Our region

The Szentgotthárd small region is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Transdanubia. Its centre, Szentgotthárd, the westernmost town of Hungary has been gifted with picturesque natural environment, rich history and beautiful architectural masterpieces.

The town of the tri-border area, as it is also called, is only a few kilometres from Austria and Slovenia. The close union of the three nations can be observed also in the fields of culture and tourism, providing very special experiences to the visitors.

The fascinating natural environment, peaceful bathing places and tourist destinations, meadows rich in herbal plants and cool forests fulfil every need of tourists as it provides numerous opportunity to active recreation and relaxation.

Szentgotthárd small region

The geographical features and historic relics make the Szentgotthárd small region a real treasure in the westernmost corner of Hungary and what’s more, this area provides home for the richest butterfly fauna of the country. 

The lovely small villages with their special atmosphere gives true countryside feeling to the visitors. People choosing to visit this region are awaited with local history relics, architectural values, authentic foods and colourful programs.

The peaceful area of the Hársas Lake is an excellent place to take excursions, and the River Rába, the only river in Hungary suitable also for rafting tours, is a popular destination of fishermen and the fans of water sports.   

Discover the Szentgotthárd small region

The settlements in the Szentgotthárd small region has rich history and as such they also offer architectural and cultural attractions in addition to unique natural values.

The village of Felsőszölnök is located at the tri-border of Hungary, Austria and Slovenia. The Slovenian Folklore House introduces the historical, church historical, ethnographical and cultural value of the Slovenian minority living in Hungary. ‘Hármashatár’ (tri-border) study trail in the Hampó Valley with exceptional natural treasures starts in the centre of the village and guides us to the Tri-Border Stone which is the greatest attraction of the village. Szlovén-vidék Közhasznú Nonprofit Kft. awaits visitors with nature school programs, handcraft and gastronomy workshops, local foods and flavoursome fruit juices. 

The main sight of Alsószölnök inhabited by Slovenian, German and Hungarian people is the Roman Catholic Church built in 1815 in classicizing style. The hill behind the church offers the visitor a stunning view of the valley of River Raba. The Folklore House created from the house of a cartwright presents the works and tools of the trade and the traditional life of the people in the area. 

Szakonyfalu, which lies about six kilometres away from Szentgotthárd, is a highly protected region of the Őrség National Park. The Roman-Catholic church, which was built in 1922, is considered one of the places of interest of the village. ‘Nyugati pont’ (western point) study trial start here and offers an opportunity of recreation.

When in Rönök, it is absolutely advisable to pay a visit to the Szent Imre Church built in 1904 in neo gothic style. The church located in a picturesque forest clearing gained fame for curing ill people making a pilgrimage here.

The village of Vasszentmihály lying at the junction of Vörös brook and Lahn brook is surrounded by enchanting forests which offer plenty of opportunities for hiking.

Nemesmedves is one of the smallest settlements of Vas County and Hungary. At the end of World War II. the German troops left Hungary at Nemesmedves. To commemorate our ‘liberation’ a T34 Soviet tank was put onto a platform. At the memorial place we can also find wooden headboards for each county of Hungary and an aluminium bell which typify peace.

The main attraction of Gasztony, the village where Kálmán Széll was born, is the church built in late baroque style with Turkish inscriptions from the era of King Joseph II. The The Baroque style Pázmándy-castle serves as the mayor's office and culture centre.

Rátót is famous for the Széll Kálmán Castle housing an impressive castle hotel at the moment. In the Castle Park, which is a nature conservation area, several rare tree species can also be found. According to the oral tradition, Ferenc Deák was a guest in Rátót many times and planted 13 oak trees to the memory of the martyrs of Arad on the field next to Brook-Lahm.

The most interesting spot of Rábagyarmat is  the traditional house protected as monumental heritage and the Rábel chapel. Visitors are advised to take a walk along Szent László spring.

In Csörötnek, when it comes to built heritage, we recommend visiting the ‘Bekes’ water-mill, erected in 1814, and the ‘Bekes’ cottage. The church and the Maria chapel are also worth visiting. The village can be found on the two banks of the River Rába in the heart of its valley, therefore it is favoured by both fishermen and fans of water sports. To the south of the village we can find the Wine Hill (Rába valley fruit road) providing with its sunny slopes excellent means of relaxation for local inhabitants and tourists alike. Visitors can also enjoy the calmness of Akácfa camping.

Magyarlak stretches between the Rába from the north and one of the last hills of the Alps. The hills from the south of the municipality are covered by forests and wine-gardens where you have the opportunity to take walks and hike in beautiful nature with crystal-clear air. 

Apátistvánfalava, Orfalu and Kétvölgy are the three small villages most rich in natural treasures: the area surrounded by breech forests and spruce forests gives home to rare and valuable plants and diverse fauna. The Fekete Lake and the peat meadows are beautiful and unique in the evolution history of flora in Hungary.

The church of Apátistvánfalva was built in 1786. The patron and eponym of the village is the Cistercian abbot Harding St. Stephan. The Border-Guard Memorial Place shows visitors the everyday life of border-guards. The common feature of the three villages, Apátistvánfalva, Orfalu and Kétvölgy, is the scattered settlement structure not to be found anywhere else in Hungary with its characteristic architectural style including straw roof, walls made of mashed clay, a smoke kitchen and a clay floor. The most beautiful house with these features can be found in Kétvölgy. The overlook at the highest point of the municipality, the Katalin-hill, which was built 2011, provides visitors an excellent sight onto the panorama of the Kétvölgy-region. Those who wish to understand the beauty of the Kétvölgy-region should visit the stations of the study trail showing meadow orchids. In Orfalu, there is a tea-house and a herbal garden in the place of the former ‘Nyúlház’ (rabbit house). The ‘Áfonyás’ study trail starts in the centre of the village, guiding hikers to the beautiful nature.