4 places to visit that are only 1 hour away from Budapest
Summer is here and more and more people choose hiking as a free time activity. There are many places in Hungary outside the capital that are worth exploring. The list below includes four places to visit that are just an hour away from Budapest.
Places to visit in the countryside
The countryside is full of wonders, and in many cases, you don’t even have to travel far to reach them. Hamu és Gyémánt collected four places to visit that are great choices if you want to get out of the city in this pleasant weather, but don’t want to travel too far from Budapest.
Zsámbék
Zsámbék offers a variety of activities and is only thirty minutes away from Budapest by car. While in the area, it is definitely worth visiting the Zichy Castle from the 12th-13th centuries, but the ruins of the Monastery Church, built by the Premonstratensians in the 13th century is the most famous site in the area. For a really special exhibition, buy a ticket to the local Lamp Museum or the Aviation Exhibition. Hikers will also have plenty of options to choose from: the St Norbert nature trail to Mount Nyakas goes through the area, and there is also a natural attraction called the Stairway of Giants not far away.
Székesfehérvár
Székesfehérvár, one of Hungary’s most important historical cities, is also a great option for a weekend getaway. The city offers many places to visit. From the Garden of Ruins to the Bory Castle, which is a monument to true love, to the Gorsium Archaeological Park, there’s plenty to explore in the city. Feel free to bring your swimsuit too, because if you get tired of walking around, you can always take a dip in the Árpád Baths or the Csitáry G. Emil Swimming Pool.
Tata
Tata, a city close to the northern border of the country, is also one of the most recommended places to visit in the countryside. It has plenty to offer, besides visiting the imposing castle and the recently renovated Esterházy Castle, you can walk up to the Fellner Jakab Lookout and the Kuny Domokos Museum.
For a closer-to-nature experience, walk the Fényes Nature Trail or you can visit the city’s English Garden on the shores of Lake Öreg. You can eat lunch on the lakeside, and also travel to the neighbouring town of Vértesszőlős afterwards, where you can learn about one of Europe’s oldest prehistoric men, Samu, at the archaeological site.
Kosd
Kosd is the last destination on the list of places to visit in the countryside, but the list could go on, as there are far more hidden gems in the country. Close to the city of Vác, the village is especially popular with animal lovers and hikers, as it is within easy reach of places such as the Látó-hegy lookout, the Naszály Peak or the Násznép Cave. Once you have conquered these peaks, you can visit the Naszály Valley Horse Farm or the neighbouring RoBirtok Experience Centre, where you can relax in the company of animals such as bunnies and alpacas, but you can also take part in craft activities.
Read also:
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Szekesfehervar is a must see for anyone who has never been there. The city centre is beautiful and it has that fantastic laid back feel of a great place that the tourist crowds never managed to spoil.