A Day Trip to Eger, Hungary (from Budapest)
EXPLORING EGER, HUNGARY
If you're in Hungary, make sure you visit Eger! Visiting Eger for wine tasting and history exploration is an enjoyable day trip from Budapest. It is located about 133 kilometers north-east of Budapest, near the Bukk mountains and National Park. It takes about two hours to drive along the M3 and M25 motorways. One of the best ways to explore these villages is to book a day trip with a professional guide!
ENJOY A PRIVATE TOUR
Gergely Szabó has been working as a tour guide in Budapest and all over Hungary since 2005. On this private tour, Gergely showed us around Hungary’s northernmost wine-producing region in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Eger has a 1,000-year wine making history, and is known for its blends, and its medieval cellars, many carved from the local, soft ‘tufa’ rocks and cliffs. In addition to wineries, you’ll explore the historic town of Eger, once the northernmost point of the Ottoman Empire, known for its Baroque architecture. Explore the cobbled lanes leading to the 13th-century castle and cathedral, and perhaps climb the town’s 16th-century minaret — a reminder of Ottoman rule.
At this link, you can learn more about all the tours offered by Gergely Szabó and his team.
The Wineries of Eger
Szépasszony-valley (Valley of the Beautiful Woman)
Why is Szépasszony Valley such an exciting destination? No other place in the country offers the opportunity to visit so many cellars in one place! The area is home to upwards of 200 cellars, with roughly 4 dozen of them open to the public. Whether you're seeking whites, blushes or deep reds, here you will find wine of all hues and tastes. Egri Bikavér - or "Bull's Blood" - is the most famous wine of Eger. Having a dark color, rich and dry taste, it is made from a combination of three different grape varieties.
VARIETIES
Whites: Hamburg Muscat, Hárslevelű, Irsai Olivér, Juhfark, Kabar, Kerner, Királyleányka, Mátrai Muskotály, Mézes, Müller-Thurgau, Muscat Ottonel, Bouvier, Csaba Gyöngye, Cserszegi Fűszeres, Chardonnay, Chasselas, Ezerfürtű, Furmint, Gyöngyrizling,Olaszrizling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sárga Muskotály, Traminer, Viognier, Zefir, Zenit, Zengő, Zöld Veltelini
Reds: Alibernet, Biborkadarka, Blauburger, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Csókaszőlő, Kadarka, Kármin, Kékfrankos, Menoire, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Portugieser, Syrah, Turán, Zweigelt
LOCAL WINERIES
Bolyki, Böjt, Havas & Timár, Bukolyi, Molnár Pincészet, Sándor Pince, Gajdos, Lajos Gál, Tibor Gál, Gróf Buttler, Juhász Testvérek, Nimród Kovács, Ostorosbor, Petrény, St. Andrea, Thummerer, Ferenc Tóth, Friends winery Eger, Szépasszonyvölgy TIHAMÉR Kft, Tóth Ferenc Pincészet
As you can see from this map, once you have made your way into the wine venders area of Eger, it is very convenient to browse multiple locations on foot!
EGER HIGHLIGHTS
On our Tour, Gergely was able to show us many parts of Eger, its history, and its beautiful architecture. Below are some of the towns' points of interest.
THE EGER CASTLE
The first castle was built on the high hill named Várhegy at Felsőtárkány near Eger.
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, and it developed rapidly. In 1470 a Gothic palace 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. After that Turks besieged the castle again in 1596, resulting in a Turkish victory. In 1701, the Austrians exploded half of the castle (the Külső vár).
If you step inside the castle walls, you will discover comprehensive museums that detail the castle's history and the people who left a legacy.
Museums in the castle:
Dobó István Vármúzeum - This shows the history of the castle,
Egri Képtár - A painting exhibition,
Kazamaták - A system of cellars under the castle,
Panoptikum - A wax museum,
THE EGER MINARET
View from the top
It is one of three minarets from the Ottoman era that remain in Hungary. Of all of them, this is the highest and best preserved. Two other minarets are the Érd and the Yakoval Hasan Paşa Mosque in Pécs. Up the Minaret stairs, you'll find the most spectacular sights Eger has to offer!
WALK THE STREETS OF EGER
Architecturally, the Belváros part of Eger's (old town) is steeped in history. Baroque design was popular in the 18th century, when most city landmarks were built. It is most prominently represented by the Minorite Church at the center. This style led to Eger's nickname, "The Baroque Pearl of Europe." The Cathedral of Eger was completed in 1836. Designed by architect József Hild, the Basilica has two, 177 foot towers flanking a 59 foot dome.
In addition to these amazing hostorical sights, this city boasts a charming and well-preserved setting with many tourist-friendly attractions, but with far fewer tourists than other popular European destinations.
EGER BASILICA
While exploring the town, it is worth stopping by Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle, Eger. The cathedral was built between 1831 and 1837 by József Hilda commissioned by Archbishop János László Pyrker. According to the plans of József Hild in the classicist style, is one of the largest churches in Hungary. It replaced a medieval church, which served as a mosque in Turkish times, and was demolished in the 1820s.
ARCHBISHOPS PALACE
Archbishop's Palace opened its doors to visitors in February 2016 with a special exhibition of church arts. Through the exhibition, you can gain a deeper understanding of bishops' and archbishops' daily lives in addition to their church coordination activities. Aside from immaculate gardens and ironwork, the grounds feature regional plantings and ironwork.
ESZTERHÁZY KÁROLY UNIVERSITY
The Eszterházy Károly Catholic University (-2021-08-01) was founded in 1774 in Eger. In 1989 it was renamed after its founder Bishop Károly Eszterházy. Number of students is 8602.
The establishment's buildings are scattered through the city, the largest and oldest among them was built in baroque style lyceum ("A" building).
conclusion
Overall, we found our private tour of Eger, Hungary to be informative and very relaxing! If you’d like more information for booking your own tour, find out more information here.
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