Eger

Castle as seen from minaret

For the Bohemian town sometimes called Eger in German see Cheb

Eger is a historic town in Northern Hungary, capital of Heves County, situated between the Mátra and Bükk mountains.

Understand

Eger is mainly known for its castle, thermal baths, historic buildings (including the northernmost Turkish minaret) and, above all else, the best Hungarian red wines. When you plan your trip, it looks like a small town for which half a day is more than enough, but 3 days may not even be enough to enjoy it fully, even in the winter.

Tourist mix

The majority of travelers come for a single day (mostly Slovakians), not staying overnight. Ukrainians and Russians frequent the Castle, along with many Italians. Around the town you may run into many German-speaking travelers as well.

Get in

By train

Trains leave the Budapest Keleti station each hour. The ones leaving at odd hours are direct, the ones leaving at even hours require you to change trains in Füzesabony. Most of these trains are gyors (fast) trains and will take about two hours and 20 minutes to arrive. Hourly IC trains will take you directly to Füzesabony, cutting the total travel time to just under two hours, but a reservation is required.

If you come from Miskolc your options are similar, except there is no direct service and you will have to change trains in Füzesabony. IC trains take just under an hour to arrive.

By bus

Buses leave Budapest's Stadionok station for Eger twice an hour and the trip takes a little over two hours . Less if you travel with the express service. Most major cities in Hungary also have direct bus connections to Eger.

By car

The easiest way to arrive is to take the M3 as far as Füzesabony, then continue north on route 25. For a more scenic route from Miskolc you can drive through the windy roads of the Bükk mountains.

Get around

The train station is located about a ten minute walk from the downtown area and most attractions. Walk over to Deák Ferenc út and walk north until you reach the Basilica. You can also take buses #10, 11, or 12. If you arrived by bus, the town bus station is located downtown directly behind the basilica.

Once downtown, the city is small and best walked on foot. You won't need alpine boots, but high-heeled shoes are still not good as there is much cobblestone pavement downtown.

However, the town has a taxi service which is especially useful if you arrive by train or if your hotel is outside of the town center. (phones: 555-555; 333-333).

Also, if you go for some outdoor activities near the town there are some buses connecting the town with the suburbs. Check at the main bus station for schedules.

See

Churches

Servite Church

• 1 Servite Church and Cloister (Fájdalmas Anya Servita Plébánia), Servita 21 (Dayka Gábor street corner), ☎ +36 36 518652, fax: +36 36 518653, e-mail: gyula.lengyel@gmail.com. Church services Mo-Sa at 18:00, Su at 9:30, 18:00. They also revived the traditional religious procession in honour of Mater Dolorosa according to the spirituality of the order. The monastery and church in Eger is the only one of the eight belonging to Serves Mariea (Servants of Mary) order. The church was built in Baroque style in 1728-32, the towers completed only in 1754. During the construction walls of the former Turkish mosque and school were embedded, too. The monastery was erected in 1780. 
• 2 Roman Catholic church of the one time Clements (- volt Irgalmasok Temploma), Knézich Károly utca 1 (Behind the Minaret), ☎ +36 36 326592, e-mail: titkar@mfkh.hu. Only from outside. The complex include the church, the hospital and the buildings of the monastery. Built in Classicist style. 

Immaculate Conception Church in Eger

• 3 Rókus (St. Roch) Chapel (Szent Rókus kápolna), Entrance at Rókus Lane opened Maklári Street ? (Hotel Aqua Eger), ☎ +36 36 420317. Opening hours: call :+3636420317. Located at the eastern end of the former Roch Cemetery. A Roman Catholic Church. The one nave votive chapel was built in 1709-14 after that plague epidemic in Baroque. Statue niches are divided the Gabled main facade of its. Original interior destroyed in the 1950s. 
• 4 Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church (Church of St Frances of Immaculate Conception, Hu:Szeplőtlen Fogantatás, locals call it to: Barátok temploma (Temple of friars)), Kossuth Lajos utca 14. (Town centre), ☎ +36 36 312227, e-mail: budap@chello.hu. The church of the Franciscan order, also called the church of monks, has a unique altar with a canopy, giving the construction an extremely light, dynamic character. The church of the Franciscan friars was built between 1736-1755 in baroque style, according to plans of the Italian architect, G.B. Carlone. Originally the Church of St. Demetrius stood here. The church's doorways and the Mater Dolorosa statue, made in 1793,are works of Giovanni Adami. The Baroque altars and the pulpit, the Rococo style main altar, - all were made between 1735-1756. The statues and the side altarpieces are works of local masters. 

