Veszprém Travel Guide (Veszprém County/Central Transdanubia/Hungary/Central Europe/Europe)

Introduction to Veszprém
List of Places to Visit in Veszprém
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Veszprém: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Veszprém
Best Things to Do in Veszprém: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Veszprém
Food and Drink Scene of Veszprém
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Veszprém: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Veszprém: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Veszprém
Best Time to Visit Veszprém
Do’s and Don’ts of Veszprém
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Veszprém
- Health in Veszprém
Getting to Veszprém: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Veszprém
Where to Go Next from Veszprém: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Veszprém

Nestled in the heart of Hungary’s Central Transdanubia region, Veszprém is an enchanting city steeped in history and culture. With a rich heritage spanning back to the prehistoric era, the city offers visitors a glimpse into Hungary’s past and is a must-visit destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. Known as the “City of Queens,” Veszprém is often overlooked by tourists, making it an idyllic getaway for those looking to explore hidden gems.

List of Places to Visit in Veszprém

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Veszprém boasts a plethora of museums and historical attractions that unravel the city’s past. Must-visit attractions include:

Veszprém Castle: Built in the 13th century, Veszprém Castle is an iconic landmark of the city and houses a museum of archaeology, art, and history.
Fire Tower: Located in the Castle Quarter, the Fire Tower offers panoramic views of the city and hosts exhibitions on the city’s history and culture.
Laczko Deszo Museum: A beautiful baroque mansion inaugurated as a museum in 1969, showcasing the artworks of the eminent painter.
Cathedral: The oldest church of the city with Romanesque architecture style that is found in Veszprém Castle.

Natural Attractions of Veszprém: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Veszprém is surrounded by magnificent hills and forested areas, making it a natural playground for adventure seekers. Below are some of the top natural attractions to explore in Veszprém.

Balaton-felvidéki National Park: Located in the north of Veszprém, Balaton-felvidéki National Park is home to diverse flora and fauna and offers extensive trails for hiking, walking and cycling.
Lake Balaton: Often referred to as the Hungarian Sea, Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe, providing stunning views, water sports, and picturesque towns.
Geological and Botanical Trails: These trails offer guided tours led by expert guides, with spots for bird watching and nature photography.
Tata-Máriafürdő: A natural thermal spring with a temperature of 33°C throughout the year is the best place to relax and unwind.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Veszprém

Veszprém is home to some of the best hiking and biking trails in Hungary. The Dolomite Trail is one of the most famous routes. It leads trekkers through the lush forests and rocky terrain of the Veszprém Mountains, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline. The Lóczy Caves route is popular for adventure seekers. It consists of a narrow trail leading to a cavern complex with stalactites and stalagmites, limestone formations, and an underground waterfall within the National Park. For cyclists, the Royal Village Fűzfő is a picturesque destination to explore.

Best Things to Do in Veszprém: Activities and Tours

Veszprém offers activities suited for a range of interests. Below are few top activities to explore in Veszprém.

Wine Tasting: Veszprém is famous for its excellent wine, and many vineyards and wineries in the area offer tours and tastings.
Hot-air Balloon Ride: Get a bird’s eye view of the city and surrounding vineyards with a hot-air balloon ride.
Sightseeing Tour: Explore the city by foot or city sightseeing bus to see the historical landmarks and must-visit sites.
Folk Craft Workshops: Learn about traditional Hungarian crafts, participate in workshops and craft your own souvenir.
Horse Riding: Take a horse ride through the countryside and indulge in nature.

Week-Long Itinerary for Veszprém

To make the most of your visit to Veszprém, we recommend a week-long itinerary that covers the city’s highlights and nearby destinations. Here is a sample itinerary -

Day	Activity
Day 1	Spend the day exploring Veszprém Castle, Fire Tower and St. Michael’s Cathedral.
Day 2	Take a stroll around Balatonfüred, explore the Tihany Abbey and get to know the rich history of the Hungarian monarchy up and close.
Day 3	Go on a wine-tasting tour of the Etyek vineyards, known for its exquisite white wines.
Day 4	Spend the day exploring the geological and botanical trails within the national park.
Day 5	Visit the Bakony Mountains for a day filled with adventure and hiking trails.
Day 6	Visit the outdoor, thermal water facility, Tata-Máriafürdő, and relax in the warm waters amidst the serene surroundings.
Day 7	Learn to craft Hungarian ceramics and other folk art, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy traditional Hungarian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Food and Drink Scene of Veszprém

Hungarian cuisine is a blend of eastern and western culinary influences, and Veszprém’s food scene is no exception. Some must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

Gulyás: A hearty Hungarian stew made with beef, vegetables, and paprika.
Kurtoskalacs: A sweet, chimney cake served hot and fresh from the oven.
Langos: A deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese.
Dobos Torte: A layered cake with chocolate buttercream and a caramel topping.
Marhapörkölt: A beef stew with onion and paprika-based gravy.

