Debrecen – Reformed Great Church lookout tower
Debrecen’s iconic building, the Reformed Great Church, is not only sacrally significant, but also historically important. Here, in 1849, Lajos Kossuth read out the Declaration of Independence proclaiming the dethronement of the Habsburgs. There are also exhibitions in the church towers, but the panoramic walkway and the observation room in the west tower are not to be missed either. From here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole city. A mandatory programme in Debrecen!
Kecskemét – Cifrapalota (Ornamented Palace)
The Ornamented Palace of Kecskemét has been sung many times. If you want to see what one of our favourite children’s songs is all about, you should visit Kecskemét, where you can enjoy a truly fairytale “palace”. The building was designed by Géza Márkus, who combined the “modern and Hungarian” style with elements of Viennese Art Nouveau. The building is not only worth admiring from the outside. The Ornamented Palace is the home of the picture gallery of the József Katona Museum in Kecskemét, where works by artists such as Adolf Fényes, Károly Ferenczy and József Rippl-Rónai can be seen. The perfect winter activity – even in cold and foggy weather!
Szeged – Füvészkert (Botanical Garden)
One of Szeged’s most popular attractions is the Botanical Garden, which boasts 17 hectares of beautiful plants. There is an arboretum section, a cactus collection, orchids, a rose garden, and even the oldest Szechuan pine tree in Hungary. The garden is beautiful in every season, and there are even special events, throughout the year. A real refreshment in nature!
Szekszárd – House of Arts
If you choose Szekszárd as your next destination, be sure to visit the House of Arts, which is housed in the former synagogue. The building was built in 1897 in the Romantic style, designed by Hans Petschnig. It was used for a long time by the Jewish community and then bought by the city council in 1971. The renovation of the dilapidated building was led by József Kerényi, who wanted to restore it to its original splendour, as the stone tablet of Moses on the façade attests. In front of the synagogue, there is a triumphal arch made of cast iron columns, salvaged during the renovation. The Holocaust Memorial was also erected here in 2004. The House of Arts has been operated in the building since 1984, with an exhibition space and a concert hall. History and culture in one place – a great combination for a Saturday in the winter.
Székesfehérvár – Bory Castle
The Bory Castle, built by Jenő Bory with his own hands, can be found in the Öreghegy (Old Mountain) part of Székesfehérvár, slightly hidden away. The castle is a symbol of eternal love. The building is unique inside and out, with a wealth of contemporary art, including paintings by Jenő Bory and his wife, Ilona Komócsin. A tour of the building, also known as the Taj Mahal in Székesfehérvár, is a fascinating weekend activity! Not worth missing out!
Tata – Old Lake (Öreg-tó)
The Old Lake of Tata has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years. No wonder, it is a great place to visit! One of the oldest artificial lakes in Hungary was originally named not for its age, but for its size. The lake and its marshland system used to protect Tata Castle, and now its main function is to store water. It is the only urban lake in Europe that provides shelter for birds migrating in autumn and winter. Just walking around is enough, too; but you can also visit the Tata Castle, built in the late 14th century by Sigismund of Luxembourg. Nearby is also the Eszterházy Castle, and the Fényes Educational Trail is not to be missed either. It can be a real recreation for the whole family!
Zalaegerszeg – TV tower lookout
If you are heading to the South Transdanubian region, be sure to visit the TV tower lookout in Zalaegerszeg. The tower stands on the 293-metre-high roof of Bazita, from where the panorama is stunning. In the TV tower, 53 metres above the ground, you can enjoy the panoramic view over a good coffee. And when you come down from the tower, it is a good idea to take a long walk in the Lower Forest and at the Aranyosláp spring!
