Castles, hot springs, wine, and storybook streets—these hidden gems are worth the detour.
If you’re planning a trip between Budapest and Prague, chances are you’ve considered a stop in Vienna.
And while the Austrian capital is beautiful, it might not be the most exciting part of your itinerary (especially if you’re craving castles, thermal baths, riverside towns, and old-world charm).
When we planned our Central Europe trip last June, we decided to skip Vienna and instead explore the charming towns most travelers pass right by.
What we found were quiet cobblestone streets, underground wine cellars, walled medieval villages, and even a few beer spas tucked into storybook settings.
This guide is perfect for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and explore destinations that are just a little more off the beaten path—without sacrificing beauty, history, or that magical “stepping back in time” feeling.
Here are 9 of the most magical towns between Budapest and Prague.
They’re all reachable by train or short regional transfer and deliver big on beauty, character, and local flavor.
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1. Egerszalók, Hungary – For Salt Hills & Hot Springs
- 🧖♀️ Home to surreal white mineral terraces that resemble a miniature Pamukkale
- ♨️ Stay at Saliris Resort to soak in thermal pools with mountain views
- 🍷 Just 15 minutes from Eger, a historic town known for castles and Bull’s Blood wine
- 🚆 How to get there: Train from Budapest to Eger + 10-min taxi to Egerszalók
2. Sopron, Hungary – For Walled Town Charm Without the Crowds
- 🏰 Medieval walls, Roman ruins, and baroque facades galore
- 🍇 Surrounded by vineyards—great wine tasting without the crowds
- 🧭 Easy to explore on foot, with great cafés and historical monuments
- 🚆 How to get there: Direct train from Budapest or Vienna
3. Wachau Valley, Austria – For River Views, Wine, and Medieval Ruins
- 🏞️ A UNESCO-listed wine region along the Danube
- 📸 Stay in Dürnstein or Krems for access to castles, vineyards, and river views
- 🚴 Rent a bike and ride through vineyards with castle ruins on the hills
- 🚆 How to get there: Train from Vienna to Krems + regional transport
Highly recommend staying in Dürnstein: we stayed at the King Richard Hotel and it was magical!
4. Znojmo, Czech Republic – For Castles, Wine & Underground Cellars
- 🧱 Historic hilltop town with city walls and a Romanesque rotunda
- 🍷 Known for white wine—tour ancient labyrinthine wine cellars
- 🌉 Views over the Dyje River and access to Podyjí National Park
- 🚆 How to get there: Train via Vienna or Brno
5. Mikulov, Czech Republic – For Wine Lovers and Pastel Streets
- 🏛️ A colorful town with a castle, synagogue, and wine museum
- 🌄 Climb Holy Hill for panoramic views over vineyards and rooftops
- 🍇 Slow-paced, artistic, and perfect for wine sipping and photo walks
- 🚆 How to get there: Train via Břeclav or Vienna
6. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic – For the Ultimate Fairytale
- 🏯 Towering castle with a baroque theatre and bear moat
- 🏘️ Meandering cobblestone lanes and red-tile rooftops
- 🍺 Great restaurants, breweries, and even a beer spa in the old town
- 🚆 How to get there: Train via České Budějovice, or take a shuttle
👉 Pro tip: plan to stay overnight in Český Krumlov to have the town all to yourself after the day-trippers leave.
- We loved our stay at this 500-year old guesthouse that overlooked the river from our balcony!
7. Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic – For Grand Spas and Beer Baths
- 🏛️ Elegant spa town with thermal spring colonnades and fountains
- 🍻 Visit Beer Spa Bernard to soak in hops and sip cold brew
- 🌲 Ride the funicular for views over the pastel-hued townscape
- 🚆 How to get there: Train from Prague or Cheb
8. Třeboň, Czech Republic – For Lakes, Peat Baths & Peaceful Streets
- 🐟 A small Renaissance town known for carp fishing and spa culture
- 🚲 Surrounded by ponds and bike trails—super chill and scenic
- 🧖♀️ Try a peat bath or local spa with healing waters
- 🚆 How to get there: Train via Veselí nad Lužnicí or České Budějovice
9. Loket, Czech Republic – For Castles on a River Bend
- 🏰 A 13th-century Gothic castle perched dramatically above the Ohře River
- 🌁 Enclosed by a medieval wall on a dramatic horseshoe curve
- 🎬 Featured in Casino Royale and feels like a film set
- 🚆 How to get there: Train or bus via Karlovy Vary
🧭 How to Plan Your Route
You don’t need a car to enjoy these towns—most are accessible by train, and a few may require a short taxi or bus connection. Here’s a sample route:
Budapest → Eger/Egerszalók → Sopron → Wachau Valley → Mikulov/Znojmo → Český Krumlov → Třeboň or Karlovy Vary → Prague
You can mix and match based on your interests:
- Wine + Castles: Mikulov, Znojmo, Wachau
- Thermal Baths & Spas: Egerszalók, Karlovy Vary, Třeboň
- Fairytale Vibes: Český Krumlov, Loket, Sopron
Read More Europe Trip Planning Posts:
Budapest to Prague: The Ultimate 2 Week Central Europe Itinerary (with a twist)