In-depth guide: Valley of the Beautiful Women

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Planning a trip to Eger? Don’t miss the chance to indulge in an afternoon or evening of wine tasting in the Valley of the Beautiful Women.

Wine is an integral part of the Hungarian experience, and Eger is renowned for its exceptional wine selection, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. Although the Valley of the Beautiful Women may not match the idyllic imagery it evokes, it is still a worthwhile excursion. To make the most of your visit, it’s important to set realistic expectations.

According to TripAdvisor, this valley ranks as the second top tourist attraction in Eger, right after the impressive Eger Castle. Whether you have just one day in Eger or more to explore the area, be sure to include a visit to the Szépasszony Valley of the Beautiful Women.

For additional recommendations and exciting activities in the vicinity, keep scrolling to find more recommendations in the area.

Valley of the beautiful women Eger

What to expect of the Valley of the beautiful women?

In the Szépasszony Valley, you’ll find three different things to draw your attention: The Wine Cellars, a place of diverse flavors and aromas; The Local Cuisine, offering a variety of culinary delights; and The Unique Atmosphere that will immerse you in the essence of Eger. Let’s explore these experiences further.

The atmosphere

This small valley in Eger is surrounded by vineyards and you actually descend into a green valley when you arrive.

The road into the valley is lined with wine cellars and there are a dozen small restaurants where you can get a variety of Hungarian specialties, soups, and pizzas.

You then enter the actual highlight, which consists of a central park, hugged by a road that goes around it. This is where all the wine bars are.

I must admit that the location is quite cozy and fun to wander around in, especially when the weather is good. But even when it rains, the cellars also offer inside seating spaces.

It’s actually the ideal place to go and have a drink, whether that drink is alcoholic or not.

Most Hungarians are here to drink, taste, and buy the different wines, but they also enjoy just being there with friends and family.

Valley of the beautiful women Eger
Valley of the beautiful women Eger

The wine cellars

The Valley of the Beautiful Women counts over 200 different wine cellars and it’s a walhalla for wine lovers. Not all of these 200 are accessible, but you can enter a few dozen of them.

Every different type of wine you can imagine, you’ll find it here!

The wine cellars are cut into the mountainside and some of these cellars are much larger than you would expect when seeing them on the outside!

There are even a few cellars that cover two floors!

So it’s definitely worth it to enter a few of the cellars and check them out. You could just as well stumble into a unique and beautiful interior that you couldn’t imagine from the outside. They’re all different and unique.

Valley of the beautiful women Eger
Valley of the beautiful women Eger
Valley of the beautiful women Eger

The local cuisine

Drinking on an empty stomach is not a good idea, you either already learned that when you were younger, or you just have to believe me on my word.

In any case, you won’t go hungry when visiting the Valley of The Beautiful Women. The area that leads to the actual valley with the wine caves is lined with restaurants.

Most restaurants offer traditional Hungarian cuisine, like goulash soup, pörkölt, and a lot of other options. Prices for dishes are also within a reasonable price range. I’m not 100% sure if the centre of Eger would be cheaper or not.

We had dinner at one of the restaurants in the valley and didn’t consider the price to be high.

So, that makes the Valley a perfect evening activity in Eger, including dinner.

Tasting wine in the Valley of the Beautiful Women

This area in Eger is meant for guests to come and taste the local wine before they buy it. So, you get a chance to do both here.

The wine tasting at the Valley of the Beautiful Women in Eger offers a unique opportunity for sensory exploration. As you visit each cellar, you’ll be greeted by the distinct aromas of locally made wines that reflect the region’s rich terroir.

The host or owner of the cellar will guide you through their selection, providing insights into the grape varietals, fermentation process, and the flavors you can expect. Some cellars even offer tasting opportunities before making a purchase.

While some people just come to the valley to get drunk and head back home, a lot of people are here to walk around and taste the different wines in each of the cellars.

Buying wine in the Valley of the Beautiful Women

Purchasing wine in the Valley of the Beautiful Women is interesting, as you get to know Hungarian tradition and local customs. Every cellar in the valley sells its own wine, offering a multitude of choices for every palate.

When you’ve found a wine that you like after a tasting session, you simply inform the cellar owner or attendant of your choice.

Most cellars provide wine in plastic containers, but you can also opt for traditional glass bottles.

As for payment, it’s as straightforward as any other purchase – once you’ve decided on the quantity, you pay right there at the cellar. Most places accept both cash and card payments.

