15 Most Beautiful Villages and Small Towns to visit in Hungary

Szentendre montage1-by SNRTZ-Wikimedia Commons

15 Most Beautiful Villages and Small Towns to visit in Hungary

Hungary is much more than simply its booming, vibrant capital city of Budapest. It is a beautiful country with world-famous gastronomy, and thermal spas and also includes old mountaintop fortifications traveled by Habsburg emperors as well as religious institutions adorned by saints and stupefying art. Budapest is the center of attention for a good reason, but Hungary is much more than its stunning city. Go to one of its less populated areas to experience the true Magyar culture and tradition, and get ready to fall in love with this nation. Whether you’re a Hungarian trying to get away from the hectic city life of Budapest or a visitor hoping to see the country’s rural side, there are plenty of small towns and villages spread out around the nation that may help you recharge. Here are some of the most charming villages and towns in Hungary.

Read more on;  30 Best Attractions in Budapest, Hungary

Most Beautiful Small Towns to visit in Hungary

1. Gödöllő

Gödöllő – Palace-by Civertan-Wikimedia Commons

Located only 30 kilometers from Budapest, Gödöll is a hidden gem. The stunning Baroque palace, also known as Grassalkovich Castle or Gödöllo Royal Palace, is the primary draw of the town. Today, you may arrange a guided tour of the palace to see where Emperor Franz Josef and Queen Elizabeth formerly lived. The Town Museum of Gödöll and Szent István Egyetem are just a short stroll from the royal palace, as are the majority of other attractions. Taking a stroll through the Gödöll Botanical Garden is a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. It was established by the Forestry Team of the town to study the local flora and animals. There are currently about 800 different trees, bushes, and plants in the garden. Get on your bike and pedal around this natural wonder, or bring a blanket and have a picnic among the trees.

How to get there: The M3 highway will take you to Gödöll in 40 minutes if you are traveling by car from Budapest. There is a rail service to Gödöll from Budapest Keleti station every 30 minutes if you’re traveling by public transportation. Without making any alterations, it takes around 25 minutes to get there.

2. Héviz

The largest natural thermal lake in Europe is found in Héviz, a well-known resort town just west of Lake Balaton. Since the Roman era, people have traveled here to take baths in the waters’ therapeutic mineral concentrations. Despite the fact that times have changed, it is more popular than ever. Make sure to visit the Church of the Holy Spirit Hévíz if you decide to venture out and explore. It’s hard to miss this stunning blue church in the crowd. 

How to get there: Take the M7 Motorway to get here if you’re driving from Budapest. It will take you about two hours. If you’re taking public transportation, board the 1188 bus at the Népliget Bus Station; it should take you around 3 hours to reach Hévz.

3. Szentendre

20190502 Roofs in Szentendre 1425 2106 DxO-by Jakub Halun-Wikimedia Commons

Szentendre is the most convenient option when seeking a day trip while in Budapest because it is only approximately 40 minutes away. This quaint town, which is also on the Danube River, provides a wonderful getaway from the busy city. Szentendre is renowned for both its world-class Hungarian food and museums, most notably the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum. The town is home to a number of must-see attractions, including Czóbel Park, the Sztó Memorial House, and the Blagovestenska Orthodox Church.

How to get there: Route 11 will take you there in around 25 minutes if you’re driving from Budapest. If you’re traveling by public transportation, take the H5 Train from Batthany Ter to Budapest, which will take you there in 50 minutes.

4. Tata

Tata is located in Northern Hungary, in a valley that divides the Gerecse and Vértes mountains. In the past, it has experienced a lot of turmoil brought on by occupying troops, each leaving its imprint. The Romans, built the town’s artificial lake (reg-tó) to keep fish. The Ottomans made numerous coup d’état attempts and the Habsburgs destroyed the town’s old castle. With such a turbulent background, Tata is an ideal place to go if you wish to study Hungarian history in a serene and tranquil environment.

Visit the Tata Castle, which has served as the town’s focal point since the fourteenth century. The fort you see today wasn’t the original one, however it was rumored to be King Mátyás I’s favorite abode. If you want to unwind in nature after seeing Tata Castle, you must visit Fényes Spa & Nature Trail which has a walking path where you may see the local region’s distinctive vegetation, animals, and thermal springs. 

