How To Spend A Weekend In Eger, Hungary

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This past weekend, Charlie and I had the opportunity to visit Eger, Hungary which held many fun surprises. While Budapest, the capital, is the most common city to visit in Hungary, Eger often ranks among the top three most visited cities. Seeing as the effects of Storm Boris were flooding the Danube and rolling into Budapest (more on the storm and our travel adventures HERE!) over the weekend, Charlie and I opted to change our original plans to visit the capital and instead ventured north to the charming city of Eger. With a population of just over 50,000, Eger is located within one of Hungary’s primary wine growing regions and therefore has become known for their specialty wines (particularly their “Bull’s Blood”), thermal baths, historic castle and beautiful architecture. As this was a spur of the moment trip, we did not plan any vineyard tours or tastings (like we did HERE in Alsace), but even so, we found several other interesting surprises to enjoy. So, if you are in Hungary and looking to venture beyond Budapest, here are our favorite things to experience during a weekend in Eger, Hungary.

Castle Of Eger

Beyond the wine, one of Eger, Hungary’s biggest draws is their castle. Set overlooking the city, Eger’s medieval castle features a blend of large stone walls, original structures, reconstructions and ruins which have detailed maps, drawings, models and visual descriptions of the complex within their underground information area. Each of these reconstructions demonstrates how the castle, its basilica and its fortifications evolved over time, particularly after the invasion of the Mongols in the 1300s and the famous repelling of the Ottoman Turk army in the 1552 siege of Eger. Only a few thousand Forint to enter (equivalent to about 10 Euros), the castle of Eger is certainly worth a visit to fully understand the dynamics of medieval life, sieges and victories of the Hungarian people.

Cathedral Basilica Of St. John The Apostle

Following the castle of Eger, Eger’s Cathedral Basilica is one of the city’s most prized locations. As one of the largest cathedrals in Hungary, the Eger Basilica is a stunning display of classical craftsmanship from the detailed ceiling frescoes and domes to its bold statues and stained glass. While the bulk of the cathedral was finished in the 1830’s according to the designs of József Hild, the interior continued to evolve through its paintings over the next 100 years. Certainly several of the churches within Eger are worth visiting, however if you only have time for one or two, this Cathedral Basilica should be at the top of your list!

The Eger Minaret

In addition to seeing the display of beautiful classical architecture in the Eger Basilica, you can travel back in time to the reign of the Ottoman Turks by visiting the local Minaret of Eger. Now the best surviving minaret throughout Hungary, the Eger Minaret is about 131 feet tall with a small balcony near the top which can be reached by a tight spiral staircase within. Built in 1596 after the Ottomans took over the city, the minaret originally belonged to a mosque close by, however after the Turkish occupation was over, the mosque was later torn down, but the minaret was kept as a keepsake of the times. While we did not climb its tight stairs, it is said that some of the best views of the city can be seen from the top of its balcony, so if you are up for a climb, be sure to check it out!

Archdiocese Library Of Eger

One of perhaps my favorite places to explore though was the Archdiocese Library established by Károly Eszterházy. Contrary to the times, this library was built in the late 1700’s to be available to the public and initially opened with 16,000 volumes. Now, that collection has eventually grown to 170,000 volumes in total, including letters of Mozart and other significant works. The interior of the library itself is also a work of art with its warm wooden shelving, painted domed ceiling, library ladders and corner spiral staircases to reach the second level. It is definitely a beautiful display that embodies all that a library should hope to be.

Local Life

Beyond the architecture and historical sights of Eger, take some time to wander the city and explore local life! With delicious food, desserts, drinks and shopping, Eger has much to offer.

Chocolate & Ice Cream

If you are an ice cream lover, then Hungary is for you! Eger boasts of many ice cream shops throughout the city, including the Stühmer chocolate and ice cream parlor which shouldn’t be missed!

Stühmer – A delicious find to add to your list is that of the Stühmer Chocolate & Pastry Shop. Originally started by Hamburg local, Frigyes Stühmer, in 1868 after being invited to Hungary by a chocolatier, the Stühmer company soon became a beloved chocolate maker throughout Hungary. Later, it merged into the Hungarian Confectionery Industry Company which became the Budapest Chocolate Factory, however the original Stühmer brand was resurrected in 2006 and now offers seven chocolate, ice cream and sweet treat shop locations throughout Hungary, including Eger.

Wine & Food

Much like their ice cream shops, delicious local Hungarian bistros, cafes and restaurants can be found all throughout the city which provided us with delicious cuisine throughout our stay. In addition to wonderful food, they have several wine shops with the primary wine experience being in the Valley Of The Beautiful Woman. Set slightly outside the historic center of Eger, the Valley Of The Beautiful Woman is the top local venue for wine tasting of the region. The square is surrounded by small wine caves in which various vineyards feature their local products. While we did not visit the Valley while in Eger, it is known to be a hotspot for tastings and tours should that be an interest during your visit.

Shop & Explore

Lastly, but certainly not least, do not hesitate to wander around for some shopping while strolling the alleys and lanes of Eger! Whether enjoying an ice cream in their main square (during which we got to see two wedding parties!) or exploring the side street shops, Eger’s downtown is charming and family friendly. Many of the shops do display more touristy items, however some feature vintage or handmade pieces that make for fun collectables. Do know though that if shopping is a priority, enjoy it Saturday morning, as many of the unique local boutiques and shops close Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

Where To Stay

If looking to stay for the weekend in Eger, I highly recommend enjoying the 1552 Boutique Hotel! Located in the historic center of Eger, this boutique hotel offers 15 rooms as well as a delicious breakfast, onsite parking, massages services and a restaurant located just minutes away within the Eger Castle. For wonderful service, stylish designs and an ideal location, the 1552 Boutique Hotel of Eger can’t be beat.

Final Thoughts

While our plans slightly diverted from Budapest to Eger, Hungary, we had a fabulous time exploring this charming city and most definitely recommend checking it out if you are traveling through Hungary! From their famous castle and cathedral to library, cuisine, thermal baths and minaret, Eger holds many unique sites that make for a great weekend trip. So, would you visit Eger or have the sights of Hungary on your bucket list? If so, be sure to save this post for later and share with a friend you might want to visit with!

Happy traveling!