Vas County Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, and local culture of Vas County in Hungary's Western Transdanubia region.


Introduction to Vas County

Vas County is a charming region in Western Transdanubia, Hungary. It is surrounded by beautiful hills, forests, and rivers, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities to explore nature. Besides nature, Vas County is also rich in history and culture, reflected in its museums, historical attractions, and local traditions. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best things to do, places to visit, and local experiences to have in Vas County.

List of Places to Visit in Vas County

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Storno House in Ödenburg (Sopron): A lovely museum showcasing the works of the Storno family of painters.

  • Esterházy Palace in Fertőd: A stunning baroque palace with opulent interiors and lovely gardens.

  • Schweinburg Castle in Kőszeg: A well-preserved medieval castle with historical exhibits and beautiful views.

  • Fortress of Sümeg: A medieval fortress perched on a hill with exhibits and regular tours.

Natural Attractions of Vas County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Örség National Park: A beautiful natural park with hiking trails, wildlife, traditional architecture, and cultural attractions.

  • Lővér Hills in Sopron: A lovely park with biking and hiking trails, scenic views, and historical landmarks.

  • Lake Fertő (Neusiedler See): A UNESCO World Heritage site shared between Hungary and Austria with excellent water activities and scenic views.

  • Rába River in Körmend: A picturesque river with beautiful bridges, parks, and restaurants.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Vas County

Vas County is a fantastic destination for hikers and bikers. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • Lővér Hills Bike Trail: A 28 km trail that takes bikers through scenic hills, forests, and vineyards.

  • Natura Trail: A hiking trail through Örség National Park with beautiful views, traditional architecture, and cultural attractions.

  • Velem Stream Trail: A moderate hiking trail through the Velem Stream Valley with stunning waterfalls and views.

  • National Blue Trail: A long-distance hiking trail that passes through Vas County, offering opportunities to explore the region’s natural and cultural attractions.

Best Things to Do in Vas County: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting: Vas County is known for its excellent wines, especially the reds. You can taste them at local wineries, such as Gimesi Winery and Kamocsay Ákos Winery.

  • Outdoor Adventures: Besides hiking and biking, Vas County is also great for other outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and horse riding.

  • Local Events: Vas County hosts many local festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Sausage and Fish Days in Szentgotthárd and the Harvest Festival in Szombathely.

  • Spas and Wellness: Vas County has several hot springs and wellness centers, such as Sarvar Thermal Spa and Bükfürdő Thermal Spa.

Week-Long Itinerary for Vas County

Here’s a week-long itinerary for exploring Vas County:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Sopron, explore the city’s historical landmarks such as Fire Watch Tower and Roman Stone Quarry.

  • Day 2: Hike or bike the Lővér Hills, then visit Esterházy Palace in Fertőd.

  • Day 3: Visit Kőszeg and explore Schweinburg Castle, Jurisics Castle, and the old town.

  • Day 4: Explore Örség National Park, visit the Open-Air Museum of the Borders, and try local dishes in a traditional Csárda restaurant.

  • Day 5: Take a day trip to Lake Fertő and enjoy water sports or a boat ride.

  • Day 6: Visit the Fortress of Sümeg, then relax at Sarvar Thermal Spa.

  • Day 7: Visit Velem Stream Valley, then have wine tasting in a local winery and enjoy a traditional Hungarian goulash dinner.

Food and Drink Scene of Vas County

Must-Try Dishes

  • Goulash Soup: A classic Hungarian dish made with beef, potatoes, vegetables, and paprika.

  • Fisherman’s Soup: A spicy fish soup made with various freshwater fish, vegetables, and paprika.

  • Pörkölt: A meat stew made with pork or beef, vegetables, and paprika.

  • Lángos: A fried bread topped with sour cream, cheese, and garlic.

Local Beverages

  • Red Wine: The red wines of Vas County are excellent, especially the Kékfrankos and Zweigelt varieties.

  • Beer: Vas County has several local breweries, such as the Soproni Brewery and the Keserű Méz craft brewery.

  • Unicum: A bitter herbal liqueur from Hungary.

Where to Stay in Vas County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Sopron: Hotel Lövér, Hotel Wollner, and Solar Club Hotel.

  • Fertőd: Schloss Hotel.

  • Kőszeg: Hotel Irottkő, Hotel Portré, and Gunaras Resort Spa Hotel.

  • Sarvar: Danubius Health Spa Resort Sarvar, Park Inn by Radisson Sarvar Resort & Spa, and Hotel Bassiana.

What to Buy in Vas County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Porcelain: Sopron’s porcelain factory produces beautiful and unique pieces, including decorative porcelain eggs.

  • Wine: The red wines of Vas County make excellent souvenirs to bring home.

  • Crafts: Örség National Park and other local communities produce beautiful traditional crafts, such as woven baskets and woodcarvings.

Local Culture and Customs of Vas County

Vas County has a rich and unique culture, influenced by its proximity to Austria and Slovenia. The area is known for its traditional crafts and musical traditions, such as the Zither, a type of stringed instrument. The region also has a rich culinary tradition, such as the local sausage and fish dishes.

Best Time to Visit Vas County

The best time to visit Vas County is between April and October when the weather is warmer and outdoor activities are readily available. The peak tourist season is during July and August, but the shoulder months of April to June and September to October offer milder weather and fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Vas County

Do:

  • Try the local wines and cuisine.

  • Respect the local traditions and customs.

  • Stay hydrated in warm weather.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing in churches or other religious sites.

  • Litter in natural areas or historical sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Vas County

Vas County is a safe and peaceful destination, but travelers should still exercise caution, such as keeping an eye on belongings and avoiding unlit areas at night.

Health in Vas County

Vas County has several hospitals and clinics that can provide medical assistance if needed. However, travelers should also consider obtaining travel insurance before their trip.

Getting to Vas County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Vas County

The closest airport to Vas County is Vienna International Airport, which is 70 km away. Other nearby airports include Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (190 km) and Bratislava Airport (90 km).

Bus Stations Near Vas County

There are several bus stations in Vas County, including Sopron Bus Station, Szombathely Bus Station, and Kőszeg Bus Station. Bus travel is a convenient and affordable way to get around the region.

Other Options

Travelers can also reach Vas County by train. The main train stations in the region are Sopron Station, Szombathely Station, and Kőszeg Station.

How to Get Around in Vas County

The easiest way to get around Vas County is by car. However, travelers can also explore the region by bike, foot, or public transportation. Local buses and trains connect the major towns in the region, while taxis are also available.

Where to Go Next from Vas County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Budapest: The capital city of Hungary is a must-see destination with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife.

  • Vienna: Austria’s capital city is only a short drive or train ride away, offering a wealth of cultural attractions and historical landmarks.

  • Bratislava: The charming capital city of Slovakia is also within reach, with its old town and iconic castle.

Conclusion

Vas County is a hidden gem in Western Transdanubia, Hungary, offering visitors a wide array of experiences and attractions. From hiking in natural parks to exploring historical landmarks and savoring delicious local cuisine, Vas County has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and discover the beauty of this unique region for yourself!

Vasvár Vasvár


    Celldömölk
    Körmend
    Kőszeg