National Castle Games toplist – A time travel from Tisza to Danube

Sümeg Castle cannot be left off the top list of a decent castle game for sure! The castle complex in Zala County is a major tourist attraction in the region, thanks to the successful architectural reconstruction and the wide range of programmes available there. The Historical Experience Park, with its medieval atmosphere, offers an authentic setting for period horse games: the main elements of the shows are reminiscent of jousting, including also skillful weapon demonstrations with archery, spear throwing, horse and foot combat.

In addition to the excitement, period costumes and music and professional riders ensure quality entertainment, while you can take away a wealth of information about the castle games. A special feature is that the riding stables can be visited on their own, so you can go behind the scenes even after showtime. The jousting tournament is followed, in style, by a medieval feast. Gypsy music is played during the feast, and guests are served by costumed knights and ladies of the castle, where the food is eaten by hand in the traditional manner of the time. The menu is mostly reminiscent of the period: ash-baked scones, delicious roast pork, corn cakes – all of which are made from ingredients from the castle’s own model farm.

The Castle Precinct pays special attention to educating the younger generation with experiences, including also themed class trips between the available programme opportunities. However, professionalism also extends beyond the castle walls: if you plan to stay for several days, the Hotel Kapitány**** Superior Wellness adds modern amenities to your medieval adventure.

There is no need to introduce Hollókő and its traditions to the lovers of the Hungarian countryside, as this village is considered to be the embodiment of living tradition. With the arrival of the spring holidays, the town becomes more lively than usual, with young people in traditional costume, interrupted by curious tourists. Despite the fact that the Easter watering and the election of the Pentecostal princess were considered magic in folklore, there is an even more mystical event in the region, the Fabulous Castle Games (Mesés Várjátékok). The word ‘fabulous’ is not a poetic exaggeration: anyone can fight the smoke-breathing dragon! The morning starts with the parade, followed by the military rehearsal, the maneuver and the feast. The most captivating part of the day, the dragon attack, takes place in the afternoon, where princesses, princes and knights can experience an extraordinary fairytale.

Hollókő Castle offers a variety of themed castle games: at Pentecost, the end of the war and the Curonian period are traditionally brought to life, with war gymnasts, musicians, dancers, craftsmen and market vendors providing memorable experiences. On 20 August, the siege will also take centre stage, while in September, the Gasztrovár (‘Gastro Castle’) programme will offer a taste of the culinary world of the period.

In the Boldogkőváralja courtyard, too, every weekend from spring to autumn, the magic of the age of chivalry is revived. The castle of Boldogkő is special not only because it houses the largest exhibition of lead soldiers in Central Europe, but also because everyone can find something to do in the castle that suits their own passion: photographers can take pictures of the Lion Rock (Oroszlánszikla), gourmets can visit the medieval restaurant, and you can also take a special journey through time thanks to the guided tour in costume. After the courtiers tell the legend of the seven fairies, we are given an insight from the time of King Béla IV through the time of Charles Robert to the end of the age of the knights. If you are more interested in life as a knight than in stories, the Weapon Demonstration gives you a first-hand look at the tools of war of the time. For an even more authentic experience, there is also the humorous duel of the knights errant: during the performance, squires are chosen from among the enthusiastic audience, and at the end of the duel, the plague doctor cures the needy with incense, prayer and brandy. In addition, the route of the National Blue Tour is also along this route, so you can also enjoy the equestrian experience with a hike.