15 Beautiful Palaces in Hungary – Hungarian Palaces

One of the most prominent proofs of Hungary’s rich history are the castles in Hungary. However, these grandiose buildings not only evoke the glory and splendor of the past but play a significant role in today’s cultural life too. In addition to having a rich historical and cultural heritage, castles and palaces in Hungary are also decisive in terms of tourism. Events, balls, exhibitions, displays, museums, restaurants, just to name a few regarding the role of castles and palaces in the 21st century. Are you curious which one if the ​most beautiful palace in Hungary? Well, for sure, it is hard to name only one! If you are interested in which are the most beautiful castles in Hungary and what you need to know about them, stay with us! In today’s article, we have collected 15 impressive castles that are definitely worth visiting!

15 Beautiful Palaces in Hungary You Must Visit

The castles on our list were all once home to noble families that were important figures in Hungarian history. For example, the Godollo palace Hungary housed the Bavarian Princess Elisabeth, also known as Sissi. Whatever role the renovated castles play in Hungary today, the traditions and legends associated with these once vibrant homes still live on within their walls.

For example, the Baroque castles in Hungary are real little jewel boxes, and the castle gardens welcome visitors with an inviting, eye-catching sight. These impressive structures also play a prominent role in terms of tourism. Visiting a castle is a special experience.

In such cases, you can not only admire the impressive architectural details of the palaces but also gain insight into the past and learn about the people and events that shaped the history of the country. Castles are living monuments that allow visitors to get closer to the legendary world of the past. So why would you miss out? Here is some inspiration!

1. Esterházy Palace, Fertőd

When it comes to Baroque castles in Hungary, the Esterházy Castle in Fertőd is the first that comes to mind for many. The impressive Esterházy Castle was built between 1762 and 1766, based on the designs of the Austrian architect Jakob Fellner. The castle is a masterpiece of the late Baroque style and was built for the Esterházy family. Once they were known as one of the most influential families of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy.

The Esterházys were known for their generosity and support of culture and the arts. One of the most prominent members of the family, Prince Pál Antal Esterházy, also known as the “musical prince,” supported many musical art projects. The castle has hosted many important events in its history. One good example is the performance of Joseph Haydn, who spent a significant part of his life in the castle. In 2023, several parts of the castle were renovated.

Like many castles, the Esterhazy palace in Hungary is also a museum. Visitors can learn a lot of information about the building’s history, peek into the family’s former life, and admire the art exhibitions and the castle’s gardens. In addition, film screenings, theater evenings, and group yoga classes are regularly organized here. The castle is easiest to reach by car. From Budapest, you can also reach Fertőd in only three hours by train.

Esterházy Palace, Fertőd address: Fertőd, Joseph Haydn Street. 2, 9431

2. Festetics Palace, Keszthely

Baroque palaces in Hungary are very common. The Festetics Palace in Keszthely located on the shores of Lake Balaton is no exception either. It was built in the 18th century by the Festetics family. The construction took place between 1745 and 1880 based on the plans of the famous Austrian architect Johann Ferdinand von Hohenberg. The building is mainly characterized by Baroque and Classicist styles.

The Festetics family played a significant role in Hungarian social life, especially György Festetics, who played an important role in the development of Hungarian agriculture and education. He founded the Georgikon Agricultural Institute in Keszthely, which to this day plays a key role in agricultural education.

The Festetics Palace enriches the list of castles you can visit in Hungary. It operates as a museum, where visitors can see exhibitions presenting the life and history of the family, admire the palm house and bird park, the model railway exhibition, and participate in programs such as carriage rides in the fairy-tale gardens of the palace. The palace is easily accessible by car or public transport, specifically by train. The palace is currently undergoing renovations.

Festetics Palace, Keszthely address: 8360 Keszthely, Kastély Street 1.

3. Schossberger Palace, Tura

Our list of the most beautiful castles in Hungary also includes the Schossberger Palace in Tura. The Schossberger Palace, which rises in a picturesque setting, was built by Zsigmond Schossberger between 1883 and 1886. The former owner of the castle, Antal Schossberger, was not only a successful businessman but also an enthusiastic supporter of the arts and charity. The building was built in neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque style based on the plans of Gyula Bukovics.

In 2016, the castle was renovated and currently operates as a castle hotel and event center. The castle, which has 19 guest rooms, is a venue for balls, weddings, and cultural programs. Another reason to spend a weekend here is the on-site spa, as well as the high-quality Clarisse restaurant, which is run by a Michelin-starred chef.

In addition to the gastronomic experiences, you can admire the castle garden, explore the surroundings on horseback, and go truffle hunting. The castle hotel, now operating under the name BOTANIQ Turai Castle, is an outstanding destination among Hungarian castles, where you can escape reality and spend a few days in a fabulous environment. The castle can be reached from Budapest by car and public transport in about 1 hour.

