Sopron and its surroundings

You get the chance to do some 1-day-excursions from our hotel in order to discover our region. Visit the most important places of interest in our region in Hungary and also abroad, in Austria!

Sopron

The town is one of the oldest and most beautiful jewellery box of Hungary, awaiting its guests with open doors. The old settlement is located at the doors to the West, in a peaceful valley between the Sopron Mountains (part of the Alps) and the hilly countryside of Balf, 60 kilometres from Vienna and 220 kilometres from Budapest. Sopron offers you the experience of completeness, the absolute harmony of architecture and landscape, exciting excursions and sophisticated cultural programs.

The old midtown is surrounded by a triple medieval circular wall, which was built over a roman citadel. The Fire Tower at the Town Gate guards the city and became to the landmark of Sopron. The local citizens are famous because of their fidelity to the town: this was manifested also by their vote during a national referendum in 1921. In remembrance of it they built the "Gate of Fidelity", which you can see on the midtown-side of the tower. The City Hall was built to the festive occasion of the Millenium in 1896. Opposite of it you can visit the Storno-House, one of the famous buildings of the town, even our King Mátyás (Matthew) spent one night there.

Sopron received an international recognition in 1975: "The Europe-Prize for protection of historic buildings and monuments" , for their work in maintaining their tradition. Sopron is known today as the town of monuments. The famous buildings at the Fire Tower and at the Main Square are all one of the high performances of extraordinary architectural history and witnesses of past ages.

Sopron, because of its natural landscape, refreshing and curative air from the Alps, observation towers and mineral springs is one of the most wonderful and pleasant health resorts in Hungary. The lovely tourist roads, forests, chestnut trees of the Sopron Mountains will call you for making an enjoyable excursion: a beautiful region, the Fauna and the subalpinic climate all offer you fantastic alternatives for recreation and relaxing.

By checking out the 22 different wine-growing areas of Hungary, the wine-growing district around Sopron is one of them with the oldest tradition. During the age of the Celts and the Roman Empire there were already viniculture traditions here to be found.

Our wine-growing district had an important international reputation already in the 14th century. The most valuable areas of ca. 1500 ha are in the hilly landscapes around the Lake Neusiedl. The lake has a unique microclimate and the soil which is rich in minerals, gives a typical pleasant taste for the wine made from these local grapes. The "International Commission for Grape and Wine" decided in 1987 to honour the town of Sopron with the title "The Town of Grape and Wine" - this shows also the importance of this district clearly.

Sopron is called also as the capital of the "Kékfrankos" ("Blaufränkisch/Lemberger) wine, but the role of the other wine-growing areas for further types of wine like Zweigelt, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir is also very significant. There are some important "white grapes" too, growing in this wine-area like the Grüner Velteliner, Tramini, Chardonnay and Zenit.

Brennbergbánya

One of the most important hard coal mines of Hungary was earlier here: starting from 1753 until the 50-ies a sort of especially good quality of coal was produced here in Brennbergbánya. Mineworker's Church: it was built in the first half of the 20th century, the inner design looks like a coal mine gangway. Mine museum: an exhibition showing the past of the first and deepest coal mine in Hungary.

Balf

The healing thermal water of Balf is well-known since the ages of the Roman Empire. Today we find there a famous Thermal Spa and a mineral water producing company developing the human use of these treasures from the deep of the earth. National historic and literary memorial place - Holocaust memorial. Several hundred people died at the working camp in Balf, for example Antal Szerb and Gábor Halász. The memorial was erected in 2008 in their memory and it was László Kutasi who gave artistic form to it.

TÓMALOM (LAKE MILL)

The story of this lake goes back until the end of the years of 1400. It was artificially created in those times, but close to it, there were already much earlier, already during the roman times, several angler-lakes to be find here. The exceptionally beautiful landscape will tempt you to have a bath here or make a boat trip or any other type of active relaxation.

SOPRONPUSZTA- MEMORIAL PLACE FOR THE PAN-EUROPEAN PICNIC

This was the place where the citizens of the former GDR broke out through the border on August 19, 1989. Actually, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany started here, with the "incidents" at Sopron and with the decision of the then Hungarian Government by opening the borders on the 10th of September. At this memorial place yo find the statue called "The Breakthrough" made from to Hungarian Munkácsy- and Kossuth Prize winner sculptor-artist Miklós Malocco.

FERTŐRÁKOS

Mithras cult site: it was built in the 3rd century B.C. under the rule of the Romans by persian soldiers being worshipper of the Sun God.

