Unique bath and wellness experiences
No other country on Earth can offer you medicinal water of the outstanding quality and composition than the reserves available in Hungary. In the Bükk region you can enjoy the benign healing properties of these waters all year round. When visiting the original Turkish Baths in Eger built in the 1600s, you should also try a traditional Hammam massage. We promise you will feel rejuvenated from head to toe!
The Miskolctapolca Cave Bath, located in the touristic region of Miskolc, is unique in all of Europe. Its more than several hundred-thousand-year-old natural cave passages hide karst baths, their naturally warm water coming from the very heart of the mountain itself. At the Demjén Cascade Cave Baths, the experience is made even more exciting by giant waterslides built into the mountain. The terraced limestone structure (the so-called “salt hill”) of the Saliris Resort in Egerszalók is also extremely unique, with only two other similar structures known in the entire world. Bathing in the Zsóry Thermal Bath and Spa effectively cures rheumatic diseases and joint disorders.
Hiking, recreation in the mountains of Bükk
Bükk National Park (Hungarian: Bükki Nemzeti Park) is a national park in the Bükk Mountains of Northern Hungary, near Miskolc. It was founded in 1976 as the third national park in the country. It contains 431.3 km² (of which 37.74 km² is under increased protection). Mountainous and forested, Bükk is Hungary’s largest national park and is situated in the northern mountains, between Szilvásvárad and Lillafüred. Bükk’s important geological features include various karst formations within its limestone mountains – particularly caves (once inhabited by pre-historic people), swallow-holes, and ravines. The country’s longest (4,000 metres) and deepest (245 metres) cave, Istvánlápa, is located in the park. Bükk National Park also contains ninety species of nesting birds, some considered endangered.
Wine tasting in historic wine cellars
If you are in Eger, you simply must taste the iconic red and white wines of this historic wine region, such as the famous Egri Bikavér, Egri Leányka, and the Egri Csillag. The best wine cellars in the region can be found around Eger, Egerszalók, Noszvaj, Szomolya and Ostoros. You can also take an exciting guided tour of the historic Archbishop’s Cellar – a maze-like subterranean city. A light 15-20-minute walk takes you from the centre of Eger to the Szépasszony Valley (Valley of the Beautiful Woman), where you can explore and enjoy the regional wines in almost 200 wine cellars carved into the volcanic rock.
As long as you’re in Miskolc, you should not pass up the opportunity to explore the Avas Hill in the close vicinity of the heart of the city. It is home to 900 cellars and wine houses, many of them 300-400 years old. In February, you can also participate in the Kocsonya Farsang (Aspic Festival), dedicated to the iconic dish of Miskolc, aspic (kocsonya in Hungarian).
Discover the Baroque town of Eger
Celebrated as one of the most beautiful European towns, Eger is only an hour and a half’s drive from Budapest. You can roam the peaceful narrow streets in the heart of this Baroque town, listen to an organ concert in its Basilica (the second largest church in Hungary), and discover the wonders of the imposing Archbishop’s Palace located here.
Make sure to “invade” the Eger Castle, the fortress where the Hungarian defenders broke the Turkish siege in 1552, their heroism forever ensuring them a place in our history books. You can also climb the Eger Minaret for a truly breathtaking view from the top, this monument is the northernmost legacy of the Ottoman Empire.