Miskolc, the fourth largest city in Hungary, lies in the northeastern part of the country, in the valley of the Szinva. With a population of around 200.000 people, the industrial town is quite developed and offers a wide variety of free-time activities. Exploring the pedestrian streets, relaxing at the legendary Cave Bath of Miskolctapolca, discovering the royal Diósgyör Castle, and walking through the terraced gardens of Lillafüred are among the 10 reasons to visit Miskolc!
I never thought of Miskolc as a weekend getaway or a day trip destination. But recently, some friends traveling to Hungary asked me if they should stop for a couple of days in Miskolc or not. First, I held no, there is no reason they should include this city into their itinerary, but then I realized Miskolc has a few things to offer. If you want to find out the 10 reasons to visit Miskolc, read the entire article!
10 Reasons to Visit Miskolc
#1. The Pedestrian Street Széchenyi István
Széchenyi István Utca is a long pedestrian street in the city center, closed to traffic except for trams. While exploring the Széchenyi István Utca and the surrounding streets, you’ll pass many restaurants, cafes, shops, travel agencies, and an information office. Don’t rush around!
Take your time and try to absorb everything! It’s always a great idea to stop and enjoy a delicious coffee or ice cream at one of the many terraces along the Szinva river. Walk around the city center and discover some beautiful flower arrangements. Admire the buildings’ architecture and stop by the chain bridge over the Szinva River to take photos.
#2. The Old Churches
While strolling the streets of Miskolc, you’ll bump into some beautiful churches.
The Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul. Easily recognizable by the twin towers, it’s an imposing Baroque church not far away from Széchenyi István Utca.
The Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption. Not far away from the Széchenyi István Utca, you will discover the Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption, the city’s largest religious building. This Church’s exterior is beautiful, but the interior is impressive: gorgeous paintings and sculptures, and marvelous stained glass.
The Wooden Church (Deszkatemplom). The wooden construction was built in 1938. Unfortunately, in 1998, the Church burnt entirely, but with the help of the municipality and people, it was rebuilt in 1999. Everyone can visit the Church but with prior arrangements.
#3. The Otto Herman Museum
The museum gets its name from the well-known Hungarian naturalist Otto Herman. In the main building on Görgey Street, you’ll observe many paintings displayed in chronological order from Baroque to Art Nouveau and Modernism.
One exhibition will introduce you to the prehistoric world of animals and plants while another will show a beautiful mineralogical collection. Even if you are not big on museums, it’s an excellent idea to visit the place on a rainy day or when you travel with children.
Address: Görgey Artúr utca 28.
Opening hours: every day from 09:00 to 17:00, except Mondays
Entrance Fee: 3.500 Huf/person
#4. The Otto Herman Memorial House
If you wish to visit the memorial house of Otto Herman, drive to Lillafüred. You’ll find this charming old house near the Palota Hotel. You’ll get the chance to see some of the items belonging to this famous man. And if you’re interested, you can learn more about his work.
Address: Lillafüred, Erzsébet sétány 33
Opening hours: from May 1 to September 30 – from Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, in October and April from 10:00 to 16:00
Entrance Fee: 1.000 Huf/person
#5. The Diósgyör Castle
Eight kilometers west of the city center, you will discover the beautiful Diósgyör Castle. Made in the 13th century and ruined during the Mongol invasion in 1241, it was King Louis’s favorite residence.
With four massive towers, a moat comprising the walls, and the largest great hall of medieval Central Europe, the castle was one of the most amazing fortresses of the time.
Only in 2015, after many years of reconstruction and restoration, the castle comes alive. Go on a guided tour to learn more about the castle’s history.
Opening hours: from November 1 to March 31, from 09.00 to 17.00, from April 1 to October 31 from 09.00 to 18.00
Entrance Fee: 1500 Huf/person, guided tours – every half hour, included in the entrance ticket.
Note. You can watch a gladiator-musical and horse show in the arena near the castle. Find out more when the next show takes place.
#6. Lillafüred- the idyllic Holiday Resort
One of the 10 reasons to visit Miskolc is undoubtedly the idyllic town of Lillafüred. Only 15 kilometers from the city center (30 minutes drive), you will discover the charming little resort of Lillafüred, the perfect half-day getaway from Miskolc.
Here the scenery changes entirely, and you will find yourself in a lovely holiday place, highly appreciated by locals and tourists. The area is stunning, surrounded by the Bükk mountains, the terraced gardens, the beautiful Hámori Lake, and a 20-meter high waterfall in Hungary.