Basilica of Eger

• 5 Basilica of Eger (Egri Bazilika, Szent János apostol és főangyal, Szent Mihály főangyal Székesegyház), Pyrker tér 1, ☎ +36 36 420970, e-mail: bazilika.eger@gmail.com. is the third largest in Hungary (the other two are in Esztergom and Budapest). The Basilica was built between 1831 and 1836 in classical style. It was built by the plan of József Hild,-most famous neo-classicist work the Saint Stephen's Basilica located in Budapest,-between 1831 and 1836, ordered by archbishop Pyrker. The statues standing outside the cathedral are works of Marco Casagrande. The organ of the Basilica was made by company Moser in Salzburg at the end of 19th c. In the main season (15. May – 15. October) visitors can listen to organ concerts every day ( 30 min., 15 May - 15 Oct: Mo - Sat: 11.30 Su: 12.30). The frescos decorating the domes of the church were painted by an artist from the nearby small town,-Mezőkövesd,-typical folk art motives can be discovered in his paintings. Adult/Student: HUF800 / 500, donation HUF100-300. 

The interior of the Cistercian Church in Eger

• 6 Evangelical Church (Evangélikus Templom), Vörösmarty 29. (Close to Agria Park Shopping Center , on the corner of Törvényház Street and the Law Vörösmarty street, entrance from the Törvényház street), ☎ +36 36 313119, +36 20 8248381, e-mail: evabs@citromail.hu. Opening hours: By booking. The Hungarian Lutheran church (community) is the third largest historic church in Hungary. This church includes Folk, Historicist and Neo-Romanesque architectural elements. Admission: free. Mass: Free, Hungarian and English professional guidance, duration: 30 min.. 

Saint Nikolaus Orthodox Church

• 7 Saint Bernát Church (Ciszterci Szent Bernát Templom), Széchenyi utca 15., ☎ +36 20 3561471, e-mail: hugyecz.janos@vaciegyhazmegye.hu. Opening hours: by booking. This Roman Catholic Church was owned by the Jesuit monks who in 1644 appeared in Eger. The Order house of the Jesuit built between 1700-1727. The church was only started around 1730, and completed in 1743, designed by a local the Jesuit architect. The church interior design is also time-consuming because only completed in 1772. A year later Joseph II. banned from the empire of the Jesuit order, so they are must to leave the church. The treasures transported to Buda, the buildings was received to the Cistercian Order. In 1800, this building is damaged by fire, and a number of small natural disaster, finally the church was restored in 1888 and then rebuilt again between 1900-1902 designed by Ignac Selves. The alcoves of the façade made in rococo style, which housed of four Jesuit saints: St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis Xavier, St. Francis Régis, and St. Stanislaus Kostka. The building is part of the high school, which was founded in 1754 and has since changed its name several times and now Istvan Dobo (former Captain of Eger Castle) is named. The main altar built in 1769 by Anton Kraus is an outstanding work of Hungarian Baroque sculpture. - Here you will find the Vitkovics Family House, not far from the Serbian church. The House of Vitkovics coined Vitkovics Mihaly,- a Serbian and Hungarian poet, translator and lawyer,- who wrote poetry in Serbian and Hungarian, in 1778 was born in this house. Free. 
• 8 Saint Nikolaus Orthodox Church (Ráctemplom, Szt. Miklós Görögkeleti Szerb templom), Vitkovics Mihály u. 30 (Next to Vitkovics Art Home), ☎ +36 36 320129, +36 20 4702376. Opening hours: Nov-Feb 9.00-16.00, Mar-Oct: 10.00-17.00 Otherwise please call: +36 20 4702376. The Serbian and Greek families having fled the Turks and settled in Eger in the 17th century, and they had the late Baroque Greek Orthodox, or Serbian church built. The church features baroque and rococo architecture. Its wall of icons rich in carvings and gold plating make the church one of the nicest ones in Hungary, painted by Miklós Jankovich. There is a small museum with religious collection. Admission: 400 HUF, Guidance Duration: 30min;. 

