Helyszín címkék:
Land of a Thousand Little Wonders: Vasi-Hegyhát Rábamente
Szabó Sára
What's the article about?
- Land of tranquillity near the Őrség region
- In search of historical and cultural treasures
- Local flavours: from wines to Mangalica pork
- Experiences in every season
Land of tranquillity near the Őrség region
The Vasi-Hegyhát Rábamente region stretches across the southern part of Vas County, near the Slovenian and Austrian borders. It is a classic rural area still characterized today by its closeness to nature and a peaceful pace of life. Tiny villages, picturesque river valleys, extensive forests, and rolling hills define the region – one could hardly ask for a more beautiful setting for exploration and relaxation.
Vineyards line the hillsides, streams meander through the valleys, and in many of the tiny settlements, the traditional village character has been preserved to this day.
In search of historical and cultural treasures
One of the region’s greatest treasures is its diverse cultural heritage. The common thread linking the numerous small settlements is their centuries-old history: churches from the Árpád era, Roman-era monuments, and castles dating back hundreds of years make this region truly special. Here, we can also find a wooden circular church – known as a rotunda – that is unique in the country.
The historical landmarks of this border region can be explored in several places. In Csehimindszent, you can visit the birthplace of Prince Primate József Mindszenty, and in Győrvár, the battle memorial is well worth a visit. In Körmend, the legacy of the Batthyány family plays a defining role in the town’s character. The poet Gáspár Nagy also lived in the region; his grave is located in his native village.
Did you know? One of the greatest treasures of the Vasi-Hegyhát Rábamente region is that it is dotted with small villages. In many places, viticulture, the production of local products, and community festivals still play an important role today. As you stroll through the villages, you’ll notice well-tended gardens and neat front yards, and it’s worth visiting the local markets – including the Nádasdi Local Farmers’ Market, held every other Saturday.
Local flavours: from wines to Mangalica pork
As we know, gastronomy is an important part of exploring the region. Let’s visit Tibor Gaál’s winery on the vineyard hill in Petőmihályfa, where, in addition to wines, we can sample pálinka made from local fruits and enjoy dishes prepared with vegetables grown right there. It’s also worth stopping by the realm of Attila Landherr and his wife, Hajni – the Csodaszarvas Landscape Park in Rábahídvég – where you can purchase delicious sourdough baked goods and Mangalica pork products. You can book accommodations in the park, and the family also owns the Anyalánya Sourdough Bakery.
Experiences in every season
For spring, we warmly recommend the Spring Snowdrop Hike held in the Dobogó Forest near Körmend. Summer and early fall are particularly lively seasons: the Körmend Days, and the Orbán Day Mountain Festival are all popular events. The latter is an excellent opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the Hegykő vineyards, sample local products, and enjoy dishes typical of the region. Fall – here as well – is the season for village festivals, the grape harvest, and nature walks. Finally, in winter, log-hauling competitions and winter burial ceremonies take center stage.
Hello Hungary’s tip: You can easily explore the region on foot! As part of the coin-collecting hikes, you can follow designated trails and earn a commemorative coin for each hike you complete. An ideal starting point is Nagymizdó, home to the Lobogó Guesthouse and Horse Farm, but you can also explore along the Iron Curtain trail to the Miród Spring or visit the Kneipp Water House in Olaszfa.
