Fodor's Expert Review Fellegvár

Crowning the top of a 1,148-foot hill, Visegrád's dramatic citadel was built in the 13th century and served as the seat of Hungarian kings in the early 14th century. In the Middle Ages, this was where the Holy Crown and other royal regalia were kept, until they were stolen by a dishonorable maid of honor in 1440; 23 years later King Matthias had to pay a vast sum to retrieve them from Austria. Today, the crown is safe and sound in Budapest's Parliament building. There are some interesting exhibits and artifacts inside the castle, including coats of arms, hunting trophies, models of the castle through history, and waxwork re-creations of Renaissance feasts and balls, but most people's abiding memory of the site is the breathtaking views it offers of the Danube Bend below. It's certainly ample reward for the strenuous 40-minute hike up, which starts from the back gate of Salamon Tower. Then again, you can always drive up the hill from the center of Visegrád in five minutes and park (for a fee).

Only interested in the view? Come after closing time for free access to the terrace.