#20 Famous landmarks in Hungary
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“#20 Famous landmarks in Hungary”
Naturally, many travelers focus on Budapest as it is a fascinating city with iconic landmarks and some wonderful things to do. However, in this post, we will also explore some of the most famous monuments outside Budapest and natural landmarks like the Danube river that crosses the whole country.
To compose a thorough list of iconic Hungarian Landmarks and provide the most complete and informative article, we have invited some fellow bloggers to pitch in with their favorite Landmark in Hungary.
20 famous landmarks in Hungary
#1 Hungarian Parliament
The Hungarian Parliament is possibly the most famous Landmark in Hungary, the most photographed, and the most impressive to look at. Located on the Pest side of the city, on the eastern bank of the Danube, it was designed by Hungarian architect Imre Steindl in neo-Gothic style and opened in 1902.
Since its construction, the Parliament is the biggest building in Hungary and even today is one of the world’s biggest legislative buildings. It is 268 meters long, 123 meters wide, and has a maximum height of 96 meters, making it also one of the highest in Budapest. It has a symmetrical main façade overlooking the Danube and a central dome. Besides the size, it’s also full of details like the coat of arms above the windows and the dozens of statues of famous Hungarians.
The interior is also awe-inspiring, with 10 courtyards, 27 gates, 29 staircases, and almost 700 rooms. The famous part is probably the hendecagonal central hall with the Lower and Upper houses’ huge chambers adjoining it. The holy crown of Hungary on display in the central hall is the final attraction of the parliament. It’s possible to have guided tours to the Parliament to learn more about these and other features.
#2 Buda Castle
Located on castle hill on the Buda side of the Danube, the Buda Castle is the old historical palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest. Initially completed in 1265, the castle was built to protect Budapest from the Mongols and Tartars. In the 18th century, the extensive Neo-Baroque palace was built to house the Royal family. During WWII, it was heavily destroyed, but it was rebuilt to today’s shape after the war, housing now the Hungarian National Gallery and the History Museum.
This historic Hungarian landmark is part of the Budapest World Heritage site since 1987, and it’s one of Budapest’s most striking views. The location and size make it highly visible from almost anywhere on Pest’s side. Don’t miss the wonderful Mace tower, built in the 13th century and home to some important conflict during the centuries.
#3 Fisherman’s Bastion
Also located on Castle Hill, and next to Mattias Church, you’ll find the Fisherman’s Bastion, one of the best-known landmarks in Budapest. Built from 1895 to 1902 to the 1000th anniversary of Hungary, it may look like a defensive building, but it was designed to be a lovely panoramic terrace, offering some of the best views in Budapest. And all we can say is that it worked!
The Fisherman’s Bastion is also a very symbolic landmark. It was built using Neo-Romanesque and Gothic architectural details to take us to early medieval times (when Hungary was founded) and enhance Matthias Church’s beauty. The seven turrets may look like a Disney palace but they symbolize the 7 chieftains of the 7 tribes who founded Hungary in 895.
Fisherman’s bastion’s lower terraces are free to visit and open 24/7, while the upper terrace and tower can only be visited after purchasing a ticket. It may be a purely decorative monument with whitish walls, lots of windows, arches, arcades, and benches, but it’s surely one of the most captivating and romantic sites in Europe.
#4 Szechenyi Bridge, Budapest
By Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery
One of the most noticeable landmarks you’ll see right away in Budapest is the famous Szechenyi Bridge that crosses the Buda (eastern side) to the Pest (western side) over the Danube River. The Chain Bridge in the capital city of Budapest is the first permanent bridge built-in 1894 to cross the Danube River in all of Hungary. This famous landmark is situated over significant areas of the Danube on Buda at the entrance of the Castle Hill area, funicular and Buda Castle, and on the Pest side with Szechenyi square, the Gresham Palace and the and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. There are nice walkways on both sides of the river banks with views looking up to Buda Castle from the Pest side and views back to the Pest better seen from above at Buda Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion.
