The beauties of winter with a SZÉP card

Winter often transforms nature into a magical spectacle, but we can also visit castles and museums, and crown our relaxation with a wellness experience. The following program guide presents only a fraction of the treasures of our country that we can boldly plan into our itinerary on a gloomy, rainy day – or even in the cold!

This region offers a wide variety of attractions. The history of Eger Castle became widely known mainly through the film adaptation of Géza Gárdonyi’s novel Eclipse of the Crescent Moon. Walking through the spectacular exhibition housed in the castle, we can become part of this historically significant battle, shudder at the sight of the instruments of torture on display in the prison, and pay our respects to the heroic defenders of the castle and the grave of Géza Gárdonyi. The Macok Bistro, located at the entrance to the castle, is a place for meetings, good vibes, and memorable culinary experiences, making it a great way to end your visit to the castle. This guest-friendly place has a colorful, playfully elegant appearance and offers excellent value for money. The nearby Siroki Castle towers over the picturesque surroundings of the Mátra Mountains. The castle was carved out of a rock in a unique way, and a complex system of underground passages was built inside Castle Hill. Discovering these routes promises an adventurous pastime for people of all ages. If you fancy an outdoor activity, it is worth taking the time to visit Gyöngyös Zoo, which is an hour away. The zoo is family- and child-friendly. The two-hectare park has a petting zoo for children, pony rides, and a bouncy castle for burning off excess energy, among other things.

The classicist Puchner Castle, which now operates as a hotel, is located in Bikal, in the Hegyhát Valley at the foot of the Mecsek Mountains. There are several different types of accommodation to choose from in this captivating environment, and in the themed adventure park next to the hostel, you can learn about life in medieval Hungarian villages. For a little thrill, visit the witch’s house in the village or peek into the workshops of the craftsmen to see their various skills! If we head a little further south, we can explore Siklós Castle, located at the foot of the Villány Mountains, which many people may recognize from the film The Captain of Tenkes. Thanks to the reconstruction and renovation, visitors can now enjoy a visitor center that meets a wide range of needs, accompanied by a wonderful panorama.

The name of the nearby Szigetvár Castle is closely linked to that of the heroic castle captain Miklós Zrínyi, who sacrificed his life for the castle. An interactive exhibition takes visitors on an exciting journey through time, offering a glimpse into the functioning of border forts in times of war and peace, as well as an introduction to the secrets of castle construction.

The Balaton Uplands and the lake are charming even in winter, with waves frozen in ice and Lake Balaton shrouded in fog offering us a special sight. Water-based activities are replaced by outdoor excursions, with castles being a popular destination, and there is no shortage of these here. Perched atop one of the lonely hills of the Balaton Uplands, Sümeg Castle is considered one of the most beautiful medieval fortresses in the country. From May until Christmas, knight tournaments are held twice a week at the foot of the castle, followed by a traditional medieval feast. The adventure park, castle, castle tavern, stables, petting zoo, Great Knights’ Hall, Knights’ Arena, and the Hotel Kapitány hotel complex offer active, unforgettable, and experience-rich relaxation in Sümeg.

Half an hour away from here stands the symbol of the Balaton Uplands, Szigliget Castle, towering atop what was once an island in Lake Balaton. The fortress not only offers us a breathtaking panorama, but also a captivating exhibition. Thanks to its covered areas, it can be visited all year round, making it the perfect choice even on cooler days. Thanks to the efforts of the Festetics family, by the 1930s the racing stud farm in Fenék had become Central Europe’s leading horse breeding center. This close connection is illustrated by the exhibition at the Festetics estate in Fenékpuszta, located near Keszthely. It is worth allowing plenty of time for your visit, as both horse riding enthusiasts and those who enjoy active recreation will find something to suit their tastes.

The Veszprém Zoo, located a little further away from Lake Balaton, ranks among the top child-friendly attractions. At the zoo, we can observe the predators in covered enclosures, so we can have fun even in rainy weather. You can devote an entire day to the visit, and one of the special organized programs allows you to see Siberian tigers up close – these rare experiences are well worth enjoying.

Various zoos and petting zoos are popular destinations for families with young children, and we don’t have to give them up in winter either. At the Jászberény Zoo and Botanical Garden, visitors can see the animals in conditions similar to their natural habitats. One of the most popular programs is the penguin walk, during which visitors can stroll around the garden in the company of these little creatures in their tuxedos. This is a special experience for both young and old, as are the spectacular shows that are regularly included in the various programs. Just a stone’s throw from the capital, Budakeszi Wildlife Park focuses primarily on showcasing native species. During a walk in the forest, we can encounter animals in their natural habitat. The wildlife park has also set itself the important goal of educating the public, with numerous nature trails, petting zoos, and other programs helping children to learn. Located near the capital, the family-friendly Szentendre Small Animal Park mainly features farm animals, but there are also a few exotic and native wild animals. The mini zoo is committed to rescuing domestic wild animals in distress, so they treat them and, if necessary, find them a new home. Some of the animals can be fed with purchased food, which makes the program even more exciting.

SZÉP Card acceptance points:

Castles and fortresses:

1. Castle of Eger

2. Castle of Sümeg 

3. Castle of Sirok

4. Castle of Siklós

5. Castle of Gyula

6. Zrínyi Castle of Szigetvár

7. Castle of Szigliget

8. Castle of Regéc

9. Star fortress

10. Fort Monostor

Castles and chateaus:

11. Károlyi Castle (Fehérvárcsurgó)

12. Sándor-Metternich Castle

13. Almásy Castle of Gyula

14. Festetics Castle (Dég)

15. Esterházy Castle (Fertőd)

16. Puchner Castle Hotel

17. Károlyi Castle (Füzérradvány)

18. New-Ebergényi Castle

19. Helia-D Herba Castle

20. Episcopal Palace (Sümeg)

21. Camaldolese Hermitage

Zoos and petting zoos:

22. Gyöngyös Zoo

23. Jászberény Zoo and Botanical Garden

24. Miskolc Zoo

25. Zoo Park of Nyíregyháza

26. Budakeszi Wildlife park

27. Fenékpuszta Grange

28. Small Animal Park of Szentendre

29. Bear sanctuary

30. Veszprém Zoo

31. János Xantus Zoo

32. Mini Zoo

33. Fenyvespuszta petting zoo

34. Kecskemét Wildlife Park

35. RoBirtok Experience Center

36. Debrecen Zoo