Sopron, Hungary is a small western town right on the Hungarian and Austrian border, sometimes referred to as Hungary’s “most faithful city” due to its refusal to be assimilated into Austria in the early 1900s. Although suffering heavy damage during World War II, the town still retains much of its significant buildings, including remnants of the walls which circled this once fortified city. Sopron is a perfect day trip location since it’s only a few miles from Vienna and provides many different activities for travelers! Sample classic Hungarian dishes, travel through history with a day tour of all the city’s landmarks, or support local artists at the theatre! Indoors or outdoors, adventuring or relaxing, read on to find countless things to do in Sopron, Hungary!
1. Get a snapshot of Sopron through a guided day tour (from USD 400.0)
If you’re popping over from Vienna or Budapest for the day, this guided day tour is all you need to make sure you see all the impressive monuments scattered throughout Sopron. You will start at the Firetower, make your way to the Storno House, Goat Church, and finally Old Town Sopron where you’ll be able to marvel at the medieval architecture and sample the wine this city is known for at local restaurants. This completely private tour just for your group includes everything you need for a full Sopron experience.
Sopron the Jewel Box of Hungary Full-Day Trip
Duration: 8 to 10 hours
2. Visit Lake Neusiedl (from USD 433.0)
At approximately 6 feet (1.8 meters) at its deepest, this lake is not one that you’ll see many people yachting on. In fact, the biggest boat you’ll see might be a sailboat, but that doesn’t keep anyone from taking full advantage of the lake and its surrounding shores. Bikers especially will be thrilled with any of the lake’s 40 bikes routes adding up to over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of cycling track! Plus with the option of windsurfing and fishing, there is no shortage of activities to fill your day at the beautiful Lake Neusiedl.
Vienna and Budapest Transfer with Wine, Sightseeing Tour
Duration: 10 hours
3. Climb the legendary Fire Tower for the best view of the city
The Fire Tower, with its easily identifiable baroque balcony and onion dome, is built upon the ruins of an ancient Roman wall which once circled the city. Not only will you be able to get the best panoramic view of Sopron and the surrounding countryside from way up there, but you’ll also be able to learn about the significance of the tower. So named because of a watchman’s role in alerting the town to the location of a great fire, it now no longer serves as a watch post. Rather it is a symbol of loyalty, reminding the people of their faithfulness to the Hungarian government during the referendum in 1921.
Fire Tower
Address: Sopron, Fő tér 5, 9400 Hungary
Website: Fire Tower
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 4.02 USD
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4. Spend a whole day discovering the treasures within Sopron Forest Park
Sopron Forest Park is not only large but so interactive that you’ll be lucky if you see everything in one day! With nine lookout towers, an outdoor gymnastics course, monuments, historical landmarks, picnic sites, and over 350 km (217 miles) of hiking trails, this forest is rich in history and activity! So pack a picnic lunch, plan out a nice long hike (or stroll if you want to take it easy), and take in the native beauty while learning about the importance of having so many watchtowers in just one area!
Sopron Forest Park
Address: 9400, Sopron, Szent György u. 2.
Website: Sopron Forest Park
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
5. Learn the odd story of Taródi-vár
Interestingly, although Taródi-vár looks like something straight out of the medieval ages, its construction was actually completed in the 1950s. István Taródi, the brains behind Sopron’s only castle, decided he wanted to live in a castle and so, after years and years of painstaking studying and construction, Taródi-vár reached its completion. Although its eccentric creator passed away in 2010, the halls remain open and are cared for by his family for the entertainment of guests itching to learn more about this modern rendition of medieval architecture.
Taródi-vár
Address: Sopron, Csalogány köz 36, 9400 Hungary
Website: Taródi-vár
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 10.50 USD
6. Learn about the legend of the goat in Goat Church
Benedictine Church, or “Goat Church” as it is commonly referred to, gets its unique name from an ancient myth in which a goat supposedly unearthed a large amount of gold from the ground upon which the church now stands. The goatherd donated all the gold so that a church might be built. Today you can take a guided tour of the church to learn more about the legend, as well as the history of the sculptures and the rich gothic architecture. And on certain days, the Benedictine monks offer wine tasting sessions of their homemade wine, so be sure to put in your reservations for that before you go!
Goat Church
Address: Sopron, Templom u. 1, 9400 Hungary
Website: Goat Church
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 2.80 USD
7. Check out the antiques in Storno House
Passing through many hands before being turned into a museum, the Storno House has hosted everyone from royals to composers. This home, most recently belonging to the Storno family, is a treasure trove of antiques and artwork. Ferenc Storno, who spent a part of his life restoring artwork and monuments, was an avid collector of antiques. The home is filled with valuable furnishings and decorations which the Storno family left behind, giving guests a taste of the lifestyle in the 19th century.
