This northern Hungarian city has a baroque castle, thermal baths, and cobblestone streets. Its old town houses restaurants and bars, making it a calm winter destination.
Eger, a city in northern Hungary, is known for its medieval castle, Baroque architecture, and wine culture. You can walk through streets lined with colorful 18th-century buildings, climb a 40-meter Ottoman minaret, or relax in thermal baths. In the nearby Valley of the Beautiful Women, you'll find over 200 wine cellars where you can taste the region's famous Bull's Blood wine.
Wine Tasting in the Valley of the Beautiful Women
A short distance from Eger's center lies the Valley of the Beautiful Women, home to over 200 wine cellars carved into the rock. Many of these cellars welcome visitors, offering tastings of local wines. The valley's most famous product is Egri Bikavér, or Bull's Blood, a full-bodied red blend. You can visit multiple cellars, sampling wines and talking with local winemakers. Some cellars also serve traditional Hungarian dishes to accompany the wine.
Baroque Architecture in Eger's Old Town
As you walk through Eger's old town, you'll see pastel-colored buildings with ornate facades and wrought-iron balconies from the 18th century. In Dobó Square, the main plaza, you'll find the Minorite Church, with its twin towers and elaborate interior, considered one of Hungary's finest examples of Baroque design.
Turkish Influences and the Minaret
The Ottomans ruled Eger for nearly a century from 1596. The most visible remnant of this period is the 40-meter-tall minaret, one of only three left in Hungary. You can climb its 97 steps for a view of the city. Eger also has a Turkish bath, built in the 17th century and still in use today, where you can soak in thermal pools under a domed ceiling.
Thermal Baths and Spas
Eger sits on natural hot springs, and there are several baths where you can soak in the mineral-rich waters. The largest is the Eger Thermal Bath, which has both indoor and outdoor pools of varying temperatures. The baths are popular with locals and tourists alike, and many believe the waters have health benefits.
Eger Castle
Eger Castle sits on a hill overlooking the city and played a crucial role in Hungarian history. In 1552, a small group of defenders repelled a large Ottoman army here. You can walk along the castle walls for views of Eger, visit the underground casements, and explore exhibits on the castle's history. The castle grounds also house several museums, including one dedicated to the 1552 siege.
How to Get to Eger
Eger is about 140 kilometers northeast of Budapest. You can reach the city by train from Budapest's Keleti station, with the journey taking around two hours. Buses also run regularly from Budapest, but the trip takes slightly longer. If you're driving, take the M3 motorway east from Budapest, then the 25 road north to Eger.
When to Visit Eger
Each season in Eger offers a different experience. In spring and fall, temperatures are mild for exploring the city and hiking in the nearby Bükk Mountains. Summer brings warm weather and events like the Bull's Blood Wine Festival in July. Winter can be cold, but the thermal baths are especially appealing, and a Christmas market adds a festive atmosphere to the old town.
