12 bucket list destinations for autumn that are great for cooler weather, too

Lake Hévíz is a great destination in all seasons, but there is nothing like the sight of a soft, steamy cap sitting on the surface of the water – even in the coldest weather – when it’s at least 24 degrees. You can have a meditative and not least healing experience.

Autumn is the season for all kinds of gastronomic delights, and in November, for example, many people are on fire with goose dishes! No wonder, the roast goose leg with braised red cabbage and onion mashed potatoes is a delicious and unmissable dish. Take part in the St. Martin’s Day celebrations in Szombathely or Székesfehérvár!

Time spent in nature is worth its weight in gold: get out and wander the country’s arboretums. The Vácrátót National Botanical Garden has 27 hectares to offer, and there is even a special exhibition on the effects of climate change.

After the daily treadmill, there’s nothing better than getting away for the weekend and taking a long walk on one of the countless hiking trails. How about getting more organised this autumn and exploring the National Blue Trail or the family-friendly trails in the latest Kajla publications? Order a certificate booklet and start collecting stamps!

With seasonal and locally sourced food becoming more and more popular, it is no wonder that more and more farmers’ markets are opening up, offering some really great ingredients. Take a trip to Őrség Region and visit the Őriszentpéter farmers’ market: fig brandy, delicious sausages and immune-boosting drinks await you.

For those who would prefer to enjoy the colder weather indoors, we recommend exploring a new country café. Such as Antique Cafe & Tea in Szeged, Reggeli (Breakfast) in Pécs or Manooka in Eger, where you can not only enjoy a strong black coffee, but also a super meal.

If you are a real history buff, there are some beautiful castles waiting for you. Visit the Wenckheim Castle in Szabadkígyós, for example, where you will be transported back in time in its stately rooms. For similar attractions, use HelloHungary’s map with castle icons to help you find your way, or even Kajla’s castles brochure!

Autumn is a great time to go sightseeing! Discover a Hungarian county town you have never been to before: whether it is the Art Nouveau palaces of Kecskemét, the Tisza riverbank in Szeged or the old town of Veszprém with undulating hills.

 Children are crazy about animals, but for the little ones, big ZOOs may not be the right experience. Did you know that there are many small wildlife parks in Hungary? At the Bőszénfa deer farm, you can admire the wild animals of the forest, but Hatvan or Kecskemét Wildlife Park are also great places to introduce children to the forest inhabitants. 

The rainy weather calls for a sauna! You can even brighten up an ordinary weekday with a good sauna session, especially if you do it in a relaxing environment. Try the Árpád Baths in Székesfehérvár, where the sauna masters will make you feel refreshed with special sessions.

And when it is not so cold, it is time to get out your bike and go for a ride along the shores of Lake Velencei or Lake Tisza, for example. Swimming on the shores of a quiet lake, what an autumnal refreshment!

Finally: turn your back on the world for a weekend, switch off your phone and sip tea in a cabin in the woods. Fortunately, there are more and more super accommodations waiting for you in the Danube Bend, in Noszvaj, in the Őrség or even in the Villány area.