Hollókő, Hungary: A UNESCO Village Full of Tradition and Charm

What To Do In Hollókő

Wander Through The Old Village Streets

Hollókő can only be explored on foot, so take a stroll through its narrow lanes and admire the whitewashed houses with wooden balconies and shutters. The view has remained almost the same as it was long ago. No wonder the old village is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This is not an open-air museum – people still live here.

As you wander around, you’ll notice small details that bring the village to life. Flower pots on window sills, woodpiles neatly stacked in courtyards, the smell of fresh bread drifting from a kitchen. Sometimes you might meet locals sitting on benches, greeting visitors with a smile.

Discover The Postal Museum

If you’re interested in the history of everyday life, stop by the Hollókő Postal Museum. Here you can see how postal services developed in the Palóc region – from old documents and letters to postal tools and equipment. Opened in 1990, the museum is housed in a traditional village home, making the exhibition feel perfectly in tune with its surroundings.

Inside you’ll find authentic artifacts: stamps, letters, and tools once used by postmen. It’s a small place, so you won’t need much time here, but it’s well worth a stop. The museum adds to the bigger picture of Hollókő and offers a glimpse into the everyday details that shaped village life.

Opening Hours & Tickets: The Postal Museum in Hollókő is open from April through November, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. Tickets cost €1.5 (600 HUF) for adults.

Meet Local Craftspeople & Folk Art

Hollókő has a long tradition of crafts, and you’ll notice it as soon as you wander through the village. Workshops and little shops line the streets, showcasing handmade creations from the Palóc region. One place might tempt you with wooden carvings, another with embroidered textiles or colorful folk art pieces. Each stop gives you a chance to connect with traditions passed down through generations.

Some workshops even host craft demonstrations or interactive sessions. You can watch how the pieces take shape — and sometimes try making them yourself. This isn’t a static museum display but a living tradition, shared with visitors while keeping local heritage alive.

Visit The Hollókő Castle

If you have more time, head just beyond the old part of the village – there, on a hilltop, stands Hollókő Castle. It was built in the 13th century after the Mongol invasion as a defensive fortress. Later, it was owned by various noble families, and in the mid-16th century it was occupied by the Turks. Although the castle eventually fell into ruin, restoration work in the 20th century preserved parts of its walls, towers, and reconstructed rooms.

Inside, you’ll find exhibitions featuring weapons and reconstructions of daily life, as well as interactive displays that help you imagine medieval life. Climb up the towers or viewing platforms for sweeping panoramas – the entire village of Hollókő surrounded by rolling hills looks absolutely stunning.

Opening Hours & Tickets: Castle is open from March 25 to October 31, daily 10 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. From November 1 to March 1 it is open daily 10 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Tickets cost €7.5 (3000 HUF) for adults.

Enjoy Nature In Protected Landscape Area

Hollókő sits in the middle of a protected natural area – the Hollókő Protected Landscape, part of the wider Kelet-Cserhát region. Forests, meadows, and hiking trails surround the village, offering a perfect setting for spending time outdoors.

In spring and summer, the trails turn green and burst with wildflowers. In autumn, the hills glow with vibrant colors, and in winter, snow blankets the landscape.

Just outside the village, on the way to the hills, you’ll find the Kéz Kilátó, also called the Palm of God. Built in 2020 on the hill, the viewing platform is shaped like an outstretched hand. It’s only about 2.5–3 km from Hollókő, so you can reach it in less than an hour on foot. From the top, sweeping views of the hills unfold, and it’s no wonder this spot quickly became a favorite among travelers and photographers.

Although I didn’t make it there myself, I’ve often heard it’s worth setting aside time for this hike. If you enjoy walks in nature and want to see Hollókő from a different angle, this is a spot not to miss.

Famous Festivals & Traditions

Hollókő is not only about picturesque houses and quiet streets. From what I’ve learned, it’s during festivals that the village truly comes alive with its cherished customs and traditions. Visiting at such times reveals a different side of Hollókő – colorful, lively, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Hollókő Easter Festival

This is the village’s most famous celebration, attracting visitors from all over Hungary and abroad. The festival usually lasts four days – from Good Friday to Easter Monday. One of its most striking traditions is locsolkodás (water-sprinkling), where men symbolically pour water or perfume over women, who in return give them painted eggs and treats. In the streets you’ll see people dressed in traditional Palóc costumes, while folk concerts, dancing, craft fairs, and food tastings fill the village with energy.

Other Festivals & Events

Beyond Easter, Hollókő also hosts other events – folk festivals, harvest celebrations, and smaller fairs. These usually take place in summer or autumn, when the weather is favorable, and they offer the chance to taste local dishes, enjoy music, and watch traditional folk dances.

How To Get To Hollókő

Getting to Hollókő from Budapest is quite easy, as you can get there either by car or by public transport, and both options have their advantages.

By Car

If you have a car, reaching Hollókő is very straightforward. The village is about 100 km from Budapest, which is roughly an hour and a half’s drive on the M3 motorway, followed by some smaller roads through little towns. There are parking areas on the edge of the village, so you won’t have to worry about where to leave your car. I personally enjoyed this route because of the many beautiful views of the Hungarian countryside along the way.

By Public Transport

It’s also possible to get to Hollókő without a car, as there are direct buses from Budapest, and the journey takes around two hours. Just make sure to check the timetable in advance, as buses don’t run very frequently. If you can’t find a direct bus, you can travel to nearby towns such as Pásztó or Szécsény and transfer to a local bus there. Traveling by public transport takes longer, but it’s a nice opportunity to enjoy the scenery from the window.

Where To Eat In Hollókő

Hollókő is a small village, so you won’t find fine dining restaurants here. Instead, there are a few cozy eateries that perfectly match the atmosphere – simple, welcoming, and serving traditional Hungarian dishes. Expect rustic style, authentic recipes, and hearty dishes cooked in traditional ovens.

One of the most popular places is Muskátli Vendéglő, where you can try classic Hungarian goulash or oven-baked meats, and in summer sit outside on the terrace.

Another good option is Masinás Vendéglő, known for its hearty portions and friendly vibe. Here you’ll find local flavors like Palóc goulash and traditional schnitzels, all served in generous portions.

Where To Stay In Hollókő

Spending a night in Hollókő lets you experience the heart of a UNESCO-protected village. You won’t find big hotels here, but you’ll find cozy guesthouses set in traditional houses. Peaceful surroundings, authentic atmosphere, and local hospitality await you here if you choose to spend the night in Hollókő.

As I wandered through the narrow streets, I noticed many courtyards with signs offering accommodation – and many cars with Hungarian license plates parked outside. Later I read that Hungarians themselves love staying in such places – quiet, surrounded by nature. That explains why Hollókő is so popular not only with international visitors but also with locals.

Here are a few options that I think you might like:

• Hollóköves Vendégházak – a beautifully renovated traditional house in the old part of the village. Whitewashed walls, wooden verandas, folk-style textiles, and inside you’ll find simple but comfortable rooms. 
• Várlak Hollókőn Vendégház – a guesthouse with views of the castle. Apartments have separate entrances and kitchenettes, plus there’s a garden and terrace. A convenient choice for families or groups of friends.
• Lankás Vendégház – Hollókő – a renovated old house with preserved details such as wooden beams, traditional windows, and rustic charm. It has two bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen, making it a great choice if you want more privacy.

I would have loved to spend a night in Hollókő during my trip, but looking for accommodation at the last minute in summer turned out to be impossible – there wasn’t a single room left in the village. So if you’d like to stay overnight, be sure to book well in advance.