Herend: Home of Hungary's Finest Porcelain

About 16km (10 miles) west of Veszprém lies the sleepy village of Herend. What distinguishes this village from other villages in the area is the presence of the Herend porcelain factory, where Hungary's finest porcelain has been made since 1826.

Herend porcelain began to establish its international reputation as far back as 1851, when a dinner set was displayed at the Great Exhibition in London. Artists hand paint every piece, from tableware to decorative accessories. Patterns include delicate flowers, butterflies, and birds.

The Porcelanium Visitors Center features the newly expanded Herend Museum (tel. 88/261-801; www.museum.herend.com), which displays a dazzling collection of Herend porcelain. Both the minimanufactory and museum are open daily from April 14 to October 25, 9:30am to 4:30pm and Tuesday through Saturday from October 27 to April 11, 9:30am to 3:30pm. Museum admission only is 500 Ft for adults, 200 Ft for students. Minimanufactory and museum admission is 1,700 Ft for adults, 600 Ft for students or a family pass for two adults and two children at 3,600 Ft. The Porcelanium Visitors Center also has a coffeehouse and upscale restaurant. Food is, naturally, served on Herend china.

At the Viktória Brand Shop, you might find patterns that are unavailable in Budapest's Herend Shop. This factory store is open Monday to Friday, April 14 to October 25, 9:30am to 6pm. Saturday hours are 9:30am to 5:00pm and Sunday 9:30am to 4:30pm. October 27 to April 11 hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm and Saturday 9:30am to 2pm. Herend is easily accessible via bus from the Veszprém bus station -- the destination "Herend" is indicated on the front of the bus you want. The ride takes 15 minutes and costs 350 Ft; the bus leaves every 15 minutes.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.