Füzér Castle in the Zemplén Mountains, Hungary

© ZGPhotography/Alam

What lurks in these misty woods?. Füzér Castle in the Zemplén Mountains, Hungary

Hungary, a country rich with history and stunning landscapes, hosts a treasure trove of castles. From the Buda Castle in Budapest, with its opulent architecture and commanding views of the Danube, to the Eger Castle, renowned for its heroic defence against the Turks, each castle tells a unique story of battles, royalty and cultural evolution.

One such architectural relic dating back to the 13th century is Füzér Castle, which crowns the Zemplén Mountains. Perched at an elevation of over 1,800 feet above sea level, this castle stands on a mountain of volcanic origin and holds a significant place in history. Within these ancient stone walls, the protector of Hungary's crown, Péter Perényi, sought refuge after the fateful Battle of Mohács in 1526. After years of ruin, the castle's chapel was restored in 2016, and the keep, along with its lower bastion, was rebuilt to its former glory. In the visitor centre, an exhibition tells the castle's historical narrative while offering a fascinating display of the village's bountiful natural and cultural heritage.