Explore Eger

Eger is a city in northern Hungary. At its heart is elegant, tree-lined Kossuth Lajos Street. Buildings along this stretch include County Hall, with its fine wrought-iron gate, and Eszterházy Károly College, crowned by the Astronomical Tower. Across the Eger River, medieval Eger Castle overlooks the city. On its grounds, the István Dobó Castle Museum has a picture gallery and exhibits on the castle’s history. 

Best Time to Visit:

  • Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) offer mild weather, blooming vineyards, and fewer tourists.

  • Summer (July–August) is lively with festivals but can be crowded.

  • Winter (December–February) is cold, but charming with snow and holiday markets.

How to Get There:

  • From Budapest:

    • By Train: Frequent trains from Budapest Keleti Station to Eger (~2 hours).

    • By Bus: Buses also run regularly (~2.5 hours).

    • By Car: Around 130 km (~1.5–2 hours via M3 motorway).

Top Attractions:

  • Eger Castle – Historical fortress with panoramic views.

  • Dobó Square – Lively central square with cafes and statues.

  • Eger Minaret – Ottoman-era minaret; you can climb to the top.

  • Basilica of Eger – Majestic neoclassical church.

  • Szépasszonyvölgy (Valley of the Beautiful Women) – Wine cellars and tastings.

Activities to Do:

  • Wine tasting, especially Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood).

  • Bathing in Eger Thermal Bath.

  • Explore historic cellars and caves.

  • Join a walking tour of the Baroque old town.

  • Attend local festivals (e.g., Wine Festival, Castle Days).

Accommodation:

  • Luxury: Hotel Eger & Park, Hotel Villa Völgy.

  • Mid-range: Imola Udvarház, Senator-Ház Hotel.

  • Budget: Eger Hostel, private guesthouses.

Food and Restaurants:

  • Local Dishes: Goulash, stuffed peppers, beef stew, and trout.

  • Recommended Spots:

    • Macok Bistro – Modern Hungarian cuisine.

    • Senator-Ház Restaurant – Cozy, traditional setting.

    • BarItalia Ristorante – For a taste of Italian in Eger.

    • HBH Restaurant – Known for its beer and hearty dishes.

Local Culture:

  • Strong historical roots with Baroque and Ottoman influences.

  • Deep wine culture, especially around red blends like Egri Bikavér.

  • Hospitable locals, rich folklore, and traditional music and dance.

  • Celebrations of Hungarian national holidays and harvest festivals.