More commonly known as “the Chain Bridge”, it was one of the modern engineering marvels at it’s time with beautiful ornamentations made with cast iron. There are walkways located on the bridge and it is also lit up at night time which is beautifully captured from both sides of the river and a nice walk to do in the evenings. Check out my post on visiting the Chain Bridge and taking the best places to photograph Budapest for more inspiration to visiting this fabulous city.
#5 Heroes’ Square, Budapest
By Tegan and Alex from Why Not Walk Travel Guides
Heroes’ Square, or Hősök Tere in Hungarian, is one of Budapest’s most iconic squares. It features statues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars, or the heads of the seven Hungarian tribes that arrived in what is today Hungary at the end of the 9th century.
Construction on the square began in 1896, in order to commemorate the thousandth anniversary of the arrival of the Magyars, with statues and improvements added over the course of the next 50 years. There are also other statues of leaders important to Hungarian history, as well as the Memorial Stone and Millennium Monument. Many of the statues were carved by sculptor Zala György. Today, Heroes’ Square is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important place to visit to get a feel for Hungarian history, from the Magyars to the years of Communist rule.
Heroes’ Square is a short walk from the popular Széchenyi thermal bath complex, as well as the Museum of Fine Arts, which is located in the square itself and is very conveniently located near the major artery of Andrássy Avenue.
#6 Memento Park, Budapest
By Sam from My Flying Leap
For something a bit off the typical tourist path that feels slightly quirky given shifts in the political climate, check out Memento Park in Budapest. It’s an open-air museum filled with 42 statues and plaques from Hungary’s Communist period at the height of the Cold War.
It’s a bit outside of the city center, but there are a bus and a shuttle that will take you directly to it, or you can take a taxi. It’s worth the trip to wander the paths of this park, walking through history as seen in these boldly dramatic statues.
The statues were all moved from Budapest after the fall of Communism to this park. It opened in 1993, the second anniversary of the Soviet withdrawal from Hungary, to encourage people to think freely about dictatorship and democracy. It’s hard not to when surrounded by historical figures like Lenin, Marx, and Engels.
Witness Square is the one section viewable without paying the entrance fee. It has a statue called Stalin’s Boots, made after the original statue of Stalin was pulled down from its pedestal during the Hungarian Revolution.
There are also statues representing the Hungarian working class, evocative of the drama of the times. It’s a nice, small park to walk through to get an interesting history lesson about a time you may not know much about. Celebrate the end of Soviet occupation along with the Hungarian people while you wander through this time in history.
#7 Dohany Synagogue, Budapest
By Or from My Path in the World
One of the most amazing landmarks in Hungary and a must-have on your Budapest itinerary, the Dohány Street Synagogue (also known as the Great Synagogue) is the largest synagogue in Europe (and the second-largest in the world). Hungary was home to a thriving Jewish community for many years, and even today, the third-largest Jewish community in Europe lives in Hungary.
Built in the middle of the 19th century in the heart of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter by the Austrian architect Ludwig Förster, it certainly doesn’t have a classic synagogue look. Its exteriors are inspired by Moorish architecture, and its interior layout resembles a church or a cathedral more than a synagogue (it is also the only one with pipe organs). It was damaged in World War II by German aerial bombing and during the Siege of Budapest, but it was renovated in the ’90s.
To learn more about this incredible landmark, you can book a Jewish heritage walking tour or purchase a ticket to tour the synagogue independently. On your visit, you get access to the entire complex, which also includes the Heroes’ Temple, the cemetery (it is the only synagogue with a cemetery), the Raoul Wallenberg Holocaust Memorial, and the Jewish Museum.
#8 Mattias Church, Budapeste
By Alice from Adventures of Alice
One of the most beautiful countries in Europe, Hungary has risen to fame as the perfect location for a weekend break in Europe. Packed with history, stunning buildings, and beautiful landmarks, a trip to Hungary will definitely not disappoint you. But one of the absolute must-visit landmarks in Hungary is in the capital city of Budapest: Mattias Church.
