Located in northeastern Hungary, Tokaj is a small town of under 5,000 inhabitants that is world famous for its wine. This guide will guide you through the attractions, activities and experiences that make Tokaj one of the most popular destinations for tourists.

Great wine day tour around Tokaj: More info and booking

Tokaj Wine Region: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Tokaj Wine Region, also known as Tokaj-Hegyalja, is one of the oldest and most famous wine regions in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002 for its great scenery and culture, centuries-old winemaking traditions and beauty.

Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour
A visit to Tokaj would be incomplete without trying the wine. The region is famous for Tokaji Aszú, a sweet dessert wine often referred to as “the king of wines, the wine of kings”. Many local wineries offer tours of their wineries where you can learn about the winemaking process and taste different Tokaj wines.

Some well-known wineries in Tokaj

Disznokö: Known for its picturesque vineyards and historic cellars, Disznókö offers an in-depth look at the process of making Tokaji Aszu, from grape harvesting to fermentation and aging.

Royal Tokaji: This winery is known for its award-winning wines and commitment to preserving traditional wine production. A visit here includes a tour of the cellars, a tasting and the opportunity to purchase premium wines.

Sauska Tokaj: The modern winery with its grandiose design combines traditional methods with innovative practices to produce a range of wines. Wine tasting here is often paired with gourmet food.

Tokai Museum

A visit to the Tokai Museum is a must to explore the history of Tokai winemaking. Housed in a historic building in the city center, the museum features exhibits that trace the history of grape culture in the region from ancient times to the present day. The museum also houses a collection of traditional equipment and a comprehensive exhibition on the development of the famous Tokaj Aszu wine.

Other Attractions in Tokaj

Although Tokaj is very much about wine, there are many other attractions in the town and its surroundings.

Tokaj Castle (Rakoczi Castle)
Located on the banks of the River Tisza, Tokaj Castle, also known as Rakóczi Castle, is a historic fortress whose origins date back to the 16th century. The castle played an important role during the Rakoczi War of Independence and has been restored. Visitors can explore the old walls and enjoy panoramic views of the river.

Tokaji Museum: Located in the town of Tokaj, it offers insight into the interesting history and culture of the Tokaj region. The museum is housed in a historic building and is dedicated to wine culture as well as winemaking and regional history including viticulture.

Tokaj-Hegyalja Wine Route
The Tokaj-Hegyalja Wine Route is a scenic drive through the heart of the wine region, connecting numerous villages, vineyards and wineries. Along the way, you can visit charming villages such as Mad, Tallya and Erdöbenye, each with its own character, architecture and local traditions.

Holy Trinity Church
Built in the 18th century (Baroque), the church in central Tokaj is known for its impressive interior, including elaborate frescoes, decorated altars and beautiful stained glass windows.

Tokaj Harvest Festival (Tokaji Szüreti Napok)
Celebrated annually in the autumn in late September or early October, this harvest festival features parades, folk music and, of course, wine tastings after the annual grape harvest.

Tokai Mountain (Tokaji-hegy)
The region’s highest peak, Tokaj Mountain offers stunning views of vineyards, rivers and surrounding villages. The trail to the summit (513 meters) is well signposted and not too difficult for hikers. Great panorama from the top.

Tokaj-Bodrogjuk Nature Reserve
If you like wildlife watching, you should definitely visit the Tokaj-Bodrogzug Nature Reserve, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare birds, amphibians and reptiles. A guided tour will give you an insight into the biodiversity and conservation efforts in this area.

Sarospatak Castle (Rakoczi Castle)
An impressive Renaissance castle in Sarospatak (about 30 km from Tokaj) that is closely linked to the Rakoczi family, one of Hungary’s most influential noble families.

Bodrog River and Water Sports
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the Bodrog River, which offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and wildlife. The Bodrog River flows into the larger Tisza River in Tokaj.

