Hungary is home to some of the most beautiful castles in the world.
Many of these date from the Middle Ages and served as a vital defense against invading forces from Mongolia and the Ottoman Empire.
Today, these stunning castles are important historical sites, featuring architecture and art — as well as historic items — that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
If you are planning a trip to Hungary, these sites are unmissable.
Most Beautiful Castles in Hungary
1. Sümeg Castle
Sümeg Castle is not only one of Hungary’s most beautiful castles but also one of the best-preserved.
The fortress sits on top of a hill, offering a breathtaking view from nearly 300 feet.
Following the natural curvature of the hill, the castle was clearly built for defense.
The original structure was built by King Belá in the 13th century.
Following a string of fires, Sümeg Castle was nearly destroyed until its restoration in the 20th century.
Today it serves as a tourist attraction with an accompanying museum with historical artifacts.
2. Buda Castle
Buda Castle, located in Budapest, was the residence of Hungarian royalty for hundreds of years.
It was built by King Belá in the 13th century. Centuries later, King Sigismund Buda added International Gothic architecture.
Today, it serves as a tourist attraction, art gallery, and museum.
Visitors flock to Buda Castle to enjoy the breathtaking frescoes, gardens, and views of the Danube River.
The castle is also home to the National Széchényi Library.
3. Eger Castle
Eger Castle was one of the single most important fortresses in European history, protecting Europe from invading Ottoman forces.
Most amazingly, the castle occupants were able to fight off 40,000 Ottomans armed with only 2,300 people during the Siege of Eger.
The castle was the site of countless battles over the centuries until at last falling to the Mongols.
Eger Castle was resorted in 1470 for use as a barracks.
Today, it is a museum with fascinating exhibits about the castle’s history, particularly under Baron István Dobό.
4. Siklós Castle
Siklós Castle was built in the 13th century.
This stunning castle, located in southern Hungary, was a noble home for various Hungarian aristocrats for hundreds of years.
As it passed from hand to hand, Siklós Castle was expanded, adding fortress walls, breathtaking frescoes, and a chapel.
It has been the site of many fascinating moments in Hungary’s history, including a failed rebellion against King Sigismund, a lost battle with Turkish forces, and housing prisoners of war during World War II.
Now owned by the state, the castle underwent renovations in the late 2000s.
5. Simontornya Castle
Simontornya Castle was built in the late 1200s on the banks of the Sió River.
It was extensively renovated in the 16th century, making the castle a site of some of the most beautiful Renaissance art and architecture in Hungary.
In the same century, the castle was overtaken by the Ottomans; it was occupied for 150 years before being abandoned.
Simontornya’s ruins were discovered by archaeologists in the 1960s, allowing for the restoration of this beautiful fortress.
6. Károlyi Castle
Károlyi Castle is one of the most beautiful examples of Classicist architecture in Hungary.
The original building was occupied before the 16th century; during this time it was expanded to serve as a new fortress protecting Hungary from invading Turkish forces.
It was the subject of several sieges between the 16th and 19th centuries while still the residence of the Károlyi Clan.
In the 1890s, it was renovated in the Baroque style, as it remains to this day.
7. Visegrád Castle
Visegrád Castle lies on the banks of the Danube River and initially served as a trading hub between Buda and the city of Esztergom.
It was also a fortress, shielding the surrounding Danube Valley from invading armies.
For a brief time in history, it served as a royal residence; it was also the site of many historical congresses, particularly the 1339 peace treaty between Bohemia, Poland, and Luxembourg.
It continued to be an important political site up until the Battle of Mohács in 1526, which divided the Kingdom of Hungary.
8. Szigliget Castle
Szigliget Castle is located on the shores of Balaton Lake in western Hungary.
It was widely known as one of the most formidable fortresses in the country, standing nearly 900 feet above the surrounding land.
Amazingly, Szigliget Castle was able to repel every invading force for 150 years, most particularly the Ottoman Army.
Today, it is a popular tourist attraction thanks to the beautiful views, though the castle itself lies in ruins.
9. Tata Castle
Tata Castle was originally built in the 14th century as a summer residence for various European royal families.
It was built atop an existing fortress that had already stood since as early as the 9th century.
Further renovations changed the simple fortress into a stunning royal home, complete with a chapel and many other buildings.
Today, the castle is a tourist attraction as well as the site of the Domokos Kuny Museum, with exhibits from the Bronze and Roman age.
10. Castle of Diósgyőr
Located in the town of Miskolc, the Castle of Diósgyőr dates from the Middle Ages.
Over the course of its history, it was one of the most formidable fortresses in Hungary, thanks to its distinctive defensive walls.
Later, it served as a hunting lodge for King Louis I.
