Eger is a city in the Heves county in Hungary. Some of the most popular places to visit in Eger include castles, baroque churches, historical buildings and thermal baths. The city is also well known for unique Hungarian cuisine and its local red wine called Egri Bikaver.
The region shows evidence of settlement since the stone age. But, the city was founded by St. Stephen, who was the very first Christian king of Hungary. You can still find a few sites and monuments dedicated to him among Eger tourist attractions. The city was then invaded by Mongols, recaptured by Hungarian King Matthias and then fell to the Ottoman and Habsburg rule. Eger sightseeing will give you an insight into the rule of each of these powers over the city.
The most iconic historical place in the city is the Eger castle. It is known for its rich history of defending the city against invasions as well as for its grand architecture. It is one of the first places to explore when you visit Eger. The city also has several beautiful churches which are renowned for baroque style of architecture and opulent interiors.
As for the historical Eger attractions left behind by the ottomans, you have the Torok Kori Minaret and a network of underground tunnels. The ottoman period also saw constructions of several public baths. Some of these thermal and Turkish bath centers are still open today and form an integral part of Eger travel. You can see further details about them in the section below.
If you are looking for outdoor things to do in Eger, you should visit Bukk National Park. Though there are pastures for nature close to the city as well if you do not with to make a long trip. There are also rock formations and lakes in and around the city for people who wish to enjoy a little adventure during their trip.
Explore The Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Eger
1. Eger Castle (Egri vár)
One of the biggest Eger tourist attractions, this castle has a history going back to the 13th century. The castle was rebuilt in the 15th century with a gothic demeanor. The castle is enormous and requires a couple of hours to explore.
2. Lyceum Observatory
This observatory is praised for its beautiful baroque style architecture along with its educational collection. The Magic Hall in the building has numerous old experimental devices and astronomical equipment. The building also holds a library and a planetarium. It is among the most interactive things to do in Eger for families. You will need about 2 hours for this place.
3. Underground Tunnels
The tunnels were built in the 17th century when the city was taken over by the Ottoman empire. The tunnels stretch for 4 kms and were also used as wine cellar. You will need a couple of hours to explore these tunnels when you visit Eger.
4. Torok Kori Minaret (Kethüda minaret / Egri minaret)
This is the only surviving of the 10 Minaret built by ottomans between 1596 and 1687. This was was built with red sandstone and is northernmost Turkish minaret on the continent. If you can climb up the 97 steps, you can get to one of the best spots for Eger sightseeing. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes for this monument.
5. Valley of the Beautiful Woman
Wineries and Wine Cellars are among top Eger attractions. On this street you can try out the Egri Bikaver Wine, which means Bull’s Blood. You will need an hour for this street.
6. Dobó István Square
This public square is one of the most important historical sites to visit during Eger travel. It is named after Istvan Dobo, the military captain who made the last stand against Ottoman Empire. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for this square.
7. Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle (Eger Cathedral)
This is the 3rd largest cathedral in the country and the only Neo Classical Monument in city. The cathedral is renowned for its architecture, design and interiors. It is one of the most beautiful Eger tourist attractions. Many of the sculptures were built by famous Italian sculpture Marco Casagrande. You will need an hour to explore this cathedral.
8. Church of Anthony of Padua (Minorite Church)
The church was built by the Franciscan order in 1771. It is known for its baroque style architecture. It’s curved facade design and two towers makes it one of the most aesthetically interesting places to visit in Eger. You will need about an hour this church.
9. St. Nicholas Church
This church was built in the 18th century by Serbian and Greek refugees. This church exhibits baroque features, many of which were carved by Italian mason Giovanni Adami. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this church.
10. Provost’s Palace
This palace was built in 1758 for provost count Ignac Batthyany. It may not look too grand on the outside, but it does posses regal interiors. It will take you 30 to 45 minutes to explore this palace.
11. Thermal Bath
One of the most fun things to do in Eger is thermal bathing. You can enjoy this at a resort or at one of the many Turkish baths in the city. Torok Furdo Turkish Baths and Aquaticum Medicinal and Thermal Baths are two of the most popular Eger attractions for this activity. You can enjoy and relax at these places for a couple of hours.
12. Egri Road Beatles Múzeum
This museum is dedicated to the Beatles, their lives and their music. The collection features instruments used by the band along with several of their posters, costumes, newspaper articles and limited edition records. You would need an hour or so to explore this museum.
13. Bukk National Park (Bükki Nemzeti Park)
Bukk is the largest national park in the country. It is the best place for outdoor activities in Eger including hiking, trekking, camping, mountain climbing and cave explorations. You would need at least a day for this national park.
