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Why Choose a Holiday in Somogy?
Somogy is a province in Hungary known for its rich history and diverse culture. The region offers plenty for visitors looking for a relaxing holiday in a beautiful setting. A holiday home in Somogy is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the area and enjoy the many activities available. When you visit the province, you'll be amazed by the scenic landscapes and the peaceful, tranquil atmosphere.
The nature and lakes near your holiday villa in Somogy are perfect for outdoor activities. You can go hiking, cycling, canoeing, or simply enjoy the fresh air and the countryside. There are also many large holiday homes available for groups. If you enjoy water sports, you’ll find lakeside cottages and opportunities for sailing, fishing, or swimming in the many lakes and rivers.
If you’re interested in culture, there are several historic towns and attractions to explore in Somogy. The city of Kaposvár features interesting museums, a charming city centre with shops and restaurants, and beautiful architecture. In Siófok, you’ll find a lively atmosphere, a popular promenade, and lovely beaches along Lake Balaton.
Wine Tasting in Somogy
Somogy is well-known for its excellent wines, especially those from the wine region around Lake Balaton. Visit local wineries, sample delicious wines, and learn about the winemaking traditions of the area. A holiday home in Somogy is a great base for combining wine tastings with other activities in the region.
Wellness and Relaxation
Somogy offers a range of wellness centres and thermal baths where you can unwind and enjoy the healing properties of the mineral-rich waters. Visiting these baths is an ideal way to relax during your holiday in Somogy.
Top 3 Attractions in Somogy
The province of Somogy, located in southwestern Hungary, features a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. Here are the top 3 highlights:
Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton is one of the largest and most popular tourist destinations in Hungary, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Situated in western Hungary within Somogy province, the lake is a paradise for swimmers, sailors, and water sports enthusiasts, with its crystal-clear water and idyllic scenery. Surrounded by picturesque villages, vineyards, and extensive forests, the area around the lake offers plenty to discover. The northern shore is livelier, with a wide range of restaurants, bars, shops, and nightlife, while the southern shore is quieter and less developed.
Szigliget Castle
Szigliget Castle is a remarkable landmark on the northeastern shore of Lake Balaton. Set on a strategic hilltop, the castle was originally built in the 13th century by Hungarian nobility. It underwent several renovations and expansions over the centuries and became an important stronghold of the Kingdom of Hungary. After being damaged during the Ottoman occupation, it was rebuilt in the 19th century in neo-Gothic style. It remains one of the few castles of this style still standing in Hungary.
Bükk National Park
While not located in Somogy, Bükk National Park is easily accessible from the province. The park is famous for its dramatic karst landscape featuring mountains, caves, valleys, and forests. There are beautiful hiking trails leading through quaint villages, historic sites, and breathtaking viewpoints. The highest peak in the park is Kékes, reaching 1,014 metres. In addition to its natural beauty, Bükk National Park also has a rich cultural history, with evidence of human presence dating back to prehistoric times. One of the park's highlights is the Lillafüred waterfall, a stunning natural feature often used as a backdrop for films and TV series.
Discover Somogy from Your Holiday Home
The selection of holiday homes in Somogy is diverse, with options to suit every budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for a simple apartment in town, a lakeside villa, or a cottage in one of the charming villages, there’s something for everyone. Many holiday homes are also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along as you explore the beautiful Hungarian countryside. With a wide range of holiday homes and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this province of Hungary. Book your holiday home in Somogy now on Holidayhome.com and discover everything this region has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Somogy
Welcome to Somogy, a beautiful region in southwest Hungary. Somogy is known for its lush green landscapes, historic towns and villages, and rich culture. The region offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty, heritage, and modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic Hungarian experience. After reading this page, you’ll have a clear idea of what there is to see and do in this special province. Still have questions about Somogy? Take a look at the questions and answers section on the side – you might just find the answer you’re looking for.
Somogy offers a lot to discover, from beautiful landscapes with vast forests, lakes, rivers, and hills—including Lake Balaton, one of the largest lakes in Europe—to spa resorts with thermal springs and a rich history showcased in its historic towns and villages.
