The remarkable tale of a fully Dutch village thriving in one of Hungary’s poorest regions – video
Bedepuszta, nestled in Nógrád County in northern Hungary, is a rare gem among Hungarian villages where the Hungarian language is becoming scarce. This unique settlement’s transformation, driven by Dutch entrepreneur Elroy Thümmler, who fell in love with the village’s distinctive atmosphere years ago, is unprecedented in the revitalisation of rural Hungary. Here is the story of a Dutchman who “governs” a 100% Dutch village in one of the poorest regions of Hungary.
A Dutch dream comes true in Hungary
Once home to around fifty residents struggling with near-total depopulation, Bedepuszta’s fortunes changed dramatically when Thümmler invested half a billion forints and practically bought the entire village. Except for three buildings, all houses are now owned by him, renovated, and repurposed.
Thümmler created a tourist centre, a campsite, and an event venue, transforming Bedepuszta into a cultural and creative hub. The picturesque landscape, often compared by locals to Tuscany, makes the place especially attractive. His vision was not merely an investment but an ambition to build an “outdoor art and cultural paradise” hosting festivals, team-building events, and weddings.
A new community emerges
Thümmler’s Dutch friends followed his lead, creating a vibrant Dutch community enjoying a peaceful, nature-oriented lifestyle – a welcome contrast to the stressed pace of city life in the Netherlands. Originally abandoned and dilapidated, the renovated buildings now attract tourists, with houses selling for as little as 5 million forints.
Some Hungarian families were assisted by the Dutch investor to relocate to other settlements, allowing Bedepuszta to renew itself. The old school building has been converted into an event space, and a local pub now fosters community life – marking a remarkable revival, 24.hu reported.
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Cultural life reborn
Thümmler insists his primary motivation was never financial but to create a distinctive place in the heart of Hungary. Year after year, Bedepuszta hosts cultural and artistic programmes and festivals, encouraging musicians, writers, and visual artists to participate. Creators enjoy discounted conditions that allow them to immerse themselves in the village’s serene atmosphere while showcasing their work to both local and international audiences.
The idyllic atmosphere is strengthened by the close bond between locals and visitors, who often share home-grown produce and experiences, fully engaging with village life. Thümmler believes this community spirit is what truly makes Bedepuszta a paradise.
Bedepuszta among Hungary’s border villages
With Hungary’s EU membership, many rural areas have undergone change, including population shifts in villages near the borders, such as Biharkeresztes and Ártánd in Hajdú-Bihar County. However, Bedepuszta stands out because the arrival of Dutch residents has pushed the Hungarian language and culture into the background, turning it into an international enclave redefining what it means to be a Hungarian village in the 21st century.
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The Dutch owner’s personal drive
Having worked on international marketing campaigns for the Sziget Festivals, Thümmler knows how to attract foreign visitors to Hungary. Yet he remains puzzled by Western Europeans who stigmatise Hungary, as he finds Hungarian culture and the countryside incredibly rich and appealing.
He encourages his friends and visiting artists not merely to be tourists but active participants in village life, believing this involvement offers a deeper, more authentic experience. Thümmler sees Bedepuszta as a new model from which rural Hungary can learn: when outsiders and locals collaborate, even a small community can be renewed and flourish.
As a german reader, nothaving visited the place yet I can only hope that such a project will grow by mutually co-operation and understanding in the sense of “we are all the same humans” so that we can benefit each others tremendously, rather than concentrate and listen to dividing and separating speaches. Lets go forwards rather than backwards and be honestly helpful. Its our world and not any politician’s. Obviously.