Why to choose the region of Lake Fertő? Sights, excursions, nature and rural charm - Part 1

The Fertő region and its attractions are a special place. There are many villages worth visiting on both the Hungarian and Austrian sides of the border. This time, we thoroughly visited 10 settlements on the Hungarian side, traveling from east to west. Our journey began in the picturesque landscape of the Fertő-Hanság National Park.

Although the small village of Fertőújlak in Mexikópuszta is not directly part of the settlements of Lake Fertő, the route leading there is worth taking, for example, on a bike tour around the lake. This section, just a few kilometers long, is the essence of the national park. Crossing the Hanság Canal and reaching the settlement of Sarród, we can observe rare plants and bird species, protected butterfly species and traditional Hungarian domestic animals (rack sheep, buffalo, and grey cattle). Those interested can visit visitor centers such as 'Kócsagvár' and 'László Major', while architecture lovers can admire the peasant baroque style in Sarród. Several nature trails lead through this uniquely rich landscape. Most of them showcase the area's wildlife and are easy to visit with children, making them a truly family-friendly outing!

Fertőd is world-famous for its Esterházy Castle offering numerous cultural and leisure activities throughout the year, as does neighboring Fertőszéplak, where among others we can visit even a railway lamp museum and the village's folklore museum. The foundation stone of the baroque church in Fertőszéplak was laid by György Széchenyi in the early 18th century, and the church's original furnishings can still be admired today. The Calvary, guarded by angels, is also still there for us. Opposite the church stands the recently renovated Széchényi Castle. Its owner was Ferenc Széchényi, who was born in Fertőszéplak and was the founder of the Hungarian National Museum and the National Library. Family Széchényi transformed Fertőszéplak and its surroundings into a cultural and economic center, turning it into the largest and wealthiest settlement of the region. The renovation of the castle was completed in autumn 2020. The facade was renewed, and the stone frames of the windows and doors, as well as the wall painting details on the facade were restored. In 2024 the surroundings of the castle, church and park were also renovated. The new World Heritage Visitor Center of the Lake Fertő region, the so-called Peisonia Visitor Center was established here. Its name was inspired by the Latin equivalent of Lake Neusiedl, Lacus Peiso.

The thermal bath of Hegykő with its medicinal and recreational treatments attracts many visitors all year around. Seeking whether healing, exercising or simply relaxing, the bath welcomes visitors with its excellent healing waters. Hegykő's thermal water contains many dissolved substances and is a relatively hard, fluoride- and sulfur-rich mineral water with a sodium-chloride, alkali-hydrogen carbonate character as well as a significant iodide content. It is pumped from a depth of 1434 meters at a temperature of 55°C. The thermal water has been medically certified as suitable for the treatment of chronic joint pain. The rehabilitative bathing cure can be used with excellent results for the treatment of healed bone fractures, dislocations, joint sprains and muscle strains. Regular visits to the bath relieve the strain caused by exercise and intense muscular exertion, and the vapour rising from the water's surface even eases breathing difficulties.

Pessionate anglers find a fishing pond on the east side of Hegykő, located in a tranquil setting. The lake (approximately 1 km from Hotel Tornácos) has been operated and maintained by the Hegykő Fishing Club since 1980. It is a mine lake with an area of ​​4.9 hectares and a depth of between 0.5 and 3.0 meters. Visitors can purchase a regional card and use the developed fishing spots.

Near the church, visitors can view more than 100 pieces of Hövej lace at the village's folklore museum. The more than 100-year-old house itself is also a rarity: thanks to its oven and historic rooms, visitors can travel back in time. The Lace Museum features a lace exhibition entitled 'From the Cradle to the Eyelid' by Istvánné Szigethy, master of folk art.

One of Hegykő's specialties is the '1 Drop' brandy house, which has won numerous awards since its foundation. The distillery is housed in the 108-year-old 'Machine House' on the territory of the Fertő-Hanság National Park, which was awarded with the title of 'the most beautiful house in the Fertő Region' in 2014. Visitors can learn the secrets of 'pálinka' production and taste and enjoy certified varieties.

The Iron Curtain Memorial can also be found in this direction at its original location and is open to the public any time. Part of the original materials have been used to recreate it, and can be reached on foot, by bike, by car or even by horse-drawn carriage. Fortunately, the Iron Curtain is now history. Its existence draws attention to the fact that never again should there be a separation of countries and people by minefields and barbed wire. The three eras of this memorial can be viewed along a 40-meter stretch with the help of information panels.

Halfway through our excursion, we enjoy a break on the terrace of Restaurant Tornácos. While sipping homemade syrup and enjoying the spring sunshine, we plan the next part of our program from Fertőhomok to Fertőrákos.

To be continued… :)