Eger district Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Eger district in Hungary with this comprehensive tour guide. Discover the cultural and natural attractions, outdoor adventures, hiking routes, local food and drinks, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Eger District

Located in Heves County in Northern Hungary, the historic town of Eger is a popular tourist destination for those looking to explore the cultural and natural attractions of the district. This beautiful area is full of museums, historical places, outdoor adventures, scenic views, and mouth-watering local food and drinks.

List of Places to Visit in Eger District

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Eger Castle: Built in the 13th century, this castle was the site of the famous Siege of Eger in 1552 when 2,000 defenders held off a 35,000-strong Ottoman army.
  • The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle: A stunning 19th-century cathedral in baroque style with ornate altarpieces,
  • Dobó Square: The main square of Eger with numerous historical buildings and the statue of István Dobó, the legendary captain of Eger Castle.
  • Minorite Church and Monastery: Built in the 18th century, this impressive landmark includes a Baroque-style church and a monastery with a rich history.

Natural Attractions of Eger District: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bükk National Park: With around 430 square kilometers, this is the largest national park of Hungary. Offering hiking, biking, and birdwatching trails through the stunning landscapes, forests, and hills.
  • Szalajka Valley: This beautiful valley is home to the Szalajka waterfall, the Fátyol waterfall, and the romantic Lake Szalajka, perfect for picnics and relaxation.
  • Sirok Castle: An impressive castle ruin near the village of Sirok, surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery like nearby hills and forests.
  • Nagy-Eged Hill: Standing at 532 meters high, this hill offers some of the best panoramic views of the entire region. A perfect spot for hiking and nature enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eger District

Bükk National Park is the absolute king when it comes to hiking and biking activities in Eger district. It features dozens of well-marked trails, ranging from easy family-friendly short hikes to challenging multi-day routes. The most popular ones include:

  • The Truncated Cone Trail: A moderately difficult trail, around 8 km-long, that leads visitors through the geologically unique truncated cone formations in the park.
  • The Szalajka Valley Trail: One of the most beautiful hiking routes in the park, around 6 km long and takes visitors on a journey through the pristine Szalajka Valley.
  • The Kékestető Trail: The highest peak of Hungary, Kékestető, is located in the Bükk Mountain range, and this trail takes you to the top. It’s a challenging trail but with rewarding views and adventure.

Best Things to Do in Eger district: Activities and Tours

  • Wine-tasting: Eger is known for its wine cellars and delicious local wine. Attend a wine-tasting tour in the cellars of the Valley of Beautiful Women to taste the local specialties.
  • Eger Thermal Bath: Eger district boasts several thermal baths with hot mineral water, perfect for soaking and relaxation. The most famous of which is Eger Thermal Bath, with indoor and outdoor pools and plenty of wellness facilities.
  • Segway tours: Glide through the streets and alleys of Eger on a Segway, exploring the historic sites and cultural attractions.
  • Zip-line: Get your adrenaline pumping by trying out the zip-line at the Szilvásvárad adventure park, which also offers various other adventures like archery and off-road biking.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eger district

Day 1-2: Explore the town of Eger, including the castle, museums, Dobó Square, and the Basilica, and taste the local wines.

Day 3: Walk in the Szalajka Valley and indulge in the Szalajka waterfall and lake.

Day 4: Hike to Mount Nagy-Eged and enjoy the stunning views of Eger district from the top.

Day 5: Relax at Eger Thermal Bath and try out the wellness facilities.

Day 6: Take a Segway tour of Eger, discovering the city’s hidden gems and alleyways.

Day 7: Enjoy a zip-line adventure at Szilvásvárad adventure park, and try out other activities such as archery.

Food and Drink Scene of Eger district

Must-Try Dishes

Eger district is famous for its hearty and delicious traditional dishes. Some of the must-tries are:

  • Goulash soup: A spicy and savory Hungarian soup with beef, vegetables, spices, and paprika.
  • Lecsó: A vegetable stew comprised of peppers, onions, and tomatoes, usually topped with fried eggs.
  • Stuffed cabbage: Pork and rice-stuffed cabbage rolls in a rich tomato sauce.
  • Strudel: Layers of paper-thin pastry filled with sweet or savory fillings, like apple, cherries, or cheese.

