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Kőszeg

Kőszeg is a beautiful small town in Western Hungary, with a historic atmosphere, stunning scenery and a wealth of cultural opportunities.

Sights of Kőszeg:
Kőszeg Castle and the Castle Garden
The symbol of the city is the Jurisics Castle, which combines historical heritage and natural beauty in a unique way. Visitors can learn about the history of the medieval fortress, which dates back to 802. The castle has been rebuilt, expanded and occupied several times over the centuries. Among the lords of the castle are the Héder family, Prince Albert, Andrew III the Venetion, Charles Robert of Hungary, the Habsburgs, and Matthias Corvinus. It’s most famous siege took place in 1532, when it was attacked by a huge army of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman, who was marching towards the city of Vienna. The castle was defended by the castle captain Miklós Jurisics with an army of about a thousand people. The battle ended in a reconciliation, with the defenders allowing eight Turkish flags to be raised on eight towers, giving the Sultan an apparent victory over the Turkish Grand Vizier Ibrahim. The Turkish army then withdrew from the castle walls. Every year in August, the people of Kőszeg commemorate this important battle as part of the ’Ostrom Days’ events.

Museum of Jurisics Castle
The museum is located inside the castle and offers a number of interesting exhibitions on the history, culture and everyday life of Kőszeg and the surrounding region. Here you can learn about the past of Kőszeg and the surrounding area, and the importance of the castle in the defence against the Turks. The museum has many artefacts that reflect the historical importance of the town and the castle. One of the best-known exhibits deals with the Ottoman siege of 1532 and the defence of the castle, and the heroic deed of the castle captain, Nikola Jurišić. The exhibition gives visitors an insight into life in a medieval castle, the defensive systems and the battles of the period through military equipment and weapons. They will also learn about the architectural features of the castle, including the defensive walls of the medieval fortress, the courtyard of the castle and the different architectural styles that have shaped the appearance of the castle over the centuries.

Suleiman lookout
According to local legend, during the Turkish siege, Sultan Suleiman I watched the battle from this hill, which is now the Suleiman's Hill. Although the Sultan expected to win, the castle captain Miklós Jurisics, with his small number of defenders, repulsed the army besieging Kőszeg as it marched towards Vienna. The lookout was built in 2012 to commemorate the Turkish battle of 1532 and to offer visitors a beautiful view of the town and the Kőszeg Hills. The lookout can be reached by public transport and by car, but it is also worth taking a hike, as the panorama is stunning not only from the lookout but also on the way there.

Kőszeg Mountains and tours
The Kőszeg Mountains offer several hiking trails and excursion sites, as the National Blue Trail touches the mountain, which can be reached directly from the town. The trail leads first to the Kálvária Hill and then to the high Óház Hill, where the ruins of Kőszeg's first castle from the Árpád period still stand. From the top of Óház you can enjoy a stunning panorama of the Ság and Somló hills and Lake Fertő. From here, you can reach one of the most popular hiking spots in the region, the Seven Springs, named after the seven leaders.
The highest point of the Kőszeg Hills, as well as of Transdanubia and Burgenland in Austria, is the 884-metre-high Írott-Kő. Its lookout point, offering a fantastic panoramic view, stands on the border between Hungary and Austria.
The hiking trails offer a beautiful view and the opportunity to discover the flora and fauna of the area.

Sights around Kőszeg

Bükfürdő (30 minutes drive from the hotel)

Bükfürdő Thermal&Spa
The Bükfürdő Thermal&Spa is a true paradise for those who want to heal, relax, recharge and take a bath. The 14-hectare spa complex, situated in a shady park covered with trees, offers 32 pools, more than 5,000 square metres of water surface, a spa, beach and adventure pool, a modern sauna world and wellness centre, a renowned medical department. Thanks to the wide range of pools, every member of the family will find the one that suits them best.

Crystal Tower
Unique in Hungary, the three-storey, crystal structure, spectacular climbing and adventure courses, assembled with the latest technology, provide an ideal active recreation for all ages.
The Crystal Tower, which can accommodate up to 120 people at a time, with its more than one kilometre long track, giant swing and almost 200-metre-long Flying Fox slide, is ideal for family and friends to enjoy for several days.
The monumental structure, set up on a small footprint, is 17 m high and 35 m wide, with 90 elements.

