coaches, and torture tools. 

How far from Budapest: 2 hr 8 min (173.9 km) via M7 and Route 8, 2 hr 20 min (194.8 km) via M7, Route 8 and Route 84,2 hr 41 min (248.3 km) via M1.

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practical information

address:Sümeg, Vároldal u. 5, 8330 Hungary

hours:mon-sum; 9 am-4 pm

phone:+36 87 550 166

website: Sümeg Castle

6. Castle of Diósgyőr

The ancient village of Diósgyr, which is now a part of the northern Hungarian city of Miskolc, is home to this medieval castle. The first Diósgyr Castle was most likely constructed in the 12th century and destroyed by the Mongol invasion. The Diósgyr Castle underwent renovation recently. Its modern presentations include costume actors and medieval décor in the chambers. The Castle’s attractions are ideal for those who desire to travel back in time.

How far from Budapest:2 hr 13 min (192.3 km) via M3.

practical information

address: Miskolc, Vár u. 24, 3534 Hungary

phone: +36 46 533 355

website: Diósgyőr Castle

7. Bory Castle

Bory Castle-by Székesfehérvár Tourism Public Nonprofit Kft-Wikimedia Commons

Jen Bory created this magnificent sculpture called Bory Castle, which was more than just a structure. This 40-year work of art, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as “The Largest Building Constructed Alone by a Single Person,” was motivated by the artist’s inspiration, his wife Ilona. This palace is a work of art that is worth seeing because of its unique architecture. Every wall in the building is covered in paintings, mosaics, and sculptures. When you visit Bory Castle, be creative and draw inspiration from Jen Bory, the building’s architect, superintendent, and mason. The chapel and the gardens are a couple of the palace’s notable features.

How far from Budapest: 45 min (62.0 km) via M7.

practical infomation

address:Székesfehérvár, Máriavölgy 54, 8000 Hungary

Hours: Mon-Fri; 9 am-3 pm/sat-sun; 9 am-4 pm

website: Bory Castle

8. Siklós Castle

The Siklós Castle is well known for having housed Hungarian nobility for many years. This castle has been owned by several different families, including the Soklyosi family, the Gara family, and most recently the Batthyany-Stratmann family. During the World Wars, it was captured by the Turks and served as a prison for numerous inmates, including King Sigismund. Tourists are drawn to the castle’s spectacular structures by its tragic yet happy history. With elaborate additions made by each subsequent owner, this massive fortress is now one of Hungary’s largest castles. The Gothic chapel’s peculiar prayer niche on the southern wall is a special feature that should not be overlooked. In 2009–2011, the castle underwent renovation. Eastern and southern wings, a barbican, a chapel, the Dorothy garden, the yard, and the ramp are notable restored palace features.

How far from Budapest: 2 hr 26 min (238.2 km) via M6, 3 hr 13 min (279.8 km) via M7 and M6.

practical information

address:Siklós, Vajda János tér 8, 7800 Hungary

hours: Tue-sun; 9:30 am-5 pm

phone: +36 72 579 090

website: Siklós castle

9. Csókakő Castle

Kissing stone 01-by Unknown author-Wikimedia Commons

After a Mongol invasion, the Csok Clan erected Csók Castle to guard the road leading to Székesfehérvár. During the 16th century, Ottoman Turks captured this strategically placed castle in the Vértes Mountains and held it for a century. The Turks overthrew it again a year after the Hungarians had taken it back. There were numerous conflicts waged in and around this castle throughout the 150-year period, making it an unstable phase in its history. The Hungarian armies led by Archduke Mathias ultimately regained long-lasting control of Csok Castle in the late 17th century. The Society of Csokak Castle started work on the castle’s reconstruction in 1995. Now, guests can cross the drawbridge, pass through the enormous white towers, and enter the newly renovated ballroom and dining room.

How far from Budapest:1 hr 6 min (76.0 km) via M1, 1 hr 9 min (86.9 km) via M7.

practical information 

address: Csókakő, outskirts, 8074 Hungary

hours:mon-sun; 9 am-8 pm

website: Csókakő Castle

10. Szigliget Castle 

The most solid border defense for the Hungarian troops has been Szigliget Castle. It is renowned for never succumbing to the Ottomans and fending off every invasion for 150 years.  One of the first castles built as a defense against Turkish invasion was this one, which was ordered by King Bela IV. Due to the expansive views of Balaton Lake on one side of the castle hill, it is also known as Balaton Castle. The castle is now dog-friendly, allowing visitors to the ruins to enjoy scenic hikes, music, and outdoor displays.

How far from Budapest: 2 hr 8 min (171.9 km) via M7, Route 8 and 77-es főút/Route 77, 2 hr 17 min (208.9 km) via M7.

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practical infomation

address:Szigliget, Magyarország 71123, 8264 Hungary

hours:mon-sun; 10 am-4 pm

phone:+36 70 371 5346

website: Szigliget

Consider going on a day trip both inside and outside of Budapest if you want to see more of the castles in Budapest. Here are some options for day trips.