Cseszneki vár

About the museum

Cseszneki vár (Csesznek Castle) was built around 1263 by Cseszneki Jakab of the Bána clan, on a defensible rocky peak, in the castle-building era that followed the Mongol invasion (tatárjárás). In the 14th century it belonged to the Csák family, from 1392 to the Garai family; later King Mátyás gave it to his treasurer, Szapolyai István. In the Ottoman period it served as a border fortress, defended under castle captain Wathay Lőrinc; it fell into Ottoman hands in 1594 and was retaken in 1598.

In the 18th century the Esterházy family converted the austere stone castle into a baroque palace, but the family moved out in 1780, and a later earthquake and fire made it permanently uninhabitable. Archaeological excavations took place at the end of the 1960s; in 1947 the castle scenes of the film Valahol Európában (Somewhere in Europe) were shot here. Renovation has been under way within the National Castle Programme since 2017.

The castle is open to visitors; the castle captain also leads group tours, and in the area there are via ferrata routes and the Kőmosó-szurdok (Kőmosó Gorge) for excursions. Because of conservation works, some parts of the castle may be temporarily closed.

Highlights

• View from the rocky peak over the Öreg-Bakony
• Castle tour with the castle captain
• Stamp treasure-hunt game for children
• Szerelmesek sziklája (Lovers’ Rock) lookout point
• Kőmosó-szurdok (Kőmosó Gorge) and via ferrata routes nearby

Admission & discounts

Because part of the castle is temporarily closed for conservation work, ticket prices have been reduced by 50 per cent (regular prices: adult HUF 1,600, student and pensioner HUF 1,100, family HUF 5,200). Residents of Bakonyoszlop, Bakonyszentkirály and Csesznek enter free of charge.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A castle ruin on a rocky peak, with steps and uneven ground. The castle is dog-friendly; a leash is mandatory.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Stamp game for children (search for five treasure chests); the booklet is available for purchase at the ticket desk.

Getting there & parking

Cars can only drive up to the castle with a special permit. From Veszprém the Csesznek turn-off is at kilometre 30 of road 82; from Győr it is reached via Bakonyszentkirály. The recommended approach is from Várhegy köz.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit