Hungary’s natural waters have been warming six times faster since the mid-1980s than in the preceding period dating from 1870, the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network said on Thursday.
A study by the Balaton Limnological Research Institute (BLKI) on the temperature changes in the Pannonian Ecoregion’s natural waters between 1870 and 2021 found that the lakes and rivers examined had been warming throughout the 150-year period, with the more significant temperature changes beginning in the second half of the 1980s.
The average per-decade temperature increase came to 0.32 degrees Celsius over the last 40 years compared with just 0.05 C over the whole period, HUN-REN said.
The study found that Lake Balaton, Lake Fertő and Lake Velence warmed by 0.46 C per decade, while rivers registered a slower average temperature rise of 0.27 C per decade. Over the last 40 years, Lake Balaton’s temperature has risen by 0.46 C per decade. The fastest temperature rise was registered in Lake Velence, with a rate of 0.7 C per decade.
In Hungary, there are numerous alternatives to Lake Balaton, including locally known and beloved lakes with sandy shores, which are often free of crowds.
For many, a weekend or even a day trip to the Hungarian Sea is a luxury, but there are still many beautiful lakes to visit in the country. Hungary boasts over 50 natural lakes with designated beaches suitable for swimming. Pénzcentrumhas listed these, including some well-known and some less well-known bathing sites in both the eastern and western parts of the country.
Explore the beauty and tranquillity of Hungarian lakes
Photo: Facebook, Hévízi Tófürdő
Lake Hévíz is situated along the western slope of the Keszthely plateau, in the Hévíz valley, near the town of Hévíz. Covering 4.44 hectares and surrounded by 50 hectares of forest, it is Europe’s largest warm-water lake with healing properties. Unlike other hot springs typically found in clay or rocky soils of volcanic origin, Lake Hévíz is a peat-bed spring fed by water at 38°C.
In summer, the temperature ranges from 33-35°C, occasionally reaching 36-38°C on very hot days. In autumn and winter, the temperature is around 24-26°C. The water temperature has a soothing and relaxing effect on bathers and patients, as it is considered neutral to the human body’s thermoregulatory system.
Lake Tisza is another of Hungary’s best-known lakes. Excluding the part of Lake Fertő outside the border, it is Hungary’s second-largest artificial lake. Located on the Tisza in the northern part of the Great Plain, it was formerly known as Kiskörei reservoir and was initially created for river regulation. Over time, it has developed its own ecology and tourism, becoming a popular destination for hikers, fishermen, and bathers. Although originally artificial, its beach is now classified as a natural bathing site.
Lake Fertő. Photo: FB/Fertő-Hanság Nemzeti Park
The Fertő, or Lake Fertő, is one of Hungary’s most famous lakes, located along the north-western border near Sopron. About 20,000 years old, it is the third-largest lake in Central Europe and the westernmost steppe lake and rocky outcrop in Europe. Most of it lies in Austria, with only a small part in Hungary. The Fertő Valley, including the lake, is a World Heritage Site. It is the second warmest lake in Central Europe after Lake Balaton, with summer temperatures often reaching 30°C. According to Fertő-tó.hu, there are 11 well-developed beaches offering sandy, grassy, or pebbly shorelines.
The Orfűi lakes are an artificial lake system about 10 km northwest of Pécs, at the northern foot of the Mecsek. The system, approximately 5 km long, consists of four lakes: Lake Orfűi, Lake Pécsi, Lake Herman Ottó, and Lake Kovácsszénájai. The lakes cover a total area of 113 hectares and are fed by the Vízfő spring.
Tourism in Orfű began in the 1960s with the development of the lake system. Initially, small holiday camps and fishing lodges were built alongside Lake Orfűi and Lake Pécsi, while farms and institutions established corporate holiday homes on the western side of Lake Pécsi. The Kis Lake beach is a natural beach with controlled water quality, a sandy bottom, and natural water.
Photo: FB / Visit Nyíregyháza
The Sóstói-forest, located between Nyíregyháza and Sóstógyógyfürdő, surrounds the 9.5-hectare Sóstói-lakes. The natural beach, Tófürdő, is complemented by other nearby beach facilities like the Aquarius Adventure and Park Baths. The shores of Tófürdő are covered with sand from the Tisza, and a wooden building reminiscent of the Balatonfüred bathhouse, built in 1930, serves as the emblematic entrance to the baths.
Photo: FB / Vadása.hu
Although many people have never heard of Lake Vadása, those who have often haven’t visited it. Lake Vadása is an artificial lake complex consisting of two lakes in southern Vas County, created by damming the Vadása stream. The lakes and the surrounding resort-like municipality can be reached from the centre of Hegyhátszentjakab.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Civertan
Szelidi Lake is the fifth largest natural lake in Hungary. It is 5 km long, 150-200 meters wide, 3-4 meters deep, and has a surface area of approximately 80 hectares. Despite being only about 120 kilometres from Budapest, it is relatively unknown. The quiet sandy areas on the southern shore host well-developed and tidy beaches. Visitors can rent water bikes, and there are many small playgrounds and a giant slide for both adults and children.
Read also:
5 great summer day trip destinations in Hungary for families with children – Read here
4 places to visit that are only 1 hour away from Budapest – Read here
The ongoing renovations of the Esterházy Castle at Fertőd have reached another major milestone, with the western wing and the stables, once belonging to the Duke, now restored to their former glory. Witness the progress of this remarkable project through captivating photos here.
Esterházy Castle stands as the largest baroque-rococo-style palace in Hungary, dating back to the 18th century. Commissioned by Nikolaus I, Prince Esterházy, known for his extravagant taste in clothing, music and residences, the castle earned him the title “the Magnificent.” It was not only a beacon of beauty within the country but also across Europe. However, over time, its glory faded.
During the 19th century, the Esterházy family ceased full-time residence in the castle, leading to its gradual decline. In World War II, Soviet forces used the building as a military hospital. Subsequently, in the 1950s, it served as the site for the Horticultural Research Institute, later transforming into dormitories and classrooms for the Agricultural Technical School.
