Veszprém County Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich Veszprém County in Hungary with our travel guide. From landmarks to hiking routes and local cuisine, find everything you need to plan your trip.


Introduction to Veszprém County

Located in Central Transdanubia, Hungary, Veszprém County is a hidden gem known for its stunning natural beauty, historical landmarks and rich cultural background. Its landscape stretches across picturesque hills, valleys, lakes, and rivers offering great outdoor adventures. This travel guide will take you on a journey through Veszprém County, providing an in-depth look into its cultural landmarks, scenic beauty spots, hiking and biking routes, local cuisine, and customs.

List of Places to Visit in Veszprém County

Here are some of the top places to add to your sightseeing itinerary while visiting Veszprém County:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Veszprém Castle: Perched high on the hill overlooking the city, this medieval castle dates back to the 13th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Firewatch Tower: Located on Castle Hill, this tower serves as a cultural landmark and has a fascinating history dating back to the Middle Ages.
  • Herend Porcelain Manufactory: The world-class porcelain showroom and museum showcase handcrafted porcelain products, and visitors can watch master craftsmen at work.
  • Hungarian Museum of Agriculture: Exhibiting a vast collection of agricultural objects, the museum reveals the history of farming throughout Hungary.

Natural Attractions of Veszprém County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Balaton Uplands National Park: This breathtaking national park features rolling hills, sweeping vistas, and hiking trails and biking trails.
  • Lake Balaton: Known as the Hungarian Sea, Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, offering a range of water activities from sailing and windsurfing to swimming and sunbathing.
  • Bakony Mountains: This lush mountain range boasts some of the most beautiful hiking and biking trails in Hungary, with limestone cliffs, caves, and natural springs adding to the allure.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Veszprém County

Veszprém County is a hiker’s paradise, with plenty of trails showcasing its stunning natural beauty. Here are some notable hiking and biking routes:

  • Balaton Uplands National Park: Home to some of the most beautiful and diverse trails in Hungary, Balaton Uplands National Park, has many natural wonders of scenic views, canyons, and forest trails.
  • Bakony Mountains: The Bakony Mountains offer some of the most stunning views of Hungary, along with luscious forests, water sources, and interesting rock formations.
  • Balaton Bike Ring: A mix of natural and cultural heritage, this bike route covers the whole circumference of the lake, spanning 200 km with various sites to visited along the way.

Best Things to Do in Veszprém County: Activities and Tours

From visiting local museums to trying out the local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Veszprém County. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Wine Tasting: Veszprém County offers an array of local wineries with full production of some of the country’s finest wines.
  • Thermal Baths: Hungarian thermal baths are famous for their healing properties and relaxing atmosphere, so spend a day soaking, swimming, and enjoying the benefits of natural thermal waters.
  • Castles and Fortresses: Explore the area’s rich cultural history by visiting the many castles and fortresses.
  • Adventure Tours: Veszprém County provides a range of outdoor adventures. Enjoy horseback riding to mountaintop skiing and more. Take your adventure level up with to descending from the caves of Aggtelek National Park or trying out the flowboarding on Lake Balaton.

Week-Long Itinerary for Veszprém County

For those who wish to explore the best of Veszprém County with everything provided, including where to stay and food options, a week-long itinerary is provided below.

Day 1: Visit the historic town of Veszprém; its castle, firewatch tower, and some of the museums there. Day 2: Head to Balatonfüred and relax on the lake’s northern shore and participate in the local culture there, with its wine festivals and various water activities. Day 3: Experience the local porcelain craftsmanship and visit the Herend Porcelain Manufactory. Along the way, check out the town of Balatonalmádi’s rowing museum and stunning beaches. Day 4: Discover the natural wonders of Balaton Uplands National Park through hiking and cycling tours. Day 5: Relax in the local thermal baths and taste locally produced wine close to Lake Balaton. Day 6: Explore the cultural heritage of the Bakony Mountains, visit the Pannon Observatory and the Castle of Csesznek as well as other landmarks of interest. Day 7: Sip a refreshing beverage on the pier of Lake Balaton, and enjoy the beautiful water views.

