Legends and groves – the treasures of the Gödöllő hills

Gödöllő is one of the most charming towns in Pest County, but perhaps in the entire country. In this magical town, the traveller can find everything that is worth getting in the car even for hours: rich historical monuments, natural treasures and a flourishing cultural life intertwine in a special harmony. It is located only half an hour from Budapest, yet it exists in a completely different time system. Gödöllő and its region are in the fortunate position of being home to several internationally known and recognised tourism service providers. We only need to think of the Grassalkovich Castle, i.e., the Royal Castle of Gödöllő, which has etched itself in the history books as the residence of Queen Elisabeth. The largest baroque palace in Hungary, its magical castle garden and its baroque theatre are rare even in European terms. The region also includes the most significant car racing track in our country, the Hungaroring, which is visited by millions of motor sports enthusiasts every year. The Mogyoród Aquaréna, the Lázár Equestrian Park and the Veresegyház Bear Farm are also located in the Gödöllő area, which are top-rated family-friendly destinations in the Budapest area. The Vácrátót Botanical Garden, one of the oldest botanical gardens in our country, dazzles nature lovers with around 13,000 plant species.

“Religious tourism is experiencing a renaissance again. Few people know, but there are two monastic orders in the Gödöllő region: in Gödöllő-Máriabesnyő, the Capuchins live and serve in the nearly 300-year-old Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is classified as a Basilica Minor, and in the Premonstratensian Abbey, the Premonstratensian order lives and serves. Although the latter building is more modern than the one in Máriabesnyő, its brand-new church offers a dazzling view of the landscape beneath our feet,” says Dr. Tamás Ujváry.

Although Gödöllő is primarily known for its built heritage, the Gödöllő Hills offer numerous hiking trails and natural attractions for those looking for active recreation. There is a colourful garden or exciting park on almost every corner. The 26-hectare castle garden is perhaps one of the best-known and most popular green spots in Gödöllő, but the palm house near the castle – built during the time of the Grassalkovichs – is also worth a walk. The building, which displays exotic plants, is a particularly refreshing sight in the cooler months.

“There are two botanical gardens in the settlement and its catchment area: the Gödöllő Arbo-park and the Gödöllő Botanical Garden of Szent István University. The famous Vácrátót Botanical Garden is also located in the area. The Mária Road and the Gödöllő Blue Trail touch the border of the town – but these are just a few examples of the countless hiking trails. Tired wanderers can even roam the Gödöllő Hills on horseback, and if someone would like to admire the countryside from a bird's eye view, sightseeing flights also depart from the Gödöllő airport for groups of friends and families,” says the president of the Tourist Association.

This wonderful destination can be explored even without a car: Gödöllő is easily accessible by public transport. The train station is accessible, and cycling is easy and safe. The cycle path network in the town is outstanding: you can cycle from the railway station to the castle and the arboretums without any problems, and there is even a cycle path between Vác and Gödöllő.

“With regard to the fact that a large part of the Gödöllő Hills is a nature conservation area, sustainability is a key aspect for local service providers as well. The area is well-served by public transport: it is easily accessible by bus, HÉV and train, in line with the green approach. I believe that the attitude of service providers, the care of the natural environment and public transport together organically support the development of sustainable tourism,” says Dr. Tamás Ujváry.

You can easily be spoilt for choice, so many sights and experiences await you in this magical region. The annual programme is extremely diverse, of which Dr. Tamás Ujváry mentions some special examples. At the end of August and the beginning of September, the lotus blossom takes centre stage in the National Botanical Garden, and in autumn, the sound of the harp resounds within the walls of the Grassalkovich Castle: this is when the Gödöllő International Harp Festival begins. In the second half of October, the Liszt Festival follows, followed by the St. Martin's Day Goose Festival in the Lázár Equestrian Park, and finally, one of the most popular attractions of the year, the Castle Light Garden, closes the programme series.

-says dr. Tamás Ujváry. 

According to Dr. Tamás Ujváry, the Tourism Association has two main tasks. On the one hand, it presents the region's tourism service providers not in isolation, but as a unified whole – reinforcing and complementing each other. On the other hand, it forms a bridge between service providers: it helps the flow of information, promotes the exchange of experiences and encourages cooperation.

“Sharing turnover, revenue and best practices is in our common interest. Ultimately, these are the elements that serve the region's prosperity and long-term development,” he emphasizes.