It was in the mid-1900s that sporadic renovations started around the grounds. However, a comprehensive restoration process began only in 2001. Magyar Építők outlines the latest developments in a recent report on the castle’s rejuvenation.
PrtSc: Magyar Építők / YouTube
Over the past two decades, the courtyard, castle chapel and castle park have undergone refurbishment, alongside modernisation of the basic infrastructure. The museum section, princely suites, puppet and marionette theatres have been meticulously restored, while a castle inn and a baroque water tower have been seamlessly integrated into the complex.
PrtSc: Magyar Építők / YouTube
The historic castle undergoes much-needed renovation
The repairs and upgrades of the western wing commenced in 2016, divided into multiple phases due to the complexity of the undertaking. The latest phase, initiated in January 2023, focused on renovating approximately 1,800 square meters of the western wing’s three-story structure, as outlined by Magyar Építők.
PrtSc: Magyar Építők / YouTube
This intricate endeavour involved excavating and restoring historically significant elements of the old castle. Remarkably, beneath layers of aged paint, workers unearthed baroque-era artworks, significant to the country’s cultural history.
PrtSc: Magyar Építők / YouTubePrtSc: Magyar Építők / YouTube
The paintings discovered on the walls of the library, worn down by time and overpainting, were professionally restored and conserved: their protection was of chief importance for conservators working on the project.
Esterházy Castle: A superb spring and summer destination
As we wrote last year, Esterházy Castle offers a spectacular view of its Rose Garden from mid-May, boasting fragrant rose varieties from Hungary, England and Germany. The garden was built between 1902 and 1908 but sadly endured near-total destruction post-World War II. It was only in 2015 that the garden was restored to its former splendour.
Additionally, the Esterházy Castle boasts four other gardens for nature enthusiasts to explore, including French and English-style courts, a Lavender and Herb garden and the Lés-forest.
PrtSc: Magyar Építők / YouTube
Esterházy Castle welcomes visitors from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, throughout the travel season in spring and summer.
If you wish to discover other historic castles across the country this summer, check out our list of the most stunning ones in Hungary here.
Read also:
Renovation of Budapest’s jewel is well underway: this is what the Citadella looks like now – photos
Outrageous: Hungarian government gives away historical castles to international corporations? – Click here
Hungarian opposition parties would like to protect the Hungarian lakes and introduce climate protection measures.
DK proposes special status for Lake Fertő
The opposition Democratic Coalition proposes that Lake Fertő, located on the Austrian-Hungarian border, should be given special status in Hungary similar to the protection it enjoys in Austria so that no investments damaging the natural environment can be made there, lawmaker Olivio Kocsis-Cake told a press conference broadcast from the shore of the lake on Sunday. Kocsis-Cake called the lake “Hungary’s most valuable natural treasure”.
He said that in recent years, the Fidesz government had started destroying the area around the lake, which was used for recreation by many families. Zoltán Simon, the party’s local municipal deputy, said the stilt houses that had been there for decades had been destroyed, and a marina with berths for hundreds of yachts and a “reinforced concrete hotel” were under construction on the shore. Simon called this “unacceptable” and said his party was committed to protecting Lake Fertő.
Socialists to submit motion to make Lake Balaton beaches free
The opposition Socialist Party will submit a bill in the autumn to make the beaches around Lake Balaton free, MP Zsolt Molnár said in video posted on Facebook on Sunday. Speaking at a press conference in Zamardi, on the southern shore of the lake, Molnár said their proposal states that municipalities should be given compensation for providing free access to the beaches on the lakeshore. He cited the example of Croatia, where a law was passed recently which forbids collecting money for access to the Adriatic Sea. Molnár said the aim of their bill was to ensure free access to the lake for everyone, “with local government maintenance, and to avoid overconstruction” at Lake Balaton.
LMP urges govt to review ‘watered-down’ climate law
Opposition LMP has called on the government to review the “watered-down” climate law in the autumn, MP Erzsebet Schmuck said on Sunday.
Hungary is extremely exposed to the acceleration of climate change, which has a negative impact on the economy, quality of life and the natural environment, Schmuck said at a press conference.
She cited the example of last year’s drought and mentioned the tornado in Croatia as well as flash floods, which claimed lives this year. She also noted record-high temperatures approaching 50 degrees Celsius in southern Europe and 40 degrees Celsius in Hungary. Schmuck said the opposition had submitted a strict climate bill, which the ruling parties had “watered down”. It was “even more tragic”, she said, that the government planned to build another three gas power plants because of the battery factories.
Schmuck noted that the EU’s Nature Restoration Law set serious goals and tasks for agriculture so that it can adapt to climate change and said it was shocking that the MEPs of the ruling parties and Jobbik voted against the regulation. She noted that a green moratorium resolution proposal, submitted by LMP in order to protect forests as carbon-dioxide absorbers, was rejected by the government majority.
The investors of a construction project at Lake Fertő, a protected area in north-western Hungary, have decided to terminate the scheme, a local opposition councillor of the Sopron city assembly said on Friday.
Adrienn Jakál, of the Párbeszéd party, told an online press conference that four years ago the investors had cordoned off the area and eradicated the natural environment. “But now it has turned out that there’s not enough money to complete the megalomaniac luxury investment,” she said.
She has called on Sopron Mayor Ciprián Farkas, Attila Barcza, the city’s lawmaker for ruling Fidesz, and Béla Kárpáti, director of the Sopron-Fertő Tourism Development Zrt, to inform locals about the lake’s future without delay.
Undeniably, in general, the most popular tourist destination in Hungary is its capital, Budapest. However, despite the small size of Hungary, there are still plenty of interesting destinations to visit or maybe even consider moving to.
This time, Uswitchhas compiled a list of lakeside town and city destinations in Europe so that you can enjoy both the fun provided by the water nearby and indulge in the historic and entertaining experiences the local town has to offer.
“For many, waterfront living is a dream come true. The beautiful scenery is reason enough to purchase a waterfront property, but there are also the added advantages of tranquillity, privacy, and an abundance of wildlife to observe. What’s more, these locations also tend to have cleaner air, as well as a host of psychological benefits, including reduced stress, anxiety, and depression,” the website writes.