Main street:

• The remains of the city wall,
• Pillory- from the 17th century - a symbol of the home rule - village court of those times
• Watermill with sundial,
• The former Bishop's Palace - from the Middle Ages. Later it was reconstructed in baroque style
• Memorial place for the forced displacement of german residents from Hungary

Stone pit: The unique stone pit from the Roman Ages in Fertörákos can be visited as an open-air museum. Here is also the enormous rock-theatre, which is sensational in Europe and you can enjoy every summer the spectacular Summer-Opera performances here.

THE LAKE NEUSIEDL REGION, AS PART OF THE WORLD HERITAGE:

Since December 2001 it was put on the list of World Heritage. By this it was recognized, that our region, the settlements and the cultural and natural values have a special importance and quality even worldwide. The nomination was initiated by Hungary and Austria together and the plans were the result of a mutual teamwork.

Parts and regions of the world heritage in Hungary:
The entire area of the Lake Neusiedl Region Fertö-Hanság Natural Preserve and Fertörákos; the Castle of Nagycenk together with the limetree-alley; the town center of Fertőd; Esterházy Palace; the villages Sarród, Fertőboz, Fertőszéplak, Hegykő, Fertőhomok, Hidegség and Balf - all midtown districts and the region around the lake.

Parts and regions of the world heritage in Austria:
The region approved by the UNESCO as biosphere-preserve are: Lake Neusiedl-Seewinkel (Lake Neusiedl-Fertözug), Rust (Ruszt); Mörbisch (Fertőmeggyes); Oggau ( Oka); Donnerskirchen (Fertőfehéregyháza); Purbach (Feketeváros, some part of St.Margarethen (Szentmargitbánya) - roman stone pit at Neusiedl am See (Nezsider) and some areas of Weiden (Védeny) Illmitz (Ilmic); some parts of the village from Frauenkirchen (Boldogassszony) and Pamhagen (Pomogy).

LAKE NEUSIEDL

The lake is part of the Fertő-Hanság Natural Preserve, it was approved by the UNESCO in 1979 as biosphere-preserve and it is listed as a white water of international signifícance in Europe. In order to protect the numerous, rare and only here living plants and the over 200 sorts of nest-building migrant birds, some parts of the Natural Preserve is only to be visited exclusively in form of an escorted tour. The Lake Neusiedl is the most westerly located representative of eurasian steppe lakes and also the largest alcaline lake of Europe. The water is shallow, the water depth is changing constantly, but in average is always less than 1 meter deep. The lake was dried-out several times, the last time between 1867-1871.

Opportunities to have a bath, sailing, surfing and shipping.

Nagycenk

Széchenyi Mansion: despite of it´s simplicity it is one of the most wonderful mansions in Hungary. The museum was established in the memory of István Széchenyi nd introduces the life and lifework of the "greatest Hungarian". To sart our walk from the mansion, here is the 2,6 kilometres long famous limetree-alley which was planted in 1752 and leads you to the ancient grave of Béla Széchenyi and his wife.

Church: planned by Miklós Ybl, because István Széchenyi asked him personally for it. A statue of István Széchenyi is placed in front of the church. In the cemetery, next to the church, István Széchenyi and several members of his family are buried in the Széchenyi mausoleum.

Museum-Railway: the narrow-gauge railway (steam loco) starts directly from the mansion, here you can find also an exhibition with old steam locomotives and railway wagons.

Fertőd

Eszterházy-Palace: the largest Palace in Hungary. One of the richest aristocratic families of Hungary, the Esterházy´s built here their wonderful palace, the "hungarian Versailles" between 1720-66. The marvellous palace stayed well-preserved except the baroque theatre. There is a museum, where you can see pictures about the golden age of the palace, the times as Miklós Esterházy Fényes lived there (1762-1790). Between 1766 - 1790 Joseph Haydn lived and composed here too, he was one of the greatest musical geniuses of the 18th century. The palace was always a fine location for great ceremonies, balls, receptions and for concerts. Many concerts take place here between spring and autumn, even today.

Fertőszéplak

The rural baroque architecture will be illustrated here through the 5 well-preserved buildings in sawtooth pattern. The houses of the local history museum give you a short insight into the life, domestic industry, folk art and cultivation of home decor of the people who lived here earlier in this region.

