Lillafüred, Hungary: A Hidden Gem Near Historic Miskolc
Lillafüred is a charming little resort town in Hungary, tucked away in the Bükk Mountains just a short trip from Miskolc. It’s a place where nature is the main attraction, with green hills, a peaceful lake, mysterious caves, and lush forests. The highlight of the area is the Palota Hotel, a Neo-Gothic building from the early 20th century that looks straight out of a fairytale.
Lillafüred is popular with both locals and visitors, as it offers a nice mix of peaceful relaxation in nature and easy hikes or short excursions. For me, the most memorable moment was the walk to the waterfall and the beautiful view of the lake.
In this guide, I’ll share the main sights worth seeing, the easiest ways to get there, and why Lillafüred deserves a place on your travel list.
Things To Do In Lillafüred
Discover The Lillafüred Caves
Lillafüred is famous for its impressive cave system formed in the limestone of the Bükk Mountains. Here you can explore several caves, the most popular being Anna and St. Stephen. Each is unique, so it’s worth visiting at least one to better experience the underground world of the region.
Anna Cave shows fossilized plant imprints covering its walls – leaves and branches look as if they were frozen in stone. Such plant fossils are extremely rare in caves, which makes Anna Cave particularly special.
St. Stephen’s Cave features stalactites and stalagmites that formed over thousands of years. Some shapes even carry names because they resemble animals or people. Safe walkways and lighting let you wander among the formations with ease.
Opening Hours & Tickets: Both caves can be visited with guided tours at set times during the day. Schedules vary throughout the year, so I recommend checking the latest information on the official websites of St. Stephen’s Cave and Anna Cave before your visit.
Tickets for adults cost €6 (2400 HUF). The temperature inside remains around +10 °C all year round, so don’t forget to bring warm clothing when visiting the caves.
Stroll Through The Terrace Gardens
Just below the window of the Palace Hotel stretch the Terrace Gardens, one of the most beautiful corners of Lillafüred. Gardeners laid them out in the early 20th century so hotel guests could enjoy fountains, flower beds, and scenic pathways. The garden spreads across several levels connected by stone staircases, and each terrace offers a different view of Lake Hamori and the surrounding landscape.
The gardens are adorned with sculptures and vegetation that bursts into bright colors in spring and summer. Walking along the paths, you can also come across little cascades and descend to the famous Szinva Waterfall. I spent about half an hour in the gardens, and that was enough for them to win me over.
Szinva Waterfall
Just a few steps from the terraces, you’ll find the Szinva Waterfall – the tallest man-made waterfall in Hungary. It drops about 20 meters, with water tumbling over stone ledges into the rocky stream bed below. Workers redirected the Szinva stream during the hotel’s construction in the 1930s, creating this cascade. Though artificial, it quickly became one of Lillafüred’s most photographed landmarks.
You can admire the waterfall from several viewpoints. From the upper terrace, you’ll see its full height, and up close you can feel the refreshing spray. In summer, it offers a cool escape, while in autumn the surrounding trees blaze with color, creating a magical backdrop. Stop to take photos or simply enjoy the sound of rushing water. When I visited, a hotel staff member in period costume played the flute near the falls – a charming detail that made the moment feel like stepping back in time.
Relax By Lake Hamori
Lake Hamori, nestled in Lillafüred, is a small yet picturesque body of water that was formed in the early 19th century by damming the Szinva and Garadna streams. This artificial lake quickly became an important part of the resort and still attracts locals and travelers alike. The surrounding mountains and forests are reflected on its surface, creating a truly enchanting landscape.
In the warmer months, you can rent a boat or a pedal boat, while a peaceful path along the shore circles the entire lake. In autumn, the lake is especially beautiful, surrounded by colorful forests, and in winter it often freezes over, turning into a romantic setting for walks.
Good To Know: On the lake, you can rent a boat from May to September, with prices ranging from €5–7 (2000–2700 HUF) per hour.
Explore The Palota Hotel
The Palota Hotel, the crown jewel of Lillafüred, opened in 1930 as a prestigious resort. Its Neo-Gothic architecture recalls Hunyad Castle in Transylvania, and architect Kalman Lux designed the building to impress. Standing on a hillside, it overlooks Lake Hamori and the surrounding forests. Stroll through the well-kept gardens, open to all visitors, and enjoy a peaceful place to relax.
Inside, you can still admire original features such as the grand hall, wooden paneling, and sweeping staircases that capture the elegance of the interwar period. During World War II, the cellars served as shelters, and today the hotel stands as one of the region’s most iconic landmarks. If you stay overnight, it’s easy to imagine the spirit of the 1930s still alive in its corridors.
Ride The Lillafüred Forest Railway
The narrow-gauge forest railway has run around Lillafüred since the 1920s. At first it carried timber from the Bükk Mountains, and today it carries travelers through scenic valleys, bridges, and forests. The route links Lillafüred with nearby mountain villages and shows a different side of the landscape.
Hop aboard a wagon with wooden benches and set off along the winding track beside the Szinva stream. You’ll pass cave entrances, steep slopes, and dense forests. Families love this ride – it’s short, full of discoveries, and great fun for kids.
Good To Know: The forest train runs from spring to autumn, with schedules that change by season and day of the week. Tickets cost €5 (2000 HUF) for adults and €4 (1500 HUF) for children. Check the official timetable in advance to plan your trip smoothly.