Mattias Church was actually my favorite location in the city and definitely not something you’d want to miss if you’re visiting Budapest. One of the capital’s most photographed spots, the church’s colorful, mosaiced roof tiles are what makes it stand out the most.
Although Hungary is generally considered somewhere to visit if you’re traveling Europe on a budget, the church is actually one of the more expensive things to do in the city. The entrance fee is 1,600 HUF. Plus, unless you get there early, it will likely be pretty busy around the church as it’s a popular location with tourists. However, it’s well worth it!
The interior is insanely beautiful and detailed with ornate decorations and there’s also a small museum inside which is included in the entry fee. It’s also worth noting that the church is right next to the Fisherman’s Bastion, from which you can capture some of the best photographs of the city and across the Danube River.
#9 St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest
By Antoine and Marielle from Offbeat Escapades
St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Budapest and the third largest in all of Hungary. It is located at the heart of the Pest side, just a few minutes walk away from the Parliament. If you are coming from elsewhere in Budapest, you can reach it by public transportation by taking the line M3 train and getting off at Arany Janos station.
It is completely free to enter the Basilica which makes it one of the best things to do in Budapest on a budget. There is also a cupola at the top of the Church where you can take in the view of the whole city for a small fee.
The site of the Basilica used to be a theater in the 18th century until the citizens petitioned to build a Church in honor of St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary, and currently, it still houses his mummified right hand, the Szent Jobb (Holy Right Hand).
Today, St. Stephen’s Basilica stands as one of the most important human-made landmarks in Hungary. At its exterior, the church features neoclassical architecture while the interiors hold 50 different types of marbles created by various sculptors. The interior’s decoration is a sight to behold with the array of marble columns and the intricate floor designs. Natural light fills the Church’s domes with the windows etched in art and the ceilings adorned with golden leaves.
# 10 Szechenyi Thermal Baths, Budapest
The Szechenyi Thermal baths are the most famous baths in Budapest and are the largest medicine baths in Europe. The famous pictures of people playing chess inside a hot thermal pool are from these thermal baths.
The complex has 18 pools, 15 indoor and 3 outdoor, several saunas and steam baths. The temperature of the indoor pools varies between 18 to 38 °C. The water is supplied by two thermal springs that contain several minerals that have beneficial health properties. They are frequently used for their therapeutic benefits.
The Szechenyi Thermal baths are easily reachable and are within walking distance from the heroes square and Vajdahunyad Castle. We highly recommend spending an afternoon just relaxing in the hot thermal baths. They are especially pleasant in winter, the outdoor pools are hot while the atmosphere temperature is below 0º degrees, you feel so cozy inside the water.
Be aware that they can be quite crowed in Summer so you should book in advance.
#11 Gellert baths, Budapest
The Gellért Thermal Baths are the most beautiful thermal baths in Budapest. The bath complex was built in 1918 in the elegant Art Nouveau style. All the different thermal baths are decorated with stunning mosaic tiles. It has an impressive entrance hall with a gallery and a spectacular glass roof.
The complex includes several thermal baths with different temperatures, saunas, plunge pools, an effervescent swimming pool, and an open-air swimming pool that creates artificial waves every 30 min in Summer. The water of the thermal baths are supplied by the Gellért hill’s mineral hot springs. And contain several minerals that have medical indications. Plus the thermal bath the Gellert bath provide also a wide range of health treatments, like massages.
The Gellért thermal baths are located in the Buda side and reachable by metro or tram. During Summer they can be overbooked, so we recommend buying your ticket in advance or opting to go to the thermal baths in the offseason.
#12 Votive Church in Szeged
By Marie Moncrieff from A Life Without Borders
Szeged, Hungary’s third largest city, is located on the southern border of Hungary, just under two hours’ drive from Budapest. A popular weekend destination, Szeged straddles the pretty Tisza River, boasting opulent Art Nouveau buildings and lovely parks and squares.
