People associate Europe with romance.
The beauty of walking ancient, narrow streets, driving twisty roads surrounded by spectacular cliffs and sailing rivers dotted with colorful towns fill our hearts with a unique kind of warmth. We get compelled to share those mesmerizing places with our soul mates.
And, since we are talking about romance, I have to mention the most romantic features in Europe: castles!
Even though many of these structures were built for defensive purposes, people associate them with love stories between knights and ladies, princesses and servants or masters and slaves.
While in Budapest, I got confirmation about the castles and romance relationship. As part of our bike tour around the city, we stopped by Vajdahunyad Castle.
There were about six parties taking wedding pictures. It was difficult to walk around without photo bombing their carefully arranged poses.
Grooms and brides aside, we became captivated by this place. We were not expecting such a grandiose structure to pop in an urban area. There were turrets, gates, moss covered walls and lots of flowers. There was a combination of several elements that work well towards creating certain aesthetic that your eye wants to keep watching.
Vajdahunyad Castle was built in Budapest’s City Park as part of the millennial exhibition which celebrated the 1,000 years of Hungary since the conquest of the Carpathian basin in 895. The castle was designed to feature copies of several landmark buildings from different parts the Kingdom of Hungary, especially the Hunyad Castle in Transylvania (the country lost the area after World War 1).
As the castle contains parts of buildings from various time periods, it displays different architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. Originally, it was made from cardboard and wood, but it became so popular that it was rebuilt from stone and brick between 1904 and 1908. Today, it houses the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture, the biggest agricultural museum in Europe.
The same day we took the bike tour, we returned to the castle when the sun was setting. The change in light made the entire place even more loving. This was not a product of my imagination. Many couples were holding hands while walking the forested grounds.
We succumbed to the peer pressure and shared a kiss or two while walking around. I am telling you, these places are an invitation to romance in all the sense of the word!
Details
- To get to the Vajdahunyad Castle, take the Millennium metro line from the city center. Get down at Heroes Square and walk right when you find yourself in front of the big monuments (there are signs pointing the right way)
- A visit to the castle can be combined with other attractions located in the City Park. Make sure to stop by the Szechenyi Bath (you can take a peek inside even if you are not getting in).
Have you visited the Vajdahunyad Castle? What is the most romantic place you have been?
Pin it for later?
Photo(Geo)grapher says
Vajdahunyad is a very strange and controversial place in Budapest. A mix of architectural styles does not have to like, but it is definitely a very interesting place.
Ruth says
Well, it was built as a temporal exhibition. I am assuming enough people liked the architectural differences to make it permanent.
Carol says
A beautiful building with so many details
Ruth says
So nice you liked it!
Tanja says
oh yes . it’s such a nice castle:) #mondayescapes
Ruth says
Thanks Tanja!
jo says
I’ve been to Budapest but I’m not sure whether I visited this castle or not. I hope I did because I would hate to miss out on the most romantic thing to do in Budapest. Pinned so I don’t make the same mistake twice! #MondayEscapes
Ruth says
Fingers crossed you stopped by the castle! It is truly a unique place.
Lolo says
Ahhh it’s sooo much more beautiful with blue skies and flowers and trees in bloom! I need to go back!! #MondayEscapes
Ruth says
Well, that may be true! I say some pictures where snow was all around and it looked pretty too.
Fiona Cambouropoulos says
The architecture looks so amazing. What a beautiful castle and city to visit #MondayEscapes
Ruth says
Fiona, it is a very lovely city! I dream of the day I will be back.
klara says
intriguing place indeed.
Ruth says
That is a nice way to put ;0)
Lady Fi says
So very gorgeous!
Ruth says
That is completely true! Thanks for stopping by.
Rhonda Albom says
I like this castle in that takes features from various buildings in Hungary. It looks huge. Do you see a different style depending on which angle you view the castle from? Or do you get a variety of styles from each view?
Ruth says
As you walk around, you start seeing the differences in architectural styles. You first see turrets and tower and then straight lines resembling palaces in Paris or Vienna.
Photo Cache says
Wow, I have read other bloggers’ take on Budapest, but this is the first time I’m learning of this beautiful place.
