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Bucket List: Best Activities and Amazing Places to Visit in Miskolc, Hungary
Miskolc is located in northeastern Hungary and is best known for its factories and industries. In addition to the plants and factories, this city also has boundless beech-covered hills.
Dióssyör Castle, once a summer retreat for Hungary’s royalty, is one of the city’s top landmarks and hosts numerous medieval carnivals and reenactments in summer. But there are more attractions in Miskolc that can fit into your weekend plan. Here are our Top 15 Best Things to Do in Miskolc:
1. Admire the Castle of Diosgyor
The medieval castle of Diosgyor in Hungary. photo via Depositphotos
The Miskolc Castle, also known as the Diosgyor Castle, is a medieval fortress located just outside the city center. Explore the castle’s grounds, learn about its fascinating history, and enjoy panoramic views of Miskolc from its towers. The castle also hosts various cultural events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Located some eight kilometers from the city center, Louis I of Hungary built the Castle of Diosgyor in the mid-14th century on the slopes of the Bukk Mountains. Since its inception, the castle was handed down to six different generations of queens, thus the moniker “Caste of Queens.”
The Castle of Diosgyor hosts several games and festivals in the summer.
2. Plunge in one of the Miskolctapolca Cave Baths
Experience a one-of-a-kind thermal bath experience at Miskolctapolca Cave Bath! This underground wonderland of warm thermal waters and naturally formed rock pools is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.
Experience the unique Cave Bath in Miskolc, one of Europe’s largest thermal cave systems. This underground spa offers a relaxing and rejuvenating experience with mineral-rich thermal waters, saunas, and wellness facilities. Unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the caves while indulging in the therapeutic benefits of the thermal waters.
Take a dip in the radiant waters and explore the winding canals and glowing caves. You can spend the whole day here, with a large outdoor pool, spa center, children’s playground, and a variety of dining and drinking options. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to make a splash in Hungary – just bring your flip-flops and towels!
3. Ride a picturesque forest train
If you plan to visit Lillafured (we will talk about it later), taking a forest train ride is the best way to do so. Winding through the forest and the Bukk Mountains, this train adds a fairy-tale experience to your journey.
The train is operational only on weekends during the off-season, but you can enjoy daily service in the summer.
4. Visit Lillafured
Only 30 minutes away from Miskolc, you will find this scenic town within the Bukk National Park. It is a charming resort that has existed since the early 20th century.
Here you will find a finger-like lake, a 20-meter waterfall, dining options, and the Palace Hotel, designed in a brilliant neo-Renaissance style by Kalman Lux in the late 1920s.
Sprawling down the foothills is a beautiful terraced shrubbery that deserves its own entry on our list.
Other attractions include a narrow-gauge railway, a natural limestone cave, beech and oak forest strips, and a small museum.
5. Stroll in the Terraced Gardens in Lillafured
The Lillafured gardens between the Garadna and Szinva rivers flow down the hills near the hotel. You will also find the 20-meter-high waterfall, the tallest in the country.
Each terrace is named. For instance, “Terrace of Youth and Meetings” is dedicated to an outdoor entertainment space and a children’s playground.
The Terrace of Sculpture is an open-air exhibition space featuring public art installations and sculptures.
6. Cool down at Lillafured Waterfall
Looking at this idyllic waterfall, you will be forgiven for thinking it is all-natural. The construction of the Palace Hotel forced the Szinva stream to be redirected, creating a 20-meter man-made waterfall that was also the tallest (man-made or natural) in Hungary.
Located in the picturesque Lillafüred region, near Miskolc, the Lillafüred Waterfall is a must-visit attraction. Surrounded by lush greenery and stunning landscapes, the waterfall cascades down from a height of 20 meters into a crystal-clear pool. Take a hike through the forest to reach the waterfall and immerse yourself in nature’s tranquil beauty.
The fall changes as the seasons come and go. There is a loud discharge in spring, but come August, there is only a gossipy trickle while it is all frozen in winter.
7. Ride a wooden boat on Hamori Lake
The Hamori Lake was formed when the Garadna and Szinva streams were obstructed to provide a steady water supply to the iron furnace in Lillafured town.
It stretches about 1.5 kilometers and features a picturesque promenade where you can hire a paddleboat or rowboat. You can also rent a bike during the summer.
8. Check into the Otto Herman Museum
Named after the famous 19th-century sage Otto Herman, this museum is the largest in Miskolc and features a collection from the Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen County. The building is dedicated mainly to Hungarian paintings from the Art Nouveau and Baroque periods, arranged chronologically.
Start with the 17th- and 18th-century works by notable Hungarian painters such as Adam Manyoki and Jakab Bogdany, and climb up to the Romantics like Mihaly Munkacsy until you reach the birth of Modernist art in Hungary.
9. Admire the architecture and design of the Greek Orthodox Church
Built in the 19th century in the Baroque Zopf style, this Greek Orthodox Church features the largest Iconostasis in Central Europe.
It is one of the most remarkable constructions in Miskolc and features more than 80 murals from the Life of Jesus.
10. Visit the Pannonian Sea Museum
Renovated in 2013, the Pannonian Sea Museum will take you back to the prehistoric era of the Pannonian Sea. It is believed modern-day Hungary was immersed in the sea two million years ago.
