Journey in Fertőd, Hungary

We began our day with a delicious breakfast, and then drove to our first destination. We drove through small villages and finally arrived at a spectacular castle. It is called Esterházy Castle, but it also has another name, the Hungarian Versailles.
The aristocratic families of Hungary wrote European history from political, military, and cultural points of view. They faithfully served their monarchs and kings. Two of the most important families were Széchényi and Esterházy.
The castle was built between 1762 and 1784, in a Baroque, and rococo style by prince I. Miklós (Nicholas I) It gives home to exhibitions in its 126 rooms which are designed in a rococo style. While we were walking through the castle, we admired the beautiful interior decorations such as stuccos, statues, and frescos such as Apollo’s Triumph which was painted by Josef Ignaz and can be found in the first-floor ceremonial hall. We also learned about the history of the castle and the Esterházy family.
This architectural masterpiece played an important role in cultural life. Thanks to Miklós Esterházy and Joseph Haydn who was the most significant figure in Classical European music culture. The Austrian composer spent half of his active period here between 1766 and 1790. During its history, the castle was visited by high-ranking families and even the empress Mária Terézia (Mary Theresa).
After exploring this impressive place, we went to its beautifully designed gardens which are masterpieces of European Baroque Garden art. While we were walking, we discovered a rose garden founded by Countess Margit Cziráky. We also found a statue from Haydn as a commemoration of his work.
Opening Hours and Tickets here.

Our next visiting point was the home of the important Széchényi family. The Classicist Széchenyi castle was built in 1750 by Antal Széchényi. Originally, the Kiscenki manor house stood here and walls were used for the construction. After Antal’s death, his son István Széchenyi (Stephen Széchenyi) inherited the castle. Between 1834 and 1840, he commissioned the architect Ferdinánd Hild to renovate the building, who added two wings to the castle. Stephen also implemented all the technical innovations that he learned during his travels. These include the installation of a bathroom, water flushing toilets, and lighting with gas.
The castle contains a large hall, a two-storey chapel, and theatres. It is also surrounded by a beautiful garden designed by Stephen’s son Béla Széchenyi and his wife Hanna Erdődy. They planted many rare species as well as a spectacular rows of linden trees.
Unfortunately, the garden and the castle were destroyed during World War II. Reconstruction took place in 1973 and the István Széchenyi Memory Museum was opened. Here, we learned the history of the family, especially István Széchenyi who was the best-known and most well-respected Hungarian politician of all time. During his life, he founded the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, participated in the construction of the first permanent bridge (the Chain Bridge) across the Danube, and promoted modern industries and transportation.
More information and Opening Hours here.

It was time for lunch. Near to the castle we found this nice family restaurant. Again we tried a dish which actually named after the first castle we visited called Eszterházy-tokány. It was delicious.
Opening Hours Monday - Friday 5:00am - 8:00pm Saturday - Sunday 7:00am - 8:00pm

In the 1500s, the Fertőrákos Stone Quarry was used for building. Many of the residences, churches, and palaces were built of its stones in Sopron and also in Vienna.
The Stone Quarry with its cave-like halls formed over the past two thousand years. It was registered as a protected site in 1951. Today it gives a home for an exhibition and a theatre with a special atmosphere.
We chose the individual tour. Each station has an information board with a QR code which gives you the relevant information. We also rented an mp3 player which not only guided us through the tour but contained additional information as well as music recorded in the theatre.
We began our tour with the educational trail called rock buckthorn. It is named after the shrub Rhamnus saxatilis which is a plant that lives in the limestone mountains of Central Europe. By following the route, we encounter the natural values ​​of the Fertőrákos quarry, the Fertő branch and the Fertő-Hanság National Park. We explored the different protected plant and animal species and enjoyed the wonderful view of Lake Fertő and the surrounding countryside. We continued our tour in the cave.
At the entrance, we admired the Pecten clams, and then we were introduced to the life of the bats. Next, we found ourselves in the waters of the prehistoric sea surrounded by prehistoric shark jaws, fossil copies, dolphin body reconstructions, real fossils, and vertebrate and invertebrate fossils. Then, we explored the tools and methods used for mining limestone by our ancestors.
Finally, we arrived at the incredible Cave Theatre which was discovered by the pianist, composer, and conductor Ernő Dohnányi. In 1937, singer Ferenc Kóh recognized the potential of this place with its astonishing acoustics. Finally, György Várady who was the former director of Kisfaludy Theater in Győr founded the Cave Theatre. The first performance took place in 1970. Since then, the theatre was upgraded with heated seats, modern theatrical lighting, and audio technology.
We really enjoyed learning about local natural, petrological, paleontological and cultural treasures.
Information about the Opening Hours and Tours with tickets here.

