This western Hungarian city, 70 km from Budapest, is known for its University and the Pannonhalma Archabbey. It has a rich cultural scene with museums, galleries, and festivals.
Veszprém, a city in western Hungary, sits atop a hill with a medieval Castle District at its center. You'll find winding streets lined with colorful houses, art galleries, and concert venues. The city hosts several music festivals throughout the year, including VeszprémFest and the Street Music Festival. Located between the Bakony Hills and Lake Balaton, Veszprém serves as a gateway to both urban and natural attractions in the region.
Exploring the Castle District
The Castle District occupies the hilltop in the heart of Veszprém. As you walk up the steep, cobblestone streets, you'll see colorful medieval houses and baroque buildings. At the top, you'll find the Heroes' Gate, a stone archway commemorating Hungarian heroes. The nearby Fire Tower chimes hourly with music by local composer Antal Csermák. From the lookout points, you can see views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Art and Culture Scene
Veszprém has several art galleries displaying both traditional and contemporary works. The László Vass Collection houses modern Hungarian art, while the Csikász Gallery focuses on fine arts. For performing arts, visit the Petőfi Theater, an Art Nouveau building hosting plays and concerts. The Hangvilla concert hall offers a variety of musical performances throughout the year.
Music Festivals and Events
As a UNESCO City of Music, Veszprém hosts numerous music events. The VeszprémFest in July brings international stars to perform in outdoor venues. The Street Music Festival fills the city with amateur and professional musicians for a week each summer. If you visit in April, you might catch the Blues Festival featuring over 30 artists and bands.
Lake Balaton and Nature
Lake Balaton, often called the "Hungarian Sea," is just a 20-minute drive from Veszprém. You can swim, sail, or relax on its beaches. The surrounding area is known for its wine regions. Visit wineries like Figula or Zelna to taste local varieties such as Olaszrizling. The nearby Bakony Hills offer hiking trails and caves for those interested in outdoor activities.
Local Food and Drink
Try traditional Hungarian dishes at family-run taverns in the Castle District. Many serve hearty stews and roast duck. For a sweet treat, stop by Fuge café for coffee and cake. Papírkutya is a popular spot for drinks and tapas, often featuring live music. Consider tasting wines from the nearby Balatonfüred-Csopak region.
Getting Around
You can easily explore Veszprém's central areas on foot. The local bus system, V-Busz, runs throughout the city with purple buses that are easy to spot. If you're planning to explore the Lake Balaton area, consider renting a car or using the train service that connects Veszprém to lakeside towns.
Day Trips
From Veszprém, you can easily visit towns around Lake Balaton. Tihany, with its hilltop abbey offering lake views, is worth a visit. Balatonfüred is known for its historic mansions and promenade along the lake. For a unique experience, explore the volcanic hills and vineyards of Badacsony.
