Situated near the western border of Hungary, at the foot of the Austrian Alps, Sopron is one of the most ancient jewels of the country. Featuring an utterly gorgeous mix of charming streets in the historical town center, gothic, baroque and renaissance architectural rarities and historical monuments, as well as a hearty wine culture, Sopron is a stunner!

Sopron (pronounced show-pronn) is famous for its national dedication, symbolized by the Gate of Loyalty. Made in commemoration of the 1921 referendum, when the inhabitants of Sopron voted to remain a part of Hungary and not Austria, the gate is located on the southern side of the Fire Tower.

A whole heap of history…

Yup, this town is pretty darn old. Indeed, it’s one of the richest towns in Hungary in terms of historical monuments, with a Town Hall that was built in 1896 to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarian conquest. Facing it is the Storno House, where King Matthias once lodged and which now houses a museum, and The Goat Church served as a place for coronations and parliamentary sessions in the 17th century. The statue of the Holy Trinity is an outstanding work of Hungarian baroque sculpture. The St. Ursula Church, built in neo-gothic style, is among the most successfully produced architectural monuments of the last century. Finally, the castle district was formed along the one-time moat, and its inner row of houses follows the castle wall.

Did somebody say museum?

Before you yawn and snap that you don’t do museums… we’re pretty sure that you might find one you like in Sopron. Due to the number and quality of the historical culture houses and museums, Sopron is often referred to as a “Town of Museums”. The 23 (yep, you read that right) permanent exhibitions of the oldest Hungarian provincial museum, founded in 1867, attract masses of visitors, and the town’s well-known public and private collections have plenty in store for those seeking a deep understanding of culture.

Festooned with festivals

I think it’s fair to say that Sopron is the festival town. Throughout the year, Sopron plays host to a wide range of events attracting visitors from across the country and the rest of Europe. From the VOLT Festival and Summer Music Series in the unique and breathtaking Cave Theater in Fertőrákos to Old Music Days, classical choir festivals, Spring Arts Days, Sopron Wine Feast, and numerous other events, Sopron is a real treat for tourists!

Getting back to nature, innit.

Sopron’s natural environment of refreshing alpine air, hiking trails in wooded foothills and natural hot springs make the town a perfect holiday relaxation spot: you won’t have to worry about Budapestian road rage here, no siree! The Lővér Hills, located to the south of the town, mark a beautiful and elegant quarter, featuring silent pinewood and oak forests, chestnut groves and seasonal flowers in view from the trails and lookout towers.

So what do you say? Fancy giving Sopron a go? Go on, take a walk, absorb some culture… and make sure you sample some of the local tipple!

How to get there:
Sopron is about 210km from Budapest, and is a simple straight-shot along the M1 highway, then Route 85 just past Győr. Trains leave every 30-45 minutes from Keleti station and take 2.5-3.5 hours depending on connections.