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Greater Budapest for Explorers - 2 days

Greater Budapest
How long it takes?
2 days, 5 locations
Best vehicle choice for this plan:
bus
car
This region is famous for:
Museums and exhibitions
Castles, Forts, Palaces
Religious sites
Greater Budapest
Explorers
day 1
Spend two unforgettable days at the historically significant towns of Gödöllő and Székesfehérvár, and also have some time to explore the surrounding nature. We invite you for a two-day excursion with an array of events and activities in two truly special Hungarian towns, which both witnessed important historical events over the past centuries. In addition to time travel, of course, there’s time for present-day relaxation, with lush green fields and wonderful lake shores along the way. Ready to go?

Grassalkovich Palace and the land of horses

The city of Gödöllő, just 30 km from Budapest, is home to Hungary’s largest Baroque palace. Antal I. Grassalkovich started constructing the palace in the 18th century. After the family died out, the building had several owners, until the Hungarian State gave it to Franz Joseph I and Queen Elisabeth as a coronation gift in 1867. Later, during World War II, Miklós Horthy and his family resided here. Their memory is preserved in the Horthy bunker 10 metres underground, which is open to visitors. The legendary songs of Katalin Karády are played in addition to authentic news broadcasts. The palace hosts several permanent exhibitions. Follow in the footsteps of the Sissi cult at the exhibition on the life of Queen Elisabeth, then find out who and what the building housed during the stormy period of the 20th century. The palace has many attractions not only inside the walls, but also outside. The Királydomb Pavilion stands in the fabulous park, displaying 54 oil paintings depicting warlords from the time of the conquest, and Hungarian kings. Only 10 km from Gödöllő, in the picturesque Domony Valley you can round off the day at the Lázár Equestrian Park, with its unadulterated Hungarian village atmosphere, equestrian traditions and delicious Hungarian food.

Village yard and pálinka with fruit pieces

How about an equestrian show crowned with a shot of pálinka (Hungarian fruit brandy) and a delicious Hungarian meal at the end of the day? In the picturesque Domony Valley, only 12 km from Gödöllő, you can enjoy real village life at the nine-hectare Lázár Equestrian Park. Take a look at the Hungarian village courtyard and the World Champions’ Hall, where you can get an insight into modern Hungarian equestrian sports through the relics of the carriage driver Vilmos Lázár and his brother. Ride through the forests of the area in a horse-drawn carriage or just relish the sight of majestic animals.

Day 2

The city of kings

Next day, continue your tour with renewed vigour – don't stop until you reach Székesfehérvár! The centre of Székesfehérvár, considered one of the most important towns in the country in terms of both history and tourism, is worth a long walk, since practically every building is home to a museum or a cosy restaurant or café. Art Nouveau and eclecticism can also be discovered here and there in the mostly Baroque town – undoubtedly this diverse mixture of styles makes Székesfehérvár even more exciting. Visit the buildings of the Hungarian Royal Hotel, the Vörösmarty Theatre and Saint Stephen's Basilica, and if you’d like to immerse yourself even more in the town's rich historical heritage, visit the exhibition grounds of the King Saint Stephen Museum. The second-largest museum in the country, with a collection of millions of works of art, awaits you in several locations and with a number of permanent exhibitions. This grandiose exhibition unites materials and intellectual heritage from a total of four disciplines—archaeology, ethnography, fine arts and applied arts. Take a peek into the medieval ruin garden, the Old County Hall or the Csók István Gallery, but don't miss the Palotaváros Open-Air Museum, which also promises unforgettable experiences. And if you’re curious to learn about the scientific past of herbology, the Fekete Sas (Black Eagle) Pharmacy Museum is the place to be. Follow up with a pleasant lunch within the historical walls of the town centre.

Hiking and sports activities

Since you’re already in Székesfehérvár, don’t miss the Visitor Centre for the Sóstó Nature Reserve. You can work off your lunch in a fantastic setting on a seven-kilometre educational trail, and even find two birdwatching stations on the 200-hectare site. Only a 20-minute drive from here is Hungary's third largest lake, Lake Velence, a worthy ending to the two-day excursion. In summer, take a dip in the lake, as it will not only cool you off, but its water, rich in sodium and magnesium, even has a healing effect. You don’t have to give up the joys of the lake at other times of year either. Lake Velence and its surroundings are a real sporting paradise – rent a bike and ride around the lake. The 33 km cycle path not only lets you admire the rich bird life and fauna of the lake, but the coastal towns also hold some thrills. If you are looking for something more peaceful instead of active recreation, you can explore the lake and the surrounding towns by boat from the renovated harbour.

Move Around like a Hungarian