14. Kopcsik Marcipánia Bell Foundry House
This museum is dedicated to famous confectioner Lajos Kopcsik who was known for its marzipan creations. The house has several items made from marzipan inlcuding furniture, scuptures, ornaments and more. It is an interesting addition to Eger sightseeing. It will take you an hour or so to explore this place.
15. Holloko Village
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a museum in itself. The village has several museums, historical buildings and cultural centers to explore. You would need a day’s time to enjoy this village.
If you are looking for more interesting places to visit in Eger, check out the section below.
Things to do in Eger
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Eger
- Castle Eger
- Eger Minarate
- Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle
- Dobo Istavan Museum
- Beatles Road Museum
- Church of Anthony of Padua
- City Under the City
- De La Motte Castle Noszvaj
- Kopcsik Marcipania Bell Foundry House
- Szomolyai Kaptarkovek
- Astronomical Museum and Camera Obscura
- Cistercian Church in Belapatflva
- Memorial Museum of Geza Gardonyi
- Suba-hole Museum
- Pelyhe Pince Museum
- Eger Fire Museum
- Zarkandy Bastion
- Meseut Iada
- Bogacsi Lookout
- Brezovay kastely
- Ziffer Sandor Galeria
- Cserépvár romjai
- Időalagút Museum
- Kisamerika barlanglakások
- Ostorosi-víztároló
- Saint Nicholas Church
- Sports Museum
- Cave Apartment Open Air Museum
- Museum of Special Antiques
- Galassy Crypt
- Hall of Heroes
- Millenium Lookout
- Szomolya Cave Dwellings Country House
- Servite Church
- Tomb of Géza Gárdonyi
- Maritime Museum
- Chestnut Exhibition House
- Great Valley Roof Lookout
- Palace of Little Prepost
- Fazola Kapu
- Church of Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary
- Typewriter Exhibition
- Loss of Eyes Exhibition
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Eger
- Bukk National Park
- Lake Volgyi to
- Noszvaj Barlanglakasok
- Laskóvölgy reservoir
- Kovesdi kilato
- Bogacs Fishing Pond
- Demien Hive Stone
- Rock Source Forest
- Lime Mountain
- Szomolya Hive Stones Nature Reserve
- Rock Source Lake
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Eger
- Valley of Beautiful Women
- Thummerer Cellar
- Torok Furdo
- St. Andrea Estate
- Demjeni Termal Volgy
- Thermal and Erlebnisbad Waterpark
- Kepes Gyorgy International Art Center
- Gorilla Arena Theme Park
- Dino Park
- Doctor Agyagási Dezső Medical Park
- Noah’s Garden Adventure Park
Shopping in Eger
- Agria Park Shopping Center
- Baroque Shopping Street
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Eger
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Trekking
Sightseeing in Eger
- Dobo Istavan Square
- Szmrecsanyi Lajos Kert
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Eger
- Macok Bistro
- Brumbrum Pizza
- Senator House
- Erla Villa
- Il Padrino
- HBH Bajor Sorhaz
- Forst Haz Restaurant
- Foter
- 1552
- Excalibur Kozepkori
- Vadasztanya etterem Eger
How to Reach Eger?
By Air
The closest airport for Eger travel is the Budapest airport. Check out our article on Budapest to see the direct flights connected to this airport. You will have to get to the city from the airport to find transportation to Eger.
By Road
Trains run regularly from Budapest to visit Eger. You can also get trains from Fuzesabony and Miskloc. The bus network is far more widespread throughout Hungary. This means you can get to Eger from almost anywhere in the country via bus.
If you plan to travel by car, you can stick to route M3 or route 25.
By Water
Being a landlocked city, there are no direct water routes to reach Eger.
Image Reference
- Eger Castle (Egri vár) – Eli Duke / Flickr
- Lyceum Observatory – h_laca / Wikimedia Commons
- Underground Tunnels –
- Torok Kori Minaret (Kethüda minaret / Egri minaret) – Tim Ellis / Flickr
- Valley of the Beautiful Woman – Andrew Bossi / Wikimedia Commons
- Dobó István Square – István Mátrai / PixaBay
- Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle (Eger Cathedral) – Milan Tvrdy / Flickr
- Church of Anthony of Padua (Minorite Church) – Istvan / Flickr
- St. Nicholas Church – Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
- Provost’s Palace – Rakás / Wikimedia Commons
- Thermal Bath – Pudelek (Marcin Szala) / Wikimedia Commons
- Egri Road Beatles Múzeum – Globetrotter19 / Wikimedia Commons
- Bukk National Park (Bükki Nemzeti Park) – Steve Talas / Flickr
- Kopcsik Marcipánia Bell Foundry House –
- Holloko Village – Gábor Adonyi / PixaBay
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