This practice of hands-on purchasing directly from the wine cellars not only supports local businesses, but it also offers the fun travel experience of buying wine straight from the source.

Other wine cellars in Eger

Eger, a city in Hungary, stands out as the sole settlement with an abundance of cellars. These cellars, constructed at different times and for different purposes, hold a fascinating history.

Notably, the City under the City, situated in the heart of Eger, showcases a remarkable underground structure. Extending for over 100 kilometers, a labyrinth of cellar systems lies beneath the city.

Additionally, the vicinity around Eger’s city center boasts numerous clusters of smaller wine cellars.

Without a doubt, the Valley of the Beautiful Woman emerges as the most enchanting area to explore these cellars. Let us embark on this captivating journey!

Valley of the beautiful women Eger

Famous wines of Eger

Aha! I bet you were waiting for this!

You can get a variety of wines in each of the wine bars in the valley, but it’s remarkable that most of the famous or popular wines have their own, specific cellar. And they have had it for years. These are the places where you would buy these wines originally, since decades.

This are some of the most famous wines you can find here:

  • Egri Bikavér: Known as the “Bull’s Blood of Eger,” this red blend is perhaps the most famous wine produced in Eger. It’s a robust and complex wine, known for its dark fruit flavors and spicy undertones.
  • Egri Juhasz: Originally made by shepherds in the region, this bold and full-bodied wine is now produced by several wineries in Eger. With its deep red color and notes of dark fruits and herbs, it’s a must-try for those looking for a unique taste experience.
  • Egri Olaszrizling: A refreshing white wine with a crisp, fruity flavor, this is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. Made from the Olaszrizling grape, it pairs well with many local dishes and is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.
  • Egri Csillag: Literally translated as “Star of Eger,” this is a crisp and refreshing white blend. Its light body and floral notes make it a delightful choice for summer days.
  • Egri Leányka: Another well-known white wine from Eger, Leányka is renowned for its fruity aroma and well-balanced acidity. It’s an excellent companion to lighter dishes and seafood.
  • Egri Merlot: This variety of Merlot from Eger is loved for its velvety texture and notes of cherry and plum. It pairs wonderfully with red meats and hearty stews.
  • Egri Cabernet Franc: This Cabernet Franc from Eger presents a rich palette of flavors with distinct notes of blackberries, spices, and occasionally, a hint of bell pepper. It’s an ideal accompaniment to robust dishes and aged cheeses.

It must be said: you won’t be able to find all of these wines in the Valley itself. These are more to give you an idea of the variety in wines that originate in Eger. Chances are good that you will find one or more great novelties you had not heard of before when visiting the Valley of The Beautiful Women

Read more about the variety of wines here.

 
Valley of the beautiful women Eger

The history behind the Valley

The Szépasszony valley became a valley of wine halfway through the 18th century, when this area belonged to the Bishop of Eger.

He decided that the valley could be used for wine cellars, as the mountain walls were an excellent location to carve rooms into.

Peasants and squires started carving their own rooms and cellars into the mountain side.

The habit of walking around in order to taste the wine of the other cellars, became a local habit, that quickly turned into a local culture thing. Once they started tasting the wines of their companions, things quickly ran out of hand and these tasting parties could often last for days.

Interesting fact: women were not allowed to join the party, but they had to bring food to their husbands regularly, while they continued to guzzle.

So, if women weren’t allowed, where does the name of the valley actually comes from?

Where does the name 'Valley of the Beautiful Women' come from?

Folklore and local legends: what’s in a name…

If you’re anything like us, you’re probably wondering why this place is called: Valley of the Beautiful Women. We’ve been searching for these women, but couldn’t find any specific clues for it!

Then we decided that wine makes everything more attractive, so that must be it: visit this valley, drink loads of wine, and all women (and men) become more beautiful. But apparently, that’s not it either…

So we did some research about it.

The valley was documented with this name for the first time in 1843 and the different legends and tales about the origin vary.

One legend says that the ‘beautiful woman’ is actually a Venus-like goddess of love, whose sacrifice was shown in this exact valley. I’m not exactly sure what this means!

Another legend spins a tale of Turkish invaders who, captivated by the stunning local women, named the area in their honor. Over the centuries, these stories have woven themselves into the cultural fabric of the region, lending their magic and allure to the wines produced here.

