10 Things To Do In Visegrád, Hungary

Things to do in Visegrad
Nur Irfaniah
Nur Irfaniah 
Published
| 6 min read

Visegrád is a small castle town in Hungary situated north of Budapest that should be on every traveller’s list of destinations. The town has plenty to offer. For nature lovers, there are breathtaking and picturesque sceneries everywhere. For history buffs or eager learners, there are historic castle ruins to explore such as Visegrád Citadel and the Royal Palace. One can choose to trek the off-beaten path of the Visegrád mountains, hike leisurely at Nagyvillám Ski Resort, or have an adrenaline-pumped adventure at Visegrád Toboggan Park. Every traveller should visit Visegrad at least once to experience the unique charm that this small town has to offer. To find out more, scroll down for a list of things to do in Visegrád, Hungary.

Tip from tour guide

Tiberiu

Tiberiu
Visegrad

Visegrád Visegrád Visegrád
Do you know what makes Visegrad so special aside from its medieval citadel? In this town, you can admire the breathtaking scenery of the Danube Bend and can even go on a cool boat trip. The town also has historical significance; it's where the medieval summit of the Hungarian, Czech, and Polish kings took place. Moreover, Visegrad hosts the largest medieval tournament in central Europe during the summer, called the International Palace Games of Visegrád.

1. Explore around Visegrád Citadel

Courtyard of the Citadel in Visegrád 2012-03-21
Source: Photo by user Szilas used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

This 13th-century historic stronghold looks over the town of Visegrad from atop a 333-metre-high (1092.5 feet) hill. It guarded the Hungarian Royal Crown for more than 200 years since it was completed in 1259. It was in 1440 that the daughter of King Sigismund, Elizabeth of Luxembourg, stole the crown jewels in a plot to enthrone her infant son, László. Alas, the crown was eventually returned to its proper home in the citadel in 1464. A trip to this citadel will reveal the drama and intrigue in the Hungarian royal courts, which the average person would not be privy to during that time period. If royal intrigue is not your cup of tea, you will definitely be gasping at the breathtaking view of Börzsöny Hills and Danube River as you trudge along this path.

Visegrád Citadel

Address: Varhegy, Visegrád 2025, Hungary

Price: Adult: 1,700 HUF (6 USD); Student/Pensioner: 850 HUF/3 USD; Under 6 years and above 70 years: Free

Tip from tour guide

Tiberiu

Tiberiu
Visegrad

Visegrád Castle - Citadel Visegrád Castle - Citadel

Photos of Visegrád Castle - Citadel shared by Visegrád tour guide, Tiberiu.

Visited this place?

2. Walk among the kings at the Royal Palace

King Mathias Museum entrance, 2018 Visegrád
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Globetrotter19 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The history of the Royal Palace dates back to the year 1323 when the royal court was moved to Visegrad during the reign of Charles Robert. Today, the Royal Palace is dedicated to King Matthias Corvinus who reigned in the 15th century and is commonly known as King Matthias Museum. At its peak, the palace boasted 350 rooms and it was the official seat of Hungarian rulers for around 70 years since the 1330s. Today, 20 rooms, that are mostly royal suites, are open for visits. Explore the renovated halls of the Royal Palace, the excavated ruins and the large archaeological collections in the museum to bring to life the historical memories of Visegrad including its Gothic and Renaissance past. While you are walking on the terrace, you might even catch yourself imagining the footsteps of King Matthias behind you.

Royal Palace/King Matthias Museum

Address: 2025 Visegrád, Fő u. 29

Website: Royal Palace/King Matthias Museum

Price: 700 HUF (2 USD) - 1,400 HUF (5 USD)

Visited this place?

3. Glide on the slopes at Nagyvillám Ski Resort

Posted by Nagyvillám Sípálya, Visegrád on Wednesday, 29 January 2020

Visitors of all skill levels in skiing or snowboarding should make a trip up to Nagyvillám Ski Resort. This delightful hilltop destination is located near the peak of a mountain. It is on the east of Visegrád and its top elevation is 377 meters (1237 feet), making it a perfect destination for children and beginners to learn the basics of skiing and snowboarding. What’s great about this resort is that you can go for a ski run on the slopes even during a mild winter as the facility is equipped with artificial snow machines. Its proximity to Budapest and affordable equipment rental make it an ideal day-trip destination for city dwellers and travellers who want to get in some easygoing wintertime fun in their itinerary with minimal travel and expense. Glide on the slopes and admire the panoramic views of the Danube Bend in the backdrop.

Nagyvillám Ski Resort

Address: 2025 Visegrád, Hungary

Website: Nagyvillám Ski Resort

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 9am - 10pm; Sun - Tue: 9am - 9pm (closed on Wed & Thu)

Price: 3,200 HUF (11 USD) - 4,700 HUF (16 USD)

Visited this place?

4. Get your heart racing at Visegrad Toboggan Park


Get your adrenaline pumping throughout the season in Visegrad Toboggan Park. The park offers both a summer bobsled track and a winter toboggan track. Take a short walk up the mountain from the citadel of the Visegrad castle and you will reach the park in no time. The 700-metre (2297 feet) track is sure to give you a whole lot of fun. as Make your way down a metal chute while riding the felt-bottomed cart. This ride is perfect for families. Both children and adults are sure to find the track thrilling and enjoyable.

Visegrad Toboggan Park

Address: Nagyvillam, Visegrad, Hungary

Website: Visegrad Toboggan Park

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9am - 7pm; Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm

Price: 600 HUF (2 USD) - 4,800 HUF (16 USD)

Visited this place?

