Bácsalmás Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, safety and health, transportation options and more, in Bácsalmás, Hungary.


Introduction to Bácsalmás

Bácsalmás is a small town located in Bács-Kiskun County, in Southern Great Plain, Hungary. The town is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural attractions, and outdoor activities. It’s a perfect destination for travelers who want to experience the best of both worlds; nature and culture.

In this travel guide, we will highlight the top places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Bácsalmás. Keep reading to start planning your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Bácsalmás

Bácsalmás has several must-see attractions that will take you on a journey through its rich history and beautiful scenery. Here’s a list:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The St. Anna Church: A beautiful Baroque-style church that has been standing since the 18th century. It’s a must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
  • The Ethnographic Museum: An excellent museum that showcases the history and culture of Bácsalmás and the surrounding areas. It’s a perfect spot for those who are interested in learning about the local traditions, customs, and artifacts.
  • The Museum of the Region: It’s a regional museum that exhibits the history of Bács-Kiskun County, including the flora, fauna, and geology of Southern Hungary.

Natural Attractions of Bácsalmás: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Sulcis Forest: A beautiful forest with well-marked hiking trails for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a perfect spot for birdwatching and for taking a relaxing walk.
  • The Gemenc Forest: Another popular forest located near the Danube River that offers many outdoor activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, and more. It’s a perfect spot for outdoor adventures with beautiful views.
  • The Vízvár Watermill: A historic watermill located in the middle of a small lake. It’s a perfect spot for picnics and relaxation with a beautiful view.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bácsalmás

Bácsalmás and its surroundings offer many well-maintained and marked hiking and biking trails for nature lovers. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Sulcis Forest Hiking Trail: A well-marked trail that guides you through the beautiful forests and hills of Sulcis. It takes a few hours to complete.
  • Gemenc Forest Biking Trail: A popular 33 km long biking trail that starts from Nagybajom and goes through the beautiful Gemenc forest along the Danube River. It’s a perfect spot for biking enthusiasts.
  • Vízvár Watermill Hiking Trail: A relaxing trail that goes through the Sulcis forest and leads to the beautiful Vízvár watermill. It’s a perfect spot for picnics and relaxation with a beautiful view.

Best Things to Do in Bácsalmás: Activities and Tours

Apart from its natural attractions and museums, Bácsalmás has many other things to offer tourists. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Bácsalmás:

  • Take a Horse Carriage Ride: Explore the town’s natural surroundings and countryside on a horse carriage ride. It’s a perfect way to relax and see the town’s countryside.
  • Visit Local Festivals: Bácsalmás hosts several local festivals throughout the year that offer an opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions in the town.
  • Take a Wine Tour: Bácsalmás and its surrounding towns are known for their excellent wines. Join a wine tour to taste some of the best local wines and learn about their production.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bácsalmás

Here’s a week-long itinerary to explore Bácsalmás and its surroundings:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit St. Anna Church, Ethnographic Museum, and Museum of the Region
Day 2 Sulcis Forest Hiking Trail and Vízvár Watermill Hiking Trail
Day 3 Horse Carriage Ride and Local Festivals
Day 4 Gemenc Forest Biking Trail
Day 5 Wine Tour
Day 6 Relax and Explore the Town on Foot
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Bácsalmás

Bácsalmás has a rich food and drink scene that reflects its culture and traditions. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fisherman’s soup (Halászlé): A spicy fish soup made of carp, catfish, or pike-perch and lots of paprika. It’s a popular dish served in many local restaurants.
  • Pörkölt: A Hungarian version of beef stew, made of tender beef simmered in a paprika-based sauce with onions, garlic, and tomatoes.
  • Gundel Pancake (Gundel Palacsinta): A dessert made of crepes with walnuts, raisins, and chocolate sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Hungarian wine: Bácsalmás is located in a wine-producing region, and visitors can taste some of the best local wines of the region.
  • Palinka: A traditional fruit brandy made of different fruit types like apricot, pear, plum, or cherry. It’s a must-try in Bácsalmás.

