Višegrad: 5 Must-Do Things In Hungary's Hidden Gem

Visegrád is a very small castle town, and easy to miss, but that will be a mistake. By saying very small, I really mean it. The population seems to be declining. For instance, in 2010 the population measured at 1,864, whereas seven years later only 1,840 were recorded in the population records.
 
This little gem also sits on the Pest side, just north of Budapest on the right bank of the Danube in the Danube Bend.
dobogoko beautiful place hungary highest point visegrad hills hungary
Scenery of the hills surrounding the town.

What it’s known for

  • When you get off a river cruise and anchor at Visegrád you’ll get to see the remains of the Early Renaissance summer palace of King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary and the medieval citadel. This is what the tiny town, founded in 1009, of only 33.27 km² is famous for.

Getting there

Visegrád is just over an hour’s drive by car (via Route 11) from Budapest and almost 3 hours by train. The Danube bend cruise is a good choice – make sure they have a connection to or stop at Visegrád.

 Directions: Car & train routes.

 Check the weather before you go.

Visegrad, visegrad castle, Hidden gem places to visit in Hungary, beautiful towns in Hungary near Budapest
Visegrad, Hidden gem places to visit in Hungary, beautiful towns in Hungary near Budapest , visegrad castle

Things to do in Visegrád

1. Visegrád Castle

The main attraction in Visegrád, Hungary is definitely the Visegrád Castle, a historic fortress that has stood the test of time. This place is so cool! It’s perched high on a hill, overlooking the Danube River, and it feels like something straight out of a fairy tale. The castle dates all the way back to the 14th century, which makes it super old and fascinating.

Inside the castle, you’ll find a museum that shows off medieval weaponry and armor. It’s like stepping into a time machine! And the view from the castle walls is breathtaking. You can see the river winding through the lush, green landscape, and it’s like a painting come to life.

The castle's legendary past

Address in Visegrád: Dózsa György útca (street) 2, 2025

Visegrád Castle in Hungary has its fair share of legendary stories that are super interesting! Here are a couple of them:

1. The Visegrád Witch: One of the famous legends is about a witch who lived in Visegrád Castle. She was known for her dark magic and was believed to have a supernatural connection with the Danube River. People said she could control the weather and the water level of the river. It’s a bit spooky but adds a touch of mystery to the castle’s history.

2. King Matthias and the Hidden Treasure: King Matthias Corvinus, a well-known Hungarian ruler, is also linked to Visegrád Castle. Legend has it that he hid a treasure somewhere in or around the castle before he died. The treasure has never been found, and many treasure hunters have tried to locate it over the years. It’s like a real-life treasure hunt!

3. The White Lady: Like many old castles, Visegrád is said to be haunted by a “White Lady” ghost. This ghost is often seen as a symbol of purity and is believed to bring good luck to those who encounter her. People say she appears to those in dire need of help, providing comfort and guidance.

These legends make Visegrád Castle even more fascinating, don’t they? Whether you’re into history, mystery, or just good old-fashioned ghost stories, Visegrád Castle has a lot to offer in terms of legendary tales.

Solomon's Tower

Solomontor, or Solomon’s Tower,  is a fascinating attraction in Visegrád, Hungary. The tower is located within the Visegrád Castle complex.

Solomon’s Tower in Visegrád, Hungary, is named after King Solomon, who was a renowned figure in the Old Testament of the Bible. The name may suggest a connection to this biblical figure, but it’s important to note that the tower’s name doesn’t imply a direct historical or religious association with King Solomon.

The term “Solomon’s Tower” is more likely a romantic or symbolic name chosen for its historical resonance. It’s not uncommon for medieval buildings or landmarks to be named in ways that evoke a sense of history and grandeur.

In the case of Visegrád’s Solomon’s Tower, it adds to the medieval and mystical atmosphere of the site, which is known for its intricate and labyrinthine structure. While the name might conjure images of biblical grandeur, its significance is rooted in the castle’s historical and architectural context rather than a direct reference to King Solomon.

Visegrad Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic Bridge UNESCO Hungary
Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge

2. Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The 179.5 m long Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge of Višegrad across the Drina River in the east of Bosnia and Herzegovina was built at the end of the 16th century on the orders of Grand Vizier Mehmed Paša Sokolović. The bridge has 11 masonry arches with spans of 11 m to 15 m, and an access ramp at right angles with four arches on the left bank of the river. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bridge is a representative masterpiece of Mimar Koca Sinan, one of the greatest architects and engineers of the classical Ottoman period and a contemporary of the Italian Renaissance.

Visegrad Citadel Danube Hungary
The view from Visegrád Citadel.

3. Visegrád Citadel (Fellegvár)

While the castle is the most famous, the citadel, located nearby, is also worth a visit. It offers a fantastic panoramic view of the Danube River and the surrounding landscape. The citadel is a bit of a hike to reach, but the view is well worth it.

4. Visegrád Town Center

The town itself is charming, with colorful buildings, shops, and restaurants. Strolling through the historic streets and enjoying some local Hungarian cuisine is a delightful experience.

5. Palotaház (Palace House)

Address in Visegrád: Dózsa György útca (street) 2, 2025

This building houses exhibitions related to Visegrád’s history, making it a great place to learn more about the town’s heritage and culture.

Find accommodation in Visegrád

Discover a range of charming hotels in Visegrád, Hungary, to suit every traveler’s taste and budget. From elegant riverfront resorts to cozy guesthouses, find your perfect home away from home for a memorable stay in this picturesque Danube Bend town.

Top Ten Hotels in Visegrád

🎒 Travel Tip(s)

Look for free cancellation options: Some hotels offer free cancellation up until a certain date. Booking accommodations with free cancellation can provide flexibility in case your plans change.

Check the map view: Booking.com has a map view feature that shows the location of hotels. This can help you identify accommodations in areas that are both desirable and affordable.

Airport nearest to Visegrád

The bustling Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) offers convenient access to both the excitement of the city and the charm of the countryside.

In conclusion, Visegrád is not a large town, but it has a lot to offer in terms of history, natural beauty, and unique attractions. It’s a wonderful place to explore and enjoy a mix of historical and outdoor experiences.

🎒 Travel Tip(s)

Szentendre, Visegrád, Esztergom, and Komárom add up to a car drive of around 2h40m, subject to traffic conditions. We recommend each destination as a day trip or hop on a river cruise and hop off as you wish.

🎒 Travel Tip(s)

Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space in your luggage. It also prevents wrinkles (especially when you don’t have a travel-size steamer) and it’s easier to find specific items.

Use leak-proof sleeves for your toiletries to prevent spills in your luggage. Keep things tidy and hassle-free!