Church of St. Antony of Padua or Minorite Church

• 9 Saint Anna Church (Markhot Ferenc kórház Szent Anna kápolna, Szent Anna Templom), Széchenyi utca 29 (Close to Eger Creek end Markhot Ferenc hospital), ☎ +36 36 515178, +36 36 322455. M-Sa 07:00-18:00, Su 08:00-18:00. A roman catholic church. Built in Baroque style. It was part of the former hospital of catholic Merciful order 
• 10 Saint Anton Church (Minorite Church, Conventual Church of St. Antony of Padua, Egri Szent Antal Minorita Templom), Dobó tér 4 (Next to City Hall), ☎ +36 36 516613, +36 36 516615, fax: +36 36 516614. Daily 9.00-18.00. One of the most beautiful baroque churches in Central Europe. The Church has a unique church interior. Built in 1758-1773. A nice work of the architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. Especially valuable woodwork of the church's furnishing. - Every day at 11, 15 and 18 o'clock chimes can be heard from the church. 
• 11 Former Trinitary church in Eger (Trinitárius templom), Eger, Trinitárius u. 5. (Close to Bartók Béla square). A monument in Hungary, Identifier: 5602. - Partially restored, occasional exhibition space. Single nave church extended with semi-circular shaped transept and chapels. The sanctuary of its is with line closure. Gabled, twin towered, unfinished main facade. The middle part of temple space covered with dome vaults. It was built between 1725-1771 by a Bohemian architect. the order dissolved in 1784, the furnishing of the church was sold by auction and the building used for storage. Now here is the Temple Gallery (see more down) exhibit space. 
• 12 Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Eger (Nativity of Mary church, Hungarian:Kisboldogasszony), Eger, Kisasszony utca (Near Route 25 in Eger). Former cemetery chapel of the same named Kisasszony Cemetery. 
• 13 Saint Rosalia Church of Felnémet (Szent Rozália R. k. templom), Eger, Szarvaskői Road off, Sánc street 5/a (Felnémet (a suburb, North of Eger), Eger-Felnémet train stop half km south.). A monument in Hungary, Identifier: 5627. This is the Parish church of Felnémet. The church was built,- on the site of Medieval church,- ordered Gabor Erdődy and Ferenc Barkóczy Bishops, in 1715, and from 1746 to 1750, the architect was an Italian painter. A nave nave, towered church. The main facade look toward west. On sides of the tower are St. Roch and St. Sebastian sculptures made by Mihaly Singer. At north side of the sanctuary is a two-storey vestry with circular floor plan staircase. The nave covered with 'Chests barrel' vault. The choir. located on th western side of the nave. Equipment made in 18th century. Organ was taken in 1896 by an Austrian firm of organ builders, known generally as Rieger. - The forests of Bükk National Park can be found in the border of the village. The park headquarters is located in the old parish building. (next to north from the church). 
• 14 Saint Louis Church in Eger (Az egri lajosvárosi Szent Lajos római katolikus templom), Eger, Köztársaság tér (Lajosvaros district, one km south of R. Station). Masses beginning: Mo, Tu, Th at 18 o'clock, We no Mass!, Fr 18 o'clock; First Fridays of month at 7 o'clock as well! Sa 18 o'clock; Su at 7, 10, 18 o'clock. A Roman Catholic church. In April 1937, began construction on the church. The church was designed by engineer and developer was local persons. In August 1937, consecrated by the local papal prelate. The founding charter of church is located on the wall on the left side of the entrance. The church has one nave, Neo-Baroque style. 