Schossberger Palace address: 2194 Tura, Park Street 37.

4. Andrássy Palace, Tiszadob

Castles to visit in Hungary along the Tisza River? The Andrássy Palace in Tiszadob was built by Gyula Andrássy Sr., the first foreign minister of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, between 1880 and 1885. Although the elder Andrássy still saw the completed castle, the furnishing was left to his son, Gyula Andrássy II.

The architect of the neo-baroque castle was Arthur Meinig. Gyula Andrássy II also dreamed up the imposing English garden next to the castle, whose rose garden, according to legend, was admired by Queen Elizabeth of Hungary herself. One of the most exciting sights of the castle is still the boxwood labyrinth surrounded by a wreath of yew trees. However, when you visit the castle, you can admire not only the garden but also the magnificent interior of the castle.

The Andrássy Castle in Tiszadob underwent a complete restoration between 2011 and 2012, during which the castle was renovated inside and out. You can reach the castle from Budapest by car in 2 and a half hours, while the journey by public transport takes about 4 hours.

Andrássy Palace, Tiszadob address: 4456 Tiszadob, Bocskai Street 59.

5. Wenckheim Palace, Szabadkígyós

Among the palaces in Hungary, the Wenckheim Castle in Szabadkígyós welcomes its curious visitors with the title “Being a guest at the Wenckheims”. The construction of the castle took place between 1875 and 1879 based on the plans of Miklós Ybl. In terms of its style, the Wenckheim Castle contains neo-Renaissance and eclectic style features. The imposing castle was built by Count Frigyes Winckheim and his wife Krisztina Wenckheim.

Interestingly, Krisztina’s wish to the designer was that the castle should have as many windows as many days in a year, as many rooms as many weeks in a year, and as many entrances as many seasons. The castle has been renovated in recent years. Today, the castle is open to visitors, and the visit is made special by an individual guided tour.

The interactive castle tour aims to present the castle as its former residents saw it. Visitors will plunge into the magical world of the aristocratic era, relive the noble traditions, and get acquainted with the surviving legends and anecdotes. The easiest way to reach the castle is by car, it is located 2 and a half hours from Budapest. Now let’s see which other renovated castles in Hungary are worth visiting!

Wenckheim Palace, Szabadkígyós address: 5712 Szabadkígyós, Áchim András Street 23.

6. Grassalkovich Palace, Royal Palace of Gödöllő

What are the most beautiful castles to visit in Hungary? Well, for many, one of the most significant castles is the Grassalkovich Castle, also known as the Godollo palace Hungary. The construction of the Baroque-style castle is associated with one of the most prestigious lords of 18th-century Hungary, Antal I. Grassalkovich. The castle was completed in 1745 based on the plans of the architect András Mayerhoffer.

From 1867, the castle served as the resting residence of Franz Joseph I and Queen Elisabeth. The castle has undergone continuous renovation work in recent years, the last major one being in 2010. Since then, the castle has been welcoming its visitors with a wide range of activities. In addition to the permanent exhibition, during which you can tour the 31 rooms of the castle and learn about the entire history of the castle, you can also choose from school and family acticities.

The Grassalkovich Castle in Gödöllő can be reached from Budapest by car, bus, HÉV, and train. More castles in Hungary that will enchant you? Read on to find out which Hungarian castles you must visit!

Grassalkovich Palace, Gödöllő address: 2100 Gödöllő, Grassalkovich Palace

7. L’Huillier–Coburg Palace, Edelény

Our list of the most beautiful castles in Hungary cannot be complete without the L’Huillier-Coburg Castle in Edelény. This castle is the 7th largest castle in the country. The construction of the Baroque-style castle dates back to around 1715 and 1730, and the builder was Baron Ferenc János L’Huillier.

Count István Esterházy married into this family, and then, due to the lack of an heir, the castle found a new owner in the person of Prince Ferdinand, from the Coburg princely family. The castle was renovated in 2014, and since then it has been open to visitors.

You can see such interesting things here as the oratory, the chapel, the room of the four seasons, and the former room of the countess, but you can also get a glimpse of the stateroom and the guest rooms. The castle also serves as an event venue. It can be reached by car or public transport.

L’Huillier–Coburg Palace, Edelény address: 3780 Edelény, Borsodi Street 7.

