In our last article about Hungary, we dove into Lake Balaton and Western Hungary. Like its other half, Eastern Hungary has differences that set it apart and offer an entirely different experience. The Eger Region is a land of valleys producing wine and a historic Turkish Bath. Debrecen, the second largest city in Hungary, lends the ease of arrival into Hungary with an international airport. And, of course, the region of Tokaj where world-famous wine flows freely. This is Eastern Hungary.
Eger Region
The Eger Region is located in North-Eastern Hungary. Its roots date back to the 10th century, when it was formed by the first Christian king in Hungarian history. The region sits at the southern slopes of the Bükk Mountains, the hills and Szépasszony valley perfect for vineyards. Eger’s wine production includes a red wine called Egri Bikavér and for white wines like Egri Leányka, Debrői Hárslevelű or Egerszóláti Olaszrizling. A walk around the lush valley will bring the traveler to almost 200 cellars, which can be reached by foot, bus, or train from the town centre. Between the wine-tastings and scenery of a valley, the traveler will be in awe of Eger.
Within the city of Eger itself are plenty of sites and activities as well. Eger Castle, a fortification that helped stop the Ottoman army from conquering for 100 years, stands as a testament to Hungarians fight for their land and faith. The castle now includes a local history museum for the traveler to learn more about the epic defense against an overwhelming siege. After a visit to Eger Castle, The Cave Bath of Miskolctapolca will relax the traveler from a busy day of activities. Only an hour away from the town centre, these thermals baths have been used for almost 400 years and flow through 164 yards of limestone cave into open pools. The waters maintain an 86°F temperature, which will fit any traveler looking to let every muscle relax on holiday.
Debrecen
Debrecen is Hungary’s second-largest city, and has an international airport for ease of arrivals and departures in Eastern Hungary. Only overshadowed by Budapest in size, history permeates its sights. The central square of the city, Kossuth tér, is always abuzz with activity. Street festivals, bars, and nightclubs keep the energy high all year. One of the major sites seen from the square is the Great Church, Hungary’s largest Protestant place of worship, which was finished in 1824. Its columned entrance and two towers are only the beginning, as the pipe organs and wide-open interior are worth the traveler’s time.
Tokaj
One of the most popular regions in Eastern Hungary is Tokaj and its surrounding areas. Tokaj is well-known for wine production, particularly Aszú—the wine of kings. This wine is sweet dessert wine that can take up to seven years to mature, a full-bodied wine that usually has a higher alcohol content than most other wines. The enjoyment of this local ‘celebrity’ is matched well with the sloping hills and mouth-watering gastronomy available throughout Tokaj. Add in a dash of adventure, such as zip-lining over forests, and a bit of nature, and Tokaj is a dream. Offering up luxury and nature for the traveler, you can find more information about Tokaj in our article The Tastes of Tokaj.
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