Szekszárd Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture and customs of Szekszárd, Hungary, in Central Europe.


Introduction to Szekszárd

Szekszárd is a charming city located in Tolna County, Southern Transdanubia, Hungary, in Central Europe. The name of the city comes from the Hungarian word “szekér” meaning a cart or wagon and “szállítás” meaning transportation, which reflects the city’s history of being an important transportation hub during the Middle Ages.

Today, Szekszárd is known for its delicious wines, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. The city is worth a visit whether you are interested in culture, history, wine, or outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in Szekszárd

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Szekszárd Castle: This beautiful castle dates back to the 16th century and is now home to the Tolna County Regional Museum. Here, you can see exhibitions of the history of the city and region, as well as artworks from local artists.
  • József Attila Museum: This museum is dedicated to the famous Hungarian poet József Attila, who was born and spent his childhood in Szekszárd. You can learn about the life and work of the poet, and see his personal objects and manuscripts.
  • Saint Roch Chapel: This chapel is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and is dedicated to Saint Roch, the patron saint of the plague. It was built in the 18th century to protect the city from the disease. Inside, you can see beautiful frescoes and sculptures.

Natural Attractions of Szekszárd: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gerecse Mountains: This beautiful mountain range offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. It is also ideal for hiking and biking, with many trails of different difficulty levels.
  • Sárköz: A beautiful natural reserve located near Szekszárd, with meadows, forests, and lakes. It is home to many rare plant and animal species, and you can see beautiful wildflowers and migrating birds.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Szekszárd

Szekszárd offers many hiking and biking trails, both for beginners and experienced travelers. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • Boda-hegy Trail: This 12km long trail offers stunning views of the city and the nearby vineyards. It is moderately difficult and takes about 3-4 hours to complete.
  • Gerecse Trail: This 23km long trail takes you through the beautiful Gerecse Mountains, offering breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain.
  • Sárköz Trail: This 9km long trail takes you through the beautiful Sárköz nature reserve, with its amazing flora and fauna.

Best Things to Do in Szekszárd: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting: Szekszárd is famous for its wines, and a visit to the city is not complete without tasting them. You can take a tour of the local wineries, where you can see the production process and sample some of the best wines in the region.
  • Bike Tours: Renting a bike and taking a tour of the city and surrounding countryside is a great way to explore Szekszárd’s natural beauty and history.
  • Fishing: Szekszárd is known for its many lakes and rivers, which offer excellent fishing opportunities.

Week-Long Itinerary for Szekszárd

Day 1: Visit the Szekszárd Castle and the Tolna County Regional Museum.

Day 2: Take a bike tour of the city and the nearby vineyards.

Day 3: Visit the József Attila Museum and learn about the life and work of the famous poet.

Day 4: Hike in the Gerecse Mountains and enjoy the stunning views.

Day 5: Visit the beautiful Saint Roch Chapel and explore the city’s historic center.

Day 6: Take a wine tasting tour of the local wineries.

Day 7: Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Sárköz nature reserve.

Food and Drink Scene of Szekszárd

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pörkölt: A delicious stew made with beef, onions, and paprika, served with noodles or mashed potatoes.
  • Halászlé: A spicy fish soup made with carp or catfish, paprika, and other spices.
  • Töltött káposzta: Cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, served with sour cream.

Local Beverages

  • Szekszárdi Bikavér: This is the most famous wine of the region, made with a blend of different red grape varieties. It has a rich flavor and is ideal for red meat dishes.
  • Törkölypálinka: This is a traditional Hungarian fruit brandy, made from the leftovers of the winemaking process.

Where to Stay in Szekszárd: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in Szekszárd, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the best options:

  • Hotel Castello: This luxurious four-star hotel is located in the city center, near the Szekszárd Castle and other important attractions.
  • Elixír Medical Wellness Hotel: This hotel is famous for its spa and wellness facilities, and is located near the beautiful Sárköz nature reserve.
  • Szekszárd Panzió: This guesthouse is a great option for budget-conscious travelers, offering clean and comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.

What to Buy in Szekszárd: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Szekszárdi Bikavér: This famous wine is the perfect souvenir for wine lovers.
  • Herbs and Spices: Szekszárd is known for its delicious spices and herbs, such as paprika, cumin, and thyme.
  • Pottery and Ceramics: There are many shops in Szekszárd selling beautiful pottery and ceramics, made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Szekszárd

Hungarians are known for their love of music, dance, and traditional costumes, and the same goes for the people of Szekszárd. You can see many local festivals and events throughout the year, where you can experience the local culture first-hand.

Best Time to Visit Szekszárd

The best time to visit Szekszárd is during the warmer months, from May to September, when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city also hosts many festivals and events during these months, such as the Wine Festival in August and the szüret (harvest) festival in September.

Do’s and Don’ts of Szekszárd

Do:

  • Try the local wines and cuisine.
  • Respect the local traditions and customs.
  • Explore the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local customs and traditions.
  • Be too loud or disruptive in public places.
  • Ignore the safety precautions when hiking or biking in the mountains.

Safety and Health

Safety in Szekszárd

Szekszárd is a safe city with a low crime rate. However, travelers are advised to take the usual precautions, such as keeping valuables in a safe place and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Szekszárd

Hungary has a good healthcare system, and Szekszárd has several hospitals and clinics. Travelers are advised to have adequate travel insurance in case of emergencies.

Getting to Szekszárd: Transportation Options and Logistics

Szekszárd is located about 50 kilometers from the nearest major city, Pécs. Here are the transportation options to get there:

  • By Car: You can easily reach Szekszárd by car on the M6 highway from Budapest and other major cities.
  • By Train: Szekszárd is connected to the Hungarian railway network, and there are several daily trains from Budapest and Pécs.
  • By Bus: There are also several daily buses from Budapest and other major cities to Szekszárd.

Airports Near Szekszárd

  • Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport: This is the closest international airport, located about 150 kilometers from Szekszárd.

Bus Stations Near Szekszárd

  • Szekszárd Bus Station: This is the main bus terminal in the city, with several daily connections to other major cities.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: You can also rent a car in Budapest and drive to Szekszárd, which gives you the flexibility to explore the surrounding countryside.

How to Get Around in Szekszárd

The best way to get around Szekszárd is on foot or by bike. The city center is small and easy to navigate, with many pedestrian zones and bike paths. Taxis and buses are also available for longer distances or for those who prefer not to walk or bike.

Where to Go Next from Szekszárd: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many beautiful destinations near Szekszárd, which you can easily reach by car or public transportation. Here are some of the best options:

  • Pécs: This beautiful city, located about 50 kilometers from Szekszárd, is famous for its architecture and cultural heritage.
  • Lake Balaton: This is the largest lake in Central Europe, located about 100 kilometers from Szekszárd. It is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
  • Villány: This small town is known for its delicious wines, and is located about 30 kilometers from Szekszárd.

Conclusion

Szekszárd is a wonderful city with a rich history, beautiful nature, and delicious wines and cuisine. Whether you are interested in culture, history, or outdoor adventures, Szekszárd has something to offer for everyone. Plan your trip today and discover the beauty of this charming Hungarian city.