Exploring Eger - A Baroque Gem of History, Wine, and Heroism
- Gems of Budapest
- Aug 3
- 7 min read
If you're planning a visit to Hungary and wondering where to go beyond Budapest, look no further than Eger, the seat of Heves county and the second largest city in Northern Hungary. Located in the scenic foothills of the Bükk Mountains, the city of Eger is a cultural treasure trove that combines Ottoman-era history, baroque architecture, and wine-making tradition. With its iconic castle, healing thermal baths, and the legendary bravery of its citizens, Eger is one of Hungary’s most historically significant and visually captivating destinations.
The view of Eger Castle and the surrounding area, © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
How to get there?
Eger lies about 135 kilometers (84 miles) northeast of Budapest, making it easily reachable by train, bus, or car.
By Train
Departure Station: Budapest Keleti pályaudvar (Keleti Railway Station) - IMPORTANT NOTE: The Keleti Railway station will be closed for renovation between August 25 and September 20. Regular trains to Eger will leave from the Kőbánya Felső railway station.
Arrival Station: Eger Railway Station
Duration: Approx. 2–2.5 hours
Tip: Choose an InterCity (IC) train for comfort and speed. Seat reservations are usually required.
Transfer: Some trains are direct, while others require a change at Füzesabony
Frequency: Trains run hourly throughout the day
Operator: MÁV (Hungarian State Railways)
Tickets: Available at the station, ticket machines, or online at https://jegy.mav.hu
By Bus
Departure: Budapest Stadion Bus Station (Stadion autóbusz-pályaudvar) Address: Budapest, Puskás Ferenc Stadion-M, 1146
Arrival: Eger Bus Station (Eger autóbusz-állomás)
Duration: Approx. 2.5–3 hours
Frequency: Less frequent than trains
Operator: Volánbusz
Tickets: Buy at the station, on the bus (cash/card), or online at https://jegy.mav.hu (important note: select the Bus icon only, and specify the above departure location!)
Note: Buses are usually slower than trains and may have more stops.
By Car
Take the M3 motorway eastbound from Budapest
Exit at Füzesabony, then follow signs north to Eger (Route 25)
The M3 motorway requires a digital vignette (e-matrica). You can buy it at petrol stations or online (e.g. https://ematrica.nemzetiutdij.hu/en/registration)
When to Visit Eger?
Spring and Fall for mild weather and fewer crowds
Summer for festivals, concerts, and outdoor wine tastings
Autumn for the grape harvest and golden foliage in the wine valley
A City Shaped by History
Eger’s origins trace back to the 10th century, but it gained prominence in the early 11th century when King Stephen I, Hungary’s first Christian king, established a bishopric (diocese) there. This early Christian foundation made Eger a major religious and cultural center in medieval Hungary.
The Latin name of the city is Agria, while the current Hungarian name Eger is believed to come from the "égerfa" (alder tree) that grew along the banks of the Eger Stream.
Eger Castle: A Symbol of Resistance
No visit to Eger is complete without exploring the Eger Castle (Egri Vár). Perched above the city, this 13th-century fortress invites visitors to step back into medieval Hungary. For more information, please check out the following link: https://egrivar.hu/en
What to See at Eger Castle:
Exhibitions of the 1552 siege
The novelist, Géza Gárdonyi’s tomb, with the inscription: "Only his body lies here, his spirit lives among us."
Panoramic views of Eger from the bastions
The underground casemates and medieval wax museum
Historical reenactments and summer medieval festivals
Eger Castle, © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
The Siege of Eger Castle
Eger is most famous for the siege of 1552, when an outnumbered Hungarian force of about 2,000 soldiers - including civilians and women - heroically defended the Eger Castle against an Ottoman army of 60-70,000.
Eger Castle, © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
The city's resistance became a symbol of national pride and resilience, immortalized in Géza Gárdonyi’s novel 'Eclipse of the Crescent Moon' (Egri csillagok). The novel begins with Gergely Bornemissza and Éva Cecey as childhood friends and follows their journey into adulthood, set against the backdrop of 16th-century Hungary. Their love story unfolds alongside the heroic defense of the Eger Castle, making them iconic characters in Hungarian historical fiction. The statue of the children is located at the Eger stream.
For further information about the Géza Gárdonyi Memorial House, please see the below link (you can purchase tickets at the Castle entrance):
The statue of the lead characters as children, from the Eclipse of the Crescent Moon novel, and the statue of the novelist Géza Gárdonyi © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
Each day at 15:52 (3:52 PM), the Castle of Eger fires an ancient cannon to commemorate the heroic 1552 siege, when Hungary’s vastly outnumbered defenders repelled the Ottoman invasion. This cannon salute is a live tribute to István Dobó and his garrison and serves as a dramatic reminder of the castle’s pivotal role in Hungarian history.
Religious and Architectural Heritage in Eger
Eger Cathedral (St. John the Apostle)
The stunning Eger Cathedral, a classicist masterpiece is dedicated to St. John the Evangelist and St. Michael the Archangel. This grand domed basilica, designed by József Hild and completed in 1837 stands as Hungary's second-largest church. Its neoclassical façade and soaring interior columns reflect the grandeur of Catholic Hungary.
View of the Eger Cathedral from the Lyceum, © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
It features towering Corinthian columns, a grand dome, and richly decorated interiors. Located just steps from the Lyceum, the cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Eger and a central place of worship in the region. Its majestic organ and spacious nave also make it a popular venue for classical concerts and religious festivals.