Visegrad Tour Guide

Tiberiu Condulescu

Tiberiu Condulescu

My name is Tiberiu(s), just like captain James Tiberius Kirk from Star Trek, or Tibi for short, and I am an IT Service Manager who found his passion in tour guiding over 5 years ago. Similarly to Captain Kirk, I will be your captain should you choose me as your guide.Every tour is a new experience for both of us, that’s why my aim is to make it both memorable and fun. I want to make memories for people from all over the world!Hope to meet you soon and "Viszlát", as we say in Hungarian!

Tours by Tiberiu

5. Hike your way up Visegrád Mountains

views of Visegrád
Source: Pixabay

Visegrád Mountains offer majestic landscapes to hikers and even professional athletes who come here to train. Both beginners and experienced hikers can enjoy the romantic view of the Danube Bend that can be seen in almost every hiking route in Visegrád. One of the best ways to begin your hike is from Baron Loránd Eötvös Hikers’ Lodge. The hikes can take you to Rám-szakadék where Rám Hill towers on the right and Árpád-vár Hill on the left. You can also make your way to the peak of Prédikálószék and take in the refreshing sights that you can’t get anywhere else. Make your way up the mountains and explore the real gems of Visegrád.

Visited this place?

6. Take a stroll around Miklós Bertényi Botanical Garden

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Miklós Bertényi Botanical Garden was established in the 1960s and is home to numerous plant species that date even further back. The oldest tree in the garden is an enormous oak tree that is believed to be more than 300 years old. The garden was first created by Gyula Eőry, an engineer of forestry, who planted various types of trees for an experiment. This initiative was later continued by other engineers of forestry and a botanical garden was eventually established. This botanical collection is a great picnic spot for family, friends, and nature and history enthusiasts. Make your way down here, and perhaps you might spot the 350-year-old tree and marvel at its glory.

Miklós Bertényi Botanical Garden

Price: 500 HUF (1.50 USD) - 1000 HUF (3 USD)

Visited this place?

7. Have a fun-packed day at Nagyvillám Adventure Park

Posted by Nagyvillám-Kalandpark on Sunday, 6 March 2016

Nagyvillám Adventure Park is home to Hungary’s first canopy trail. It is perfect for those who wish to spend their free time through various adventurous activities. There are 45 game items with different difficulty levels that are sure to provide a challenge or a bit of casual fun for all age groups. The park provides outdoor experience training such as a hunting boat activity where participants can row on Danube River and take part in a playful team competition. Enjoy a whole day of fun over the foliage with breathtaking historical sights around you.

Nagyvillám Adventure Park

Address: 2025 Visegrád, Fekete-hegy, Nagyvillám

Website: Nagyvillám Adventure Park

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon - Fri)

Price: 500 HUF (1.50 USD) - 3,290 HUF (10 USD)

Visited this place?

8. Visit Solomon’s Tower

Visegrád - "Solomon Tower"
Source: Photo by user Unknown authorUnk... used under CC BY-SA 2.5

The 13th-century Solomon Tower is one of the most-visited symbols of Visegrad. Ir was once part of a lower castle used to control river traffic. Located north of the main town, this ancient site houses exhibits of Visegrad’s history and one of the original Gothic fountains of the historical lower castle. The tower is juxtaposed against the breathtaking sight of Danube River in the background. It also functions as a popular and romantic destination for weddings. Visitors and residents alike would flock to the training ground of the tower where medieval tournaments and drum parades are regularly held by the Szent György Order.

Solomon’s Tower

Website: Solomon’s Tower

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon and Tues)

Price: Adult: 700 HUF (2 USD); Student/Pensioner: 350 HUF (1 USD); Under 6 years and above 70 years: Free

Visited this place?

9. Pamper your taste buds with Hungarian Pálinka

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Pamper your taste buds with the highest quality pálinka - a traditional fruit brandy of the Magyars in Visegrad - in Zugfozde Pálinka Museum. Experience the culinary culture and history of pálinkas, which was first invented in the Middle Ages in this Hungarian pálinka distillery. An interesting tidbit of history is how the unique taste of this fruity brandy was brought forth with the ban on the use of wheat during the 19th century. Embark on a gastronomical adventure and get your own bottle of high-quality pálinka here.

Zugfozde Palinka Museum

Address: Visegrád, Rév u. 1, 2025 Hungary

Website: Zugfozde Palinka Museum

Opening hours: Tues - Sat: 2pm - 6pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: Adult: 800 HUF (2.50 USD); Children/Student/Pensioner 700 HUF (2 USD)

Visited this place?

10. Shop at Palotaház-Court of Crafts

Posted by Palotaház on Wednesday, 11 May 2016

Admire the traditional and medieval art and handicrafts at Palotaház-Court of Crafts and shop to your heart’s content. Most of the handicrafts you will find here were made at the smithery located at the court. Take a look at the stone masonry where you will find precious jewellery and gift items carved out of stones. In the pottery shop, you will find a wide range of handcrafted ceramic products. In the papermaker’s workshop and the market place, you will find yourself spoiled for choices for quality souvenirs. You can witness the traditional and medieval crafts come to life again as expert artisans showcase their techniques in the workshops. Immerse yourself in the arts and crafts of the Middle Ages in the Court of Crafts.

Palotaház-Court of Crafts

Address: 2025 Visegrád, Duna-parti Street 1

Website: Palotaház-Court of Crafts

Price: Free entry

Visited this place?

Get charmed by Visegrad

From historic castle ruins to beautiful, picturesque scenery, Visegrad has plenty to offer throughout the seasons. Travellers weary from the hustle and bustle of large cities will surely welcome the slow-paced and small pleasures that this castle town has to offer. Explore the off-beaten path in Visegrad and experience its rustic charm for yourself.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Irfaniah, a budding freelance writer, is passionate about crafting written content on a wide array of topics. Her current focus revolves around DIY projects and crafts, as she finds joy in...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Visegrad
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.