The region also boasts a vibrant culture with local cuisine, traditional crafts, music, and dance, along with numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Somogy is also home to a growing wine industry, with several wineries and vineyards producing excellent wines.
There are plenty of activities and attractions to discover in Somogy. Visitors can explore medieval towns and villages such as Kaposvár, Székesfehérvár, Nagyatád, and Pécs, where you’ll find historic landmarks like castles, museums, and churches.
Somogy also offers beautiful landscapes with forests, lakes, and hills, perfect for enjoying water sports such as sailing, kayaking, or swimming. There are also several national parks and nature reserves, including the Kiskunság National Park and the Balaton Uplands National Park. In addition, the region features a wealth of thermal baths and spas, such as Hévíz Thermal Lake, Zalakaros Thermal Bath, and Csiszta Bath, where visitors can relax in mineral-rich waters and enjoy a range of wellness treatments.
Experience local cuisine and wines, with dishes such as goulash, pork specialties, fish dishes, and white wines from Lake Balaton. The area also hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Busójárás Carnival in Mohács, the Tapolca Jazz Festival, and the Balatonlelle Wine Festival, where you can immerse yourself in local culture and traditions. For those seeking adventure, there are plenty of activities available, including horseback riding, hiking, cycling, and fishing.
Somogy offers a variety of stunning natural areas to explore, including Balaton Uplands National Park, Kiskunság National Park, Somogy Hills, the Kis-Balaton Nature Reserve, and the Zselic Landscape Protection Area.
- Balaton Uplands National Park: This park covers the Balaton-felvidék mountains, stretching along the northern shore of Lake Balaton. The park features beautiful landscapes with hills, valleys, lakes, forests, and vineyards. There are also numerous hiking trails and viewpoints to discover.
- Kiskunság National Park: Located in southern Hungary, this park covers a large part of the Hungarian lowlands. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare bird species and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and birdwatching throughout the park.
- Somogy Hills: The Somogy Hills are a series of low hills in the southern part of the region. The area is known for its scenic forests, vineyards, and small villages. Visitors can hike, cycle, and experience the local landscape and culture.
- Kis-Balaton Nature Reserve: Situated in the western part of Somogy, this reserve includes extensive marshlands and the Kis-Balaton Lake. It is an important bird sanctuary and provides a wonderful setting for walking and birdwatching.
- Zselic Landscape Protection Area: This area encompasses the Zselic hills along with surrounding forests and meadows. Known as one of the darkest areas in Hungary, it offers excellent opportunities for stargazing. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, cycling, and the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Somogy offers many beautiful towns and villages worth exploring, including Kaposvár, Székesfehérvár, Pécs, Nagyatád, and Tihany.
- Kaposvár: The largest city in Somogy, known for its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can admire stunning architecture, visit museums and galleries, and experience the local culture.
- Székesfehérvár: This historic city boasts a history dating back to Roman times. Visitors can explore medieval castles and churches, as well as enjoy local markets and festivals.
- Pécs: Recognized as a European Capital of Culture in 2010, Pécs features a vibrant heritage with both Roman and Ottoman influences. Visitors can discover beautiful architecture, art galleries, and museums.
- Nagyatád: A picturesque town famous for its thermal baths and historic attractions, including an 18th-century castle.
- Tihany: This charming village on Lake Balaton offers stunning views of the water and surrounding hills. Visitors can tour the medieval Tihany Abbey and savour local cuisine.
Somogy offers plenty of activities and attractions for families. Families can visit Lake Balaton, where you can swim, sail, kayak, fish, or enjoy the beaches, playgrounds, and water parks. Historical sights such as medieval castles and churches, as well as the Roman archaeological park of Szombathely, are also interesting for children.
There are also beautiful natural areas perfect for a family day out, where you can go hiking, cycling, or horse riding. Birdwatching is popular in the Kis-Balaton Nature Reserve. Somogy also features a variety of amusement parks and playgrounds such as Katica Tanya Park and Pannonia Ringo Park. Visitors can also relax in the many thermal baths and wellness resorts, including Hévíz Thermal Lake, the largest thermal lake in Europe.