Storno House
Address: Sopron, Fő tér, 9400 Hungary
Website: Storno House
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 3.50 USD
8. Walk around Bailey Promenade
If one of the reasons for including Sopron on your itinerary was because of its history, you’ll not want to miss walking through Bailey Promenade. Located right in Old Town Sopron, this road will take you on a path back in time where you’ll be able to see the ruins of the walls that once fortified the city and which were built over the original walls constructed by the Romans. Though little of the original wall can be seen. Along the Bailey Promenade, is a spot where due to damage from WWII bombings, the wall has been unearthed.
Bailey Promenade
Address: Sopron, Hungary
9. Rest at Deák Square
Located between Széchenyi Square and Csengery Street, this park spreads over a vast 6.7 acres (2.7 hectares). It is a favorite spot for locals, as the trees provide a respite from the sun and the dancing fountains a peaceful noise in the background. Take a blanket and picnic in the grass, rent some bikes and casually travel along the pathways, or string a hammock between the trees and curl up with a book. Deák Square is perfect for those looking for a lazy outdoor afternoon nap.
Deák Square
Address: Sopron, 9400 Hungary
Website: Deák Square
10. Challenge yourself at Lover Adventure Park Kft
Napsugarak a pályák közt
Posted by Lővér kalandpark - Sopron on Wednesday, 30 March 2016
Lover Adventure Park is a great destination spot for families, friends, and even dates! The park has one toddler course for ages three to six, three child courses of varying difficulty, three adult courses with varying heights and challenges, and one slide. Get all harnessed in, climb the heights, and see if you have what it takes to beat the rope courses! Be sure to check the weather before attending, as the park is all outside in the lush forests of Sopron and thus has to close during inclement weather.
Lover Adventure Park Kft
Address: Sopron, Hrsz. 0539, 9400 Hungary
Website: Lover Adventure Park Kft
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 1.05 - 10.51 USD
11. Brush up on your mining knowledge at Central Mining Museum
Recently refurbished, the Central Mining Museum presents guests with a whole variety of ways to learn about the importance of mining to the history and culture of Sopron. Walk the halls and read the plaques dedicated to miners who risked their lives in this dangerous job. Examine some of the rocks and minerals unearthed in the mines and learn about their significance, take a look at some of the mining tools and machines once used underground. And finally, take a tour of the mock mine (the real one has been sealed off for safety purposes) and experience a day in the life of a miner, from the scares to the thrills to the successes!
Central Mining Museum
Address: Sopron, Templom u. 2, 9400 Hungary
Website: Central Mining Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 3.15 USD
12. Learn about Jewish history at the Old Synagogue
Although mostly demolished in the early 1500s, efforts have been made to recreate and refurbish the Old Synagogue to its original beauty. There are still parts of the synagogue which are still standing, including the baths which were used in their purifying rituals. There are not many original artifacts throughout the place, but visitors continue to find a feeling of peace and awe in the simplicity and authenticity that still lingers here within the walls.
Old Synagogue
Address: Sopron, Új u. 22, 9400 Hungary
Website: Old Synagogue
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 2.80 USD
13. Stop by the Holy Trinity Statue
The baroque-style Holy Trinity Statue has stood in Sopron’s main square since 1701 when it was erected to celebrate the end of a plague epidemic. It is noted as one of the first outdoor uses of the twisted-column design, which had previously been seen only inside. Decorated with beautiful sculptures of angels, swaths of flowers, statues of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Trinity itself, this white and golden piece of art is a worthwhile stop if you find yourself strolling through Old Town Sopron.
Holy Trinity Statue
Address: Templom utca 1, Sopron 9400, Hungary
14. Explore the fascinating Kőhalmy Hunting Museum
Erdei naplemente?
Posted by Erdei Büfé on Wednesday, 16 January 2019
This unique museum gives its guests a chance to walk around and learn about the different methods of not only surviving in the forest but also a brief education on the various plants and animals one would find in the woods. Learn how to calculate the age of a tree by counting its rings; figure out which berries are edible right off the vine and which had better be left alone. Get hands-on with samples of animal fur and learn who is at the top of the food chain out there!
Kőhalmy Hunting Museum
Address: Karoly-magaslat, Sopron 9400, Hungary
Website: Kőhalmy Hunting Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
15. Experience the meditative calm of Saint Michael Church
Saint Michael Church resides on one of the highest points in Sopron on the Lővér Hills and remains the oldest church in town. It was built in the 13th century but has since undergone some renovations in both the 15th and 19th centuries, giving it a style with both gothic and Romanesque influences. Take a moment to gaze at the artwork and the intricate details of the church inside, or take a peaceful walk through the Stations of the Cross (1892) in the churchyard.
Saint Michael Church
Address: Sopron, Szent Mihály u., 9400 Hungary
Website: Saint Michael Church
16. Tour Fabricius House
There have been quite a few Roman artifacts uncovered in Sopron and its surrounding area, a majority of which have been housed in the Fabricius House. In the stone vault, you will find pieces of stone altars dedicated to various gods and goddesses from the Roman religion. Also, in the Great Hall are many tombs belonging to famous Romans – Cotonius Campanus, the playmaker, and Caius Sextilius Senecio Centurio, a well-known equestrian, to name a few. So stop by to see how Sopron, in ancient times, was influenced by the Roman culture.