This right here for me is what makes Europe Europe and so very fascinating.
Ruth says
Really? Not sure why some people do not make it here. It is a bit far form the center but easily access by metro.
alex says
What a fascinating place from an architectural viewpoint – very pretty! It’s my dream to go to Budapest. #citytripping
Ruth says
Alex,I really hope you can visit Budapest! The architecture in the city is superb.
Sarah Christie says
Wow Ruth what a breathtaking Castle I would love to visit, it looks almost Disneyesque, and perfect for wandering around with a camera. Thanks so much for linking up #MondayEscapes x
Ruth says
I have not thought about it in Disney terms but I can see how the analogy applies. Perfect place to photograph in the city.
Bryna | Dotted Line Travels says
This castle is very pretty indeed! It looks like something out of a fairytale. I love the detailing under the window, and would love to take a stroll through the forested grounds.
Ruth says
I like all those little details! The paintings, vines and statues are what make this place so special.
Jen from Jenography.net says
I do so love a castle. I think you may be right about this being the most romantic in Budapest. Nice to learn more about it. #citytripping
Ruth says
Thanks Jen! Not that I have toured Budapest extensively but it would be hard to beat this place.
Christine | The Journey of Christine says
Ahhh Budapest, I need to visit ASAP! The castle looks like a fairy tale and it is totally romantic to me! It would be a great place for wedding photographs as well, those people are lucky to have it so close to the! #wanderfulwednesday
Ruth says
Have to agree with you! I am jealous of people who live near real castles. I would love to live in a place like that.
Al says
Extraordinary – it looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.
Ruth says
Yes and yes! The architect behind this knew what he was doing.
Amy says
One of my favorite spots here in Budapest! But I also live right near here so I might be biased 🙂
Ruth says
Well, if you live there, I am going to take your word!
Sharon Wagner says
Castles definitively have an allure. So far, I’ve only seen them from afar. What a great place for a wedding. Great post.
Ruth says
I would like to go inside to see how it looks. I am sure that is quite an experience.
Phoebe | Lou Messugo says
I missed this lovely place when I visited Budapest…another reason to go back! #farawayfiles
Ruth says
That is right! Another reason to visit! Plus, there are more places to visit close to this castle.
Pat -- Mille Fiori Favoriti says
Vajdahunyad Castle is spectacular! I can see why you loved it so much, Ruth. It is very unique with all its architectural styles, and its size.
I think the most romantic place I have visited was Venice. There is something about its aqua lagoon, winding canals and narrow streets that made me feel as if I went back in time.
Ruth says
Venice is gorgeous! I would like to go back with my husband (I visited before meeting him). No doubt it feels very romantic to walk around the narrow alleys and canals.
Van says
Gorgeous!! The most romantic place I’ve ever been must be the Icehotel in Swedish Lapland! I have never felt the urge to get married but when I visited the ice church of the hotel, I definitely had a moment 😀
Ruth says
Ooooohhhhh, an ice hotel sounds amazing! I would love to visit one of those. And, even an ice church? That is something else.
Mini Travellers says
The architecture is incredible. What a beautiful castle and city to visit Thanks for linking up to #MondayEscapes
Ruth says
Glad you liked both the castle and the city!
jill says
Simply beautiful! There is something about castles that is romantic – and especially this one it seems!
Ruth says
I know! A lot of castles are actually fortifications but with time they have acquired a romantic notion.
jesh StG says
Now you’re talking – Budapest is so romantic -have been there twice (while under communism) so I can imagine much has changed in the city! Thanks for hosting!
Ruth says
I am sure the city has changed a lot. Would be nice for you to go back and describe your experience.
Corey @ fifi + hop says
Indeed looks hopelessly romantic! I always get so jealous of all the castles Europeans have to explore. With the exception of a rare few, that is something we definitely don’t have. #citytripping
Ruth says
Have to agree with you! Imagine leaving on a place where you can visit a different castle every weekend. That would be amazing.
Trekking with Becky says
I had no idea this incredible place existed. It’s on my to-see list for when I make it to Budapest some day.
Ruth says
Nice! You have to put Budapest on your plans!
