If you’ve ever stood on a hilltop and felt the wind tell old stories, then Visegrád’s Fellegvár – also known as the Cloud Castle (or Citadel) of Visegrád – is a place you’ll never forget. Sitting high above the Danube Bend, this medieval fortress is a place where kings once met, where the Holy Crown of Hungary was guarded, and where every stone tells a story. And it’s also a view you carry with you long after you leave.

The Fellegvár is Visegrád’s most iconic building. From below, it looks like a crown on top of the hill. From above, it offers one of the best panoramic views in Hungary. The name “Fellegvár” means “Cloud Castle”, and it fits. On some mornings, the fortress seems to float above the misty valley like something out of a dream.

Today, tens of thousands of people visit each year. Some come for the view. Some come for the history. Most come for both – and leave amazed.

The story behind the stones

The first castle here was built during the Roman Empire. Later, Hungarian kings reused its foundations on Sibrik Hill, but that early structure was destroyed during the Mongol invasion of 1241-42.

The current castle was built shortly after, between 1250 and 1260, by King Béla IV and Queen Maria Laskarina. They used her dowry to fund the construction. What they created was more than just a fortress – it was part of a larger system.

Visegrád had a double castle structure: the Upper Castle (Fellegvár) on the hilltop, and the Lower Castle (Alsóvár), where the famous Salamon Tower still stands. These were once connected by long stone walls that ran down the valley all the way to the Danube.

In 1323, King Charles I moved the royal seat to Visegrád, bringing new life to the town and castle. It was here, in 1335, that he hosted a major royal summit with the kings of Poland and Bohemia – a major diplomatic event of the time.

Later, under King Sigismund and Matthias Corvinus, the fortress was expanded. Matthias even renovated the palace wings completely, making them more comfortable for royal life.

For centuries, the castle played an important national role. The Holy Crown of Hungary was stored here many times. In fact, in 1440, a daring theft took place: Kottaner Jánosné, a lady-in-waiting, stole the crown under orders from Queen Elizabeth to ensure her newborn son could be crowned.

But war left its scars. The castle was captured by the Ottoman Turks in 1544, changed hands several times, and was finally abandoned and partially destroyed in the late 1600s. For many years, the once-great fortress was forgotten.

That changed in the 19th century, when interest in national history led to archaeological digs and reconstruction work. Restoration continues even today.

What to see today

Fellegvár may be in ruins, but it’s very much alive. Inside, you’ll find several exhibitions that bring its history to life:

• The castle’s history – Learn how the fortress evolved from Roman roots to medieval stronghold.
• Reconstructed castle models – See detailed models showing how the double-castle system once looked.
• Crown exhibition – View a perfect replica of the Holy Crown of Hungary, along with stories of how it was guarded – and stolen – right here.
• Panopticon – Walk through scenes of medieval life, complete with wax figures in historical costumes.
• Hunting, fishing and farming exhibit – Discover how people survived and thrived around Visegrád in centuries past.

Even if you’re not a history buff, these displays are engaging, easy to follow, and full of little surprises.

However, let’s be honest. The exhibitions are great, but the real star of the show is the view. From the terrace of the castle, you can see the Dunakanyar, or Danube Bend, that opens up in all its glory – winding river, green hills, blue sky.

It’s one of those views that stays with you. You don’t just take a photo – you stop and take a breath. People often say it’s one of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Hungary. They’re not wrong.

• Address: 2025 Visegrád, Várhegy
• Official website: parkerdo.hu
• How to get there: Visegrád is about 40–45 kilometers (25–28 miles) north of Budapest.
  • By car: from Budapest, take highway 11 north along the Danube. In Visegrád, turn into Rév street, pass the Church of St. John the Baptist, then follow Mátyás Király Street and wind your way up Panoráma Road. The drive from Budapest takes about 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Parking is available near the top of the hill, close to the castle entrance.
  • By bus: take a Volánbusz intercity bus from Budapest Újpest-Városkapu station to Visegrád. Buses run daily and the ride takes around 1.5 hours. Get off at the Visegrád, Rév stop (near the ferry terminal), then walk or take a local taxi/shuttle up to the castle.
  • By boat: The Mahart passenger boat service runs seasonal cruises along the Danube from Budapest to Visegrád, typically from April to October. Boats depart from Vigadó square (Vigadó tér) Pier 6 in Budapest. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the type of boat and stops along the way. There are often return boats in the afternoon, or you can return by bus or train. These boats are popular, especially on weekends, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule on Mahart’s website and book in advance if possible.
  • On foot: If you’re up for a scenic hike, the walking trail starts from the Visegrád ferry port. Walk down Rév street from the ferry terminal. At the Church of St. John the Baptist, turn left onto Fő street. Just past the post office, turn right onto the cobbled Zách Klára street. This leads you to the Kálvária Steps and the Kálvária Chapel. The trail climbs along the ridge of Kálvária Hill and around the southwest side of Várhegy (Castle Hill). The walk takes around 45 minutes, is suitable for kids and dogs, and offers beautiful views along the way.