When we think of Hungary, we immediately think of Budapest. Surely, Budapest is a marvel to see with its cultural and historical heritage, with the famous ruin bars and thermal baths, and the sun setting magnificently over the Parliament, the Buda Castle, and the Fisherman’s Bastion. But don’t let that be your only experience in Hungary because Hungary offers much more with its silent beauty of the countryside and the historical heritage of its lesser-known towns. Take a look at these off-the-beaten-path locations before you plan your next visit to Hungary.

1. Tapolca, Hungary

Tapolca is a small town near Lake Balaton and is in the western part of the country. It takes approximately 3 hours to reach there by train or bus. If you are looking for a more unique experience, I suggest taking the train and watching the blue waters of Lake Balaton as you get closer to Tapolca.

The peaceful environment and the silence of the Lake Malom neighborhood at the heart of the town will make you feel like you are outside of time. With a beautiful lake in which you can see the colorful fish swimming and the ducks floating over the surface, the water mill, and the church tower against the backdrop, the town charms its visitors with its architectural and natural beauty.

Another attraction in Tapolca is the Cave Lake which is open to visitors. Apart from an exhibition about rock formations special to the region, you can take a boat ride along the waters of the underground lake. The karst formation at the bottom of the crystalline water gives the lake a surreal mix of turquoise and green colors amazes its visitors and make them feel like they are in a magical land of adventure.

2. Keszthely, Hungary

If you are an admirer of architecture and in love with castles and palaces, you should definitely put Keszthely on your list. Situated on the western side of Hungary on the banks of Lake Balaton, there is much to do here. Apart from housing many museums like the Helikon Castle Museum, Balaton Museum and many other museums for toys, wax sculptures, radio and television; Keszthely is also very close to Lake Heviz, a thermal lake known for its healing waters.

But the highlight of Keszthely is the majestic Festetics Palace, one of the grandest palaces in Hungary. The neo-baroque style palace with a relaxing park adorned with fountains, statues, and a palm park of exotic beauty once belonged to the aristocratic family of Festetics. It houses 100 rooms full of renaissance and baroque style furniture, marvellous works of art. Visitors find the libarary especially awe-inspiring with approximately 80.000 books in its collection.

3. Miskolc, Hungary

Located in the upper eastern part of the country, Miskolc is the fourth biggest city in Hungary after Budapest, Debrecen, and Szeged. It offers a full travel experience thanks to its cultural, historical, and natural heritage.
Visitors like to frequent the medieval castle of Diosgyor which was once a vacation spot for the kings and queens of Hungary. The castle holds a festival in summer as a revival of medieval times with tournaments, historical events, and markets.

Furthermore, Miskolc has a Cave Bath and if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, you might think about tipping your toes into the water in this underground thermal bath.

Those of you who are nature lovers will also be delighted by the town of Lillafüred settled among the green luscious mountains of Bükk. There is a gothic castle resort just beside Lake Hamori where visitors take a lovely romantic boat ride with their loved ones in spring and summer under the clear blue skies.