Six castles to explore in Northern-Hungary

Sokszínű Vidék collected all the beautiful castles and fortresses to see when exploring the Northern region of Hungary.

Salgó Castle

The castle is situated at the top of a 625 m cliff above the settlement of Salgóbánya, North from the city of Salgótarján. There is an amazing view from the castle to the nearby mountains and towns. When the weather is clear, visitors can see as far as the High-Tatra. Both the castle and its surrounding are part of a nature reserve.

The Castle of Eger

The Eger Castle is best known for repelling the Turkish attack in 1552 during the famous Siege of Eger. The first castle was built on the high hill named Várhegy near Eger. However, during the Mongol invasion in 1241, this castle was ruined, and the bishop of Eger moved it to a rocky hill in the city of Eger. On the hill, a new castle was built. In 1552, a Turkish army of 35,000-40,000 soldiers attacked the castle which had 2,100-2,300 defenders. The siege failed as the Turks suffered heavy casualties. A total of 1,700 of the defenders survived.

Sirok Castle

If you plan a winter tour to the Mátra Mountains, Sirok is the perfect destination. Furthermore, its spectacular fortress is easily accessible from the village.

Diósgyőr Castle

The castle was reconstructed in 2014, and it provides an authentic medieval environment to the festival depicting the everyday life in the age of knights. A medieval festival is held annually at Diósgyőr Castle. It is one of the most significant historical games which usually includes jousts, marching with torches, the presentation of several traditional groups and the royal household of the recently reconstructed stronghold. The medieval atmosphere is completed by historical presentations, tournaments, and armoured shows.

Castle of Somoskő

Right next to Salgótarján, there is a fascinating natural beauty, a monadnock that arose from a basalt volcanic activity. The 20-25 metres tall basalt columns are unique wonders in the country. Additionally, there is the Castle of Somoskő that is definitely worth a visit because it was built back in the 13th century. There is a pathway all the way up to Boszorkánykő (Witch Rock). The path has boards with exciting pieces of information written on them about the history of the area so that it can teach the younger generations.

Fortress at Hollókő

The fortress can be described as the pearl of the Cserhát Mountains, in the vicinity of the Hungarian village ‘Hollókő’, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hollókő is the most visited place in the county; it attracts over 100,000 visitors every year. The fortress was renovated in 2015. The 700-year-old tower, the 13th-century kitchen, the dining room, the lord of the monor’s residency and the lower fortress were all renovated, and the 16th-century economic buildings were also restored.

To read the original article in Hungarian, click here.

Source: www.sokszinuvidek.24.hu