In order to determine the best lakeside town, Uswitch created a points-based system to rank them by factors such as average weather in the area, temperature of the water, the number of restaurants per 1,000 inhabitants, and the area of green space in the vicinity.
Two of the top three places went to Italy, with the first place awarded to Lake Bolsena with a total score of 88.89 out of 100. Lake St. Croix took second place from France, with an overall score of 83.26, and the last place on the podium goes to the popular Lake Garda in Italy, with a little over 80.82 points.
Lake Neusiedl in Austria took fifth place with a total score of 75.92, and while, unfortunately, due to construction in the area, the Hungarian Lake Fertő is currently closed to visitors, it will definitely be worth a visit once the construction work is finished.
Finally, in ninth position is Keszthely, a tourist destination already popular thanks to the beautiful Festetics Palace and the closeness of the Hungarian Sea, aka Lake Balaton.
“Despite having much less sunlight than competing lake cities, this gorgeous settlement boasts temperatures of over 26°C, as well as the second-highest lake temperatures,” Uswitchjustified it only being in the TOP 10.
However, if you are travelling to Hungary, consider visiting Keszthely since it is home to one of the most visited historic buildings in Hungary.
Facebook/ Helikon KastélymúzeumPhoto: Wikimedia Commons by Béla Balla
Photo: www.facebook.com/csodasmagyarorszag
The Baroque-style Festetics Palace today serves as a museum and exhibition place offering six permanent exhibitions in five buildings.
Additionally, one of the most remarkable parts of the Festetics Castle is its 42-hectare park, which is a strictly protected area. Every year, approximately 70,000 flowers are planted in its garden. Moreover, this large, protected area is also home to one of the largest bird parks in Hungary which recently reopened in March.
Not only that, but Keszthely has also been featured in the Netflix original series Shadow and Bone, as well as several other Hungarian locations which needed little to no alteration to fit the aesthetics of the show.
If you like Balaton and Hungarian culture, you are in luck – according to Origo, the exhibition of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory has been reopened in the renovated Abbey Gallery at the famous Benedictine monastery, the Tihany Abbey.
In total, 300 square metres of interior was renovated on two levels, and the surrounding area of the abbey was also refashioned, taking up 2,650 square metres and giving place to a total of 14 thousand plants.
Only a new government formed by the opposition parties could guarantee that Hungary’s protected areas including Lake Fertő can be saved, a lawmaker of green LMP said on Thursday.
Authorities have recently issued construction permits for “a gigantic property investment” planned on the lakeshore which would cover a much larger area than planned before, Péter Ungár told an online press conference.
“There is nothing against the development of the lake region, but what it is about here is that interest groups linked to [ruling] Fidesz want to transform the area and not arrange for its proper protection,” Ungár said.
Should the opposition parties come to power in the spring, they will make sure to maintain Hungary’s protected areas,
LMP earlier criticised government plans for touristic investments affecting the lakeshore, including a hotel, a yacht club and a sports centre. UNESCO, ICOMOS, the EU’s environmental agency and several Hungarian and international green NGOs have sharply criticised the project.
The Fertő-Hanság National Park is an unparalleled treasure of Hungary with its wetlands, the inland river delta, the special fauna of Lake Fertő, and the rare plants of the saline steppes.Together with the joint Austrian national park, Fertő-Hanság National Park is an area acknowledged by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) since 1991.
Legends and tales were told of a beautiful and mysterious land in the northwest corner of Hungary. Today, the unique world of water of Lake Fertő and the Hanság area is a joint protected natural treasure of Hungary and Austria. The total area of the Fertő-Hanság National Park is 23,731 hectares, and it is a transboundary property, located on the territory of both Hungary and Austria. It is situated in the cross-section of different geographical flora and fauna zones and wetlands; this diversity significantly shapes the image of the landscape. Characterised by sub-Alpine mountains, sub-Mediterranean hills, alkaline lakes, saline soils, reeds, and shoreline plains, Fertő/Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape is
“home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna and has been shaped harmoniously for eight millennia
by different human groups and ethnically diverse populations”. It also
incorporates the westernmost Eurasian steppe lake.
great egret
Photo: Ádám Tarr
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDhIZq2h8zR/
Due to its outstanding flora and fauna, the region of Lake Fertő has been a landscape protection area since 1977, writes fhnp.nemzetipark.gov. In 1979, the area was announced a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO-MAB program, and in 1989, it was designated a wetland of international importance (Ramsar site). The international importance of the national park is further underlined by the fact that
the entire Fertő region, together with the Hungarian and Austrian national parks, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQCDaWtAqh3/
The area of Lake Fertő, the saline lakes of Fertőzug, and the surrounding wetland marshes and bogs are characterised by unparalleled biodiversity, including aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and birds. Several species of rare and protected plants can be found in this area, such as the lady’s-slipper orchid, the fly orchid, the spider orchid, and the dwarf iris. The region’s birdlife is also extremely rich, great egrets, terns, bitterns, spoonbills, ferruginous ducks, Eurasian teals, and red-crested pochards nest here.
The fish fauna and the amphibian and reptile populations of the lake are outstanding both on a Hungarian and on the international level.
Research over the last decades found 35 fish species in the lake, among which the European Weatherfish can be considered important from a conservationist’s point of view. The reedy marshlands are inhabited by tens of thousands of frogs, newts, and toads.
There are so many naturally beautiful spots in Hungary, particularly lakes of which many are dream tourist destinations. However, there’s something very special about Lake Neusiedl, it is Hungary’s largest endorheic lake. This means that whilst other lakes drain into rivers, smaller lakes, or the sea, this lake does not drain at all. For the wet season, it creates swampy marshland with its overspill and during the dry season, its waters remain entirely within the basin. This gives Lake Neusiedl a particularly interesting environment in its surroundings, one that we’re going to explore here.
