We’ve explored plenty of charming towns and nature spots near Budapest — from Szentendre to Esztergom and Vác — but here are five fresh alternatives for those craving new scenery and a slower pace.
Érd
Just 30 minutes by train from Budapest, Érd often flies under the radar — but it's well worth a visit for a relaxed half-day trip. Start in the Old Town, where you’ll find the ruins of a Roman military road and Hungary’s smallest minaret, standing 23 metres tall. Pop into the Hungarian Geographical Museum for quirky displays (including a shrunken human head!) or take a peaceful walk through its garden.
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the dramatic Érdi-magaspart — a steep cliff overlooking the Danube with visible sediment layers formed from the ancient Pannonian Sea. You can also hike the Fundoklia Valley nature trail, where mammoths and cave bears once roamed. For an even wilder side of Érd, visit Beliczay Island or the atmospheric ruins of “Dog Castle,” once said to be the kennel of King Matthias’s hunting hounds.
Getting there: Trains from Déli Railway Station depart every 30 minutes. Alternatively, take buses 710, 712, 720, or 735 from Kelenföld.
Vácrátóti Nemzeti Botanikus Kert
Step into a dreamy wonderland at the Vácrátót National Botanical Garden — the largest of its kind in Hungary, covering 27 hectares. Wander winding paths shaded by towering trees, rest by lotus-filled ponds, and discover 19th-century artificial ruins nestled among rare plants and greenhouses. The estate was once a wedding gift from nobleman Sándor Vigyázó to his bride, and he later donated it to the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in his will.
Keep an eye out for the massive ash tree engraved with “1945” — a mark left by Soviet soldiers who took shelter in bunkers here during WWII. With so much to see (including a watermill!), we recommend spending a whole day soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.
Getting there: From Újpest-Városkapu bus terminal, take bus 314 to the “Vácrátót, Botanic Garden” stop.
Kisoroszi
Tucked away where two branches of the Danube meet, Kisoroszi’s Szigetcsúcs offers a rare kind of peace — shady trees, calm water, and panoramic views. On sunny days, locals flock here to swim, picnic, or simply relax on the grass. More adventurous souls can even camp overnight.
Don’t miss a short stroll through the village and a scenic climb to Calvary Hill, where 14 stone stations lead to a tiny chapel — a quiet spot for reflection away from the crowds.
Getting there: Take a bus from Árpád Bridge bus station to Vác, then transfer to buses 394 or 395 to reach Kisoroszi.
Bory Castle
Not your average medieval ruin, Bory Castle was the lifelong passion project of sculptor and architect Jenő Bory, who started building it in 1923 and continued until his death in 1959. Crafted from concrete — an unusual material at the time — the castle features towers, columns, and balustrades, all made by hand. You’ll spot seashells, coins, sponges, and even cannonballs embedded in the walls.
Inside, discover countless sculptures, paintings, and love poems dedicated to his wife Ilona, who also served as the muse for many of the artworks. Still owned by Bory’s descendants, the castle now operates as a museum and is open to the public.
Getting there: Take a train from Déli Railway Station to Székesfehérvár, then a local bus to “Máriavölgy” stop.
Búbánatvölgy
If you’re craving fresh air and fewer crowds, Búbánatvölgy near Esztergom is the perfect nature escape — and it’s easily reachable by Volánbusz. The area is home to birdsong, lush greenery, and a string of peaceful lakes like Halas-tó, Mini-tó, Fürdő-tó, and the larger Kerek-tó. You’ll find shady trees, open meadows, and plenty of benches for a quiet picnic or afternoon nap.
Búbánatvölgy also serves as a gateway to several scenic hiking trails, including the Búbánatvölgy Loop with sweeping views from Sas Hill and Hideglelős Cross. It's a serene slice of countryside far from the usual tourist trail.
Getting there: From Újpest-Városkapu bus terminal, take bus 880 to “Esztergom, Búbánatvölgy” stop.
(Cover photo: Bálint Hirling – We Love Budapest)
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