While we were in the Stone Quarry, we heard about this place, so following the local’s advice, our next destination is the Mithrász sanctuary. It was discovered in 1866 by Ferenc Stornó and is one of the most important Roman age relics of the area. Since 2001, it is a World Heritage site. After digging into the history, we found out that these underground temples were dedicated to Mithras, who was referred to as the Sun God. His name can be found in many cultures even before the Roman era. Today, his cultic reverence lives in Hinduism and the Parsi religion.
In the II-IV century, the Mithras sanctuaries were in their heyday In the territory of the Roman Empire. The so-called mysterious religious cult was formed, where the members were chosen and trained until they reached complete knowledge of the doctrines. The members of the religious communities represented all parts of society. After the IV century, this religious cult began to decline, and then during the Christian era, it completely disappeared.
In 1991, a verification excavation took place by an archaeologist from Sopron called Gabriella Gabrieli. György Kovács sculptor-restorer restored the cult image, and the protective building is the work of Ágnes H. Vladár.
As we explored this unique place, we found a colourful relief. It features God Mithras in Persian dress as he presses a bull to the ground with his knees while stabbing his dagger into its neck. Around him, we discovered the portrait of a dog, a snake, and a scorpion. On both sides, there are two figures with torches standing. They are Cautes and Cautopates, who are the symbol of dawn and nightfall. We also saw other representations and symbols such as the Sun, the Moon, the equilateral triangle and the magical pentagram.
It was really interesting to gain an insight into this 2000-year-old secret religion and try to unlock the mysteries of cosmic connections.
Opening Hours here.

After the tour we went to Bükfürdő which is also closely related with the medicinal spa waters. But before we headed to the Thermal Spa we stopped to buy some groceries for breakfast tomorrow. The thermal water is coming from the depth of nearly 1300 meters through four spa wells.
As we entered, the calming and relaxing atmosphere immediately hit us. While we were exploring this place, we discovered different pools such as thermal, family and sports pools. The thermal water is coming from the depth of nearly 1300 meters through four wells. The pools are surrounded with a beautiful park with many old trees.
After the sauna, I headed to my treatment which I booked in advance. It is called dead sea salt bath which was amazing. This bath contains 26 minerals which helps the skin and rheumatic diseases, asthma, enteritis, and hypertonia. What was really positive that it does not contain chemicals. After the treatment, my skin felt completely renewed. When we finished, we felt completely relaxed and energised.
More information about the treatments, spa, and opening hours here

Only a short distance from the Bükfürdő Thermal & Spa, we found this charming restaurant. It offers a relaxing atmosphere and delicious food. As we visited this place during summer, we had the opportunity to taste dishes which are cooked in the garden style such as the famous goulash soup cooked on an open fire, and an oven baked pork dish.
Opening Hours Monday - Sunday 11:00am - 10:00pm

After the delicious dinner, we headed to the Fertő–Hanság National Park where we checked in this unique hotel. The building features a typical folk architecture with wooden structures and thatched-roof. It beautifully blends in with the surrounding natural beauty.
The building gives home to offices, a characteristic circular hall, and accommodation. We also find a closed yard and a car park.
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