8. Brunszvik Palace, Martonvásár

Similarly to the Hungarian Royal palace in Godollo, this castle was also built in Baroque style. The Baroque and Neo-Gothic Brunszvik Castle in Martonvásár was built between 1783 and 1785 by order of Ferenc Brunszvik. Interestingly, the style of the castle has changed continuously over time, as it underwent classicist and then neo-gothic transformations during the reconstructions. The Brunszvik family was granted the title of count by Maria Theresa, and the builder of the castle, Ferenc Brunszvik, a sub-notary and judge of the board, was a patron and good friend of Beethoven.

Thanks to this, Beethoven visited the castle on many occasions. Currently, the castle houses a Beethoven Memorial Museum, where you can read Beethoven’s letters written to the female members of the Brunszvik family, as well as admire some important objects and documents relating to the life of the family and the world-famous artist.

At the same time, the castle, renovated in 2020, houses the HUN-REN Agricultural Research Center. It is worth visiting because, in addition to seeing the museum, the castle building and garden are also a beautiful sight. Not to mention that it can be reached from Budapest in half an hour, both by car and public transportation. Are you interested in other castles to visit in Hungary? We have some more great ideas in our collection!

Brunszvik Palace, Martonvásár address: 462 Martonvásár, Brunszvik Street 2.

9. Nádasdy Palace, Nádasdladány

While Baroque palaces in Hungary are quite common, the Nádasdy Castle preserves the features of the Romantic and Tudor styles. The castle was built between 1873 and 1876 by Ferenc Nádasdy and his wife, Count Ilona Zichy, based on the plans of István Linzbauer. The highly respected Nádasdys have played an important political and social role in Hungary for centuries.

The castle builder, Ferenc, was a passionate hunter who was the head of the National Hungarian Hunting Protection Association for decades. In addition, he is credited with establishing the sport of sailing on Lake Balaton and also assisted in the construction of yachts. Visitors can tour the rooms and castle garden on their own, but guided tours are also available.

You can see the family collections, and paintings, learn about the history of the castle’s construction, the life story of the athlete Nádasdy family members, and the creation of the English park surrounding the castle. The castle underwent extensive rehabilitation starting in 2009 and reopened to visitors in 2021. The castle is easiest to reach by car, the journey takes 1 hour.

Nádasdy Palace, Nádasdladány address: 8145 Nádasdladány, Kastélypark 1.

10. Károlyi Palace, Füzérradvány

Our collection of renovated castles in Hungary would not be complete without the Károlyi Castle in Füzérradvány. The history of the castle dates back to the 16th century, and although Baroque castles enjoyed their golden days in Hungary for a long time, the castle was completely rebuilt by the Károlyi family between 1860 and 1870 in a romantic-eclectic style based on the plans of Miklós Ybl.

The members of the Károlyi family have always been influential in political life, in 1686 King Leopold I gifted the Füzér Castle to the family, and then Ferenc Rákóczi II gifted Baron László Károlyi with the title of Count. The castle is now used for tourism. You can visit the castle garden, take a park tour, or join a guided tour, during which objects, secrets, and stories from the glorious past of the Károlyi family and the castle will be revealed to you.

The castle underwent a complete renovation, which was completed in 2021. At the same time, you can also book accommodation in the castle, and there is an escape room and a board game room in the basement. It can be reached by car and public transport, while it is 3 hours by car from Budapest and 5 hours by train.

Károlyi Palace, Füzérradvány address: 3993 Füzérradvány, gróf Károlyi Ede Street 1.

11. Esterházy Palace, Tata

Continuing our collection of castles you can visit in Hungary, the next on our list is the Esterhazy palace in Hungary, more exactly in Tata. The castle was built by Count Miklós Esterházy in the 1760s and 1770s. The designer was Jakab Fellner, and the castle was completed in 1776. The Esterházys were one of the most prominent noble families in Hungary, who, in addition to playing important political and social roles, were also passionate supporters of the arts.

The castle, built in the Baroque architectural style, was renovated between 2018 and 2021, and today it welcomes its curious visitors with a magnificent exterior and interior. The permanent exhibition entitled “The Island of Peace” awaits visitors, which allows you to see all the rooms of the castle, including the furnished rooms, the exhibition spaces, the stateroom, and the dining room.

It is a wonderful journey back in time into the life of the former landowning family, while you can also learn countless things about the political, cultural, and social life of contemporary Hungary. The castle also hosts concerts, weddings, corporate events, and other events. You can visit the castle in 1 hour from Budapest, either by car or by public transport.

Esterházy Palace, Tata address: 2890 Tata, Hősök tere 9/A.

12. Festetics Palace, Dég

The next in our selection of the most beautiful palaces in Hungary is the classicist Festetics Castle in Dég, surrounded by a fantastic English park. The construction of the castle took place between 1810 and 1815 on behalf of the imperial and royal chamberlain Antal Festetics. The construction was led by the renowned classicist architect Mihály Pollack.