The Wild Environment
The lake itself and the vast swathes of reeds surrounding it provides a haven for wildlife. Many migratory birds call the lake their home, making nests out of the long reeds and wading in the shallow waters. Thanks to this, the lake has been made a protected area and many birdwatchers flock to its banks in the hopes of catching sight of rare birds such as mustached warblers, great bustards, and the Eastern imperial eagle. There are various different parts of the lake that all attract different birds. If you don’t mind about rarity and want a guaranteed sighting, then the best place to visit is the Hanság. This area is home to owls, harriers, bustards, and eagles, so your chances of a sighting are high.
The Cultivated Environment
The Austrian side of Lake Neusiedl is highly prized for its rich soil. There are a plethora of vineyards along this edge of the lake and from those vineyards come good quality grapes that make world-famous wines. Apart from the yearly harvest of reeds for weaving, the vineyards are the only surroundings of the lake that are cultivated. Although Austria is known primarily for its sweet white wines like Riesling, the banks of the Neusiedl are perfect for growing late-ripening grapes such as Blaufränkisch and Grüner Veltliner. These grapes are used for sweeter whites and dessert wines, whilst the hills a little way from the lake are more affected by the changing of the seasons and are better suited to growing for drier reds. Although Austria’s wine exports still have a little way to go before they reach the heights they saw in the mid 20th century, the vineyards around Lake Neusiedl could be what helps the country to get there.
The Human Environment
As the banks of the lake are protected, there isn’t a great deal of human interference close to the lake. However, as soon as you get a kilometer or so away pretty little towns and villages begin to pop up. There are plenty of tourist destinations around the banks of the lake, but one of the most popular is Casino Sopron. A favorite of locals and holidaymakers alike since 1989, the games selection here can even compete with some of the best online casinos. It’s well worth a visit if you happen to be passing. Of course, the other big industry in Sopron is wine production, so a tour around one of the factories is also a must. Once you’ve had a tour of the factory, take a glass up to the fabulous Taródi Castle and enjoy it in style.
In addition to our best-known large lakes, it is also worth visiting many smaller, more secluded lakes! The number of free beaches at Lake Balaton is constantly decreasing. If you can’t stand the mass misery that is the current situation, you’ll find plenty of beautiful lakes in the country.
There are plenty of lakes that are especially suitable for swimming, while elsewhere it is mainly worth fishing or bird watching. We have gathered for you seventeen lakes in beautiful surroundings that can be great hiking destinations in the heat!
Malom-lake,Veresegyház – Sandy beach near Budapest
This cosy pond, lined with reeds hidden from the city, provides the perfect place to relax. You can swim on the lake beach in Veresegyháza, so if you were looking for a pleasant waterfront experience near the capital, you have found it!
Lake Bokodi (Komárom-Esztergom county)
It was originally built as a cooling lake for the Vértes Power Plant in the 1960s by inflating the By-river flowing through it. The area has become a fishing paradise over the years, with a floating village on the shore.
Lake Gébárti (Zala county)
The lovely lake varies from half a meter to 8-10 meters deep. There is also a beach, a campsite and a craft house reminiscent of folk architecture.
Lake Dombay (Baranya county)
The breathtaking water surface was once overlooked by mills lined up on the shore; today, they are replaced by youth camps.
Sóstó, Nyíregyháza
In the Sóstó Lake Bath, you can have a good swim, sunbathe on the pier and the sandy shore, and the slide is a big favourite of the audience. Although nature is at your fingertips, the shores of the lake are superbly built.
Lake Anyácsai (Pest county)
Although surrounded by rolling hills in three directions, it is bordered on the northwest by a country road. It is a real iconic attraction because of the Hungarian Glass Tiger movies.
Vadása-tó (Vas county)
The popular holiday area in Őrség in the southern part of the county actually consists of two lakes. There are beaches, holiday homes and restaurants available.
Lake Deseda (Somogy county)
The artificial lake north of Kaposvár is the longest in Hungary. It is not only a popular resting place but is also surrounded by a hiking trail that can be reached by bicycle.
The protected area is the lake and its entire surroundings, which belong to the Aggtelek National Park. The lake is surrounded by rock walls that rise 70 meters above the water surface. It is not only a tourist destination but also a geographical and cultural treasure. A hiking trail leads here, which is very popular with Hungarian hikers.
Also part of the Aggtelek area, the lake, famous for its emerald green colour, lies at the bottom of a narrow valley. The spring here has the highest cold water flow in Hungary. You can admire the area on wooden bridges above the fast-flowing streams diverted into the stone bed.
Vadkerti Lake, Soltvadkert – A child-friendly paradise in the Great Plain
Those arriving with small children will love this one! The shallow water along the coast and the many child-friendly services guarantee a good atmosphere for the little ones, such as a trampoline, an amusement park and a giant slide.
Lake Hársas, Szentgotthárd
Although Lake Hársas attracts many during the season, it is not only a popular place because of its beach. The elongated lake stretches in a forested valley in the Őrség National Park.
Lak Valley Lake, Bélapátfalva
Due to the mountainous environment, it is not only worth visiting the Lak Valley Lake in summer: it is as if a postcard came to life. Relax on the waterfront, hop on a bicycle or even camp!
Szajki lakes, Vas county
The Szajki Lakes are an elongated lake system created by the damming of the Csörgető stream. In summer, it functions as a free beach as it has a grassy, shady shore, and the water slowly deepens. The rest of the year, it is surrounded by silence, so if you like to observe the aquatic life undisturbed, you can hardly find a better place!
Rudabánya mine lake, Kazincbarcika
The crystal clear, bright blue-green water stretching between the red rocks is an absolute natural miracle. During a sunny hour, the lake formed in the mine creates a remarkable, almost tropical atmosphere, but it also offers a unique sight in autumn and winter.
Lake Orfű, Pécs
Known for its deservedly famous summer festival, the lake is a pleasant bathing place. The area is clean and pet-friendly. Rent sports equipment, walk, circle the lake, or simply have a picnic on the beach and admire the rippling Mecsek mountains in the background!
Lake Szelidi, Dunapataj
The water of the 5th largest natural lake in Hungary warms up to 28 degrees in summer! On the sandy shores of Lake Szelidi, children can enjoy playing, the water is clear, but it is also possible to rent kayaks and canoes. As a bonus, it is also healing due to the high iodine content of saline and saltwater. Restaurants, campsites and many hotels line the lake, so direct waterfront accommodation is also available.