However, of all the things to do in Szeged, it’s the Votive Church which is the city’s most iconic landmark and popular tourist attraction. Dominating the skyline, the Votive Church features twin spires reaching an impressive 91 meters. Also known as the Szeged Cathedral, the church is the fourth largest in Hungary, and features a mix of Roman, Gothic, and eastern Byzantine styles.
Designed by Frederick Schulek, construction of the Votive Church began in 1913 but was not completed until 1930 due to the outbreak of World War I.
The church sits in the impressive Dom Square and contains five huge bells, as well as one of the largest organs in Europe. It is, however, most famous for its intricate colorful frescos, the most distinctive being the “Madonna in Fur of Szeged”, featuring the Madonna wearing traditional Hungarian folk clothing.
Szeged can be reached by train from Budapest’s Nyugati Station which takes around two and a half hours, or alternatively is an easy one and a half hours’ drive from the capital.
#13 Egesszalók Sódomb
By John from CarpeDiemEire
The Sódomb (which translates in English as Salt Hill) is a unique feature within the country of Hungary. In fact only two similar features exist in the world, at Yellowstone National Park and Pamukkale in Turkey.
The salt hill was formed naturally by a thermal spring that produces water at temperatures between 65 and 68 degrees Celsius. As the thermal spring dripped down the countrsyside, it formed a travertine crust that continually grew. There are now a series of stunning terraces which cover the landscape and some limestone curtains that look like small icebergs.
At the foot of the terraces is the Salaris Resort Spa Hotel, which utilises the waters to create the perfect naturally heated pool. It’s the only opportunity to sample those waters though, as the terraces are closed off, but there is a walkway from which to sample their beauty from. Which is perhaps for the best considering the temperature of the water! It also protects the terraces from damage and preserves it for future generations.
Egerszalok is only 5 kilometers away from the city of Eger and is the perfect day trip from what is possibly Hungary’s most beautiful city.
#14 Lillafüred
By Krisztina Harsanyi from She Wanders Abroad
When people are thinking about visiting Hungary, they almost always only think about Budapest. However, if you have more than 2 days in Budapest, it’s worth exploring some other parts of the country as well. For instance, you can easily visit Lillafüred, one of the most beautiful landmarks in Hungary as a day trip from Budapest!
Chances are high that you haven’t even heard about Lillafüred before reading this article, as it is kind of a hidden gem only locals know about. Located in the Bükk mountains, Lillafüred is a part of Miskolc, the 4th biggest city in Hungary. You can easily get there by car or by train within 2-3 hours from Budapest.
Once you get to Miskolc, you can either use public transportation to reach Lillafüred, or if you’re looking for a more fun way to get there, hop on the Lillafüred Forest Train! One of the biggest draws of Lillafüred is Lake Hámori, a beautiful lake surrounded by the forest. The lake is easy to walk around and if weather permits, you can also rent a wooden boat to see Lillafüred from the water.
Right by the lake, you find a beautiful, eclectic-style castle that now operates as a hotel so if you want to stick around, you can book a room there. When in Lillafüred, you can’t miss the hanging gardens with the majestic waterfall and you can also find some caves nearby if you’re feeling adventurous.
#15 The Danube River
By Iris Veldwijk from Mind of a Hitchhiker
One of the most international rivers in the world also flows through Hungary. In the olden days, the Danube marked the outer border of the Roman Empire. Today, the Danube (Hungarian: Duna) forms the border with Slovakia in the northwest at a quiet floodplain area rich in birds.
Next, the river meanders eastward, carrying cargo and cruise ships and a few Danube paddlers to the city of Esztergom with its stunning basilica and Visegrád with its imposing citadel—both tentative UNESCO sites. From then on, the Danube turns south into Hungary’s interior, where the river forks to make the river island Szentendre, where Budapest relaxes on the weekends.
The most famous and accessible stretch of this magnificent river flows through Hungary’s capital in front of its famous parliament building. One of the best places in the city to enjoy the river is the calm and hip Margaret Island.
