Eger, a historic city in northern Hungary, is famous mainly for its castle, hot springs with baths, old houses (including the northernmost Turkish minaret) and, not least, for the best wines in Hungary (at least according to Egerians). When planning a trip here, it’s easy to decide that this small town won’t take more than half a day to explore. In fact, three days may not even be enough for you – especially if you are driving in winter.
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Eger is located at the foot of the Bükk Mountains, in a hilly area in the valley of the stream of the same name. Thanks to its favorable position, the development of winemaking and the culture of the baths, this resort has become today one of the most visited cities in Hungary. Among the most frequent guests of Eger are Germans, Italians and our compatriots. Nevertheless, most of the tourists do not stay in the city overnight, but are limited only to visiting the castle and what is closer. Thus, depriving yourself of the opportunity to spend a day or two, relaxing in the thermal spa, listening to the organ in the colossal basilica, wandering through the numerous wine cellars and enjoying a glass or two of magnificent Ox’s Blood. As well as the opportunity to visit the “Valley of Beautiful Women”.
How to get to Eger
Flight to Budapest, then transfer two hours (130 km).
Eger Hotels
Hotels in Eger are located at a sufficient distance from each other. For those for whom thermal springs are of primary interest, we recommend staying at the nearby hotels Flora, Eger & Park, Aqua Eger or Fortuna Panzio. “On the outskirts” you can choose “Flamingo” and “Egged”, as well as the three-star “Villa Veld” – by the way, standing right in the middle of the wine valley.
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Treatment in Eger
Turkish sauna
The Turkish bath in Eger was built in the early 17th century. Now a modern balneological center is open in the historic building. Healing water with radon (+31 °C) comes directly from under the stones that cover the bottom of the pools. And to the pools with a higher temperature, moisture is supplied from the nearby thermal springs of Andornaktalia.
The main healing properties of local waters are provided by radon. It reduces inflammation, increases the production of endorphins in the body, which improves well-being. In addition, radon activates regenerative processes in cells. By the way, the local Turkish bath can be used not only by patients of local health resorts, but also by vacationers who, for the time being, arrogantly consider themselves healthy.
Indications: inflammation and degenerative changes in the joints, pain syndromes associated with the spine, diseases of the musculoskeletal system caused by metabolic problems (arthritis, osteoporosis), reduced motor ability due to illness, age or lack of movement.
Eger thermal bath
The pools of the Eger thermal bath, open next to the Turkish bath, feed the surrounding thermal springs. Some pools of the baths are with medicinal water. From a source located near the borders of Eger, they receive hydrocarbonate healing water containing sulfur and calcium with a temperature of +47 ° C. These types of medicinal waters are used primarily for the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and rheumatic ailments, bone diseases, as well as to relieve fatigue syndrome.
The beach and bathing complex has seven pools with therapeutic thermal water, a children’s pool, indoor and outdoor pools with 14 effects – a jacuzzi, a “pearl bed”, underwater massage, a waterfall and so on.
Egerszalok
6 km from Eger is the small town of Egerszalok, a relatively young resort by local standards. It has a wellness complex offering various types of wellness services. Indications: post-traumatic treatment, joint diseases and rheumatic diseases.
Entertainment and attractions
Eger’s most famous attraction is the 13th-century fortress with stunning views of the city and surroundings. It houses the Episcopal Palace with the Istvan Dobo Museum and an art gallery.
The Turkish minaret (beginning of the 17th century) is the northernmost one in Western and Central Europe. The mosque itself was destroyed in 1841, while the minaret was crowned with a cross as a sign of the victory of Christianity over Islam.
Other attractions: Eger Cathedral, late Baroque Lyceum building, Serbian Orthodox Church, Geza Gardoni city theater, St. Anthony of Padua Church, about 200 caves in the vicinity of Eger (excursions are organized to some of them).
One of the most popular excursions in Eger is a trip to the Valley of Beautiful Women (Szepasszony-volgy). Every day, winemakers from all over the region gather here to offer guests from afar to taste, or even buy a liter or two of life-giving moisture. Selected varieties are poured into special plastic barrels, or, for a fee, into beautiful souvenir bottles. You can also get to the valley on your own in 15-20 minutes from the center of the resort, following the signs for Beautiful Woman Valley.