Sopron might not be the most visited or the most well-known Hungarian city, but it has a long history intertwined with the Hungarian spirit and the sense of belonging. It is not a very large city, it is not full of malls and shopping centres, but it is rich in history. In fact, Sopron has the second-most monuments in Hungary.
Sopron and its surrounding areas have a very long history as they have been inhabited since prehistoric times, and in the Roman period, the city was called ‘Scarbantia’ which is a very important and determining factor in the city’s image. There are a lot of archaeological areas that you can check out in the city, as well as museums, and some ruins can also be observed in the open and are a great part of the city’s style and atmosphere. There is almost always some kind of archaeological dig before any construction work. Now, let us see how Sopron changed over a hundred years or so.
Tűztorony (Fire Tower)
Tűztorony from Fő tér (Main Square), 1930
Source: Fortepan / Gara Andor
Tűztorony from Várkerület, 1970
Source: Fortepan / Lechner Nonprofit Kft. Dokumentációs Központ
View from the Tűztorony to an archaeological dig, 1971
Source: Fortepan / Szalay Zoltán
Maybe the easiest way would be to start with the most iconic building of Sopron, the Tűztorony (Fire Tower). The foundation of today’s tower was built sometime between 1290 and 1340. The iconic upper part of the tower was added later, but it is not young at all, as it was first mentioned in written form in 1409. The tower was fully renovated in 2012 and the old, larger gates were restored. Hopefully, this iconic building will remain for at least another 600 or so years.
Source: Google Streetview
Source: Google Streetview
Károly-kilátó (Károly Lookout Tower)
The Károly Lookout Tower in 1934
Source: Fortepan / Schermann Ákos
The Károly Lookout Tower was built on the 398-metre-high Károly Hill, which are both named after Károly Romwalter, a printer from Sopron, because it was him and his son who hired a carpenter to build the first lookout tower there, the one in the first image. The stone tower was finished in 1936 and has been standing proud ever since. For a small fee, you can climb to the top of the 23-metre-high lookout tower, and in good weather, you could even see as far as Pozsony (Bratislava), not to mention the stunning view of the Sopron Mountains and Lake Fertő.
Károly Lookout Tower in 2017
Source: Google Streetview / Judit Türk
You can check out our other time travel articles here:
Széchenyi Square with the statue of Széchenyi, 1905
Source: Fortepan / Vargha Zsuzsa
This square lies in the city centre of Sopron and many important buildings surround it, such as the main post office, the Ferenc Liszt Conference and Cultural Centre, three high schools, one named after the famous Hungarian himself, and many monuments on the square itself. On the opposite side of the square is the Hűségzászló (Flag of Fidelissima) which commemorates the referendum when Sopron decided to belong to Hungary after the Treaty of Trianon, earning the city the name Civitas Fidelissima (the most loyal city).
Széchenyi Square in 2019
Source: Google Streetview
Várkerület (Castle District or maybe even Boulevard)
Várkerület and the Tűztorony (Fire Tower), 1962
Source: Fortepan / FŐFOTÓ
The market on Várkerület, 1915
Source: Fortepan / Vargha Zsuzsa
Várkerület with the Mária Statue, 1963
Source: Fortepan / Bauer Sándor
Várkerület is the central area of Sopron. You almost certainly will go through there at some point when you visit the city. Not only because many shops are there, but because it cuts through the city. Also, from a tourist point of view, almost all of the monuments can be visited from the street, such as the Tűztorony, or the castle walls from which the street got its name. Over the century, it had many different looks; believe it or not, there once were no roads, but dirt and horse carriages went up and down the street. There was also a time when a tram cut through the street and connected the railway station and what is now the Heineken beer factory where the famous Soproni beer has been made since 1895.
Source: Google Streetview
Here, you may get a better glimpse of how the city has changed in just over five decades.
Várkerület through the ages
Sources: Fortepan / Inkey Tibor (top), Google Streetview (mid, bottom)
Soviet monument in Várkerület, 1964
Source: Fortepan / Lechner Nonprofit Kft. Dokumentációs Központ
The Soviet monument was replaced by one that has three bronze statues depicting three important figures throughout the history of Sopron symbolising loyalty and the unyielding fighting spirit of Hungarians.
Hűségkút (Fidelissima Fountain), 2019
Source: Google Streetview
Large Rondella, 1955
Source: Fortepan / Nagy Gyula
Sopron is also dotted with ancient stone walls, roads, and ruins, half of which are from the Middle Ages and another half from Roman times. These wall sections are quite long, and you can easily spend an entire day just discovering where they lead. But be careful, you can easily end up on someone’s front porch from the inner city.
Large Rondella, 2019
Source: Google Streetview
Petőfi Színház (Petőfi Theatre)
Petőfi Színház (Theatre), 1957
Source: Fortepan / Márk Iván
Hungary’s first stone theatre opened in Sopron in 1769, not far from the current one, however, the Sopron Petőfi Theatre has looked like this since 1909. The square in front of it was reconstructed, and there is an underground garage beneath it. The newer instalment of the square has a lot of green in it, as well as a musical fountain that entertains both the eyes and the ears with a music-driven water show.
Source: Google Streetview
Deák Tér (Deák Square)
Monument to the Royal and Emperor’s Hussars, Deák Square, 1930
Source: Fortepan / Fortepan
The Deák Square is the second-largest square in Europe and is home to many, many monuments. The square also accommodates a number of things from playgrounds to fountains to bicycle roads on both sides, as well as cafés and restaurants, but also ruin pubs. Unfortunately, now you can no longer see the above monument as it has been removed and was replaced by another one which you can see below. The square is a really good place to just sit down and relax when the weather is right, but you could also walk your dog or play with your children on the playground.
