The best forts to visit in Hungary – Part 2

We listed some of the most unique and best tourist locations for the enthusiasts of the Middle Ages, or for those who are interested in Hungarian history. During the holiday season, you can decide about your spring adventures from the warmth of your home.

The original list can be found on Cartourmagazin.hu.

1. Castle of Esztergom

The fortification is located next to the Basilica lying on a small hill between the Danube and Esztergom. Although the castle has a Middle Age-like ambience, in 2008, people proclaimed it to be one of the most significant human-made heritages of Europe. The castle has a wax museum, a castle museum and a very entertaining castle theatre.

2. Castle of Sümeg

Sümeg Castle is located north from Lake Balaton, and it served the defence of the northern shore of the lake in the Middle Ages. It is the most beloved and most visited sight of the region, and many people call it Hungary’s most beautiful fortification. There are a lot of activities organised in and near the fort. Take, for example, the horse games and horse shows, the battle re-enactments, and there is also a castle theatre inside. Aside from the live exhibitions, visitors can catch a glimpse into the everyday life of the fort in the Middle Ages with the help of models.

3. Castle of Somló

The fortification is located in the middle of a dense forest on top of Somló Hill. From the top, you can see the entirety of the beautiful landscape. It is unknown when this fortification was built exactly, but the first written source mentioning it is from 1352 when Louis the Great confiscated it from its former vassal and bestowed it on another family, but due to the lack of heirs, it eventually came back to the king. The area around the castle is ideal for both hikers and bikers as there are tourist paths for both means of travel, and the castle itself is easily approached by bicycle. For the lovers of gastronomy, the region is famous for its wineries.

4. Castle of Szigliget

During the Turkish invasion, the castle came to the fate of many others that were built on hills; lightning struck its gunpowder storage, making it explode, thus rendering the entire fortification unusable. The fort towers over the green areas on the northern shores of Lake Balaton, atop a hill of volcanic origins, which formerly was an island of Lake Balaton. During the Rákóczi War of Independence, the Habsburg Emperor ordered it to be demolished but, thanks to the many renovations in the past decades, it is in good shape now and is entirely tourist-friendly. It is definitely worth visiting during the castle days held several times a year because there are many opportunities for recreation at those times.

5. Bory Castle

This fortification is probably the black sheep of our list as it did not have any military role. This fort was built in the 20th century in Székesfehérvár by the designs of Jenő Bory, one of the city’s architects. When the buildings were finished, Bory immediately moved in and furnished art galleries and studios. The architect himself said that the “castle” in itself is a piece of art. The building is an interesting mixture of many architectural styles from Baroque to Gothic and almost everything else as well. These styles also follow through in the interior with many mosaics and fountains, not to mention the stained glass.

6. Castle of Tata

The construction of the fortress started in 1397 when Sigismund of Luxembourg ordered it to be built. The fortification lies next to the Old Lake and is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Tata. There is a historical museum in the castle that introduces the history of the city and the traditions and professions of the locals from the days of the Roman Empire to modern days. Visitors can also take a trip on a boat nearby, and the parks in the proximity are perfect candidates for a hike.