After several famous bridges, the Danube leaves Budapest southward to Hungary’s plains and industrial hubs such as the steelworks of Dunaújváros and the nuclear power plant of Paks. In between, there are smaller farming and fishing towns where you can try halászlé—a fish soup that’s one of Europe’s spiciest native dishes. Beyond Mohács, the Danube leaves for Croatia and Serbia at the Duna-Dráva National Park.
The Danube River can be reached from almost anywhere in Hungary. Though the country is landlocked, this river serves and supports Hungary’s wildlife, food supply, culture, and the economy as an international waterway to the Black Sea.
#16 Sopron Firewatch Tower (Tűztorony)
By Monique from Trip Anthropologist
Sopron in Hungary is very close to the Austrian border and is a popular day trip from Vienna, only 75 kilometers away. Budapest lies 200 kilometers to the east
A Sopron travel guide always begins with the ancient Roman city of Scarbantia that lies below modern Sopron. Some of its walls and the Forum have been excavated in the center of town. But is only one part of the Old Town which is also known for its large number of Baroque and medieval buildings and wealthy houses.
Easily the most impressive of these, and the city’s main landmark, is the Firewatch Tower or Tűztorony. As the name suggests, watchmen climbed up the stairs to the balcony (the Tower is 58 meters high), so they could scan the surrounding forests for fires, but also for possible invasions.
Because the Firewatch Tower is in the heart of the Old Town, it has become a place of focus for important cultural festivals. The watchmen of the Tower were also singers and performed from the Tower balcony for town weddings. Todays it is the center of light displays during annual celebrations.
Like everything in Sopron, there are Roman foundations below the Tower and incorporates several architectural styles. There is a baroque crest on top of the Tower that was installed in 1676.
#17 Balaton
By Džangir Kolar from Dr Jam Travels
Balaton also translated as Mud lake in Slovene and german languages. Sand on the lake bottom is sandy and it makes its water opaque. Lake is located 80 kilometers southwest of the capital city – Budapest. With 104 kilometers in length and almost 600 square kilometers of surface, it is the biggest lake in central Europe.
This is all that remained from the Pannonian sea that changed into plains in the Tertiary period. While the country doesn’t have access to the sea it is also known as the Hungarian sea. So it is a very popular place for summer holidays among locals. Besides swimming, other popular activities are sailing on a boat, rent a SUP or cycling.
On the long coast, you can find many different accommodations but camping beside a lake in one of many camps can add to the experience. The biggest town on the lake is Keszthely (Castle) on the west tip of the lake. The main attraction to visit here is the baroque Festetics Palace built in place of a castle that gave name to this town. On the north shore, Balatonfüred is a place worth visiting with many spas. Wherever you stop you can enjoy tasty and spicy local cuisine and good wine.
#18 Hortobágy National Park
By Diana Lesko from The Globetrotting Detective
Hortobágy National Park, also known as the Hungarian Puszta, is Hungary’s largest and oldest National Park. It’s basically a vast steppe. Hortobágy is a very important Hungarian heritage with rich folklore and cultural history and was announced a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
It’s situated in the Eastern part of Hungary, about 40 km from Debrecen.
The best way to get here is from Debrecen, Hungary’s second-biggest city. From Debrecen, you can get there quickly with a local bus in less than an hour. However, the best way is to join a tour from Debrecen.
If you go there, you can experience traditional pastoral life. To explore this vast sheer you will be shown around on a horse wagon.
During the tour, you can meet traditional Hungarian horse riders and Hungarian cowboys who will entertain you with a spectacular horse riding show.
Part of the journey is visiting traditional Hungarian animals such as the grey cows, Racka sheep, water buffalos, and the Mangalitza pigs, and you can see how they are kept for centuries. Moreover, you can witness how the shepherds lead their wagon with six oxen.
The most iconic man-made structure on this grassland is the Nine-Hold Bridge and the T-Shaped sweep wells next to the shepherd museum.
You should close your day with feasting on a traditional Hungarian meal, such as Gulyas, in a csárda, a traditional Hungarian countryside restaurant. And don’t forget to start your meal with a delicious traditional Hungarian fruit spirit, pálinka, just like Hungarians do.
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