The renewed Veszprém Castle District keeps its lights on through winter, with festive opening hours, free exhibitions, and guided walks that open doors normally closed to visitors. December brings a special schedule: closed December 22–26; open December 27–30 from 10:00–18:00; and December 31 from 10:00–15:00. Outside the holidays, regular hours apply: Monday closed; Tuesday–Friday 17:00–19:00; Saturday–Sunday 10:00–18:00. The Biró–Giczey House is the baroque gateway to the district, home to the gift shop and several free exhibitions, including the 2025 Exhibition of the Year, Bogáncs és liliom – Magdolnák virágai (Thistle and Lily – The Flowers of Magdalens).
Winter walks, soft lights, and quiet courtyards
Winter deepens the charm of Veszprém’s baroque facades, the hush around Holy Trinity Square (Szentháromság tér), and the bell chimes threading through the narrow streets. The Veszprém Archdiocesan Tourism Center invites visitors not just to stroll Castle Street, but to step into the inner world of the palace, chapels, and curated exhibitions. From the Biró–Giczey House, themed guided tours depart three times daily on weekends at 11:30, 14:00, and 16:00, revealing spaces that can’t be accessed on your own.
Guided Castle Walks: three routes into history
Each walk starts at the Biró–Giczey House and opens key sites. The Archbishop’s Palace unveils baroque interiors, restored rooms, and singular artworks. The Gizella Chapel, one of the district’s oldest and calmest sacred spaces, preserves a haunting medieval atmosphere in its fresco fragments. St. Michael’s Cathedral and its crypt form the city’s defining silhouette; the basilica’s layered past and the crypt’s medieval details sketch an authentic picture of Veszprém’s story. The St. George Chapel, an ancient memorial site at the castle’s heart, can be visited only as part of these guided tours. Check the event calendar for any time changes.
What’s on at the Biró–Giczey House
All exhibitions are free during opening hours. Bogáncs és liliom – Magdolnák virágai (Thistle and Lily – The Flowers of Magdalens), winner of the 2025 Exhibition of the Year, explores Mary Magdalene through artifacts, prints, and contemporary reflections, framed by the thoughts of Blessed Mária Magdolna Bódi. The Pantry Exhibition (Kamrakiállítás) highlights pieces from the cathedral’s past: baroque objects, liturgical elements, and century-old photographs. My Head’s Not a Chapter (Nem káptalan a fejem) is interactive, playful, and clear in explaining who the canons were and how the Veszprém chapter worked. The Archaeological Exhibition presents the castle hill’s changing settlement history over the centuries with striking installations.
Holiday hours and regular access
Holiday hours repeat: December 22–26 closed; December 27–30 open 10:00–18:00; December 31 open 10:00–15:00. Regular schedule beyond the holidays: exhibitions at the Biró–Giczey House run Tuesday–Friday 17:00–19:00, weekends 10:00–18:00; Monday closed. The gift shop is open Saturday–Sunday 10:00–18:00.
Dates to circle: concerts and walks
December 27 brings Festive Harmonies (Ünnepi harmóniák) with Ádám Tabajdi, István Horváth, and the Harmónia Chamber Ensemble in St. Michael’s Cathedral. Guided Castle Walks run December 27–28 at 11:30, 14:00, and 16:00 with two thematic routes: Walk of Light and Devotion (A fény és áhítat sétája) covers the Archbishop’s Palace and the Gizella Chapel at 11:30 and 16:00; A Thousand Years’ Path (Ezer év útja) takes in the cathedral, crypt, and St. George Chapel at 14:00. The same lineup repeats December 29 and December 30. Tickets and info at the Gift Shop; all walks depart from the Biró–Giczey House.
More coming up in Veszprém
December 31: Year-End Ramble (Óévi barangolás) with a toast.
January 17, 2026: Menopause Tour (Menopauza turné), tickets from USD 28.2 to USD 70.5.
March 27, 2026: Lord of the Dance – 30th Anniversary Tour (30 éves jubileumi turné), tickets from USD 33.6 to USD 56.1.
May 24, 2026: 4th Veszprém Triathlon Festival (IV. Veszprém Triatlon Fesztivál).
July 10–19, 2026: Rosé, Riesling and Jazz Festival (Rozé, Rizling és Jazz Fesztivál).
July 15, 2026: Juanes – VeszprémFest 2026, tickets from USD 53.3 to USD 78.6.
July 15–18, 2026: VeszprémFest, tickets from USD 5.6 to USD 78.6.
July 16, 2026: Beth Hart – VeszprémFest 2026, tickets USD 70.5.
July 17, 2026: Kraftwerk – VeszprémFest 2026, tickets from USD 53.3 to USD 72.9.
July 18, 2026: Pink Martini – VeszprémFest 2026, tickets from USD 53.3 to USD 72.9.
July 23–25, 2026: Veszprém Street Music Festival (Veszprémi Utcazene Fesztivál).
August 3–9, 2026: Auer Festival (Auer Fesztivál).
August 13–19, 2026: 30th Cell-Cup Veszprém International Handball Festival (30. Cell-Cup Veszprém Nemzetközi Kézilabda Fesztivál).
Plan your visit
The Biró–Giczey House garden, gift shop, and exhibitions anchor the experience. For exact tour times and any updates, check the event calendar and ask at the Gift Shop. Count: 18 listings and counting.