Géza Gyóni Monument, 2021
Source: Google Streetview / Attila Berta
Csík Ferenc Uszoda (Csík Ferenc Swimming Pool)
Source: Fortepan / Inkey Tibor (top), Google Streetview (mid, bottom)
The Lővér Fürdő or Csík Ferenc Swimming pool was one of the best locations to go and visit within the city if you wanted to take on some water adventure. The swimming pool is currently undergoing a major reconstruction, so it is not fully open, and the outside pool has been covered and functions as an inside pool until the construction work is finished.
Also, there is something you might not have known about Sopron. Back in the day, Sopron had an airfield, and there were multiple photos where it was used for parades or for military training. The current location of the former airfield is either a road section leading to Austria or has been turned into agricultural land. In fact, most of the time it is quite the opposite. Many open fields and hills around the city have been turned into residential areas as, thanks to the closeness of the border, there is a huge inflow of Hungarians from all parts of the country to live in Sopron and work in Austria.
Airfield in Sopron in Bécsi street, 1937
Source: Fortepan / Magyar Műszaki és Közlekedési Múzeum / Archívum / Negatívtár / Szabados József gyűjteménye
I hope you enjoyed this little time travel tour in Sopron and hope you might come to visit once things can return to a somewhat normal state.
For many, Sopron might be familiar because of the famous VOLT Festival, which became quite a sizeable music festival over the years. Still, this lovely city on the Western border of Hungary is a lot more than that.
The region has been inhabited since the prehistoric times, and in the Roman period, the city was called ‘Scarbantia’ which is a very important and determining factor in the city’s image. Two main roads went through the city, and the remains of these stone-paved roads and other ruins are a great part of the city’s sights as well as its style and atmosphere. The forum of the Roman town is today’s main square and the majority of the ruins are around that area. There is even a museum under the city’s iconic ‘Tűztorony’ (Fire Tower).
Another view of the old town
Photo: Országalbum / MUKKSHOW
A part of the old town
Photo: Országalbum / ROSSZQTYA
The view from ‘Tűztorony’ (the mountain is Schneeberg)
Photo: Országalbum / MUKKSHOW
Gate under ‘Tűztorony’
Photo: Országalbum / ISTVÁN 1949
‘Tűztorony’ and a part of the old town at night
Photo: Országalbum / ROSSZQTYA
Tourists can not only visit the museum under the tower or can even go up into it to admire the view of the beautiful inner old town and the mesmerising surroundings of the city far away. To be honest, it is quite a good city for a lot of different people.
For those who like old buildings, façades, and old wooden doorways, the city offers a lot to discover, and there are also a lot of stone walls left over from Medieval times.
Sopron is the second wealthiest city in Hungary by the number of monuments, and also, it is quite a green and colourful city compared to Budapest, for example. The inner city has many restaurants and cafés, some of them are relatively hidden in the narrow roads between older buildings, but they have a wide variety.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons József Bikkessy Heinbucher
The Coat of Arms of Sopron. Civitas Fidelissima is written in the circle
Source: Wikimedia Commons / Madboy74
Civitas Fidelissima Door Ornament in Sopron
Source: Wikimedia Commons / Vadaro
Due to the historical importance of the city, it was honoured the title ‘Civitas Fidelissima’ which means the ‘most loyal’ as after the Treaty of Trianon, the inhabitants of the town voted to stay part of Hungary. Near Sopron, just outside the city in Bánfalva, there is a graveyard called ‘Hősi temető’ (heroes’ cemetery) which is a very peaceful area away from the noise of the city with a lot of beautiful gravestones near nature. If you like to contemplate in peace, it is worth a visit.
The altar of the Goat church
Photo: Országalbum / BABUSCSILLAG
Benedictine Church at Sopron’s Main Square (it is usually referred to as ‘Kecske-templom’ (Goat church))
Photo: Országalbum / ISTVÁN 1949
Trinity statue at the Main Square
Photo: Országalbum
An iconic wall painting in the city centre called the ‘Oroszlán gyógyszertár’ (Lion pharmacy which was founded in 1623)
Photo: Országalbum / NIKZSIG
For those who are more nature-oriented, the beautiful forests and hills surrounding the city offer a lot of hiking possibilities. You could visit the ‘Károly kilátó’ (Károly outlook), but there are many smaller ones to discover for yourselves. You could spend days travelling through different trails and finding interesting spots in the forest. Sopron also has an adventure park in ‘Lőverek’ near the highest part of the city where you could climb ropeways in the canopy of the forest.
Sopron also has the second-longest square in Central Europe, the ‘Deák tér’ (Deák square). It is a central part of the city, and it has several beautiful monuments,
a fountain, a playground and bike lanes on both sides along the square. For those who love culture, there is a beautiful theatre, called the ‘Petőfi színház’, which is only a short walk from the city centre or the railway station. Still, Sopron is also home to a very old movie theatre, the ‘Elit mozi’ which has been operating since 1926. Sopron is also famous for its wines as it is the home of the world-famous ‘Kékfrankos’ and there is also a quite well-known beer brewery where the delicious ‘Soproni’ beer comes from since 1895.
Széchenyi statue
Photo: Országalbum / JUHASZJ
Monument in ‘Deák tér’ commemorating the departed soldiers
Photo: Országalbum / MUKKSHOW
‘Ibolya-tó’ (Lake Violet) near the edge of the city
Photo: Országalbum
If the city itself cannot fulfil your desires as a tourist, its surroundings might. Sopron’s location is ideal as it is quite close to ‘Fertő-Hanság Nemzeti Park’ (National Park) where you can check out the area’s flora and fauna, and you could see a herd of the famous Hungarian ‘szürkemarha’ (grey cattle). You could also drive down to Fertőd in 30 minutes to visit the beautiful Esterházy-kastély (Esterházy Palace). ‘Fertő tó’ (Lake Fertő) is also a very close destination which is about 15 minutes from the city by car and about 30 minutes by bus. The monument of the Pan-European Picnic is also very close to the city, the monument that serves as a memento for the opening of borders of the Eastern bloc in 1989. Not only that but as Sopron is close to the Austrian border, it is perfect for those who plan to visit some of the nearby sights of Austria as well.
From Celtic tribes to Italian workers, the names of Hungary’s largest lakes reveal centuries of eventful history in the Carpathian Basin.