Interior of the Eger Cathedral, © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
Minorite Church of St. Anthony
Located on Dobó Square, this beautiful baroque church, with its twin towers and ornate interior, stands as a masterpiece of 18th-century ecclesiastical art.
The Minorite Church and the statue of István Dobó in Eger, © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
The Lyceum
The Lyceum in Eger, officially known as the Eszterházy Károly University Building, is a stunning example of 18th-century baroque architecture and a symbol of Eger’s academic and religious heritage. Originally built to serve as a Catholic university, it now houses a teacher training college, a rich baroque library with over 170,000 volumes, and the famous Camera Obscura in its observatory tower. With its grand frescoed halls, intricate woodwork, and scholarly ambiance, the Lyceum reflects the Enlightenment spirit that once aimed to make Eger a leading intellectual center in Hungary.
The Lyceum of Eger, © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
The Camera Obscura in Eger is a fascinating 18th-century optical device located in the Lyceum Tower. It's the oldest functioning camera obscura in the world, offering a real-time, 360-degree panoramic view of the city projected onto a darkened table through a system of lenses and mirrors. Guided demonstrations explain the physics behind this early form of "live streaming," making it a must-see for visitors interested in science, history, or simply seeing Eger from a unique perspective.
To reach the Camera Obscura at the top of the Lyceum in Eger, visitors must climb a significant number of stairs:
The Camera Obscura is located on the 9th floor
You ascend nine full floors, though because of high-ceiling levels, the climb feels more like climbing 18 floors
Picture from the Camera Obscura in Eger, © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
Remnant of the Ottoman Times: The Eger Minaret
The Eger Minaret is the northernmost surviving minaret from the Ottoman era in Europe and one of the most iconic historical landmarks in the city. Built in the 17th century during the Turkish occupation of Eger, it once stood beside a mosque that no longer exists. Rising 40 meters high, the slender stone tower is a rare reminder of Islamic architectural influence in Hungary. Visitors can climb its 97 narrow spiral steps for a panoramic view of the city—if they don’t mind the tight space and dizzying height. The minaret is a powerful symbol of Eger’s layered and turbulent past. Of the three minarets remaining in Hungary (Pécs, Érd, Eger), this is the tallest and the best preserved one.
The Minaret in Eger, © www.gemsofbudapest.com 2025
Natural Beauty and Excursions
Eger's location near the Bükk National Park makes it a great base for nature lovers.
Top Nature Experiences:
Szépasszonyvölgy (Valley of the Beautiful Woman): Just outside the city, this is Eger’s famous wine valley, where you can sip the renowned Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) in cool, cave-like wine cellars carved into tufa stone.
Eged Hill: Ideal for hiking, with stunning views of Eger and the surrounding countryside.
Thermal Baths and Spas: Eger is also a spa town, with several thermal baths fed by natural hot springs, including the Eger Thermal Spa and the Turkish Bath (originally built by the Ottomans). Fore more information, please check the following links:
Famous Wine of Eger: The Bikavér
Eger is synonymous with Egri Bikavér, or “Bull’s Blood of Eger,” Hungary’s most famous red wine blend. According to legend, during the 1552 siege, Hungarian defenders drank copious amounts of red wine mixed with spices to boost their morale. The Ottomans allegedly thought the red stains on their beards were blood of bulls, giving rise to the name.
Other local wines include:
Egri Csillag (a white blend, a newer counterpart to Bikavér)
Leányka, Olaszrizling, and other traditional varietals
Many cellars offer tastings, and local festivals like Egri Bikavér Festival showcase regional winemaking excellence.
Nearby Attractions Around Eger
The region surrounding Eger offers several fascinating destinations perfect for day trips or short excursions.
Just 25 km north of Eger lies Szilvásvárad, a picturesque village nestled in the Bükk National Park. It's famous for the Szalajka Valley, where visitors can hike through forests, visit the Veil Waterfall, explore the Istállós-kő Cave (a prehistoric archaeological site), and take a scenic ride on a narrow-gauge forest railway. The area is also home to the Lipizzaner stud farm, one of Europe’s oldest, where these elegant horses are bred and trained.
To the southwest, only 6 km from Eger, lies Egerszalók, known for its surreal salt hill, a rare natural formation created by mineral-rich thermal waters that cascade down white limestone terraces—often compared to Turkey's Pamukkale. The adjoining Saliris Resort Spa offers indoor and outdoor thermal pools, wellness treatments, and stunning views of the salt formations.
Another gem is Noszvaj, a peaceful wine village just 12 km from Eger. It’s renowned for its historic cave dwellings, cozy wine cellars, and the romantic De la Motte Castle, a small baroque palace surrounded by a charming English-style garden. Noszvaj is also a hub for local artisans, offering ceramics, handmade goods, and farm-to-table food experiences.
Farther afield, you can explore the Bükk Plateau, perfect for hikers and nature photographers.
These destinations, rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, make Eger an ideal base for exploring northern Hungary.
Why Eger Should Be on Your Hungary Itinerary
Eger offers a rich and balanced travel experience - history, architecture, wine, wellness, and natural beauty. It’s both romantic and educational, relaxing and inspiring. Whether you’re sipping wine in a centuries-old cellar, soaking in Turkish thermal waters, or climbing the castle walls imagining cannon fire and valor, Eger brings history to life in the most captivating way.