Kőszeg

One of the smallest towns in Hungary. The ancient castle dates from the 13th century and it was named after its earlier famous castle captain Miklós Jurisics. He was the one, with the help of the local inhabitants, who successfully stopped the turkish army marching on their way already against Vienna. Their craft industry, trade, vineyards, viniculture and schools are looking back to a very long history in the town. The medieval historic town centre is located inside of the town walls (which are still to be seen). The old houses around the Jurisics Square and the neighbouring streets and alleys were able to keep their original shape, because they were spared from the big historic strokes of fate.

Bad Bük (Spa)

Is only 45 kilometres away from Sopron. The 2nd largest Thermal Spa of Hungary is waiting for its spa visitors with 26 pools (curative-, thermal- and drinking water). Its thermal wells give an excellent alkali-hydrogen-carbonate-healing water with a temperature of 55° C, additionally the water has a considerable fluoride-iodide and ferric content. As spa therapy the water will be used to heal rheumatic and orthopaedic diseases or as inhalation to heal the air passages of the patient.

Sárvár

Nádasdy-Castle: belonged earlier to the Kanizsai family, later the Nádasdy family. In the first half of the 20th century the bavarian Wittelsbach family was the owner. Today the castle is a cultural center and a museum.

Sárvár Thermal Spa:cristall clear water, a broad variety of therapeutic and wellness services are waiting for the guests. As a recognition for the unique offer and for the very high level of service, the Thermal Spa was certified in the Wellness Center category in 2004 and in the Wellness Medicine category in 2005 on the highest level by the Hungarian Wellness Society. Beside the thermal pool with an extraordinary good quality of healing water there is also an experience pool and a baby pool available for each and every member of the family.

Kismarton - Eisenstadt:

Eisenstadt, the focal point 0f Burgenland is located at the Leitha mountains and counts with its 13.000 inhabitants as the smallest capital of the federal states of Austria; but even as the smallest, as the residence of the Esterhazy princely family, they are offering spectacular places of interest for the visiting tourists.

In the former residential house of Haydn there is a museum today in remembrance of his person. The Cathedral of St. Martin dates back to the Medieval Ages, but it has been undergoing an extensive reconstruction and modernisation.

Mountain Church: the grave (mausoleum) of Haydn and the Chapel of Mercies on the top of the Golgotha is dating back to the 18th century.

The landmark of Eisenstadt:
The Esterházy Castle, which was originally built as a gothic castle (1364), but later it was generously reconstructed by the Esterházy princely family (1663-1672) and it became to the center of the Imperial Household. The castle is used today as a cultural center of the town. During the different festive events and concerts in the ceremonial hall (Haydn-Hall) you can enjoy Haydn´s most beautiful melodies among the walls with magnificent baroque frescoes.

FORCHTENSTEIN CASTLE:

The largest and best preserved fortress of Burgenland belongs today to the Esterhazy private foundation. The fortress can be visited with a professional guide and so, to become acquainted with the extraordinary treasure of the european culture - like the castle´s chapel, the castle´s kitchen, the largest collection of arms in Europe, the Esterházy treasure chamber and the Esterházy ancestral gallery.

THE FREE CITY OF RUST (CITY OF THE STORKS AND EXCELLENT WINES):

The largest settlement at the Lake Neusiedl. The city center with its smart historic renaissance- and baroque facades is full of atmosphere. The most important places of interest in Rust are: the city tower from the medieval ages, the 400-years old City Hall (the "God´s Eye"-House, the Austrian Wine Academy is based also here) and the Fishermen´s Church (evangelic and catholic church).

Mörbisch:

Possibility to go by ship, sailing, surfing and to have a bath. The open air theatre - built on the Lake Neusiedl - is famous in all over Europe and there are beautiful opera performances presented here on the water stage for the audience in July and August.

SANKT MARGARETHEN:

In the roman stone pit you can enjoy opera festivals in July and August and every 5th year also a Passion Play will be organized here. Fairytale Themepark: all-day program for families with children.

Illmitz:

The deepest point of Burgenland. There are 40 salt lakes around the town. The entire natural space is protected. There are many sour springs of water in this area, f.e. the St. Bartholomäus mineral spring arises exactly in the middle of the main square of Illmitz, at the market place and everybody can taste here this refreshing mineral water free!

