Hungary to Krakow Road Trip
Road trip from Budapest to Krakow in 3 days
This road trip covering three countries takes you from Hungary to Krakow in Poland via Slovakia. Poland does not share a border with Hungary but the best part is travel through Slovakia where not many tourists venture.
How to Get to Budapest
If you are arriving into the Budapest airport you can rent a car at the airport itself.
The Best Time to do the road trip
The best time to do the road trip is during the shoulder seasons from April to June and September – early October. There are fewer crowds and the weather is milder.
Day 1: Drive from Budapest to Slovakia
The road stretches ahead as you leave the vibrant city of Budapest behind. In just about 1 hour and 15 minutes, you'll find yourself arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage village of Héllókö. Nestled within the rolling hills of Hungary, this charming village is a true gem. Its claim to fame? The remarkably preserved ethnographic village of the Palóc people.
The traditional wooden architecture and layout of the buildings are a testament to the village's rich cultural heritage. Take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets, and let your eyes wander over the intricacies of each building. It's like stepping back in time, where every structure has a story to tell.
Don't miss the opportunity to hike up to the ruins of Héllókö Castle. The climb might be a bit steep, but the reward is more than worth it. From the castle's vantage point, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The lush greenery and rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see, giving you a sense of the natural beauty that has graced this region for centuries.
After visiting the town of Holloko head to the charming town of Tatranska Lomnica in Slovakia. A drive that is filled with breathtaking landscapes of rape fields that you see miles and miles of yellow on the sides of the roads.
Stay at the beautiful Hotel Lomnica at the foothills of the High Tatras. The hotel has been open since 1894 and you get the feeling you are in an art gallery with so many pieces of artwork around. In addition the hotel has some excellent food on site. There are 2 restaurants and one requires advance booking.
Day 2: Visit the Tatranska Lomnica ski resort
After a hearty breakfast at the Hotel Lomnica, hit the slopes if you are a skier.
The High Tatras offer a winter wonderland for both beginners and seasoned skiers. With elevations ranging from 888 to 2190 meters, you're in for a treat. If you are not a skier like us no problem, the High Tatras offer scenic hiking trails and you could take the ski lift up for some sweeping panoramic views and hike down. Have lunch when you head back in one of the little restoraurants and indulge in a relaxing afternoon at the wellness spa of the hotel. Unwind your tired muscles in the sauna, soak in bubbling hot tubs, or opt for a rejuvenating massage.
Wrap up the day with dinner at the restaurant in the Hotel.
Day 3: Drive to Krakow
Our first stop on this scenic drive was the awe-inspiring Spis Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Central Europe's largest castle ruins. Perched atop a hill, this medieval fortress greeted us with its imposing presence and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Exploring its historic ruins was like stepping back in time, a reminder of the region's storied past.
Continuing our journey we reached Bardejov, a charming town in North-eastern Slovakia known as one of the 'most gothic towns in Slovakia.' Its well-preserved medieval fortifications and quaint streets transported us to a bygone era. Strolling through the town's cobblestone streets, we marveled at the stunning architecture and rich history that seemed to seep from every corner.
After immersing ourselves in Bardejov's medieval charm, it was time for a delightful lunch at one of the local eateries.
Hervartov’s Hidden Treasures: Carpathian Wooden Churches
Our next destination, Hervartov, proved to be a bit of a challenge to locate, but the effort was more than worthwhile. Here, we encountered the Carpathian Wooden Churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of nine religious buildings dating from the 16th to the 18th century, scattered across eight locations in Slovakia.
The highlight of our visit was the wooden church in Hervartov, a masterpiece of architecture and craftsmanship. Unfortunately, the church was closed when we arrived, but a friendly local lady at a nearby coffee shop offered to unlock the church for us. Inside, the wooden marvel revealed its intricate beauty, a testament to the dedication of its creators.
As the sun began its descent, we wrapped up our exploration of Hervartov and continued our journey towards Krakow. The road was our companion, leading us through picturesque landscapes and into the heart of this vibrant Polish city.
By the time we reached Krakow at around 7 pm, we were not only greeted by the city's twinkling lights but also by a sense of fulfillment. Our scenic drive from Tatranska Lomnica had not only been a journey across distances but also through time, culture, and the captivating stories of Central Europe.