Museums

Panoramic View to Castle of Eger

Hungarian National Flag over Castle of Eger

Gothic Palace in Castle of Eger

• 15 Castle of Eger (István Dobó Castle Museum, Egri Vár), Vár 1 (From the town centre along Dobó Street to Dózsa György Square, where you may see bard Sebestyén Tinódi’s statue. From the square you may see the fortress’s Southern gate, which can be accessed by a steep pedestrian road. - From the train station take buses 11, 12, 14 to stop Gárdonyi Géza Theatre. - From the bus station turn south and past the Basilica crossing the Széchenyi Street, a narrow street lead to Dobó Square, from where Dobó Street take directly to the fortress.), ☎ +36 36 312744, fax: +36 36 312-450, e-mail: varmuzeum@egrivar.hu. The castle gate is open: Jan-Feb 8:00-17:00, Marc 8:00-18:00, Apr 8:00-19:00, May-Aug 8:00-20:00, Sep 8:00-19:00, Oct 8:00-18:00, Nov-Dec 8:00-17:00. Permanent exhibitions open: Jan-Apr 10:00-16:00, May-Jun 15 9:00-17:00, Jun 16-Aug 10:00-17:00, Sep-Dec 10:00-16:00. There's a map of sights inside the castle: in Hungarian and German right near the entrance; the map in English is available inside, near the Minting Museum. - The second floor of the Gothic Palace or Bishop Palace houses an excellent permanent exhibit on the history of the castle, the Turkish siege, and aftermath, on the first floor temporary exhibition can be seen. The Art Gallery (Képtár) contains artwork from different Hungarian artists, most notably Munkacsy. The Castle's Prison open only between May and September and located also on the first floor. Finally there is a tour of the Underground Passageways. The tour will take you first to the Heroes' Hall (Hősök terme), with a replica of the tomb of István Dobó. The passages themselves contain several different examples of archaeological finds, as well as reenactments of events from the Turkish siege (a cannon being fired, an underground explosion, and a makeshift motion detector that uses peas). The passages can only be visited by tour, which are available in English at an extra cost. The tours close early, so be sure to call in advance to ensure you will get a tour when you arrive. Also more sights are the Lapidarium in the halls of Caserne and casemates which are also can only be visited by tour). In Dobó Bastion is also a space to temporary exhibitions, the Bastion’s open terrace offers breathtaking views. - The castle has several other attractions which are not included on the main ticket. Specifically, you will have to pay extra for: Panopticum exhibits of a dozen wax figures based on characters from the book "Eclipse of the Crescent Moon" by Géza Gardonyi. Winter time: open 9.00-15.00 Entrance fees: adult/reduced HUF350/250. Weapon exhibition on Dobó bastion contains weapons from all around the world. Minting museum (Éremverde),_in the former Mint building,- displays coins of ancient origin. The Castle Cinema shows the Eger in the 1500s movie in 3D (HUF400, Tu-Su 9.00-16.00 summer till 17.00). - To Do: Beyond historic sights there are excellent views of the entire city as well as several hobbyhorses inside the yard that even adult tourists enjoy playing with/on. Try the special 'Torch-light tours' in the Casemates in July and August every Friday and Saturday. - Tip: The temperature of Dungeon (Casemates) constant throughout the year,-10-12°C,-so bring some warm clothes The entry ticket Adult HUF1400, half price for student will grant you entrance to the main exhibits. Plus: guided tour in Hungarian HUF550, guided tour in English or German HUF800 p.p., Photo permit to Castle Museums HUF1000. 

Small synagogue of Eger- contemporary art exhibition space

Sports Museum named Ferenc Kemény, Eger

• Synagogue (Zsinagóga), a Jewish temple on the Kossuth Lajos Street
• Small synagogue (Kis zsinagóga) on the Dr. Hibay Károly Street - contemporary art exhibition space
• Kopcsik Marzipan (Kopcsik Marcipánia),
• (Gárdonyi Géza Emlékmúzeum) - Eger, Gárdonyi u. 28. - Open: 18 Mar-Oct 10:00-16:00, Nov-Dec 11:00-15:00, Closed on Monday
• Bell Foundry House (Harangöntő-ház),
• History Repository (Történeti Tárház),
• Firefighter Museum (Tűzoltó Múzeum),
• Synagogue Gallery (Temple Gallery, Zsinagóga Galéria, Templom Galéria) Kossuth Lajos Street #17. - Open: Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. Admission: Adult/Reduced HUF300/150
• Memorial Collection - History of Eger Tobacco Factory (Emléktár – Az Egri Dohánygyár Története) - Eger, Törvényház u. 4. - Open: Sat 10:00-16:00. - Free of charge
• Vitkovics house (Vitkovics-ház)
• the Baroque Exhibit Hall of Diocesan Library (Főegyházmegyei Könyvtár Barokk terme) located in Karoly Esterhazy College
• the Spekula Observatory and the Camera Obscura (Spekula Csillagvizsgáló és a Camera obscura) located in Karoly Esterhazy College
• Géza Gárdonyi Memorial Museum (Gárdonyi Géza Emlékmúzeum) - Eger, Gárdonyi u. 28. - Admission: Adult/Reduced HUF500/250 (2014)
• Paloc Folk Art Exhibition (Palóc Népművészeti Kiállítás) - Eger, Dobó u. 12.; Open: 17 May-28 Sep. Tu-Su 10.15-16.15 - Admission: Adult/Reduced HUF200/100 (2014)
• Sports Museum (Sportmúzeum) - Eger, Kossuth u. 9. Inner yard of County House.
• István cellar and National Wine Museum (István pince és Nemzeti Bormúzeum) -The wine museum, not very big but pleasant
• Telekessy Pharmacy Museum (Telekessy Patikamúzeum) - Open: M-F 10:00-16:00 - Free of charge
• Trickery exhibition (Szemfényvesztés kiállítás) - presents a vision for the world of the blind
• 16 Town under the town (Város a város alatt kiállítóhely), Pyrker tér (Close to Basilica). is the former archiepiscopal wine cellar. Under the Basilica, you can visit the cellar and taste some fine wine. Adult/students HUF950 or €3 / HUF500 or €1.5. 

