One day in Tata - hike tips for families

Tata's emblematic building is the castle, which has been standing on the shores of “Öreg-tó” (Old Lake of Tata) for six centuries. Throughout its turbulent history, it has survived invasions, sieges and fires, and has changed hands and functions several times. It was used as a summer residence by King Sigismund and King Matthias, served as a fortress during the Turkish occupation, and for many years was owned by the Esterházy family. Since 1955 it has been home to permanent and temporary exhibitions of the Domokos Kuny Museum. But it's not just the more and more interesting exhibits that are on display when you visit this historic site. Adventurous families can test their bravery and skill in an unusual escape game, where you have to solve various puzzles to get out of the dungeon in a set time. To make an appointment, please contact the Tourinform Office in Tata.

The “Fényes tanösvény” (Luminous Educational Path) is an ideal destination for families and active holidaymakers all year round. In the nature reserve, you can discover the unique fauna and flora of the marsh in an interactive way through 18 stations on a 1350-metre-long pile walkway. From the lookout tower in Nagy-Égeres, you can admire the marshland in front of you, and you can cross the beautiful water-lily-covered lake by boat or over a suspension bridge. Young and old alike are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience and a wealth of knowledge - in the open air, in a unique environment.

The “ Angolkert” (English Garden) surrounding Lake Cseke is an ideal place for family outings. The park, which is rich in natural and architectural treasures, was built by the Esterházy family in the 18th century and was the first English-style garden in Hungary at the time. Unlike the French gardens, here the plants are planted in groups rather than in strict arrangements, giving the place a more natural, wild and rustic feel. Also typical of the English style, ruins and grottoes - or artificial ruins and caves - are the perfect place to play hide and seek with the kids. There are exhibitions in the Esterházy Holiday House, and the adjacent Cellarius Treasure House offers handicrafts from local artisans and delicacies from local producers. The Palm House is now an event space and a popular wedding venue.

You can take the sightseeing train around the sights of Tata without getting tired, and the kids will have fun too, who wouldn't enjoy a little choo-choo train? Children under 2 years and pets can travel for free. And for large families and groups of friends, a 14-passenger open-top electric minibus is available, which follows the same route as the minitrain, and at the same fare.

At 166 metres above sea level, Kálvária Hill is the highest point in Tata, offering an unrivalled view of the “Öreg-tó” (Old Lake) and the city. At the top of the hill is a small Baroque chapel, built by József Esterházy in the mid-1700s. Here you can also see the 37-metre-high Fellner Jakab Lookout, with 175 steps leading up to the top. It’s can be a tough climb, but the view from the top is worth it! It is interesting to note that the lookout used to function as a buckshot foundry: the molten lead was dripped from the top of the building into a bucket of water on the ground floor - this is how buckshot was made.