Machine marvels in Mezőkövesd: Time travel at the Machine Museum and attractions in Mezőkövesd

What exactly will be covered?

The unique character of Mezőkövesd: machines, medicinal water, tradition

The history and attractions of the Hajdu Ráfis János Agricultural Machine Museum

The development of the Zsóry Baths and today's visitor experience

Why Mezőkövesd is the ideal destination for a long weekend

It is no coincidence that the János Hajdu Ráfis Agricultural Machinery Museum is listed in both domestic and international professional registers: its unique theme and size make it a one-of-a-kind collection. The museum opened in 1979 and has been expanding ever since.

Two large units await visitors in the nearly 8,600 square meter area: one displays factory and industrial history tools, while the other displays objects related to farming. The exhibition includes a traditional courtyard with a well, granary, and carriage house, as well as a separate hall where the power machines are housed.

The collection comprises nearly 2,800 items, ranging from blacksmithing tools and crop processing equipment to steam engines and loco-mobiles. Visitors’ favorites are the tractors, which are preserved in excellent condition and impressively demonstrate the technical development of agriculture.

The museum won the Museum of the Year award in 1997 and 2002, and since 2013 it has been named after its founder. Every year on the first Saturday in September, an engineers’ meeting is held here, which has now grown into a national event.

The history of the Zsóry Thermal Bath and Beach began with a very special twist. In 1938, Lajos Zsóry granted permission to explore for oil on his estate. However, during drilling, instead of oil, 60-degree thermal water gushed out from a depth of 875 meters with geyser-like force.

The healing properties of the water were quickly recognized, and in 1940 it began to be sold in bottles. That same year, the first bathing pool was opened. The characteristic sulfurous smell is still unmistakable today – many people can smell it from Route 3 or even the highway as they approach Mezőkövesd.

In the following decades, further drilling took place and the spa continued to develop. In 1983, it was declared a spa of national importance, and later a 156-bed rheumatology hospital was also built. Today, the complex is located on 11 hectares of landscaped grounds and has a total of 22 pools.

The facilities include a wave pool, a water slide park, children’s and adult pools, an indoor section open all year round, therapeutic pools of various temperatures, a sauna world, and a swimming pool. Accommodations located in the immediate vicinity – such as Pandora Apartments, which has been operating since 2015 – are an ideal base for long weekends or even multi-day getaways.

The Zsóry Baths are popular not only for their medicinal waters, but also for their classic beach experience. The huge, well-kept lawns offer plenty of space for sunbathing, relaxing or even lounging around all day, while a beach volleyball court awaits sporty guests. Traditional beach foods are also part of the summer atmosphere here: lángos (fried dough), hake, fried sausage, and other quick snacks.

If you are looking for a more sophisticated dining experience, the good news is that the Rózsa (‘Rose’) Restaurant is located right next to the spa. The place is popular for a reason: the menu goes beyond the usual beach buffet fare, and the quality of the food is surprisingly high. A hearty lunch or dinner here is the perfect complement to a day spent at the spa.

The rheumatology hospital is located in the immediate vicinity of the Zsóry Baths, where people with musculoskeletal problems seeking healing are welcome all year round. The composition of the medicinal water is particularly suitable for treating joint, rheumatic, and other musculoskeletal complaints, so the spa offers not only relaxation but also genuine therapeutic opportunities.

This diversity is what makes Zsóry Bath truly special: it is a beach, a health resort, a community space, and a relaxation zone all at once, where everyone can find a program that suits their own pace and needs.

The uniqueness of Mezőkövesd lies in the fact that it offers both active programs and peaceful relaxation. The technical history experiences of the machine museum, the relaxing world of the spa, and the cultural heritage of the city complement each other well.

During a long weekend, you can easily combine museum visits, spa treatments, and city walks, while the area’s gastronomic venues and natural attractions also offer a wealth of activities.

The Hungarian Bath Association is an association of economic organizations and entrepreneurs operating baths. This association, which enjoys considerable professional authority, has been preserving and protecting the traditions of Hungarian spa culture for 33 years, actively participating in the planning, development, construction, and maintenance of Hungarian spas. The organization has also been a member of the European Spas Association since 1998.