The most plausible story isn’t as exciting as one might think. The name would be originated when peasants used to refer to one of the women selling wine, who was very pretty. Her cellar became more and more popular over the years and the tale of this beautiful wine selling women spread quickly!

Practical information about your visit to the Valley of the Beautiful Women

Now that you are well-versed in the rich history, enchanting folklore, and the exquisite variety of wines that the Valley of the Beautiful Women has to offer, let’s delve deeper into the practical aspects of your visit.

Entrance Fee to the Valley of the Beautiful Women

One of the charms of the Valley of the Beautiful Women is its accessibility. Entrance to the valley is generally free of charge, allowing you to freely explore the vineyards and the scenic beauty surrounding them.

However, do note that wine tastings or tours in the cellars and wineries may come with a small fee. These fees not only cover the cost of the wines but also contribute to the maintenance and preservation of this historical wine region.

Opening hours

The Valley of the Beautiful Women welcomes visitors with its enchanting vineyards and wineries throughout the year. And chances are good that whenever you go there, there will be something open.

Somme cellars have real opening hours on certain days, while others open for the evening alone. Some cellars seem to never open their doors.

However, opening hours vary depending on the season and the specific winery.

It’s always a good idea to check the opening hours of the wineries you plan to visit in advance to ensure you make the most of your wine tasting adventure.

It’s a Hungarian link, but it might give a little insight in the different cellars, names, and maybe opening hours.

How to get there from Eger

The Valley of the Beautiful Women is just 2 kilometers south of Eger city center, a mere 25-minute walk.

Head south from Dobo Square, down Széchenyi street and continue along until it becomes Szépasszonyvölgy St.

An alternative is the local Bus 12 from Eger city center to Szépasszonyvölgy.

If you have your own car (or a rental car) at your service, there’sa lot of (paid) parking space at the valley itself.

Getting there with the Dottika

Another option is more of a touristy way to get there and it involves boarding a small passenger train, but it’s not really a train. It’s a car with attached wagons, which drives through the city and ends up at the valley.

This train-like wagon leaves at the back of Ersekkert Park in Egészségház Utca every hour. It is a good solution if you stay in Eger center and want to enjoy a couple of wines in the valley. So, you don’t have to worry about driving back by car.

How to get to Eger itself

Eger, the gateway to your wine adventure, is easily accessible by both train and private vehicle. Trains depart regularly from Budapest’s Eastern (Keleti) station, making it a breeze for those traveling without a car.

Alternatively, if you’re behind the wheel, a 90-minute drive on the M3 motorway from Budapest will lead you right into the heart of Eger.

Integrate the valley into a one day exploration in Eger

Eger offers an interesting cultural experience for explorers, blending rich history, vibrant culture, and ancient architecture. From the majestic Eger Castle and delightful cobblestone streets to the renowned local wines, the city invites you to immerse yourself in its beauty. Don’t miss the opportunity to include the Valley of the Beautiful Women in your day’s exploration of Eger, making the most of your visit.

We wrote a guide with the perfect itinerary to make the most of your one day in Eger

Visit hidden gems in the area

Eger is a well-know and popular tourist destination in Hungary. Aside from the valley of the beautiful women, there’s also the famous Castle of Eger and the less famous Beatles Museum.

But then there’s more! Have you considered these recommendations?

Conclusion: Is the Valley of the Beautiful Women worth a visit?

Definitely!

We recommend a short visit to this valley to every traveler in Eger.

A visit to the valley can be translated into an enjoyable afternoon or evening of drinking wine (or something) else in the sun with your friends or loved ones. Explore the different interiors and different wines while making your way around the horseshoe shaped path around the valley.

We enjoyed our visit a lot and it was a super relaxing afternoon. Moreover, we will surely go back a few times to enjoy the atmosphere, the food, and the drinks!

Eger is a city that has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to explore history and architecture or indulge in delicious local wines. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit hidden gems like Lillafured and Szilvasvarad, as well as popular attractions like the Valley of the Beautiful Women. With so much to see and do, one day in Eger may seem too short, but our itinerary will help you make the most of your visit. Get ready for an adventure-filled day in one of Hungary’s most beautiful cities! So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start planning your trip to Eger today. We promise you won’t regret it! As always, remember to stay safe, have fun, and make unforgettable memories.

If you’re still looking for a nice place to spend the night, have a look at these relaxing wellness hotels or these beautifully designed boutique hotels in Eger.

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