The name of the noble Festetics family is closely linked to the Freemasonry movement, as the castle once housed the secret center of Hungarian Freemasonry, and the count himself, Antal Festetics, was also a Freemason. In the 1920s, the castle underwent a transformation commissioned by Count Sándor Festetics, which mainly affected the interior spaces. An interesting fact about the history of the castle is that many scenes of the popular Hungarian film, “Kincsem”, were filmed here.

The last renovation and modernization began in 2018. Today the castle welcomes its visitors with guided tours, a permanent exhibition, and various programs. It is also possible to book on-site accommodation, at the Park Guesthouse. The castle is located 100 km from Budapest, so it is easiest to reach by car.

Festetics Palace, Dég address: 8135 Dég, Hunyadi Street 11.

13. Forgách-Lipthay Palace, Szécsény

The number of renovated castles in Hungary is also expanded by the imposing Forgách-Lipthay Castle in Szécsény, which is one of the jewels of Baroque architecture. A castle stood on the former site of a castle built in 1456. Later, around 1753-1763 the Forgách family had a magnificent castle built on the site of the medieval castle.

Over the years, the castle has passed through the hands of several owners, including the Pulszky, Grósz, and then Lipthay families. In 2005, the castle underwent a complete renovation, and since then it has housed the Kubinyi Ferenc Museum, named after the famous politician, archaeologist, and naturalist.

In addition, the castle’s English park is a nature reserve. When you visit the castle, you can see the museum’s rich exhibition, which preserves hundreds of thousands of artifacts. The easiest way to reach the castle is by car; the Budapest-Szécsény distance takes about 2 hours.

Forgách-Lipthay Palace, Szécsény address: 3170 Szécsény, Forgách Palace, Ady Endre Street 7.

14. Füzér Castle, Füzér

The history of Füzér Castle dates back to the mid-13th century, with the first written mention dating back to 1264. However, it is believed that the castle may have existed before the Mongol invasion. The construction of the castle is associated with the Aba family, but over the centuries the castle has had several owners, including András II, and Charles Robert. Later it became the property of Drugeth and Perényi.

Finally, the Báthory family and then the Nádasdy family owned the castle. Füzér Castle was completely renovated in 2015, and today it welcomes its curious visitors with a permanent exhibition. In addition to the castle building, you can also visit the Castle Chapel. You can learn a lot of interesting things about the Holy Crown, and get acquainted with the Füzér coins. The lapidary also contains countless exciting things.

You can reach the castle by car and public transport. If you would like to go hiking, don’t forget that one of the National Blue Trail stamp sites is located in the center of the village. There is also a hiking trail at the base of the castle, making Füzér Castle a very popular stop for hiking enthusiasts.

Füzéri Castle, Füzér address: 3996 Füzér, Szabadság Street 30.

15. Károlyi Palace, Fehérvárcsurgó

Last but not least, let’s take a look at the Károlyi Castle in Fehérvárcsurgó. The classicist and eclectic castle, built between 1844 and 1851, was designed by Henrich Koch and Miklós Ybl. The castle was built by György Károlyi, who was one of the founding members of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. The beauty you can see here takes this castle to the level of the Hungarian Royal palace of Godollo. 

The castle is surrounded by a 40-hectare arboretum-like park. You can find here more than 150-year-old trees surround the atmospheric romantic promenade, crossed by bridges and dotted with pavilions. In 2014, the castle was completely renovated. During the renovation, a 23-room hotel was created in the castle.

The fabulous environment is the perfect place to escape from everyday life. Here you can relax in a world reminiscent of old times. The castle can be visited by joining a guided tour. There is a permanent exhibition presenting the history of the castle, temporary exhibitions, and cultural and musical programs. If you would like to pay a visit, we recommend that you do so by car. The journey takes 1 hour, while you can only get to the castle with multiple transfers by public transport.

Károlyi Palace, Fehérvárcsurgó address: 8052 Fehérvárcsurgó, Petőfi Street 2.

Wrapping up the most beautiful palaces in Hungary

So these were the most beautiful castles in Hungary! Which one was your favorite? We are sure that the Esterhazy palace in Hungary or the Károlyi Castle in Fehérvárcsurgó will surely amaze you. But you can be sure that visiting any of the castles on our list will provide an unforgettable experience! Visit the castles of Hungary, admire the fantastic architecture, walk through the beautiful castle gardens and parks, walk into the magnificent rooms, and take a close look at the luxurious furnishings, the objects, and listen to the stories that still keep the memory of the former residents alive today. And if you can, spend a weekend in those castles where you have the opportunity to book accommodation. You will see, these historical sites offer a completely unique experience!

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