Brooke of Passport Couture says
The castle has a feel of Disney and fantasy, so I can see why you found it so romantic and it swept you off your feet! I enjoy the mix of architecture styles and the scenery is gorgeous.
Ruth says
It is true, there is a fantasy element this place possesses. So nice to walk around and get excited.
Helen Miller says
I do have to agree with you that you don’t have to travel far and spend a bunch of money to have a great adventure. That is totally true. A romantic stroll around the castle does sound romantic! I mean with the castle architecture, it looks like its out from a fairytale, it does give you the romantic vibe. You know what place screams romantic? Bali! If you love a romantic trip then Bali is your buddy. Come visit Bali and stay with us. We have a selection of luxury villa to accommodate your stay here. Please do check our website out and see how you like it! Thank you.
Ruth says
Helen, thanks for the invitation! I can see how Bali has all the good qualities to be considered a super romantic place. Well, I guess islands are considered romantic too.
budget jan says
We’ve not been there. The most romantic place we’ve visited was Venice about 37 years ago!
Ruth says
Wow! You visited Venice a long time ago. I can imagine how the city has changed during that time.
Anna says
Ahhh I can’t believe I never came here when I was in Budapest! It looks like such a nice place to just stroll around. I did love Budapest in general though and would love to go back.
Ruth says
I love Budapest too! It is a city that captured my heart from the beginning.
Rebecca says
Just like the Eiffel Tower! It’s remarkable what they used to build for exhibitions with the intention of being temporary, thank goodness they decided to keep this one, how wonderful! And with all those architectural styles it’s like all the romantic stories of the centuries brought together.
Ruth says
That is true! Those world exhibitions used to be something else. Glad different governments decided to conserve some of those original structures.
Helena says
Thank you for the glimpse into historical Budapest. The most romantic place I’ve been to is Rome with the Trevi Fountain. #MondayEscapes
Ruth says
That is a good one! There are several places in Rome that are super romantic but I think the Trevi Fountain can easily take the lead.
Katy says
I love turrets! And climbing vines on castles. So romantic. Putting on my things to do in Budapest list! Thanks for joining #farawayfiles
Ruth says
Katy, hope you make it to Budapest soon!
Sam | Away She Went says
Castles are my favorite places to visit in Europe! If I ever make it to Budapest, visiting Vajdahunyad Castle will definitely be on my list. It’s so beautiful!
Ruth says
I hope you are able to visit one day. I love castles too.
Paul and Carole says
Such impressive architecture. Looks a lovely place to visit! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
Glad you like the castle. It is a beautiful place!
Lolo says
I could imagine during good weather this is a popular place to take beautiful wedding photos! I’d have done mine there if I lived there! Happy to read this again! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Ruth says
Thanks Lolo! It is a place for photos but people walk around and have picnics in the green areas surrounding the castle. It is a place for all ages!
Anisa says
I didn’t get a chance to see this castle on my short trip to Budapest, but it looks lovely. I love the architecture and the way they did the gardens. I agree it does look very romantic. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Ruth says
Anisa, hope you can go back to Budapest and stop by the castle. Glad you see the romantic side of it.
Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe says
Sadly we did not visit the castle, but did see it from the road. This is just one of many reasons for us to head back to Budapest.
Ruth says
There is always a reason to go back to Budapest! So nice you saw the castle from the road.
Anda says
I love this place and I’m headed there this week-end (lucky me!) This castle is a replica of the one in Hunedoara, Romania. You should go see the original as well. I can hardly wait to revisit Budapest. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
Oh wow! That is fantastic. I would love to see the original one in Romania. Have a wonderful time!
Bumble Bee Mum says
You know in Asia, when people want to bring together landmarks from different parts of the world, they build like teeny miniature version of the actual landmark. I have visited a couple of such attractions in Korean, Taiwan, China etc. The idea here seems similar, but they went all out to build life-size versions of the actual buildings?? That’s just crazy! #FarawayFiles
Ruth says
Well, I have seen a similar trend in Las Vegas. There are replicas of a lot of places in the world. The thing is that the replicas are not that good.
Keri | Ladies What Travel says
I saw this castle from a distance but sadly ran out of time during my trip to Budapest to visit it properly. Looks so beautiful! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
Ahhh, so bad you didn’t have time to walk around the castle. I am sure you would have loved it.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
You had me at castle. I would love to visit here whenever I finally get to Budapest!