Fabricius House
Address: Sopron, Fő tér 6, 9400 Hungary
Website: Fabricius House
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 2.45 USD
17. Try authentic Hungarian dishes at Erhardt
Posted by Erhardt Étterem és Panzió on Thursday, 16 May 2019
A trip to Hungary wouldn’t be complete without trying their local dishes. So you’ll have to make a stop at Erhardt to do just that! Try any of their traditionally prepared veal, duck, or beef entrees, or sample one of their fish recipes if you’re craving seafood. And since it’s a restaurant with a wine cellar, make sure you pick the wine which will best compliment your selection. With the quality this restaurant offers its customers, you’re sure to find a new favorite Hungarian dish.
Erhardt
Address: Sopron, Balfi út 10, 9400 Hungary
Website: Erhardt
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 11pm
18. Satisfy your chocolate cravings at Harrer-Chocolat
#Palkonya #Hú!Svét #harrer #harrerchocolat #beantobar #köszönjük! @palkonyha @stilusosvidekiettermiseg @paulizoli
Posted by Harrer Chocolat on Sunday, 28 April 2019
Harrer-Chocolat prides itself on using the purest, most delicious ingredients, which they either make themselves or import from nearby countries such as Austria and Belgium, to make sure you receive pure, unadulterated, and wholesome tasty desserts. Stop by their store for your chocolate-tasting session, and then sit in the pastry shop, sipping freshly brewed coffee and munching on a cake still warm from the oven! And don’t forget to buy a box or two of chocolates for those back home!
Harrer-Chocolat
Address: Sopron, Faller Jenő u. 4, 9400 Hungary
Website: Harrer-Chocolat
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7:30am - 7:30pm; Sun: 9am - 7:30pm
19. Visit the city's oldest wine bar, Gyógygödör Borozó
Egyszemélyes bőségtálak??
Posted by Gyógygödör Borozó on Thursday, 7 September 2017
Slip through the ancient buildings of downtown and enter a mysterious little bar oozing with history. Legend has it that people would come here seeking remedies and depart completely cured, giving Gyógygödör Borozó its current name. Well, that legend might be true, for the local wines and delicious food served here, might certainly be life-changing! Choose a dark Pinot Noir or glowing Rosé, pair it with bean goulash or basil stew, and enjoy this historical wine bar.
Gyógygödör Borozó
Address: Sopron, Fő tér 4, 9400 Hungary
Website: Gyógygödör Borozó
Opening hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)
20. Reserve a night for entertainment at Petőfi Theater
Fülbemászó dallamok, profizmus és végtelen lazaság: röviden így lehetne jellemezni az acid-jazz egyik legstabilabb...
Posted by Soproni Petőfi Színház on Tuesday, 7 May 2019
The Petőfi Theater is a renowned venue for entertainment in Sopron and not one to miss if you want to top your trip off with a night at the theatre. Home of the Sopron Ballet, you’re guaranteed a beautiful performance from the ballerinas, enchanting for both children and adults. The professional company also offers lectures, operettas, musicals, and plays, so finding a bit of a variety is easy. Rest assured that whatever you choose to attend, you’ll be thrilled by the caliber of performance.
Petőfi Theater
Address: Sopron, Petőfi tér 1, 9400 Hungary
Website: Petőfi Theater
Opening hours: (Box Office) Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 12pm
21. Sample delicious salami and cheese platters at Cézár Pince
Posted by Cézár Pince on Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Cézár Pince, or Caesar House as it’s known in English, is famous for its Caesar Winery (opened in 1964) as well as the hundreds of years of history housed within its walls. Make sure you take a look at the old wine press and the oven, both of which are over a century old! When you’ve found your table, peruse the menu to find your favorite meat and cheese tray – from abalone bacon to smoked beef tongue – and ask your waiter to suggest the best wine pairing for your selection.
Cézár Pince
Address: Sopron, Hátsókapu 2, 9400 Hungary
Website: Cézár pince
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 4pm - 12am; Sun: 4pm - 10pm
22. Learn about food history at Bakery House
The Bakery House is a unique stop on your journey through Sopron as it tells the tale of a group of bakers who lived in the house n the 17th century. When the last baker died in 1972, the town purchased the house with all the original furnishings and tools inside and turned it into a museum to preserve this particular part of history. Today guests can walk through the rooms, from the confectionary to the caretaker’s living quarters, and see just what it meant to be a Middle Ages baker!
Bakery House
Address: Becsi ut 5., Sopron 9400, Hungary
Website: Bakery House
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 2pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 1.73 USD
Visit Sopron
Sopron is a veritable history book as its location on the western border of Hungary has meant cultural influences from Austria to ancient Rome. Whether you’re looking for some good historical tourism, some photo-worthy monuments, or a little traditional cuisine, Sopron is not a city you’ll want to overlook on your European itinerary!
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