• 17 Egri Road Beatles Museum, Csiky Sándor utca 30. Tu-Sa 10.00-18.00 Su 10.00-14.00 (for the opening times during summer check the website). Guests can get a glimpse of the life and career of the band and its members in the frames of a guided tour. Films and contemporary newsreels are played on screens and the songs of the band can be listened to through headphones, whereas over 1500 contemporary media publications, garments, models and limited edition rarities are displayed in the showcases adult HUF 2000. (updated May 2016)

Other Attractions

• Bajcsy-Zsilinszky street buildings (A Bajcsy-Zsilinszky utca épületei): #6 Grober House (Grőber-ház), #17 Sághy-Steinhauser House (Sághy–Steinhauser-ház)
• Almagyar street buildings (Almagyar utca épületei) #13 Hauser Bodnar House (Hauser-Bodnár-ház), #15 Plitzner-Buday House (Plitzner–Buday-ház), #16 Hagen-house (Hagen-ház)
• Fazola House ( Fazola–Eősz-ház) Bródy Sándor u. 4

Minaret of Eger

• 18 Minaret, Knézich Károly str. (East of Hospital Markhot), ☎ +36 70 202-4353. Open for visitors from April to November Daily 10:00-18:00, From September 30 to November 6: Daily 10:00-17:00. The northernmost medieval minaret in Europe (i.e., the northernmost one except those built by immigrant communities in the last decades) and the tallest in Hungary (the other two are in Pécs and Érd) the minaret is a 42 meter high symbol of the Turkish occupation. It is 97 steps to the top, but be warned, the climb up is in an incredibly enclosed space on uneven and slippery steps and there is little room to move around up top so those who are afraid of heights or tight places should just enjoy it from the outside. - Muezzin singing: August 17 th, 21 th, 22 th, 23 th, 28 th, 29 th and 30 th all at 17:00 HUF300. 

• Lyceum is the baroque building opposite the Basilica and currently functions as a college. The Archbishop's Library inside is home to various frescoes, including one of the Council of Trent, as well as the only handwritten letter by Mozart in Hungary. The Observatory in the tower features a mirror telescope, a cannon sun dial which announces midday with a small explosion, and a camera obscura which projects an image of the city skyline on the wall. Very few of it is free, but you can buy a ticket for all the exhibitions for HUF 800. You can also find free Internet on some computers within the building.
• Széchenyi Street is the main pedestrian shopping street which features a variety of shops and restaurants.

Further afield

Szilvásvárad area, a highlight of the Bükk National Park

• 19 Szilvásvárad (Take a train from Eger toward north about 28km). Located at foothills of northwest of Bükk Mountains,-in the Bükk National Park,-above sea level to about 345 meters. Its name comes from the Slavic earth castles. The town is the second most well-known Bükk resort next Lillafüred. Here is the world-famous Lipizzaner stud include the strain stallion stables, the Carriage Museum, equestrian stadium, exhibition of the history of the horse, the grazing herd. - To stay: more than two dozens guesthouses, pensions apartmants and a couple three-four star hotel. - To eat: in hotels or two three restaurants and taverns. Try the local trout, truffle specialties. - To do: Auto Racing, Skiing, Mountain Outdoor sports. Take a tour to Szalajka Valley (main sights of its are the Fátyol (Veil) Falls, the Forest museum, Istállós-kői cave, Szilvásváradi Forest Railway, and more waterfalls, Trout Lakes in primeval forest), other good trek going on the Millennium Trail to Kalapat lookout (follow the blue diagonal stripes signs) open Jun-Aug: every day: 10.00-19.00, other part of the year shorter opening times even not daily!. If you need some adrenalin: Visit the Adventure Park or the Bob sled game park. - Museums/galleries: 'Szilvásváradi-Gal' Ceramic Gallery, 'Orban-house' Museum, 'Debreczeni-Pelcz' Ceramic Gallery, 'Géza Révész' Saddlery-Leather-wright gallery. More sights: Reformed Round Church, Erdődy Pallavicini Mansion. 

Do

• Relax in thermal baths.
• Enjoy a glass of wine in a wine cellar.
• "Valley of the Beautiful Women" - see #Drink section.