Wiener Neustadt:

In the original castle there is a military academy today, you can visit there the Rákóczi-Tower, the St. George Cathedral and the coat of arms on the walls. St. Peter an der Sperr: in the former monastery of the dominican nuns there is a city museum today and in the former St. Peter picture gallery there are different events and concerts taking place. The medieval bishops minster - you can see the "Corvinus-Goblet" on the wall, it was donated to the town by Péter Zrínyi. On the Main Square you can visit the Mary-Column and the execution place of the 11 conspirators executed in 1522. The " Reckturm" is the NW-corner tower of the town fortification system, in its time it was used for the storage of the different instruments of torture.

Melk:

The Seminary of Melk is a 1000 years old abbey of the benedictines. The building-complex was erected in the 18th century. Beautiful Emperor-staircase, exhibitions, panorama terrace with view to the Danube and the town. In the big Library of the Seminary there are altogether around 100.000 books. The church is the top performance of the baroque ecclesiastical architecture. The altar on the left side incorporates a sarkophag with the bones of St. Coleman, an irish prince of the Clan Coleman. It is worth the effort to visit the town of Melk as well, which is located directly at the foot of the Seminary.

Puchberg-Schneeberg:

The Sebastian-Waterfall is close to the town of Puchberg. The chair lift starts from here, transporting its guests upright to a height of 1.800 meters. On the top of the hill there are some restaurants, hotels and hiking trails. The memorial chapel of Queen Elizabeth is also here.

Maria Schutz:

Baroque pilgrimage church

Semmering:

Resort area for winter and for summer as well

Mariazell:

The most important pilgrimage site of Austria. The church was donated by the hungarian King Louis I. (The Great). The mechanical manger in a private house at the Golgotha shows 12 different scenes from the News Testament with 130 mobile figures. The Lake Erlauf (Erlaufsee) is a beautiful touristic destination close to the town.

VIENNA:

Vienna is the capital of Austria with a population of about 1,6 million. The most important places of interest: the Imperial Hofburg at the Ring (inside of the Hofburg building complex, following establishments are located: the Museum of Ethnography, the Sissy Museum, the Imperial Appartements, the Silver Collection, the Treasury, the Hofburg-Church, the Spanish Riding School, the Austrian National Library and the Augustiner-Church). The ceiling fresco in the Museum of Fine Arts was painted by the hungarian painter Mihály Munkácsi. The famous Venus of Willendorf is displayed in the Natural History Museum. Between the two museums a memorial was erected in honour of Maria-Theresia. On both sides of the Hofburg are the parkways: Burggarten (Castle Garden) and Volksgarten (People´s Garden). In front of the Austrian Parliament building we find the monumental statue of Pallas Athene. In the area behind the Vienna City Hall, the Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) is located here during Xmas time every year. Directly at the opposite side of the City Hall we see the National Theatre, the Burgtheater (Castle Theater) and the central building of the University of Vienna ist just beside the city hall. The Votivkirche (votive church) is located behind the university. Two other important buildings are directly at the Ring: the Stock Exchange building and the Vienna State Opera. The Kärtnerstrasse (the main shopping lane) leads you to the Stephansdom (St. Stephan´s Cathedral) - this is the largest medieval church of Vienna. It´s highest tower (the South Tower) is 137 meters high. Under the late Gothic-style Öchsel-baldachin we find the altar with the Maria Pötsch Icon. The winged altar of Wiener Neustadt is here too and two famous names are buried also here: Frederick III. the Holy Roman Emperor and Prince Eugen of Savoy. At the Graben we find the unmissalbe baroque plague column, one of the coat of arms on the pedestal is the hungarian crest. At the Michaelerplatz (Michaeler-Square) there is another chapel of the palace, the St. Michael-Church. Here are also some roman excsavations to be find. From here we walk to the Herrengasse to visit the birth house of István Széchenyi. At the Karlsplatz (Charles-Square) let´s go and see the impressive building of the Karlskirche (Charles-Church). Here is the central building of the Technical University of Vienna, the house of the Vienna Musical Society and the SECESSION exhibition hall too. From the Gürtel (circular road) we arrive to Belvedere, this was the palace and summer residence of Eugen of Savoy. Today the Austrian National Gallery is located in this palace. Not far away from here you´ll find the Military History Museum, which is now housed in the original military building complex called Arsenal. The Imperial Palace is located in Schönbrunn, it´s 40 rooms is open for visitors. In the large park there are different interesting points to visit: the imperial Carriage Museum of the Habsburger - the Wagenburg, the baroque summer theatre, the Neptune Fountaine, the Maze, the Vienna Zoo (the oldest in the world, it is more than 250 years old), the Palm House and the Gloriette.