There are over 3,000 lakes in the territory of Hungary, offering endless recreational opportunities across the country. The names most foreigners are familiar with are Balaton, Lake Velence and Lake Fertő, and although visiting these places is always a good idea, it is also worth digging into their history to learn some interesting facts about their origin, as did Hungarian website Divany.
A heritage of Celts and Slavs
Lake Balaton, arguably one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hungary, is around 10–12 thousand years old, but the name we use today is significantly younger. During the era of the Roman Empire, conquerors used the name Lacus Pelso, which literally means shallow lake, and is a name first used by the Celtic tribes who had settled here before the Romans.
The name was still in use when the Avars settled in the Carpathian Basin in the 6th century. Still, it was also during this period that another name, Blatto came into use: this is how Slavic slaves who arrived with the Avars described the area rich in reeds and swamps.
The original Slavic word Blatto then transformed into various forms such as Blatno, Bolotin, Balotin, Balatin, and finally, Balaton, which was later borrowed by the Hungarians as well.
In fact, the word we use today also appears in the foundation letter of the Tihany Abbey, which is considered one of the first documents that have Hungarian words in it. It was mostly written in Latin but does contain 58 Hungarian words, including the name of “the Hungarian sea” — just to mention a more recent name Hungarians use to talk about the largest lake in their country.
Velence: the Venice of Hungary?
The name of Hungary’s second lake (third largest) is more straightforward: it bears the name of the adjacent settlement, which was an important point of the trade route connecting Buda and the Adriatic sea. But when it comes to the name’s origins, there are still a lot of question marks. According to Divany, one argument comes from the fact that Hungarians use the name Velence not only to refer to this lakeside city but also to Venice, the world-famous city of canals in northern Italy. Hence the name can originate from Italian architects who were working on the buildings of the nearby city of Székesfehérvár.
Swan on Lake Velence. Photo: Pear Blossom/Wikimedia Commons
A country of swamps
Fertő tó or Neusiedler See is Hungary’s second-largest lake sitting on the Austrian–Hungarian border. The German name Neusiedler literally means new settlement. At the same time “fertő” is an old Hungarian word used to describe swamps and muddy areas — and therefore was once used to describe Balaton and Lake Velence as well.
Fertő is Central Europe’s third-biggest lake, and its neighbourhood and environment are charming so it can be ideal for everybody to relax after the hard months of the coronavirus epidemic. Magyarorszagom.hu collected the wonders that await there.
Lake Fertő (Neusiedler See in German) is a shallow pond in the Austrian-Hungarian border. It is a member of UNESCO’s World Heritage list and though its surface is continually changing we can say that there are more than 300 square kilometres of water there to enjoy – magyarorszagom.hu reported.
The length of the lake is 36 kilometres while its width is between 7 and 15 kilometres. 60-70 pc of its surface belongs today to Austria (Burgenland) while the rest is in Hungary, in Győr-Moson-Sopron county. The average depth of the lake is 0.7 metres, but its water contains lots of salt and
the mud underneath is curative.
Interestingly, most of the lake is covered by reed with a rate of almost 80 pc in Hungary. For those who love cycling, Fertő is a perfect choice since there is an excellent asphalt path along the lake.
Lake Fertő is part of the Neusiedler See – Seewinkel (1992) and the Fertő–Hanság (1991) national parks because it has a vibrant flora, fauna and wildlife. Furthermore, there are more than 340 bird species, for example, scoopers, avocets, eagles, reedlings, bluethroats and nightingales.
There are many visitor centres along the lake, for example, in Sarród-Fertőújlak, Kócsagvár and Öntésmajor.
But why is it worth to visit the lake and its neighbourhood?
Apart from the natural beauties and thanks to the unique microclimate of the lake, the wine region of Sopron is just a couple of kilometres away.
Sopron itself is also worth a visit. Its quality restaurants, museums, beautiful downtown attract many tourists every year.
Fertőd is a jewel in the region with the fantastic Esterházy palace built in Baroque style. Joseph Haydn lived there for more than 20 years.
Kismarton (Eisenstadt) is today in Austria and also has a charming palace built by the Esterházy family.
Here are some pictures of some of the most stunning lakes in Hungary that you may want to swim in, go on a boat ride on, or simply enjoy the view from the shore.
Lake Tisza
Photo: Pixabay
Photo By Németh Dániel (directly from author) GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons
A woman’s torso, missing the limbs and head, was found in Lake Fertő in mid-April, who was at first suspected to be a Hungarian celebrity, Fanni Novozánszki, who has been missing for months and is thought to be dead. As it was revealed later, the victim is probably a Slovakian prostitute. As of yet, this is not confirmed by the police. The only information that was disclosed to the public is that the victim is a woman aged 20-30, 155-166 centimetres tall with short, auburn hair.
The Hungarian online magazine writes that at the end of April, a Viennese man was taken in by the Austrian police as a prime suspect in the murder case. At that time, the only known thing about him was that he is of Austrian citizenry. Now his age is public too: he is of 63 years.
The circumstances of the murder are still hazy, as
the Austrian press writes that the woman was stabbed, but the killer’s lawyer claims that his client has panicked and strangled the young woman.
He cut up the body the same day and scattered her remains in Lake Fertő.
The case can get even gruesome than before, as the victim’s body parts were found in the suspect’s refrigerator. According to his lawyer, the suspect did not plan on eating the victim initially, only wanted to get rid of the body parts, but ‘has simply forgotten them there’, but now the suspect has revealed in his confession that the idea of eating the said parts has actually occurred to him.
He has not only confessed to this crime, but to another murder too. He committed a similar murder but his previous victim was a man: he cut him up with an axe. The suspect has spent altogether 30 years in jail throughout his life.
The suspect had relations to the victim, as he was working as a drug dealer and the woman was one of his clients.
Without a doubt, many people long for getting out into nature when summer sets in and a great way of exploring our natural beauties is on two wheels. If you feel that the itinerary of the Lake Balaton round trip is too hard for you and you are not prepared enough for cycling 200 km during this trip discussed here, you might get into the mood for a Lake Fertő trip on two wheels. It is easier to accomplish and provides as many unforgettable experiences like the one around Lake Balaton.
