Located in northeast Hungary, this historic city on the Sajó River has a population of 159,000. It hosts several museums and was the site of the last battle in the 1848 Hungarian Revolution.
Miskolc, Hungary's fourth-largest city, sits at the foot of the Bükk Mountains in the northeast of the country. In this city, you can soak in thermal cave baths, explore the medieval Diósgyőr Castle, and ride a narrow-gauge railway through forested valleys. Miskolc also serves as a gateway to the renowned Tokaj wine region, where you can taste the famous sweet dessert wines.
Exploring the City Center
Széchenyi Street forms the heart of Miskolc's pedestrian zone. As you walk along this active thoroughfare, you'll pass 19th-century buildings housing shops, cafes and restaurants. Stop by the City Hall Square to admire the architecture and people-watch at one of the outdoor terraces. The Gothic Protestant Church of Avas, dating back to the 13th century, gives you a glimpse into Miskolc's medieval past.
Bathing in Caves at Miskolctapolca
The Cave Bath in the Miskolctapolca suburb is a unique thermal spa complex. You can soak in warm mineral waters surrounded by limestone formations. The cave maintains a constant temperature of around 30°C year-round. Outside the caves, you'll find additional pools and a large park with a boating lake.
Visiting Diósgyõr Castle
On the western outskirts of Miskolc stands the restored medieval Diósgyõr Castle. Hungarian royalty used it as a retreat in the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, you can explore the castle's towers, halls and courtyards. During summer, the castle hosts medieval fairs and reenactments, with costumed performers, craft demonstrations and period music.
Discovering Lillafüred
Lillafüred, a resort area nestled in the Bükk Mountains about 15 km from central Miskolc, makes for a relaxed day trip. The neo-Renaissance Palace Hotel overlooks Lake Hámori, where you can rent rowboats. Behind the hotel, hanging gardens cascade down the hillside. Take a short walk to see Hungary's highest waterfall or explore some of the nearby caves. The narrow-gauge Lillafüred Forest Railway takes you on a ride through wooded valleys.
Exploring Bükk National Park
The surrounding Bükk National Park has many hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and rock climbing spots. Well-marked paths lead through beech forests and limestone formations. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing on groomed trails. The Miskolc Zoo, located in a forested area on the edge of the city, houses many species native to the region.
Local Food and Drink
Try some regional specialties while in Miskolc. The city holds an annual kocsonyafesztivál, a festival celebrating meat jelly, a local delicacy. You can sample traditional Hungarian goulash or try the local version of stuffed cabbage. Many restaurants in the city center offer wine tastings featuring Tokaji wines from the nearby Tokaj region.
Getting There and Around
Miskolc is about a 2-hour train ride from Budapest, with frequent connections from Keleti station. Once in the city, you can use the extensive public transport network of buses and trams to get around. Regular bus services connect many attractions, like the Cave Bath and Lillafüred. For exploring the surrounding region, renting a car gives you the most flexibility.
