KEDVES UTAZÓ! DEAR TRAVELLER, SEHR GEEHRTER ...

PANNONIA
Visitors to Pannonia are spoiled for choice: historic towns,
festivals, protected natural habitats, ancient village traditions
and world famous wine routes are just a few of the region’s
many attractions.
Boasting a rich architectural heritage, the historic town centres
of Sopron, Kőszeg, Székesfehérvár, Veszprém and the World
Heritage Site, Pécs have all preserved their charm and beauty.
The towns of Pannonia also offer a wide range of festivals and
other cultural activities, including the Szombathely Savaria
Carnival, the Sopron Volt Festival, the Mohács “Busójárás”
Carnival, the Town Festival and the Arts and Gastronomic
Weeks in Pécs, the Székesfehérvár Royal Days Festival, the
Fort Festival in Komárom, the Veszprém Street Music Festival
and the Tata Water, Music, Flower Festival.
Once a province of the Ancient Roman Empire, Pannonia has
a long and tumultuous history, but some of its architectural
heritage still survives. The best examples of the ancient Roman
period are in Szombathely, Gorsium and Pécs, while Sümeg,
Csesznek, Siklós and Szigetvár offer some interesting medieval
castles. For the finest country mansions visit Fertőd and
Martonvásár, and the Benedictine Monastery at Pannonhalma
is also a must – one of the most important buildings in the
country, it is also a designated World Heritage Site.
Other sites of outstanding natural beauty are the hills around
Sopron and Kőszeg, the World Heritage district of Fertő, the
Bakony, Vértes, Gerecse and Velence hills, the Rétszilas fishing
lakes, the Mecsek hills, the Gemenc forest and the unspoiled
banks of the River Dráva.
For water sports, or pure summer relaxation, the jewels in
Pannonia’s crown are Lake Velence, Lake Fertő, and the
resorts of Orfű and Fadd-Dombori. Activities on offer include
hiking and cycling along the numerous nature trails and also
rowing. The “Aquapark” at Zalaegerszeg is a popular destination
for families.
Traditional skills are in abundance in the Göcsej, Őrség, Zselic
and Sárköz regions, where many craftsmen and women are
only too pleased to share some of the secrets of their trade.
Vértes and Csákvár are known for their pottery, and the fine
porcelain made in Herend is known all around the world.
The spas and thermal baths of Sárvár, Bükfürdő, Harkány,
Nagyatád, Pápa and Komárom can help cure some ailments
and also offer a wide range of recreational facilities.
The wine-growing areas of Villány, Mecsekalja, Szekszárd,
Sopron, Mór, Somló, Etyek and Neszmély are a perfect destination
to taste some of Hungary’s finest wines.
Whether it is for nature reserves, active relaxation, living traditions
or entertainment, Pannonia is one of the best places to
be in.
DUNÁNTÚL RÉGIÓ
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