A royal tour in Hungary: The majestic castles that every tourist must visit – VIDEOS

Hungary boasts not only vibrant cities and renowned thermal baths but also many impressive historic buildings. The country is also home to a wealth of castles and fortresses that preserve relics of the past and have also appeared in films and TV series.

As a foreigner living in Hungary, it is worth taking the time to explore these special places. Many of the castles are still in excellent condition and offer a fascinating insight into Hungarian history and architecture. Below, we’ll present iconic castles that have become symbols of Hungary’s cultural heritage.

Esterházy Castle in Fertőd

If you’re in the western part of Hungary, you can’t miss the Esterházy Castle in Fertőd, which is not only the town’s central attraction but also one of the country’s most important historical and touristic treasures. It was here that Miklós Esterházy’s dreams came true in the second half of the 18th century, and a complex of buildings was born that is often referred to as the “Hungarian Versailles”.

Renowned architects also participated in the construction of the Esterházy Castle, but the guiding hand was that of Miklós Esterházy. The ornate Baroque complex was a unique work of art at the time, rivalling the famous palaces of Vienna and Paris. The palace enjoyed its heyday between 1768 and 1790, when it was a cultural centre of music, theatre and celebrations. The Esterházy Castle is not just a museum: it is also a venue for cultural events, classical music concerts and scientific seminars. The annual Esterházy Festival, the Haydn seminars and numerous international events make the castle a lively centre for art and history lovers.

Festetics Castle in Dég

The Festetics Castle in Dég is Hungary’s only visitable neoclassical castle, built between 1815 and 1819 to the designs of Mihály Pollack. It is surrounded by the largest English garden in the country. The building and its park have been renovated in recent years. The castle was also a secret Masonic centre, and its interiors are decorated in neoclassical style. A special feature is the Dutch House on the park’s lake.

The Festetics Castle in Dég is also a popular location for filming: scenes from the Hollywood spy thriller Red Sparrow (2018) were shot here, as well as the successful Hungarian historical film Kincsem (2017). The castle is a favourite among filmmakers for its unique atmosphere and original classicist style.

Festetics Castle in Keszthely

The Festetics Castle in Keszthely is an outstanding monument of the town. It was built in the 18th century and took its final form in the 1880s. It houses one of the largest aristocratic libraries in Europe, the Helikon Library. The castle houses a congress centre, theatre, hunting museum, carriage collection and model railway exhibition. Its park covers 42 hectares and preserves several rare tree species.