The museum showcases fossilized cypress trees from seven million years ago, along with artifacts of ancient animals and plants.
11. Tour the wine cellars
Visit Avas Mountain’s northern hills in Miskolc center, where you will find over 900 wine cellars from 200 to 300 years old.
The wines are made from some of the highest-quality grapes you can find anywhere.
12. Check out the wooden church
This wooden church was built on a 1938 church site burned down in an arson attack, which was also built on another 18th-century wooden church.
The church’s current version was built in 1999 but looks modern and features some intricately engraved, stylish decoration, while most of the church is made from pine and larch.
13. Visit the zoo
The Miskolc Zoo is the oldest in Hungary, dating back to the 14th century. It is home to various animal species, such as wildcats, brown bears, kookaburras, buffalo, patas, monkeys, and more.
14. Climb up the Miskolc-Avas TV Tower
Built in the Soviet era, this breathtaking structure is located south of Miskolc and was completed in 1966 by Gyorgy Voros and Miklos Hofer. Today, the tower offers excellent views of Miskolc.
15. Attend Meat-Jelly Festival
When winter ends, usually in February or March, Miskolc residents generally make the event a folk celebration called the Meat-Jelly Festival. You can also participate if you are in town around this time.
16. Try Local Cuisine
No visit to Miskolc is complete without sampling the delicious Hungarian cuisine. Explore local restaurants and try traditional dishes such as goulash soup, chicken paprikash, and chimney cake. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of Hungarian wine or try the local specialty, the “pálinka” fruit brandy.
Miskolc, Hungary, offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions. Whether you are interested in history, nature, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Miskolc has something for everyone. Explore this vibrant city and discover all it has to offer.
17. Explore the Bükk National Park
Miskolc is close to the Bükk National Park, a true paradise for nature lovers. Take a day trip to the park to explore its diverse flora and fauna, picturesque forests, and rolling hills. Enjoy hiking, biking, or simply relaxing in the serene surroundings of this protected natural area.
Best Time to Visit Miskolc
The best time to visit Miskolc is from May to September. This is when the city experiences warmer weather and longer daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city’s attractions.
Spring (May to June):
During spring, the weather in Miskolc starts to warm up, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). This is a great time to visit as the city is covered in beautiful flowers and lush greenery. It is also less crowded compared to the summer months.
Summer (July to August):
Summer in Miskolc is warm and pleasant, with temperatures averaging 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). The city comes alive with various festivals, outdoor concerts, and events. This is the perfect time to enjoy the city’s parks, go hiking in the nearby Bükk Mountains, or visit the famous Thermal Cave Bath for a relaxing soak.
Autumn (September):
September marks the beginning of autumn in Miskolc. The weather remains mild, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). The autumn foliage adds a beautiful touch to the city, creating a scenic backdrop for exploring attractions such as the Diósgy?r Castle or the Lillafüred area.
Please note that Miskolc can be pretty cold in winter, with temperatures dropping below freezing, so it is advisable to avoid visiting during this time if you are not fond of cold weather.
Regardless of the season, Miskolc offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural events, making it a charming destination to visit year-round.
How to get to Miskolc
To travel to Miskolc, you have several transportation options depending on your location and preference. Here are some ways to get to Miskolc:
By Air:
If you are traveling from a distant location, the easiest and quickest way to reach Miskolc is by flying to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). You can take a domestic flight from the airport to Debrecen International Airport, the closest airport to Miskolc. Alternatively, you can continue your journey by train or bus from Budapest.
By Train:
Miskolc is well-connected to other cities in Hungary and neighboring countries by train. The city has several train stations, including Miskolc-Tiszai Railway Station and Miskolc-Gzmalom Station. You can check the train schedules and book tickets online or at the train stations.
By Bus:
Another option to reach Miskolc is by taking a bus. Regular bus services operate from various cities in Hungary and neighboring countries to Miskolc. You can check the bus schedules and book tickets online or at the bus terminals.
By Car:
If you prefer to drive, Miskolc is easily accessible by road. The city is connected to the Hungarian road network, making it convenient to reach from different directions. You can take the M3 motorway from Budapest and follow the signs to Miskolc.
By Bike:
For cycling enthusiasts, Miskolc can also be reached by bike. The city has bicycle routes and trails that connect it to nearby towns and cities. You can plan your cycling route using maps and enjoy the scenic landscapes.
Once you reach Miskolc, there are local transportation options, such as buses and trams, to explore the city and its surroundings. It’s advisable to check the schedules and plan your travel in advance to ensure a smooth journey to Miskolc.
Miskolc Travel and Tour Packages
To help you plan your visit to Miskolc, we listed places and other amazing attractions in Miskolc, Hungary. We also listed some of the best travel deals, tour packages, excellent flight deals, and accommodations.
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of cheap Miskolc hotels and resorts via Agoda and Booking, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Miskolc, Hungary? Follow #TeamOutofTown on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
Also read:
- Top 10 Best Things To Do In Budapest, Hungary
- 10 Underrated European Cities To Visit This Summer
- The Ultimate List Of The Best Hotels In Budapest, Hungary
- Top 15 BEST Places to Visit in Hungary
- Top 12 Best Things to do in Debrecen, Hungary