How To Get To Lillafüred
You can reach Lillafüred from Budapest either by car or by public transport. Both options are convenient – the main difference is in travel time and flexibility.
By Car
The drive from Budapest takes about 2–2.5 hours (roughly 200 km). The easiest route is along the M3 motorway towards Miskolc, then follow the signs to Lillafüred. The final stretch takes you through the mountains – the road is narrower but beautifully scenic. Traveling by car is convenient, as it allows you to stop along the way or explore nearby sights in Bükk National Park.
By Public Transport
Several trains run daily from Budapest’s Keleti Station to Miskolc, taking about 3 hours. Timetables vary by day and season, so it’s best to check them in advance on the official website.
From the center of Miskolc, there are two ways to get to Lillafüred:
- By public transport: take tram No. 1 to Felső-Majláth, then transfer to bus No. 5 or 15, which will bring you to Lillafüred in about 20–30 minutes.
- Alternatively, for a more scenic ride, take the narrow-gauge Lillafüred Forest Railway, which winds its way through mountain valleys and forests and reaches Lillafüred in about 40 minutes.
Pro Tip: The narrow-gauge railway does not depart from Miskolc’s central railway station – its starting point is at Miskolc-Dorottya utca station. If you plan to take the forest train, be sure to go to the right place to avoid any hassle.
Where To Eat In Lillafüred
Although Lillafüred is small, it still offers several excellent dining spots. From elegant hotel restaurants to authentic local flavors, there’s something for every taste.
Hunyadi Étterem
Hunyadi Étterem, the main restaurant of the Palota Hotel, serves both traditional Hungarian cuisine and international dishes. You’ll find classics such as goulash, game dishes, soups, and desserts. In summer, dine on the terrace overlooking Lake Hamori, and in winter, warm up in the grand hall’s welcoming atmosphere. This spot works equally well for a fine lunch or dinner and gives you a real taste of Hungarian flavors in the heart of Lillafüred.
Tókert Restaurant
Just a few minutes from the Palota Hotel, Tókert Restaurant offers Hungarian favorites – from hearty goulash to grilled fish and homemade desserts. The cozy interior and the outdoor terrace in summer make it a comfortable choice year-round.
Vendéglő a Pisztrángoshoz
In the Garadna Valley, a few kilometers from Lillafüred, you’ll find the famous trout farm and its restaurant, Vendéglő a Pisztrángoshoz. Here you can try freshly grilled or smoked trout, prepared in several different styles. Dining by the mountain stream and ponds where the fish are raised makes the experience as authentic as the meal itself.
Tusculanum Vendéglő
If you’re traveling by car, stop at Tusculanum Vendéglő restaurant on the outskirts of Miskolc. For me, it was a real discovery while exploring the region. Portions are generous, the food is authentically Hungarian, and the service is warm and friendly. The restaurant has a cozy rustic interior and opens its terrace in summer. Eating here feels like visiting locals – simple, genuine, and delicious.
Where To Stay In Lillafüred
Spending a night in Lillafüred, a scenic part of northern Hungary, lets you enjoy the lakes, gardens, and caves at a slower pace. Unlike bigger cities, you won’t find a wide range of hotels here, but there are a few very special places that make staying overnight truly memorable. Here are a few accommodation options worth considering:
- Hotel Palota Lillafüred – the most iconic building in the area, built in 1930 in Neo-Gothic style. Looking like a fairytale castle, it offers elegant rooms, landscaped gardens, and views of Lake Hamori.
- Hotel Tokert – a smaller and more relaxed hotel just a few minutes’ walk from Palota. It features a restaurant serving Hungarian dishes, cozy rooms, and a summer terrace. A solid choice if you prefer something quieter but still central.
- Guesthouses & nearby stays – in the surrounding area you’ll find small pensions and family-run guesthouses, often more budget-friendly. For a wider range of hotels, you can also stay in nearby Miskolc, while still being close to Lillafüred.
FAQs About Travel to Lillafüred, Hungary
Can you visit Lillafüred just for a day trip from Budapest?
Yes, you can. The train and bus ride takes about 3.5 to 4 hours each way, so plan to leave early in the morning. If you want to explore the caves and spend time in the gardens and forests at a relaxed pace, consider staying at least one night in the area.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
Spring and autumn are ideal – nature is at its most beautiful then, and there are fewer tourists. Summer can be busier, but it’s a great time for hiking. Winter is also charming, especially if you stay at the Palota Hotel.
Can you enter the Palota Hotel if you’re not a guest?
Not entirely. You can see part of the interior, since the restaurant and lobby are open to visitors, but the rooms and most of the hotel’s interior spaces are accessible only to guests.
Do you need special clothing for visiting the caves?
Yes, definitely. The temperature inside stays around +10 °C all year round, so bring a jacket and comfortable shoes, since the paths can be damp and slippery.
Is Lillafüred suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. The terrace gardens, the short ride on the forest railway, and the lakeside walks are all child-friendly activities. Even the caves can be visited with kids.
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Ever explored Lillafüred, Hungary? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
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Hi, I’m Evelina, a travel enthusiast who loves nature, peace, and authentic places. I cherish the freedom to explore and learn with each adventure, whether it’s hiking trails, stunning beaches, natural parks, unique architecture, or rich cultural heritage. I hope my experiences inspire you to embark on your own journeys!
