6 places to visit in Hungary in winter – PHOTOS, VIDEOS

Photo: video still from "Kinga & Zoli Wedding Highlights - Miskolc-Lillafüred"

Despite the grey weather and the cold, it is worth venturing outside and exploring the beauties of Hungary since there are many places that look even more magical during the chilly months.

Dress up warmly, fill up a thermos with hot tea, and discover the following destinations.

Normafa

If you do not want to leave the capital, visit Normafa, a popular hiking destination on the Buda side. It is a great place for skiing, sledging, or just simply enjoying the beautiful winter scenery. According to the Normafa Park website, the Kis-Norma area is suitable for all skiers, while the Nagy-Norma and Harangvölgy runs are only recommended for more experienced skiers.

Photo: video still from “Normafa télen”

Lake Velence

Photo: video still from “Téli arcát mutatja Velencei-tó”

Lake Velence, Hungary’s third-largest lake, is an easy-to-access destination due to its proximity to Budapest. It offers high-quality recreational opportunities not only in the summertime but also during autumn and winter. When it gets cold enough, this romantic place transforms into a natural skating rink. However, you can also find another ice rink at Velence Corso.

Szalajka Valley

Photo: video still from “Téli séta a Szalajka-völgyben”

Szalajka Valley, one of the most beautiful parts of the Bükk region, is a popular hiking area. Its most famous sight is the mesmerising Veil Waterfall which consists of 17 stages and represents an exceptionally high conservation value.

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Visegrád

Located near Budapest, Visegrád is one of the most beautiful cities in Hungary and offers a stunning view to the Danube Bend. Life does not stop here in winter either, the hotels await visitors with various wellness packages and the restaurants entice gastro tourists with mouth-watering delicacies. The bobsleigh track in Visegrád is also open all year round.

Lillafüred

The two iconic sights of Lillafüred are Lake Hámori and Hunguest Hotel Palota. The castle hotel was built in an eclectic style between 1927 and 1930, and it is surrounded by a hanging garden and a large park. The view to Szinva Stream and Hámori Lake is made even more magical by the murmur of the Szinva Stream waterfall near the hotel. The caves in the neighbourhood of Lillafüred can also be visited in winter.

Hévíz Channel

Photo: video still from “Télvízi Hévízi vízitúra 2019.02.09”

The Hévíz Channel is a special winter water tour destination. The water is 15 Celsius degrees warm even on the coldest winter days since it is fed by the nearby thermal springs of the Hévíz Lake. With the blanket of steam over the water and the floating lilies, it appears as if you were gliding on a fairytale stream in the moorlands. Tours are organised from November to March. The channel is categorised as easy flat water so the tours are suitable for beginners and children too.