From the parking lot, follow the path to Hotel Palota, a masterpiece of Hungarian architecture. Admire the 20-meter-high waterfall and take some lovely photos before strolling through beautiful flower paths in the terraced gardens.
You can rent a boat at the 1,5 km long and 9 meters deep Hámori Lake and spend some leisure time on the lake.
Complete your visit with a traditional meal from the nearby restaurants or drive for a few kilometers to the fish farm and enjoy the best-grilled trout.
#7. The Massa Museum
This place looks like a Mayan archaeological site, doesn’t it?
The Ancient Blast Furnance is also known as the first manufacturing monument of Hungary, introducing the hundred-year-old history of iron-making in the Hamor area.
You can easily recognize the Massa Museum when driving to/from Miskolc. Although close to the main road, the place is quiet and has fewer tourists.
There are no guided tours or admission fees so you can explore the site all by yourself; plan no more than half an hour for a visit. Also, stop at the exhibition on the other side of the road.
Opening hours: from May 1 to October 31, from Thursday to Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm and from November 1 to April 30: Closed. Free entry.
#8. The Lillafüred Forest Train
The Forest Train is a lovely way to travel and discover Miskolc. Initially, the railway initially carried goods only; however, passenger service was introduced in the third year o operation.
The old carriage departs from Miskolc Dorrottya Utca, far from the city center. You will have to drive or take tram no.1 to get there. The journey takes only one hour from here until the final destination: Garadna.
From Miskolc Dorrottya Utca, the train gets to Diósgyör in only 4 minutes. You’ll have to walk 900 meters from the train station until you reach Diósgyör Castle.
At Massa Museum, the Fazola-Kohó train station is just in front of the museum.
From Miskolc to Lillafüred, the journey takes only 33minutes, and the train station is near the Palota Hotel. Step inside the station, where you will discover a forest museum.
Departure times:
from Miskolc Dorottya Utca to Garadna: 9:00, 10:15, 11:45, 13:15, 14:45, 16:15, 17:45
from Garadna to Miskolc Dorottya Utca: 10:10, 11:40, 13:10, 14:40, 16:10, 17:40, 19:00
The Forest Train operates only on weekends and holidays.
Prices: 1.000Huf/person/one ride
For more Infos, visit the official website.
#9. Miskolc Bath Caves
If you have some extra time and want to relax, visit the famous Cave Bath of Miskolctapolca, only 10 minutes apart from the city center. The baths are unique in Europe as they are located inside a cave.
The water has a lower salt content than other thermal baths and a temperature of 30 degrees, so people and children can soak as much as they want.
Bathing in cave tunnels created by nature should be one of the 10 reasons to visit Miskolc, especially if traveling on a cold autumn or winter day.
Opening hours: every day from 9 am to 8 pm.
Entrance Fee: 2.600 Huf/person
#10. The Food
One of the 10 reasons to visit Miskolc is definitely Hungarian food. The city can be considered a cheap food destination to experience everything from traditional to international cuisine.
You will bump into many restaurants with terraces on the Széchenyi István Utca and its surroundings. Choose one that suits you, and you won’t be disappointed.
Prices vary for one meal course from 2.000 Huf to 3.500 Huf, a beer of around 400 Huf, and a glass of red wine of around 600 Huf.
Kispipa Halászcsárda is an excellent option if you love eating fish. For more info, visit their website.
Lokalista Bistro is a charming bistro in the city center where you can try the homemade burger or the spare ribs.
Helpful Info for Visiting Miskolc
Getting to Miskolc
Budapest is 180 kilometers away, so you can reach Miskolc within two hours’ drive or 2h30′ by train. Both the Tokaj and the Eger wine regions are around 40-50 kilometers away so you can get to Miskolc within an hour by bus or train.
Getting around Miskolc
The best option is to walk through the city and then take the tram or rent a bike or a car to reach Diösgyor Castle. Finally, to get to Lillafüred, hop on the forest train and have a memorable journey.
Where to Stay in Miskolc
The best area to find accommodation is near the Széchenyi István Utca. You can find beautiful apartments on the Airbnb platform or some lovely hotel rooms on the Booking platform at reasonable prices. In addition, you can walk to the city center and discover the pedestrian street from here.
10 Reasons to Visit Miskolc. Interactive Map
Underneath, you’ll find a customized map that includes all the locations mentioned in this article. Just open up this article on your phone and click on the frame in the upper right corner of this map. Google Maps app will open up and you can check all the details. I hope it helps!
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