The fortress finally fell during the Battle of Mohács in 1526.
Today, the castle has undergone extensive renovations and now serves as a historical exhibit and costumed theatre experience.
11. Esztergom Castle
Esztergom Castle was built in the 10th century as the royal seat; it served as the official residence for Hungarian royalty until the capital was changed to Budapest three hundred years later.
At that point, the castle was designated as a bishop’s residence; it was extensively renovated in this capacity.
Today, Esztergom Castle is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can view 13th-century art frescoes, historical exhibits, and the ancient cathedral.
12. Somló Castle
Somló Castle was built during the 13th century as a fortress against invading Mongol forces.
It is even more remarkable for its location — which just happens to be on top of an inactive volcano.
Over the centuries, Somló Castle underwent extensive renovations as a bishop’s residence and eventually became known for its lovely Renaissance architecture.
The castle was attacked by Turkish forces and eventually fell into disrepair.
Now restored to its original glory, Somló Castle is a tourist attraction where visitors can take educational tours and admire the surrounding wine country.
13. Bory Castle
Bory Castle is one of the most stunning castles in Hungary, but unlike many of the country’s other fortresses, it is fairly new.
The castle was built by Jenő Bory during the early 20th century.
Even more amazingly, Bory built it on his own without consulting any building plans.
The castle was constructed over 40 years in honor of Bory’s wife Ilona; it broke a Guinness World Record for “Largest Building Constructed Alone by a Single Person”.
It is a popular tourist attraction thanks to its extensive art collection and breathtaking architecture and gardens.
14. Csókakő Castle
Csókakő Castle is located in the Vértes Mountain range in northwest Hungary.
It was originally built in the 13th century to protect traveling routes against invading Mongol forces.
It held strong for nearly 300 years before falling to the Ottomans in the 16th century.
For nearly 150 years, it was captured and recaptured by Hungarian and Turkish forces before finally returning to Hungarian ownership in the late 1800s.
Restorations in the 1990s turned the castle into a tourist destination, where visitors can explore the drawbridge, ballroom, dining room, and towers.
15. Royal Palace of Gödöllő
The Royal Palace of Gödöllő was built in the mid-1700s.
It became a summer residence for Queen Elisabeth of Austria and was renowned for its unique combination of Baroque and Zopf architecture.
Gödöllő Palace is built in a U shape winding through stunning gardens, making it a beautiful place to stroll through the grounds.
Further renovations have added a chapel, theatre, riding facility, and multiple greenhouses as well as an orangery.
The extensive grounds also feature a memorial for Queen Elisabeth, erected after her 1898 assassination.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Castles Are In Hungary?
Hungary is home to 103 castles.
Though this seems like a lot, it frankly pales in comparison to some other countries throughout Europe.
In particular, Ireland and Germany are known for their enormous numbers of castles, at 30,000 and 20,000, respectively.
Is Count Dracula’s Castle In Hungary?
Vajdahunyad Castle, the legendary castle of Count Dracula, is located in Transylvania, Romania.
During its construction, Transylvania was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Later, shifting borders made the region a part of Romania.
Nevertheless, Vajdahunyad Castle is considered one of the finest existing examples of Gothic Hungarian architecture.
Why Does Hungary Have So Many Castles?
Throughout its history, Hungary was a significant spot in Europe as a stepping stone between invading forces and the rest of the continent.
In particular, the Mongolian and Ottoman Empires attempted to breach Europe via Hungary; the country, therefore, became an important spot for defense.
Many of Hungary’s formidable fortresses were built to protect trade or travel routes from these armies.
What Is The Oldest Castle in Hungary?
Buda Castle is widely considered to be the oldest castle remaining in its original form in Hungary.
It was completed in 1265 and stills stands as it was in the 1200s, having undergone minimal restorations throughout its lifetime.
However, other castles were erected earlier and later rebuilt or renovated; Esztergom Castle was originally built in the early 11th century but has since been rebuilt in new iterations.
Hungary is a country with a rich history and these castles are a testament to that. Each one has its own unique story and beauty, making them must-see destinations for anyone visiting Hungary. Whether you’re interested in medieval architecture, art, or history, these castles offer a glimpse into the past and are definitely worth a visit. Plus, the stunning views and surrounding landscapes only add to the experience. Don’t miss out on these beautiful castles when planning your trip to Hungary!
As a lover of history and architecture, I am in awe of the beauty and significance of these castles in Hungary. Each one holds a unique story and offers a glimpse into the country’s past. I am especially fascinated by their role in defending against invading forces and the various renovations they have undergone over the centuries. I would definitely make it a priority to visit these stunning castles if I ever have the opportunity to travel to Hungary.