Exploring Hungary Outside of Budapest -- Tata & Bokod
When travelers' think of visiting Hungary, most people think of Budapest, its beautiful capital, as the only option. However, there's an array of alternative villages to visit, whether for a day trip or for an extended vacation. Here, we will take a deep dive into the towns of Tatabanya, Tata and Bokod, Hungary:
Tatabanya :
Make a first stop in Tatabanya at 55 km from Budapest. It is a city located in the valley between the Gerecse and Vertes Mountains.This town has a strong historical story. The main thing to see is the Turul statue, a mythical bird made of bronze. It is seen from far away because it’s the biggest bird statue in Europe, close to 15 meters. You can walk around it in different ways and see all of the city of Tatabanya.
Tata, Hungary:
Then go to Tata, a town in Northwestern Hungary that boasts charming outdoor scenes and historical architecture. Here's a breakdown of some things to see and do during your trip :
1. Tata Castle
Similarly to the Buda Castle in our previous blog (Check out "Must See Landmarks in Budapest!") Tata also hosts a stunning castle. While much smaller than the Buda Castle, this one is still worth seeing. The castle stands on the Old Lake of Tata, and is a significant historical landmark of the country. Built in the 14th century, the castle has withstood sieges and fires, and was restored and renovated between 1964 and 1973. We recommend that history buffs make reservations to check out the inside of the castle as well, where several exhibitions including Roman art and Tata Pottery are displayed!
2. Kálvária Hill
Kálvária Hill is an abandoned quarry that is a perfect sight for any geological nature enthusiasts. This place is part of a nature reserve making it a unique geological site by the open-air museum of the geohistorical Middle Ages. It offers hiking spots in nature with over 600 plant groups to observe.
3 - Old Lake of Tata
The old lake of Tata is one of the oldest artificial lakes in Hungary created during the Roman era. Here you can observe the migratory birds and admire the tata castle which is nearby. The lake is 7 km long, which is perfect for walking, running or biking. You can also take a break in one of the many restaurants around the lake (pizzeria, local food, burger,...)
4 - English Garden
Around Lake Cseke, the first english-style garden in Hungary has been built. It is made up of natural plants, artificial ruins and caves, making it perfect for family outings. In it, you find buildings, grottoes and ruins to visit or exhibitions to see.
Bokod
For the last step of this day trip, make a stop at Bokod, a small town, which is very famous due to its unique floating village.
It is made up of small wooden chalets, mainly used by fishermen. These chalets are accessible by pontoons but they are mostly private so as a tourist it can be difficult to access it. The lake is popular for fishing and for its natural setting with birds and plants.
Cliktok Budapest captured these beautiful cities via our digital camera. Check us out on TikTok and Instagram @cliktokbudapest!
Comments
Post a Comment