How to get there: If you’re coming from Budapest by car, take the M1 to Tata, and you should arrive there in no more than 1 hour and 10 minutes. If you choose to take public transportation, take the RJX60 bus from Keleti Station to Tatabánya then the 8400 bus, which will take you to the town of Tata. The entire trip typically takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.

5. Tapolca

Tapolca (118)-by János Korom Dr.-Wikimedia Commons

The lovely town of Tapolca is adjacent to Lake Balaton. In the middle of this town is a singular attraction called the Lake Cave, which you may explore on your own or as part of a guided trip. A charming Mill Pond is another sight that is adjacent to the cave system. This lovely location has taverns and eateries where you can experience Hungary’s culinary side. Szigliget Castle, which is close to Tapolca and well worth the trip, proudly stands on top of a hill. The castle’s ruins date back more than 750 years, and it is still used for a variety of celebrations and performances today.

How to get there: Driving from Budapest takes about 2 hours if you take route M7. Take the bus 1216, 1212, or 1190 from jbuda Központ if you’re traveling by public transportation. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

6. Visegrád

Visegrad is a fantastic option for a day trip from Budapest. Visegrad blends a lovely town with a lot of natural beauty. The easiest way to explore the area is via one of the many trails that run through it. The Citadel, which is essentially a “high castle” perched on a hill, is one of the most impressive landmarks from which the town earned its name. The summer bobsleigh and King Matthias Museum, a former Royal Palace, are two other notable sights.

How to get there: Taking a train from Budapest’s Nyugati train station is the most effective way to get to Visegrad. The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs 1120HUF to go one way. The journey to Visegrad is completed by ferry as the train arrives on the opposite bank of the Danube River from Visegrad. 

7. Lillafüred

Lilla fromszeleta1-by Rodrigo-Wikimedia Commons

The town of Lillafüred (Miskolc-Lillafüred) is located in the Hungarian county of Borsod-Abaj-Zemplén. Although it is located in the Bükk Mountains, about 12 kilometers from the city of Miskolc, it is officially a part of the latter. Lillafüred is a vacation destination. Herman Otto Emlekhaz, the Massa Museum, and the Hanging Gardens of Lillafüred are just a few of the well-known sights that make it worthwhile to visit.

How to get there: The fastest and most affordable way to travel between Budapest and Lillafüred is by rail, which takes 2h 51m. You can also take the bus, which takes 3 hours and 24 minutes.

8. Siófok

The town of Siófok, which is renowned for its exciting nightlife and wonderful beaches, is located along the southernmost shores of Balaton Lake. Due to its 17-kilometer (11-mile) long coast, more than 1,000 hotels, and plenty of pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs, the town is Hungary’s second most popular tourist attraction (only after Budapest). As a result of tourism, Siófok is one of Hungary’s wealthiest municipalities. Because it is the largest town on the lake’s banks and serves as the financial, cultural, media, commercial, and tourism center of both the northern section of Somogy County and the southern coast of Lake Balaton, Hungarians frequently refer to the town as “the capital of Lake Balaton.”

How to get there: If you’re planning a trip from Budapest to Siofok, taking the train is an excellent idea. Regardless of the departure time, the train ride from Budapest to Siofok takes roughly 1 hour and 11 minutes.

Read more on; 10 Amazing Day Trips from Budapest

9. Balatonfüred

Balatonfüred red church-by own work-Wikimedia Commons

Along Lake Balaton’s farthest northern shores is where the tiny settlement of Balatonfüred can be found. It is a well-liked vacation spot for people who enjoy sailing on the weekends. There are several superb sport fish to capture in the area, which is also a well-liked site for fishing. Swimming on the lake is enjoyable during the summer when the water temperature is well above 20°C.

How to get there: Taxi travel from Budapest to Balatonfüred takes 1 hour and 24 minutes. Budapest-Deli to Balatonfuered train travel time, including transfers, is 2 hours and 17 minutes, and it runs every hour.

10. Bük

The settlement of Bük is found on the plains next to the Répce River. It is known today for being a well-liked vacation area in Hungary and one of the top spa and wellness destinations in Central Europe. Although the town is home to many other exquisite specimens of historic architecture, the spa resort is what draws most visitors. The church, constructed in the 12th century, is the city’s oldest remaining building.