What distinguishes the Lake Fertő round trip from the one around Lake Balaton? Firstly, the fact that it is much shorter, only 135 km long, out of which the Hungarian part constitutes of 38 km, given that the third-quarter of the territory of the lake belongs to Austria. Secondly, unlike the Lake Balaton round trip during which cyclists have to ride on main roads and cross busy traffic intersections in some settlements, this cycling path literally runs in nature where we can understand why Lake Fertő earned a place on the World Heritage list of UNESCO in 2001, reports Freeminimaps.com.
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Furthermore, while the quality of the Balaton Bike Ring is not always irreproachable, that of the cycling path around Lake Fertő is absolutely impeccable. As Origo.hu reports, the path is not overgrown with plants, there are no potholes, and the route is well-signposted, which also shows how seriously Austrians take cycle tourism.
Therefore, the Lake Fertő track is easier to cover and it takes only 8-9 hours for experienced cyclists to complete.
However, it might be worth riding slower and making a few stops when necessary also visiting well-known sights and monuments in the small settlements. In order to get out the most of your trip, a few useful tips and practical information are collected here that remove the burden from your shoulder when planning it.
Getting to Lake Fertő from Budapest
Concerning the place of departure of the journey, it is advisable to choose a Hungarian settlement and thus start on the Hungarian side. However, there is no agreement in guidebooks concerning the ideal starting point. Some sources mention Fertőd, but the only problem with this town is that you have to change trains at least once if you want to travel by using public transportation.
In contrast, trains go directly from Budapest to Sopron from which Fertőrákos, a town part of the cycling track and thus ideal for starting, is not far at all. However, do not forget to check in advance whether the train by which you want to travel is eligible for transporting bicycles in order to avoid embarrassing situations already at the very beginning of your journey.
One more thing to keep in mind: you need to pay a special fee for transporting bikes which is 235 Ft (0.8 euros) under 50 km. If you travel more than 50 km, which is the case with the Budapest-Sopron distance, then the price varies based on kilometre zones. Instead of transporting your own bike, which can be sometimes troublesome, you can also rent one in almost all settlements located along the Austrian-Hungarian border.
Itinerary and stations
Let’s start our journey in Fertőrákos, which is a short ride from Sopron. It is worth a visit on its own since, in the open-air museum of the Stone Quarry, you can really feel that history comes alive.
Leaving this town, continue your journey towards Mörbisch am See (Fertőmeggyes). On the way, a short stop at the Mithras Cave, the underground temple honouring Mithras, can be interposed just to stretch your muscles.
Meanwhile, if you suddenly realise that this trip is not for you and you are not prepared enough, then you can cut down the track by crossing the lake by ferry. Ferries operate between Mörbisch and Illmitz from the beginning of May to the end of October, so feel free to try them out. 🙂
/facebook/Fertő-tavi Hajózási Kft./
If, however, you continue the track, sooner or later, you will arrive in Rust, the town reputable for its wine and historical monuments. Then, head for Neusiedl am See, which is located at the northern part of the lake, 50 km away from Fertőrákos. In fact, if you are there, you can be rightly proud of yourself having accomplished half of the track. Leaving this town the cycling path will lead you towards Podersdorf and the Fertő-Hanság National Park which is absolutely fantastic being the wetland habitat of hundreds of birds.
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While approaching the end of the track, do not forget to stop in Fertőd to visit the famous Esterházy castle where Haydn composed several of his most well-known pieces. Finally, if you have the time and energy, end the tour either in the bath of Hegykő or that of Balf, one of the most favourite recreational spots of Hungarians, where you can relax and stretch your muscles in the medicinal waters. This is where the cycling trip ends roaming around Lake Fertő.
Further practical advice
If you plan a 1-day-trip, then there is no need for booking accommodation. If you feel tired during the trip, stop at a resting place specifically designed for cyclists that can be found in every bigger town. Some of them even have a roof in case the weather changes all of a sudden.
However, if you divide the trip into two 60-60 km parts, then, from low budget accommodation to 4-star hotels, there are many possibilities available for tired cyclists. Members of the Hungarian Cyclists’ Club can even book accommodation with discounts.
Bike repair stations are also abundant in both countries along the border, so there is nothing to worry about in case an unexpected incident happens. There are altogether 79 recorded stations according to the website of Burgenland.info where you can also check them out before the trip.
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We hope that your cycling tour around Lake Fertőd will go smoothly after keeping in mind all the practical information collected here. Have fun and enjoy the natural beauties surrounding us 🙂
A woman’s dismembered body and several body parts were found on 13 April in Lake Fertő, Austria, reports Index.hu. The police are currently running DNA tests. It is yet unknown whose body it is.
Facts
On 14 April, Burgenland.orf.at reported that a dismembered body was found on the Western bank of Lake Fertő, near the city of Rust, Austria. The dismembered body was found near the reeds by a passer-by around 11:30 a.m. on 13 April.
The woman’s legs, forearms and head were cut off. Police immediately started looking for the remaining parts of the body, and the woman’s head was eventually found in the evening. Since then, police also found a thigh, a dismembered arm without a hand, and a leg.
The police says that the body parts must have been in the river for months.
Speculations
It is yet unknown whose body it is, but the Austrian police have already started running the DNA tests. However, Hungarian tabloids have been writing about the case a lot, and how it might lead back to Hungary.
Blikk speculated that the body might be VV Fanni’s, a Hungarian celebrity whose disappearance and murder has been in the centre of attention since last year.
Borsonline.hu connected the case to a murder that happened in 2014 in Darnózsel, Hungary. In July 2014, a woman went missing. Her husband (they were in the middle of a divorce when the incident happened) was accused of murdering her.
The 40-year-old butcher was accused of killing his wife, putting her body in the trunk of his car, bringing it home, where he allegedly waited for his child to go to sleep, then he dismembered the woman’s body in his meat-processing plant under his house.
Then, he allegedly burnt some of her remains and hid the rest somewhere. The man denied all allegations. The woman’s body was never found.