Ruth says
That sounds good! I am sure you are a fan of castles.
Sharon says
Colorful and lovely photos of this architectural wonder! The Eiffel Tower was also intended to be temporary and was thought an eyesore, so sometimes public opinion wins. Budapest is on my bucket list, now more than ever!
Ruth says
That is true! I guess people fall in love with certain things and then it is difficult to take those away. Hope you can make it to Budapest soon.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
Funny that both of our posts this week are about modern places that are a hodge podge of historical architectural styles and a lure to portrait photographers. This castle is very beautiful, and I’m so glad that they decided to reinforce the building so that it would last longer. I’d love to visit it sometime, especially if I could take a romantic stroll with my husband (thus requiring us to lose our kids in this scenario).
Ruth says
Michele, I am sure you can lose the kids at some point of this big park. There are tons to do around and I am sure those will appeal to the kids (and you will have time to take a short or long stroll with your husband).
Catherine's Cultural Wednesdays says
Can you go inside or is like a vast movie set? #farawayfiles
Ruth says
Yes, you can go inside since it is a museum (agricultural museum). I would love to go inside during another visit.
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) says
Anyway that evokes a bit of romantic is good in my book. I seem to have missed a few places out when I went to Budapest..definitely need to return. Thanks for linking #citytripping
Ruth says
That sounds good! Romantic is the way to go in a lot of places in Europe (lucky you that live there).
Becki Svare says
What a beautiful place to visit! I can see why so many couple choose this sight for their wedding or at least, wedding pictures! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
I would like to see the result of a photo session in here. I am sure the photos end up being lovely.
eileen g says
I like the colors. So many castles you find in Europe are in ruins and those kinds of details are worn away. it is very romantic with all the towers and turrets. I can see why wedding couples flock there.
Ruth says
It is true. In some way, I think ruined castles are less romantic but I am sure they work wonders in terms of photos.
Jim ~ Reflections Enroute says
What a beautiful castle. We’ve been to Budapest a few times now, but never into the city park. That will change on our next visit, however. Thanks for the inspiration Ruth! #wkendtravelinspiration
Ruth says
Jim, you have to stop by the city park. The place is full of neat attractions. I am sure you will find plenty to do.
Ali Wandering Feline says
This place really does look so romantic! I love visiting castles, there’s just something about them – and I have to say I’m always imagining how the people of the past lived there – and pretending I’m in some kind of period drama while I’m there! This place is most definitely on my list of must sees one day 🙂
Ruth says
I would love to castle hop around Europe. That is not something difficult to do because of the vast array of them found on the continent. I hope you castle dreams come true!
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) says
What a beautiful castle, Ruth! I’m enjoying your posts about Budapest – it’s a place that wasn’t near the top of my travel wish list but you’re gradually convincing me it’s a must see. Thanks for sharing with us on #FarawayFiles
Ruth says
Clare, your words make me so happy! You have to visit Budapest. It is a city you will enjoy.
Andrea on Vacation says
I have been here before and found it hilarious that they made it out of cardboard first! An interesting history for sure
Ruth says
Things like that are hard to believe! But, like you said, end up being great stories.
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
What a beautiful castle! I can certainly see how it invokes that feeling of romance and chivalry from the ages of knights and ladies! And that bay window…I can just imagine a princess inside, her knight below. #swoon! Definitely Pinning this for later! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Paula McInerney says
Budapest has been on my list for ages. Even though we are in Europe next week, we still won’t get there. Maybe next time and we can add this castle to our list.
David | Travelsewhere says
I actually hadn’t heard of Vajdahunyad Castle before visiting Budapest and when I saw it from Heroes Square I was instantly hooked. Really is such a cool spot as is the nearby park. You’ve captured it really well Ruth 🙂
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
I am such a fan of European castles and I’d love to see this one. It is beautiful. I haven’t heard of this castle before since most of the Budapest photos I see are usually of the Parliament, churches or hot baths. Budapest has been on my travel wish list for a long time and I will definitely visit this when we get there. Love all the photos!