Local Beverages

Eger is famous for its local wine, Egri Bikavér, or Bull’s Blood in English. This gorgeous ruby-colored wine is made from the blend of several grape varieties, including Kékfrankos, Kadarka, and Cabernet Franc. You can taste it in the town’s numerous wine cellars or cellars of the Valley of Beautiful Women.

Where to Stay in Eger district: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eger district has various accommodation options for all budgets, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

  • Hotel Korona Wellness: A 4-star hotel located next to the castle and the Basilica, with wellness facilities and convenient location.
  • Senator Haz: A beautifully renovated, 18th-century guesthouse in the town center.
  • Eger Hotel: This hotel in the heart of the town offers modern and spacious rooms, with friendly staff and breakfast included.
  • Imola Hotel Platán: A budget-friendly 3-star hotel in a quiet neighborhood, perfect for families or budget travelers.

What to Buy in Eger district: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs to bring home from Eger district include:

  • Local wines from the various wine cellars and vineyards in the region.
  • Paprika and spices: Hungary is famous for its paprika, and Eger is no exception.
  • Lacework: One of the most famous crafts of Hungary, you can find handmade lacework in Eger.
  • Pottery: Eger district has a long pottery-making history, so get yourself a unique piece of pottery for your home.

Local Culture and Customs of Eger district

Hungary has a rich culture and heritage. Some interesting customs and traditions in Eger district include:

  • Easter Tradition of Sprinkling: A unique Easter Monday tradition, men douse women with buckets of water as a blessing for fertility and good health.
  • Folk music and dance: Hungary has a vibrant folk music and dance scene, and Eger hosts various festivals and events throughout the year.
  • Costume: Traditional Hungarian costumes are beautiful and unique, and you can see them worn during special occasions and festivals.

Best Time to Visit Eger district

The best time to visit Eger district is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. For those looking to enjoy the outdoor activities and hiking, the best time is from May to September.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eger district

Do:

  • Try the local wines and dishes, they’re delicious!
  • Explore the region’s natural beauty by hiking and biking in the national park.
  • Attend one of the town’s festivals and events.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Drink tap water. Always buy bottled or carbonated water.
  • Smoke inside public buildings, restaurants, or bars.
  • Litter or disturb the natural environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eger district

Eger district is quite safe for tourists, but always take necessary precautions, especially in crowded areas and after dark. Keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Health in Eger district

There are no major health risks in Eger district, but always have travel health insurance and carry a basic first-aid kit. Tap water is not safe for drinking, so always buy bottled or carbonated water.

Getting to Eger district: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Eger district

The nearest international airport to Eger district is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), which is about 120 km away. There are numerous flights from all over the world, and you can reach Eger by taxi, bus or train.

Bus Stations Near Eger district

Eger has a bus station with connections to various Hungarian cities like Budapest, Debrecen, and Miskolc. International buses also stop at Eger, from destinations such as Vienna and Prague.

Other Options

The best way to reach Eger district is by car, either by renting one at the airport or in Budapest or driving with your vehicle.

How to Get Around in Eger district

Eger town is small enough to walk around, but for visiting wider areas, the best way is to rent a car, take a taxi or use public transportation. Buses and trains are available, but the most comfortable way is with a car.

Where to Go Next from Eger district: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Miskolc: The third largest city of Hungary, with numerous cultural attractions and thermal baths.
  • Tokaj Wine Region: One of the most famous Hungarian wine regions, located a couple of hours away from Eger district.
  • Hortobágy National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, with vast plains, cultural traditions, and unique wildlife.
  • Baradla Cave: A stunning cave system located in Aggtelek National Park, with underground lakes, rock formations, and crystal-clear water.

Conclusion

Eger district is a wonderful destination for those looking for a mix of history, culture, nature, adventure, and delicious food and drinks. This comprehensive tour guide will help you plan your trip, including the popular attractions, best things to do, hiking routes, where to stay, and more. Don’t miss out on this amazing gem of Hungary!

Mt Bélapátfalva in Bükk National Park Mt Bélapátfalva in Bükk National Park