When July arrives in Eger, the city’s green heart, Archbishop’s Garden (Érsekkert), pulses with excitement as the Eger Wine Festival (Egri Bor Ünnepe) returns from July 11 to 12, 2025. Locals and travelers alike gather for a true celebration of flavor, storytelling, and regional traditions. There’s wine, there’s food, and there’s an energy in the air as people sample the best of Eger’s offerings, chat with winemakers, and stretch out summer nights under the trees.
A Wine Lover’s Urban Playground
Eger’s historic core is a wonderland for travelers, especially those with a passion for good wine. Nestled beneath the iconic Castle of Eger, modern downtown apartments cater to both wine enthusiasts and those eager to explore the city. The Castle Defender Aparthotel (Várvédő apart-hotel) offers three self-catering apartments for up to 10 people, full of character and right next door to the old town’s best restaurants and landmarks.
You’ll also find a classic “Eger tenement,” tucked away behind wrought-iron stairs, hiding an enchanting apartment that feels straight out of a fairy tale. It overflows with lovingly restored family treasures, rescued Hungarian antiques, and stories from bygone days, brought back to life for today’s guests seeking atmosphere and history.
Stay Your Way: From Tranquil to Trendy
Need a quiet escape? Head to a peaceful suburb like Farkasvölgy Street, where a guesthouse sits fifteen minutes on foot from the lively downtown and famous thermal baths—a dream for train travelers looking for easy access and serene relaxation.
For active visitors, the Allure Complex offers 19 suites, a bistro, a wellness zone, and a gym that’s open late into the night. Whether your idea of unwinding is a marathon workout or lounging in a spa, Allure has you covered.
Since 1998, Apple Tree Apartment House (Almafa Apartmanház) has welcomed guests in a leafy neighborhood beside the Valley of the Beautiful Woman (Szépasszony-völgy) cellars—a short walk from both vineyards and city attractions. Amulet Guesthouse (Amulett Guesthouse) is another favorite, ideally located near famous spas and the baroque old town, with cellars at the end of the street offering Eger’s signature wines.
If you crave pure convenience, Aqua Villa is at the center of it all, just steps from the castle’s northern entrance and Eger’s iconic bath complex. It’s a place where guest hospitality, culinary treats, and lazy strolls to top sights become your daily routine.
Family-Friendly, Cozy, or Elegant—Take Your Pick
Within walking distance of the Basilica, the new Golden Garden Guesthouse (Aranykert Guesthouse) sits on a tranquil street, perfect for small groups and families. Atrium Apartment House, also in town, is a quick walk from both central attractions and the Valley of the Beautiful Woman (Szépasszony-völgy). Children are especially welcome here, with baby beds and high chairs, plus a beautiful playground just 150 feet away.
Looking for something with a touch of class that won’t break the bank? The popular Bacchus Pension (Bacchus Panzió) stands out for its elegant yet friendly vibe, cozy rooms, and great value. It’s the kind of place where you can truly relax and feel like a welcome guest, even on a short stay.
Eger’s Legendary Wine Experiences
If you love a lively cellar tour, the Valley of the Beautiful Woman’s (Szépasszony-völgy) unique horseshoe-shaped row of cellars offers everything from young, conversation-worthy wines to serious grand superiors. At Tóth Ferenc Winery (Cellar 46), guests can snack on local bites and cheeses, and even sample craft chocolate alongside a glass of Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood).
Not far away, our beloved Poplar Tree (Nyárfa) at the top of Síkhegy comes alive each summer as locals and visitors gather for impromptu outdoor wine picnics. The event’s popularity is growing quickly—thanks in part to a shuttle service that makes joining the festivities easy.
The Tóth family winery—now four decades strong—cultivates 67 acres, aging their acclaimed wines in an impressive five-branch cellar system. Their mission? Perfecting the region’s signature wines, Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) and Egri Csillag (Star of Eger), and championing varieties like Leányka, Kadarka, and Blaufränkisch (Kékfrankos) for new generations of wine lovers.
A Feast for All the Senses
When it’s time for a coffee break, Palota Café delights with the unmistakable aroma of Italian coffee and irresistible Stühmer cakes. At 1552, inside Eger Castle, Hungarian and Turkish flavors share the plate in an inviting, historic setting. Indulge your sweet tooth further at the restaurant’s Amulet Café (Amulett café).
Fans of all things wine will find nirvana at the Bull’s Blood Wine House (Bikavér Borház) on Dobó Square—Eger’s “First Wine Bar.” Sample from a dizzying selection of 50 wineries and café specialties, or warm up in winter with a cup of mulled wine. For a tasting experience straight out of medieval times, visit the Bull’s Blood Wine Tavern’s (Bikavér Borozó) Knight’s Hall, where the region’s legendary reds take center stage year-round.
The Cellar Doors Are Always Open
Wine adventures reach new heights at Bolyki Vineyard and Winery, just 1.2 miles from town. Set dramatically within an old quarry’s 100-foot walls, the estate features nine different cellars—barrel rooms, aging cellars, and tasting rooms—all open to visitors with a pre-booked tour. The stunning courtyards even host large events, making it a true destination on Eger’s wine map.
In Eger, whether you’re after tradition or trend, baroque history or vineyard picnics, there’s a place—and a glass—waiting for you at every turn.