Local Beverages

Tokaji: The famous Hungarian wine with an intense, sweet flavor.
Fröccs: A refreshing summer drink made of white wine and sparkling water.
Palinka: A fruit brandy, that comes with chicory, common plum, Indian plum, apricot, pear, and William pear varieties.

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

Veszprém offers travelers a wide range of accommodation options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay or a budget-friendly option, Veszprém has something for everyone. Some of the popular choices include Hotel Gizella, Hotel Villa Medici and Villa Rosa Guesthouse, Heritage Hotel, and Betekints Wellness és Konferencia Hotel.

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

Veszprém is home to a variety of specialty shops and boutiques, where you can find unique souvenirs and local products to bring back home. Must-buy souvenirs for tourists include Hungarian embroidery, painted wooden eggs, and kaftans. Gornyogallyas, a renowned ceramic brand, and the Etyek-Buda wine brand are the most popular local products.

Local Culture and Customs of Veszprém

Hungary prides itself on its rich cultural heritage, and Veszprém is no exception. The city celebrates multiple heritage and folk festivals throughout the year, showcasing traditional Hungarian music, dance forms, and art. The people of Veszprém are proud of the city’s heritage and warmly welcome tourists to explore their city’s cultural significance.

Best Time to Visit Veszprém

The best time to visit Veszprém is between April and June and September to October when the weather is pleasant, and the tourist crowd is not at its peak. July and August are the busiest months with many festivals and high temperatures, but you may find the prices escalated.

Do’s and Don’ts of Veszprém

Do:

Try to learn a few Hungarian words.
Respect the city’s cultural heritage and traditions.
Try the local cuisine and wine.
Explore the natural surroundings through guided tours.
Be cautious with your valuables.

Don’t:

Talk with a loud voice in public spaces.
Litter in public spaces.
Sit down to eat without saying a toast first.
Disrespect social etiquette, such as not holding the door open for others.

Safety and Health

Safety in Veszprém

The city is relatively safe, but tourists should be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas. Tourists should also avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. In emergencies, visitors can dial 112, which is a European emergency number.

Health in Veszprém

Veszprém has excellent healthcare facilities, with reliable hospitals and clinics. EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card are entitled to free medical treatment. Visitors are advised to purchase travel insurance for emergency care and treatment.

Getting to Veszprém: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Veszprém

The nearest international airport to Veszprém is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), located about 120 kilometers away from the city. To reach Veszprém, take a train or bus from Budapest to the city or hire a car from the airport.

Bus Stations Near Veszprém

Veszprém has a well-connected bus station, with daily services operated by Volánbusz to cities across the country. The city’s bus station is located near the city center, making travel to nearby destinations easy.

Other Options

Train services are also available from Budapest to Veszprém, typically taking around two hours and twenty minutes. Taxis and car rental services are also available in the city.

How to Get Around in Veszprém

Public transport within Veszprém is limited, but taxis and car rental services are available for tourists. Alternatively, visitors can explore the city by foot or bicycle.

Where to Go Next from Veszprém: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Veszprém’s central location makes it easy to explore nearby destinations. Some of the popular side trips from Veszprém are:

Szentendre: A charming town with unique art galleries and museums, only 70 kilometers away.
Gyor: Famous for its Baroque architecture, thermal baths, and medieval castle, only 110 kilometers away.
Budapest: The capital of Hungary and home to iconic landmarks such as the Parliament building, Buda Castle, and Szechenyi Thermal Bath, only 120 km away.
Balatonfüred and Tihany: Picturesque towns located near Lake Balaton, only 20 kilometers away.

Conclusion

Veszprém is a hidden gem of Hungary, offering tourists a mix of culture, history, and adventure. With its rich history and scenic surroundings, Veszprém is a must-visit location that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. With this comprehensive guide in hand, travelers can easily explore this charming city, and make the most of their Hungarian vacation.