Sportpark
The Sportpark in Bükfürdő offers 12 unique outdoor fitness machines for exercise lovers and active recreation for people with limited mobility.
The Sports Park also has one of the most beautiful playgrounds in the city: a labyrinth slide, spring games, active movement nets, sandpit, cradle swing, climbing wall and other fun elements for children, equipped with modern and safe elements. The perfect choice for active recreation.

Cák cellars (9 minutes drive from the hotel)
In the immediate vicinity of Kőszeg is the Cák cellars, which welcomes visitors from April to November. The eight cellar buildings, which can be visited as a skansen, can be seen not only from the outside but also from the inside. The exhibition shows the tools of the 19th century vineyard and wine-making, as well as the work of the wine barrel makers, the cask makers. Visitors can also enjoy regular activities such as wine tasting, horse riding, archery and crafts.
In the past, the area had a long tradition of wine-growing, thanks to the ideal conditions at the southern foot of the mountain range. Wine-growing flourished on the sun-drenched slopes until the 1890s, when the phylloxera epidemic swept through and destroyed the vineyards. In later years, although vines were replanted on a small scale in Cák, most of the area was planted with chestnut and fruit trees.

Bozsok, Sibrik Castle (13 minutes drive from the hotel)
Bozsok is situated right at the foot of the Írott-kő, close to the Austrian border. One of the village's special features is the Sibrik Castle, which was a favourite hunting lodge of Matthias Corvinus, who gave it to the Sibrik family in the late 15th century. After numerous renovations in the style of the different periods, it was rebuilt in the mid-20th century with the support of Vas County by the National Monument Authority. Now visitors to Bozsok can discover a castle and its park in good condition.

Velem, St. Vid Chapel (13 minutes drive from the hotel)
The history of the village dates back to the Neolithic Age, as the artefacts found here date back to prehistoric times. The Chapel of St. Vid has been standing guard over the landscape since the 13th century, and was restored to its present form in the 19th century. From Mount St. Vid, visitors can enjoy an unrivalled view.

Sopron (1 hour drive from the hotel)

Sopron is a historic town near Lake Fertő, one of the westernmost points of Hungary. The city is famous for its rich cultural heritage, medieval buildings and picturesque surroundings, which make it an attractive destination for tourists. Sopron is also known as the "Most Loyal City", because in a referendum in 1921 the people of Sopron voted for the Kingdom of Hungary, thus strengthening its Hungarian identity.
Sopron's history goes back more than 2000 years, with the Romans, medieval kings and modern times all leaving their mark. Sopron is famous for its narrow, charming streets, beautiful churches like St. Michael's Church and the famous Fire Tower, which has become the symbol of the city.
The area around the city is also rich in natural beauty, with Lake Fertő, the surrounding forests and vineyards providing an ideal place for hiking, cycling and enjoying wine festivals. Sopron's wines are known and loved the world over, but the famous Sopron beer should not be forgotten.
Sopron is not only an exciting city for lovers of history and nature, but also a lively city with cultural events such as concerts, theatre performances and festivals.

Austria

Draisine (20 minutes drive from the hotel to Oberpullendorf, 30 minutes drive from the hotel to Horischon)
Draisine, in German, are actually rail bicycles that run along the disused railway line between Oberpullendorf and Horitschon. The 23 km route can be made on vehicles called draisine bikes, which operate like a bicycle. On either side of each is a bicycle saddle with a bench between them. The riders in the saddle drive the vehicle on pedals as it rolls along the track on a single track with a relatively low gradient. Along the track, you can admire the idyllic landscape of central Burgenland as you ride through forests and fields. There are several former railway stations to stop at along the way, one of the most interesting being the natural history museum at Lackenbach Castle. There are several types of Draisine, ranging from the basic four-seater version to extra-long versions suitable for larger groups, but there is also a party draisine with a beer tap.