In the suburbs:

• Motor (and non-motor?) paragliding (Eger Aero Club and others)
• Paintball

Others:

• Gárdonyi Géza Theater, Hatvani kapu tér, 4, ☎ +36 36 310-026. Probably the only theater in town, quite modern and comfortable; attracts cream of the city, especially on holiday concerts. 

There's a non-crowded cloakroom on the 2nd floor.

Events

¤ Eger Spring Festival ( - late March to early Apr

¤ Agria Summer Games (Agria Nyári Játékok) - all summer

¤ Erlau Dance Festival (Erlau Táncfesztivál) - end of July, beginning of Aug

¤ The Bull's Blood Wine Feast (Az Egri Bikavér Ünnepe) - mid-Jul

¤ Medieval Marketplace (Középkori Piactér) - end of Jul

¤ Castle Festivities (Végvári vigasságok) - end of July

¤ Baroque Festival of Eger (Fesztivál a barokk Egerben) - Jul-Aug

¤ Festival of Szépasszonyvölgy (Szépasszonyvölgyi Fesztivál) - mid-Aug

¤ Wine Competition of Eger (Bormustra az egri Piacz-on) - mid-Aug

¤ Slow Film Festival - August

¤ Agria International Folk Dance Meeting (Agria Nemzetközi Néptánctalálkozó) - end of August

¤ Eger Festival (Eger Ünnepe) - mid-September - Civil festival

¤ Eger Castle Day (Egri Vár Napja) - October 17 - all museum of the Castle can be visited free of charge

¤ Every summer there is a small acrobatics workshop-week in Mikófalva, a village not far north from Eger (click on Mikófalva) .

¤ See also: New Year holidays in Hungary.

Horseback riding

• Mátyus Udvarház (Petró Tanya) (5 minutes by taxi from the middle of Eger), ☎ +36 36 517-937, e-mail: info@matyusudvarhaz.hu. In winter, rides start at 10:00 (to 12:00) and 13:00 (to 17:00). Can offer good gallops and intense rides if guide can tell that you have enough experience. There is breathtaking scenery even in winter time: along and across vineyards; up the hills; through the forest; in beautiful fields. Ride whatever the weather, even in winter. Recommended by Senator Ház. Among personnel, only 1 or 2 speak basic English (neither can be a guide); in off-season, English emails are not responded to--call instead. The only shortcoming: guiding rider smokes on the route. Have some Panzio of the same owner next to the stalls (closed in winter). Horses: Fantom (1994): too slow as a leader on a gallop. Sigi (1996): trials rider in the first minutes, restless and fast through the route, but rarely keeps the distance. Hadfi (1996): need constant attention of rider on a route. Guided route: HUF4,000 per hour per person.. 

• Zay-Ló Tanya. Seems to be partner/friends with Mátyus Udvar Ház; located not far away from them. 

Buy

Definitely a good place for wine shopping. You can buy directly from the makers.

Other places for shopping:

• Agria Park. Is a modern shopping mall which opened in March 2008. 

Eat

Plenty of restaurants all over the town.

Visit some csárdas in Valley of Beautiful Women (Szépasszony-völgy). Some of them are constantly overcrowded as tourists are brought there by buses of partner agencies.

One of the specialties are pancake balls.

Cafes and Confectioneries

• Dobos Cukrászda, Széchenyi utca 6, ☎ +36 36 413 335, fax: +36 36 420 310. 9:30-20:00. Very good choice of artistic (and custom-made?) cakes and marcipans of every size. In non-summer time, don't take seriously plastic seats you see right after entrance--there is a large hall with old-school furniture behind the counter (as shown on panorama on the web site). Serves only Lipton tea, but Segafredo coffee. For the New Year season, a Christmas tree is decorated with real sweets and marshmallows. It has been in operation since 1966 and the interior seems to have remained the same since then. 
• Marján Cukrászda, Kossuth u. 28 (on your way down from the Castle; just next door with Dorner restaurant), ☎ +36 36 312 784. May-Sep: 09:00-22:00; Oct-Apr: 09:00-19:00. Much more modern compared to Dobos, still quite luxurious interior with striped chairs and marble tables. Be careful with the cocoa--really large cups. 

Restaurants

• Palacsintavár, Dobó u. 9, ☎ +36 36 413-980. 12.00-23.00. All main dishes are served in pancakes, are very large. Good selection of wines. Regulars seem to come here for desserts--and look really enthusiastic about them. Artistic interior feels like inspired by Andy Warhol. Located a bit off the beaten path. around 2000 HUF. 