Food and Drink Scene of Veszprém County

Veszprém County is famous for its rich and flavorful local cuisine, influenced by traditional Hungarian, Bavarian, and Austrian cooking styles.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Halászlé (Fisherman’s Soup): Made with fresh fish, paprika, vegetables and seasonings.
  • Lángos: This street food specialty is a deep-fried bread topped with sour cream, cheese, and bacon.
  • Pörkölt: A type of Hungarian stew, typically made with beef or pork and seasoned with paprika.
  • Goulash: A traditional Hungarian dish, made with beef, vegetables, and paprika.
  • Kürtőskalács: A Danube dessert and sweet pastry, rolled over an open fire and coated with sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: Hungary’s oldest and most significant wine region, the Badacsony region that surrounds Lake Balaton, is one of the country’s up and coming wine makers and you can try out local authentic wine of international acclaim.
  • Spirit: Pálinka and Unicum: The traditional Hungarian spirits after a meal, Pálinka a fruit distilled spirit and Unicum an herbal one.

Where to Stay in Veszprém County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Veszprém County serves up plenty of accommodation options to choose from, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here’s a look at some of the top-rated places to stay:

  • Hotel Historia & Historante: Located in the heart of Veszprém, this boutique hotel provides luxurious rooms outfitted with modern amenities and an award-winning restaurant serving Hungarian cuisine.
  • Bakony Hotel: Situated close to the Bakony Mountains in Zirc, this hotel offers affordable rooms and easy access to the many hiking and biking routes in the area.
  • Napfény Hotel: This budget-friendly hotel, located in Balatonfüred overlooking Lake Balaton, is an excellent option for families on a tight budget.

What to Buy in Veszprém County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Take home a bit of Veszprém County by bringing back these souvenirs:

  • Porcelain: The Herend Porcelain Manufactory is an excellent place to stop for exquisite and high-quality porcelain souvenirs.
  • Wine: Hungarian wines have been appreciated globally for the years, with the Badacsony region producing one of Hungary’s best wines. Get the finest of the products from local winery shops.
  • Cheese: Packed with flavor, local artisan goat cheese, is a must-try when visiting Balaton Uplands, Hungary’s green belt known as the “Tuscany of Hungary”.

Local Culture and Customs of Veszprém County

The people of Veszprém County mainly speak Hungarian, and any effort you take to learn the language is greatly appreciated. Be ready for a warm welcome and traditional hospitality.

Best Time to Visit Veszprém County

The optimum time to visit Veszprém County is in the summertime (June-August), when temperatures average around 20-25°C, providing the ideal weather for outdoor activities. Shoulder season, April-May, and September-November, offer slightly cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and discounted accommodation. Winter is the least favorable time to visit, with temperatures averaging around 0°C and occasional snowfall in the mountainous areas.

Do’s and Don’ts of Veszprém County

Here are some Dos and Don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Veszprém County:

Do:

  • Respect the culture and customs of the locals.
  • Take part in local celebrations and festivals.
  • Explore all the remarkable attractions that the region has to offer.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment.
  • Photograph military facilities or other restricted areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Veszprém County

Veszprém County is generally a safe area to explore with low crime rates, but always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Take special care when crossing roads and using public transportation.

Health in Veszprém County

Locally supplied drinking water is safe and suitable for consumption, but in rural areas, tap water may carry certain bacteria, which may not be safe. Bottled drinking water is readily accessible everywhere in the region.

Getting to Veszprém County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Located in Central Transdanubia, Hungary, Veszprém County is well-connected by land, water, and air.

Airports Near Veszprém County

  • Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport: The largest and busiest airport in Hungary, located 1 hour and 35 minutes east of Veszprém County by car.

Bus Stations Near Veszprém County

  • Veszprém Bus Station: Located in the heart of the city center, the bus station provides services to several national and international destinations.

Other Options

  • Train: Veszprém Rail Station offers services to major Hungarian cities like Budapest, Székesfehérvár, and Győr.
  • Car Rental: Car rental is readily available at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.

How to Get Around in Veszprém County

There are a variety of transportation options available to visitors who need to get around Veszprém County, including public transport, bicycle rentals, and taxis. However, renting a car gives more flexibility to travel and enjoy the scenic views at leisure.

Where to Go Next from Veszprém County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time, here are some nearby destinations worth visiting from Veszprém County:

  • Budapest: The Hungarian capital city is less than two hours away from Veszprém County, and it’s a must-visit for any first-time visitor to Hungary.
  • Pécs: The colorful Mediterranean-style city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its history, culture, and religious heritage.
  • Balatonfüred: Situated on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, Balatonfüred is a beautiful resort town, with plenty of opportunities to relax by the water and soak up the sun.

Conclusion

Veszprém County is a culturally rich and naturally breathtaking region that has enthralled visitors for centuries. With its stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and delicious food, it is a captivating destination that should be on any tourist’s itinerary while in Hungary. Use this comprehensive travel guide to navigate the county confidently and get the most out of your visit.



    Sümeg
    Veszprém