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

Bácsalmás has many affordable accommodation options for tourists. Here are some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses:

  • Hotel Castle Garden: A cozy hotel located in the heart of the town with comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Liberty Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel that offers dormitory rooms and private rooms with shared bathroom facilities.
  • Bed and Breakfast Bácsalmás: A guesthouse located near the Sulcis Forest with comfortable rooms and friendly hosts.

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

Bácsalmás is known for its quality textiles, embroidery, and pottery. Here are some local products to bring home as souvenirs:

  • Rug and tapestry: Bácsalmás is famous for its woven rugs and tapestries made using traditional Hungarian craftsmanship.
  • Pottery: Pottery is highly valued in Bácsalmás, and visitors can find many unique ceramic items in the town’s local shops.
  • Embroidery: Hungarian embroidery is renowned for its intricate designs and vivid colors. Visitors can buy embroidered tablecloths, napkins, and more as souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Bácsalmás

Bácsalmás has a rich culture and traditions that reflect its history and values. Visitors should respect local customs and traditions and dress modestly while visiting churches and historic sites. The locals are friendly and hospitable, and visitors can learn about their culture and traditions by visiting local festivals and museums.

Best Time to Visit Bácsalmás

The best time to visit Bácsalmás is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. Summer is also a good time to visit, but it can get crowded, and the weather can be hot. Winter is not recommended for outdoor activities as it can get too cold, but it’s an excellent time to visit the town’s museums and cultural attractions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bácsalmás

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress modestly while visiting churches and historic sites.
  • Explore the town’s natural surroundings and countryside.
  • Try local food and beverages.
  • Participate in local festivals and events.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the locals or their culture.
  • Dress inappropriately while visiting churches and historic sites.
  • Litter or damage the environment.
  • Engage in illegal activities or behaviors that could endanger yourself or others.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bácsalmás

Bácsalmás is a safe town for tourists. However, visitors should take normal safety precautions while exploring the town and its surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas and be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Health in Bácsalmás

Bácsalmás has excellent medical facilities and highly trained medical professionals. Visitors should have travel insurance and be sure to bring any medication they need with them.

Getting to Bácsalmás: Transportation Options and Logistics

Bácsalmás is easily accessible by road and rail. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Bácsalmás

  • Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (BUD): The nearest international airport located around 2 hours away from Bácsalmás.

Bus Stations Near Bácsalmás

  • Bácsalmás Bus Station: Regular bus services connect Bácsalmás to other nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

  • Car: Bácsalmás is easily accessible by car. Visitors can rent a car at Budapest airport or in the surrounding cities and towns.
  • Train: Regular train services connect Bácsalmás to other nearby towns and cities.

How to Get Around in Bácsalmás

Bácsalmás is a small town, and most attractions are within walking distance. Visitors can also use bicycles or rent a car to explore the town and its surroundings.

Where to Go Next from Bácsalmás: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Bácsalmás is located in a region that offers many nearby destinations and excursions. Here are some of the best nearby destinations:

  • Pécs: A historic city located around 2 hours away from Bácsalmás with several attractions like historical sites, museums, and beautiful churches.
  • Szeged: A university town located around 1.5 hours away from Bácsalmás known for its Art Nouveau architecture and beautiful cathedral.
  • Lake Balaton: A popular tourist spot located around 2 hours away from Bácsalmás that offers several outdoor activities and beautiful sceneries.

Conclusion

Bácsalmás is a hidden gem in Hungary, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The town has many attractions, activities, and food and drink options that cater to all tastes and preferences. Visitors can explore the town’s natural surroundings, learn about its history and culture, and relax and unwind in a beautiful setting. Visit Bácsalmás for an unforgettable experience.

Church in Bácsalmás Church in Bácsalmás