Onion soup is disappointedly non-traditional, but still good. Conqueror's soup is served in bread, and definitely worth tasting. Be careful with Sombrero--extremely hot, which is not indicated in menu.

• Senator Ház, Dobó tér 11.. winter: till 22:00. Decent place to eat if you stay near Dobó tér. Owned and managed by the same people as Senator Ház hotel. Before 11 am, part of the restaurant is used for breakfast for guests staying at Senator Ház hotel. During the daytime, it attracts many non-residents even in winter time. 

• Fehér Szarvas Vadásztanya, Klapka út 8. (downstairs next to Hotel Park), ☎ +36 36 411-129, fax: +36 36 516-129, e-mail: szarvas@feherszarvasetterem.hu. 12:00-24:00. Offers excellent game dishes. Not the cheapest in town, but the meals are excellent and the atmosphere is unique--although locals are rare here, compared to tourists. Interior is full of mounted animals--which not everyone may like. Menu in English, Finnish, French, Italian, Polish, Russian (translations may vary in minor aspects). Saddle of venison (3.150ft, cooked with truffles) is very tender, absolutely recommended. The hunter's favourite (2.680ft) is amazing in matching four sauces to four kinds of meat. Goose Ragout Soup (680ft) is quite interesting, and served in a bread. Mains 1500-3500 HUF. 
• Macok Bisztró, Dózsa György tér 4. (Near the castle gate). Previously known as Imola Udvarház, it was selected as one of the top 12 restaurants in Hungary in 2009. A good selection of wines from Eger and Tokaj wine regions. Mains 1900-5000 HUF. 
• Il Padrino Pizza Club, Fazola Henrik utca 1. (In a cozy little street branching off Dobó utca near the castle). Probably the best pizza in town. They advertise themselves as having premium Italian pizzas with the cheese and ham actually coming from Italy. Pizzas 1000-2000 HUF. 
• Gyros, Széchenyi út 12. (100m after the McDonald's). They serve a mix of Hungarian and Greek cuisine. It's not very expensive, rather oily, but the portions are quite big. Mains HUF800-1800. 

Drink

Wine

Eger is the centre of one of the top wine regions in Europe. Egri Bikavér is most famous cuvee here, but there are several others definitely worth a sip.

Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood) is a strong red Hungarian wine which supposedly saved a clever Hungarian girl from her fate with a Turkish sultan. During the time of the Turkish occupation, it is said a young girl was summoned to become a member of the local sultan's harem. Not wanting this fate for his daughter, her father gave her a bottle of Egri Bikavér to take to the sultan. He told her to tell the ruler it was bull's blood, and would make him invincible. The sultan, being Muslim, was unaccustomed to alcohol, and proceeded to pass out, leaving the daughter unharmed. That's a legend -- but in real life, also be careful with Egri Bikavér. It's excellent, but strong stuff!

The real story is an important piece of Hungarian history: the "bull's blood" made there - is a cuvee (two type red wine mixed) - this name was given by the Turkish horde trying to conquer Eger - and than proceed towards Austria...etc But failed!...there were approx. 2000 Hungarians inside Eger, and 200,000 Turks outside. They had always seen the Hungarians drinking red wine, but they did not know what it was, and they assumed this must be bull's blood which makes these warriors so strong and fearless.

Wine shops

• Wine shop (at Dr. Hibay Károly u., just across Senator Ház). Nice place to taste and try wines. Walls and windows are all packed with wine bottles, there are even some mounted in the floor. Offers selection of wine-tasting menu, with full range of cheese and snacks. 

• Fúzió, Csiky Sándor utca. 10.. Wine bar, wine shop and lounge. A place to taste the wines of Gál Tibor, advertised as a "Design Cellar". 1.5 dl glasses of wine starting at 700 HUF, Bottles starting at 2000 HUF. 