How to get there: Budapest to Buk rail travel time is around 13 hours and 10 minutes through Wien Hbf, Gliwice, and Poznan Glowny. Alternatively, it takes around 15 hours and 23 minutes to go by bus from Budapest to Buk via ód, WPA ód Fabryczna, Pozna, Dworzec Autobusowy Poznan Glowny, and ód.

Most Beautiful Villages to visit in Hungary

11. Etyek

Etyek, Hősök tere, aerial photo3-by Civertan-Wikimedia Commons

The village of Etyek is located in Hungary’s Fejér County, around 30 kilometers from Budapest. The region is known for producing wine and is surrounded by vineyards. If you want to understand more about Hungary’s thriving wine culture, Etyek is a great day excursion. The settlement is a component of the lesser-known Etyek-Buda wine region, which spans approximately 5600 Hectares. White grape types like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay thrive in the region’s mineral-rich, limestone soils and cooler climate. Highly regarded establishments include Etyeki Kria Borgazdaság, Rókusfalvy Estate, Hernyák, and Nádas Bormhely.

How to get there: The line 760 bus, which takes 44 minutes, is the cheapest method to go from Budapest to Etyek. Taxis, which take 26 minutes are the quickest way to travel from Budapest to Etyek.

12. Szilvásvárad

The beautiful village of Szilvásvárad is close to Bukk National Park. It is well known for its fish lakes, forest railway, and magnificent waterfalls. One of the top hiking trails in the entire Bukk National Park is Szalajka Valley. Trout-filled lakes, the pristine Szikla spring, and the recognizable Fátyol waterfall can all be found on the trip. If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t worry. The valley is accessible to everyone thanks to a magnificent forest train that winds through it. This is a dreamy place to get away from nature’s tranquility and find true peace and tranquility.

How to get there: The M3 highway takes two hours to reach Budapest. Take a train from Budapest Keleti to Füzesabony if you’re traveling by public transportation. You must take a bus to proceed from there. The journey takes about 3 hours.

13. Hollókő

View of Hollókő from the castle-by Tibor Várkonyi –Wikimedia Commons

Hollóko is a tiny settlement 100 kilometers (miles) to the northeast of Budapest. It provides tourists with a unique look into life in rural Hungary during the 17th century as a site that has been recognized by UNESCO. You may learn about traditional Palóc folk culture by visiting the village, which is teeming with historical artifacts including traditional farming, gastronomy, folk art, and architecture. Explore the Palóc traditions as you stroll around the historic Hollóko street in the old village. Visit open houses, take in some folk music, and pause to take in how distinctively each building’s interior and exterior are. Dine at the Muskátli Restaurant and try some authentic Palóc and Hungarian fare. 

How to get there: It takes an hour and a half to drive from Budapest to Hollók using route M3. Take bus 1010 from Ujpest Városkapu if you’re traveling by public transportation. Overall, the trip takes two hours and thirty minutes.

14. Tihany

The charming village of Tihany is situated on Lake Balaton’s northern side. It is a very sought-after destination for domestic tourism because of its recognizable orange-tiled buildings, gorgeous surroundings, and wonderful views. The village has a rich history in addition to the views and surrounding beauty. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find some true peace and tranquility, here is the place to go.

How to get there: Driving via the M7 road from Budapest takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Take the Kék Hullám train from Déli pályaudvar to Balatonfüred if you’re traveling by public transportation. You’ll have to change the 7355 to Tihany at that location.

15. Fertőrákos

Fertőrákos Kroisbach Episcopal Quarry 01-by Joadl-Wikimedia Commons

The settlement of Fertrákos is located in Hungary’s Gyr-Moson-Sopron county. The Mithras temple and the former Roman stone quarry are two historical features of Fertrákos that are important to take into account as an old Roman settlement. The latter now hosts an annual Wagner-Liszt festival in its own underground theater. Additionally, the surrounding Lake Fert provides a breathtaking opportunity for serenity.

How to get there: Every four hours, Hungarian Railways (MV) runs a train from Budapest-Kelenfeld to Sopron. The trip takes 2h 9m.

Read more on;  20 Best Day Trips From Budapest

Everyone should at least once travel to Hungary because it is a European treasure. Hungary is a fantastic vacation spot since it is brimming with extraordinary and beautiful structures that you won’t find anywhere else, hospitable locals, and cultural relics that will open your eyes. Day trips are the perfect opportunity to take a break, relax and enjoy being together as a family. Here are the best day trips to take in Budapest.