Szent Tamas Hill
Known for its excellent vineyards, this hill offers beautiful views of the Tokaj countryside and is ideal for hiking.

Great wine-themed day tour around Tokaj: More info and booking

Food and Restaurants Tokaj

Traditional Hungarian Cuisine
The restaurants and taverns in Tokaj offer a wide range of traditional local Hungarian dishes at reasonable prices. These include:

Gulyás (goulash): A hearty soup made of beef, potatoes, peppers and spices. Gulyás is the main dish in the region’s cuisine, served with a glass of Tokaj wine.

Halaszle (fisherman’s soup): A great soup made with fresh fish from the Tisza or Bodrog rivers. It is the perfect dish after a day in nature.

Tokaj Aszú desserts: Many restaurants in the region serve desserts made with or inspired by Tokaj Aszú, such as Aszú cake or ice cream with sweet wine.

Getting to Tokaj

Tokaj is easily accessible by car, train or bus, making it a convenient destination for domestic and international travelers. The city is located in the north-east of the country, not far from the borders with Slovakia and Ukraine.

By car
If you are coming by car from Budapest, the journey to Tokaj takes around 2.5 hours, mostly on the M3 motorway. The scenic drive through the Hungarian countryside makes a trip to Tokaj even more attractive. The distance from Budapest to Tokaj is around 230 kilometers.

By train
There are regular trains to Tokaj from Budapest, and the journey takes around 3 hours. The train station in Tokaj is centrally located, so you can explore Tokaj directly on foot from the station.

By bus
Buses connect Tokaj with the most important cities in Hungary, including Budapest (230 km), Debrecen (about 80 km away) and Miskolc (just under 50 km). The bus journey takes a little longer than the train, but is usually a little cheaper. But all public transport is significantly cheaper in Hungary than in Germany or Austria.

Some wine cellars in the Tokaj region

1. Disznokő Wine Cellar

Disznokő is one of the most prestigious wineries in Tokaj. The cellar is dug into the volcanic rock and offers excellent conditions for the maturation of the noble Tokaji Aszú wines.

2. Szepsy Wine Cellar

The Szepsy family has been based in the region for centuries and is known for its high-quality wines. The cellars provide a perfect environment for storing their award-winning Aszu and Furmint wines.

3. Royal Tokaji Wine Cellar

This wine cellar is one of the most prestigious in the region. The cellar tour is particularly recommended as it gives you the opportunity to taste some of the best Tokaji wines, including rare vintages.

4. Rakoczi Cellar

The Rákóczi Cellar in Tokaj is one of the oldest and most traditional wine cellars in the region. It is located right in the center of the city and has historically been an important meeting place for winemakers and nobles.

5. Dereszla Wine Cellar

Dereszla offers an impressive cellar tour through its network of underground passages that stretch for several kilometers. The winery is known for its sweet wines and modern interpretation of the Tokaji style.

6. Oremus Wine Cellar

Another famous winery in the Tokaj region, Oremus also has an extensive cellar where traditional Aszú wines are stored. The cellar tour usually ends with a tasting of the best vintages.

7. Patricius Wine Cellar

This historic cellar in the city of Tokaj offers insight into the art of winemaking and aging. Patricius produces a wide range of wines, from dry to the noble sweet Aszu wines.

8. Kvaszinger Wine Cellar

Kvaszinger is a family winery with a deep, winding cellar where the wines are stored for years before being released to the market. Their traditional wines reflect the authenticity of the region.

9. Szent Tamas Wine Cellar

Located on Szent Tamás Hill, this wine cellar not only offers excellent conditions for wine storage, but also a fantastic view over the region’s vineyards.

10. Samuel Tinon Wine Cellar

A French winemaker who has settled in Tokaj, Samuel Tinon, is known for his attention to detail. His wine cellar offers an insight into his artisanal wine production.

Not all of these wine cellars are in the city of Tokaj, but in the region surrounding the city.