Szarvas

Szarvas is the western gateway to Békés County.

It lies by Hungary's fifth largest backwater, which is part of the River Körös. This town, with a population of 18000, puts emphasis not only on the preservation of folk cultural values but also on maintaining the natural environment in its original condition. The management of the Körös-Maros National Park can be found here, too.

The town's history goes back to the time of the Turkish occupation of Hungary, when it was a popular river crossing. During the 18 th century count János György Harruckern and the already settled Slovak peasants helped the development of the settlement.

But significant improvement happened only at the end of the century when an evangelic pastor, Sámuel Tessedik Introduced new reforms in the cultivaltion of the plain's sodic soil, the extension of agrcultural education, and the layout and arrangement of the town's streets and institutes.

He had a school built, which houses the Museum today, where you can see a permanent exhibition on the history of the town. Nearby stands the Old Church, which he also designed.

The Count Bolza family also played a significant role in the development of the town. They had several mansions built (two can be visited today: one stands on the bank of the River Körös where there are copies of Roman and Greek statues in its park; the other is in "Anna" Grove). The foundation of the Arboretum (which can also be visited) is linked with their name, too.

Further sights that should be mentioned are the "Ruzicskay" memorial house (the retreat and exhibition room of the famous artist), the Dry Mill (the name of which comes from the fact that it was driven not by water but by horses), and the Slovak Country House.

Recreation facilities are on offer in the town. Those who enjoy angling can participate in their hobby as there is a possibility of a good catch being carp and pike-perch, the luckier can even land some eel or catfish, too.

There are several hunts operating in the town. Guests can mainly hunt for small game (peasant, hare), but deer is not a rare game either.

The Szarvas Equestrian Club Association has mapped out three hiking routes in the National Park, so tourists can appreciate the unique values of the nature reserve while riding horses or sitting in a carriage.

If you love water, you can sail on the boat called Catharine II along the backwater and you can see the sights from the ship while listening to interesting sories told by the captain; or you can enjoy the beaches on the bank and hire canoes, kayaks or boats.

Szarvas has a wide range of cultural, traditional and sports events, in which people of all ages throughout the region can take part. The annual events are held from June to September. The first event is the Solodancefestival of Children (one time in a two year), then the Amateur Carriage Driving Championship and Equestrian Meeting in June, then the international Sheperds' Meeting and Pipers' Festival, and later the National Sheep Dog Trials Where visitors can become acquainted with the shepherds' lives, equipment, arts and music. After the Harvest Festival, the Amateur Marathon Canoe Race and the Meeting of Sister Towns, the Plum day closes the sequence of the events where those who are interested can taste plum dishes made according to our grandmothers' recipes and they can also try "pálinka" (brandy) made of the juice of this splendid fruit.



Szarvasi szállások:
Liget Wellness és Konferencia Hotel****, Szarvas
Rémus Vendégház és Faházak, Szarvas
Cervus Hostel ("A", "B", "C" épületek), Szarvas