Camping in Hungary is the best!
Tolls, Journey & Co.
Are you planning a road trip? What you need to understand about tolls and travel routes.
Tolls
You will have to pay an additional 10 EUR toll for tunnels and pass roads to or from Austria, such as the Brenner motorway or the Tauern. A toll is required even if you enter through the Czech Republic (about 12 EUR) and then Slovakia (12 EUR). You pay about 15 EUR per week for a vignette on Hungarian roads.
Travelling is a Great Way to Meet New People
You can enter Hungary from Germany via Austria. However, depending on where you are starting, it might be faster to enter through the Czech Republic, then Slovakia. You should be aware that motorway tolls are charged in Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Traffic Rules & Characteristics
In Hungary, you can drive up to 90 km/h outside of the city and 50 km/h within it. On motorways and expressways, 110 km/h is allowed. In front of level crossings, you can only drive at 30 km/h in the city or 40 km/h in the extra-urban zone. The speed limit is 5 km/h.
Additional Characteristics
- Even during daylight, it is mandatory to drive in a dipped light on motorways or out of town. Parking lights are required to be turned on at night if public lighting is insufficient.
- Yellow zigzag or interrupted lines of yellow on the ground are used to identify parking and stopping restrictions.
- If you cannot pay the fine immediately, the police can confiscate your car and registration certificate.
Hungarian Currency
Did you know you pay in Hungary in forint instead of euros (HUF/Ft), as you would here? Now you know. The exchange rate is subject to change. At the moment (15 May 2023), 1 Euro is equal to 370 Forint. In Budapest, the capital of Hungary, there are many exchange offices. If you are withdrawing cash or using your credit card to pay, make sure you do it in Hungarian currency. Otherwise, you could lose money on the conversion. Contact your bank for more information about card payments and withdrawals of cash abroad.
Reservations or no?
Some may be surprised to learn that Hungary is not a secret tip for camping enthusiasts. Book early to avoid unpleasant surprises, especially during summer’s high season.
Wild Camping
Wild camping in Hungary is not allowed. You and your camper cannot set up camp on public roads, parking lots or private property. You will find many campsites in Hungary that are so close to nature that it is almost impossible to tell that you’re not camping in the middle.
Campers and Campsites Near the Most Beautiful Destinations
Want to wake up with breathtaking views? Here’s an overview of campsites and campers located near some of Europe’s most beautiful spots.
Camping Balaton Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton, in Hungary, is one of its most popular tourist destinations. The blue water is a great reason for many water sports enthusiasts to visit the lake every year. You have a wide range of campsites to choose from, as they are all located around the largest inland water body in Central Europe. You can choose to stay at the Sello campsite, or the St. Ilona campsite is quieter, if you want to be a little further from the crowds.
Wellness Vacation
Camping in Hungary can be combined with wellness holidays. Many thermal baths, lakes, and spas have camping facilities nearby or on their premises. The Papa campsite, which has won numerous awards, is situated right next to a spa and thermal bath with the same name. Here you can enjoy a variety of water activities and wellness treatments for both children and adults. The Wellness Park is located between Lake Balaton and the Keszthely Mountains. You can relax in the sauna or enjoy a bubble bath.
You can also enjoy a wellness holiday in Budapest, as there are many well-equipped baths. These include the Rudas bath, Szechenyi bath and Gellert Bath.
Bukk National Park
Bukk National Park has it all. From lush green mountain meadows to sweeping gorges and idyllic rippling falls, as well as numerous caves just waiting for you to explore, this park is a treasure trove of natural beauty. A long hike will allow you to explore the highlights of this densely forested region. Pure nature! Camping is available at the Szilvasvarad campground or in the middle of nature at the Repashuta Forest campsite.
Budapest City Break
The capital of Hungary is a must-see for anyone planning a visit to the country. It is a city full of surprises. The Chain Bridge, which connects Buda (high-altitude) with Pest (flat), and the Danube that meanders throughout the city are just two. Trains can take you to the “Fishermen’s Bastion” over the bridge. It is not just an interesting and impressive monument for architecture lovers, but you can also enjoy spectacular views of the city due to the location of the Fishermen’s Bastion on the castle hill. You can have a meal in the Great Market Hall after a walk along the Danube, and then visit one of the many Hungarian National Gallery or churches.
You will find several accommodations in and around Budapest for your camper. The Fortuna has its swimming pool and is located just a few minutes from the centre of Budapest. Flamingo is also located about the same distance away from the city. You want to be right in the heart of the action? Camping Arena Budapest can make this happen.
Salt Hills & Eger’s Wine Town
Eger, which is located in northern Hungary, is smaller than Budapest but just as beautiful. Eger is not only located near the Bükki National Park, but it also has a large vineyard surrounding the city. The townscape of Eger is not only characterised by the many wine cellars and taverns that are scattered around the city, but also by its baroque architecture and thermal springs. The Tulipan campground is a great place to stay, but you can also reach the town from one of the suggested campsites near Bukk National Park. Salt Hills are a unique and special sight that is located very close to Eger on the edge of Egerszalok. This terraced natural formation was created by failed oil drilling and owes its existence to hot thermal water and lime. It is now a nature preserve and one of the most special sights Hungary has. Visit Hungary!
Hortobagy National Park
The Hortobagy Park allows you to explore the famous landscape of the puszta and experience it up close. You will find a lot of flat grassland interspersed by individual wetlands, fish ponds and other flora. The park is known for its crane migration. Lake Tisza is one of the most beautiful parts of the park. Lake Tisza Boardwalk is a great place to admire the lake, or if you want something more adventurous, you can take a tour by canoe. Cegenydanyad Caste,and its adjacent park are a must-see! Several campsites are located near the national park and are waiting to welcome you. Dieter’s Camping offers a pitch in the park and its pool. Tiszafured thermal Campsite hais proximity to Lake Tisza, the National Park and wellness.
Visegrad Mountains
Hungary has both water and mountains. The Visegrad mountains are a popular destination for nature and action lovers. You can hike, bike and enjoy the Danube view from many of the routes. There’s nothing better than a relaxing evening spent in the camper, with the Danube as a backdrop. This beautiful idea can be made a reality, and if needed, you can cool off in the pool of your campsite. Domos campground, Pap Sziget campsite, or Gran Camping are all options. We recommend the latter, especially if you’re travelling with our Grand(d), California on the road ;).
Booking a Campsite is Easy. Pack Your Camper, and Let’s Get Going!
Hungary offers a wide range of travel destinations. The possibilities of this country are endless. We hope you can find something that suits you among the many different regions and activities. We wish you an unforgettable vacation, whether it is water sports, thermal baths, or Hungarian culture.
