A medieval castle town on the Danube Bend, known for its 13th-century citadel and Renaissance palace where Hungarian kings lived during the 15th century.
Visegrád sits 40km north of Budapest, where a medieval fortress complex stretches from the Danube riverbank to the hilltop citadel. You can explore the 13th-century Solomon Tower with its prison cells and armor exhibition, walk through the Renaissance palace's decorated fountains and red marble halls, or time your visit for July's International Palace Games to watch armored knights compete in tournaments.
Getting to Visegrád from Budapest
Take a train from Budapest's Nyugati Station to Nagymaros-Visegrád (45 minutes), then cross the Danube by ferry (5 minutes). The ferries coordinate with train arrivals, typically departing 15 minutes after each train. You can also travel by boat from Budapest's Vigadó Square - the 3-hour journey passes riverside towns and forested hills.
Exploring the Citadel
The Citadel sits 333 meters above the Danube. Five exhibition rooms display medieval weapons, hunting tools, and a replica of the Hungarian Holy Crown. You'll find detailed models showing how the fortress looked in the 15th century, when it stored the crown jewels. In 1335, kings from Hungary, Poland, and Bohemia met here to establish new trade routes.
Solomon Tower and Lower Castle
The six-sided Solomon Tower anchors the Lower Castle complex and connects the hilltop fortress to the Danube. This 13th-century tower contains three floors of medieval exhibits, including a reconstructed medieval kitchen and a weapons room. The surrounding walls follow the natural rock formations, with arrow slits positioned for defense.
Royal Palace
The 14th-century palace reached its peak under King Matthias Corvinus, who added Renaissance fountains and marble carvings. Today, you can walk through restored rooms with period furniture, see the reconstructed Gothic fountain, and explore the medieval herb garden with plants used in 15th-century cooking and medicine.
Seasonal Activities and Events
During the International Palace Games (second weekend of July), knights from across Europe compete in tournaments and sword fights. Musicians play medieval instruments, and craftspeople demonstrate traditional skills. From May to September, you can try the 800-meter Visegrád Bobsled track near the Zsitvay viewpoint or test yourself on the adventure park's rope courses.
Visiting Information
The Citadel opens daily 9:00-17:00 March through September, with reduced hours in winter. Adult tickets cost 2,500 HUF, student tickets 1,250 HUF. Entry is free on national holidays (March 15, August 20, October 23). Wear sturdy shoes - the paths between castle sections are steep and often unpaved.