Valley of Beautiful Women (Szépasszony-völgy)

• 20 Szépasszony Valley (Szépasszony Völgy, lit.Valley of the Beautiful Woman), Eger, Szépasszonyvölgy (West-Southwest two km form Town Center, Within about 15-20 minutes walk from centre of town, and easy to get to (but much harder to walk home from!). Just follow the street signs with the English text "Nice Woman Valley".). Szépasszony Valley is the main place to go for winetasting in the town. This having about 200 small wine cellars have strongly become connected to the fame of the wines of Eger in the past centuries. Here sell local wines with very good prices. There is no inambiguous explanation for the origin of the name, neither for the date of the construction of the first cellars. The cellars were cut into rhiolit tufa of volcanic origin very easy to shape and which can be found under and around the town several hundred meters thick. Another advantage is that the wines are stored in them at constant, 10-15 C temperature all the year around. Moreover, the moss, fungi living in the cellars create a special atmosphere, their pleasant smell supports aging of wine, developing their bouquet. Vendors will fill whatever container you have with you, so bring along some extra pop bottles. - Most vendors also sell plastic jugs that you may take with you. Sometimes you pay for the glasses you drink there, though occasionally you will only be charged for the wine you take with you. Some wines are only available in bottles, and may be a little more expensive. A few of the places have hosts with very good English, though many do not. A liter of wine runs between HUF400 and 700. 
• Bíró Borozó. Elderly women are great hosts, outgoing but not annoying, with good English and a sense of humor. Some wine is poured from a barrel through a decanter--it's a nice show, ask for a demonstration. Some is provided from bottles. 
• Helyben Fogyasztas. Some hosts speak English well, others not so well. Most wines are poured from barrels, not from bottles. 
• Farsang Tibor, ☎ +36 30 263-4478, e-mail: farsangpinceszet@t-online.hu. Some hosts speak English very well, wine comes from the barrel, and they have a restroom, which is not true of every cellar. 

Sleep

Several camp sites are available along with plenty of small and larger hotels and private rooms all over the town. You will not have a problem finding accommodation there.

• Arany Trófea. Hotel, at the feet of the Bükk National Park. All the rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, a color TV, telephone and minibar. 

• Hunguest Hotel Flóra, at the centre of thermal springs, among hundred-year-old trees.

• Korona. Hotel, is situated in the most quiet green area of the centre, near the pedestrian street. 
• Romantik. Hotel, Family-oriented cozy 11-roomed hotel in the centre, only 100 meters from main pedestrian street. 
• Hotel Senator Ház, Dobó tér 11, ☎ +36 36 320466, fax: +36 36 320466, e-mail: senator@enternet.hu. Has a restaurant in the same building; breakfasts are served there. Breakfast include a hot meal which changes every day; home-made jams; fruit salad; variety of Pickwick teas. Owner: András Cseh--very helpful in person, which is not obvious from emails until you arrive. Website says horseriding at Mátyus Udvar Ház can be arranged, but don't expect much help from Senator - you'll need to contact them directly. The hotel itself is an old building right at Dobó tér so prepare to enjoy sounds of the town's main clock tower every quarter. Reception area is full of small antiques.. 
• Pátria Panzió, Szúnyog köz 3. Is a new building (as of Jan 2007) of Senator Ház, just 30 meters away. Overall, it is very good for its 3-star rating. A small patio with a shared table and several two-room apartments with balconies facing the hotel's private patio all make it perfect place for a company of 3-6 people spending much time together (judging by how it looks in winter--ask if table & patio are used in some way in summer). Apartments are one double-bed room plus a salon room with a balcony and a couch that can accommodate 1 or 2 people, all sharing same bathroom. Apartments are visited by maid every day; they have a good internet cable connection (ask if it applies to your apartment; LAN cable is not provided; bedroom maybe not connected while living room is), modern windows and balcony doors; bathrooms are fully equipped with Grohe and brand-name basin and bathtub, have heated floor, a bidet built into a toilet--even automatic light switches in the corridors of the panzio. In winter time, Pátria Panzió shares Senator Ház reception and place for breakfast--and every room is given a key to lock the common gate for a night time. €80/room(cca. 125$/20,000HUF). 

• Villa Völgy. Hotel, is a 3-star and located in the Valley of Beautiful Women. The hotel is next to a hundred-year old chapel and a delightful park. 
• Garten Vendégház, Legányi u. 6., ☎ +36 36 420-371. Check-in: 2pm., check-out: 10am.. The "Garten" Guesthouse is placed in the green area nearby the historical downtown and the thermal bath and beach. €30-40. 
• Agyagos Vendégház, Agyagos u. 11/A, ☎ +36 30 532-0264. The "Agyagos" Guesthouse is in green area only for 5 minutes from the thermal bath and from the castle. Surrounded by Mediterranean made environment for guest to have rest. 

Go next

• Visit castles in Sirok and Kisnána
• Bathe and have a glass of wine in Egerszalók
• Visit the open air museum in Mezőkövesd
• Hike in Bükk mountains
• See the romanesque abbey in Bélapátfalva