Bad Tatzmannsdorf (40 minutes drive from the hotel)
Bad Tatzmannsdorf is a charming little village in Austria, located in the province of Burgenland, near the Austrian-Hungarian border. It is famous for it's thermal baths and wellness centres.
The speciality of Tarcsafürdő is that it has been known for centuries for it’s thermal waters, which offer relaxation in the local spa and wellness centres. The thermal waters of Tarcsafürdő are also beneficial for skin diseases, musculoskeletal problems and stress management.
Tarcsafürdő is situated in a beautiful, tranquil setting where visitors can enjoy the closeness of nature, while the surrounding countryside offers hiking and cycling opportunities.

Forchtenstein Castle (40 minutes drive from the hotel)
Forchtenstein Castle is one of Austria's most impressive and best preserved Renaissance castles, situated in the foothills of the Rozália Mountains in the province of Burgenland. The castle is outstanding not only for it’s architectural significance, but also for it’s close connection to Hungarian history. The castle is located near the village of Frakno and still fascinates visitors with it’s well-preserved walls, towers and magnificent views.
The castle dates back to the end of the 13th century and has undergone many modifications since then, most notably Renaissance extensions and alterations. In particular, the castle of Frakno is famous for its huge, fortress-like walls and for its fortification system, which is still almost intact and reflects the medieval defensive architecture.
The castle was the scene of many historical events and was closely associated with the Habsburg family and the Hungarian aristocracy. Since 1622, the castle has been owned by the famous Esterházy family, who are responsible for many of the artistic and architectural improvements to the castle.
The interior of the castle is decorated with unique works of art, antique furniture and historical relics that offer a glimpse into medieval and Renaissance life. One of it’s greatest attractions is the magnificent view of the surrounding lush green hills and distant countryside. The castle is now a museum and cultural centre, with a wide range of events, exhibitions and performances, making it worth exploring in all seasons.

Parndorf Designer Outlet (1 hour 20 minutes drive from the hotel)
Parndorf Outlet is located near Vienna and is one of the largest and best-known outlet centres in Central Europe, offering a true shopping paradise for fashion and premium product lovers. Parndorf Designer Outlet has more than 170 stores and is renowned for offering the world's biggest fashion brands as well as a wide range of luxury and sports brands, all at significant discounts.
The Parndorf Designer Outlet is not just about shopping, it is also a real experience: the modern, pleasant surroundings, quality restaurants and cafés all contribute to a full day of activities for visitors. In addition, the Parndorf Designer Outlet also offers various seasonal promotions and events, so there is always something new to discover.

Vienna (1 hour 30 minute drive from the hotel)
The Austrian capital is an hour and a half's drive from the hotel and offers a wide range of leisure activities. Vienna is a city of history, culture and elegance along the Danube. As the former imperial capital of the Habsburgs, Vienna is a true citadel of Austrian history and art, full of impressive palaces, museums and imposing buildings. The city is renowned for its imperial heritage, with the Hofburg Palace as the seat of the Austrian royal family, St Stephen's Cathedral in the heart of the city centre and the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace all providing unrivalled examples of Vienna's imperial past.
For the culturally inclined, Vienna offers an unrivalled experience: the city is home to the famous Vienna State Opera, and the museum district, the Kunsthistorisches Museum and the Belvedere Gallery are among the world's largest art collections. Classical music lovers will not be disappointed: Vienna is the capital of music, and great masters such as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss all composed their best-known works here.
The city is a paradise not only for lovers of culture, but also for lovers of cafés and Viennese cuisine. The famous Viennese cafés, such as Café Central or Café Sacher, are meeting places for locals and tourists alike. Austrian pastries such as Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel are also an essential part of the Viennese experience.
For lovers of unique adventures, Vienna's Prater is an unmissable attraction, a magical green oasis in the heart of the city. More than just a park, the Prater is an iconic Viennese experience, an attraction for locals and tourists alike. The most popular part of the Prater is the famous Wurstelprater, an amusement park where visitors can enjoy a variety of fun attractions, from classic carousels to high-speed roller coasters and an impressive Ferris wheel.
The Ferris wheel, or Riesenrad, which has been the symbol of the Prater since 1897, is not only a fascinating attraction but also a true symbol of Vienna. More than 65 metres high, it offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city, especially at sunset, when Vienna is bathed in brilliant light.