Attractions and Places To See in Békés - Top 10

Békés County is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Almásy Mansion, Gyula, which has a fascinating past from a noble residency to public institutions, with parts of its park now a thermal bath. Another significant site is the Gyula Castle, the only intact brick castle in Hungary, known for its Gothic relics and summer performances. The Wenckheim Mansion and Chapel, Gerla, despite its current state, showcases architectural beauty and is the subject of preservation efforts. Don't miss the Széchényi-Wenckheim Castle Ruins, set within a historic forest park, offering a nostalgic charm.

Yes, Békés County offers several beautiful natural spots. The Körös River flows through the region, providing opportunities for fishing and canoeing, with its bends and dead channels popular for hiking. You can also explore the Pósteleki Leisure Park, which features forest trails, hiking routes, and a mini wildlife park. The Szarvas Arboretum (Botanical Garden) is famous for its protected and rare plants, including yew trees and mammoth trees. The Körös-Maros National Park is also vital for preserving the region's natural values.

For cultural insights, consider the Munkácsy Mihály Museum in Békéscsaba, which commemorates painter Mihály Munkácsy and displays 21 of his paintings. The St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral, Békéscsaba, is noted for its impressive Neo-Baroque architecture. The Vásárhelyi-Bréda Castle now hosts a Békés County ethnographic exhibition. Additionally, the Japanese Museum of Hungary in Füzesgyarmat is unique, being the first and only one of its kind in the country.

Absolutely! Many attractions in Békés County are suitable for families. The Pósteleki Leisure Park offers forest trails, a mini wildlife park, and a petting zoo. The Széchényi-Wenckheim Castle Ruins are surrounded by a park and lake, perfect for a family walk. The Almásy Mansion, Gyula, with its thermal bath park, can also be a great family outing. The Meseház (Tale House) in Békéscsaba offers children's handicraft workshops and folk art exhibitions.

Békés County is great for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the Wenckheim Castle Cycle Path (Gyula–Szabadkígyós), which connects to the beautiful Wenckheim Castle in Szabadkígyós. For more cycling options, explore routes like the 'Téglagyári Lakes loop from Békéscsaba' or the 'Confluence of the Körös Rivers – Cycle path to Veszely Csárda loop from Gyula'. If you prefer running, there are trails such as the 'Balaton – Bolza-kastély loop from Szarvas' or the 'Gyopáros-tó loop from Orosháza'. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling in Békés and Running Trails in Békés guides.

Békés County is known for its thermal waters. The Castle Bath of Gyula, located in the park of the Almásy Mansion, Gyula, is a popular choice for relaxation and healing. There are also notable thermal baths in Battonya and a spa and lido in Füzesgyarmat, offering various options for unwinding.

The region is famous for its culinary delights, including Csaba and Gyula sausages, and Orosháza goose liver. A must-try is the Békési plum pálinka, a registered Hungarian specialty, which you can learn more about at the Békés Pálinka Distillery. You can also visit the Mezőhegyes Stud Farm to see Lipizzan and Arab horses and explore its historic offices and triumphal arches.

The best time to visit Békés County is generally during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and exploring historical sites. Summer (June-August) is also popular, especially for thermal baths and events like the Castle Theatre performances in Gyula, though it can be warmer. Winter offers a quieter experience, with some indoor attractions remaining open.

While specific dog rules for all attractions vary, many natural areas and parks in Békés County are generally dog-friendly, especially if dogs are kept on a leash. The forest trails and hiking routes in Pósteleki Leisure Park and around the Körös River are good options for walks with your dog. Always check local signage or specific attraction websites for detailed pet policies before your visit.

Many towns in Békés County, such as Gyula and Békéscsaba, offer a variety of cafes and restaurants. For example, the area around Gyula Castle and the Almásy Mansion will have dining options. Békéscsaba, as the county seat, has numerous establishments, including those along its cozy bicycle roads. You can also find local eateries like Kisvendéglő at the Hargita, offering traditional Hungarian cuisine.

Békés County has a network of roads suitable for driving, and well-maintained cycling paths connect various attractions, such as the Wenckheim Castle Cycle Path. Public transport options, including buses and trains, connect the main towns and some smaller settlements. For specific routes and schedules to attractions like Gyula Castle or Szarvas Arboretum, it's advisable to check local transport information.

Beyond the main highlights, Békés County has some charming lesser-known spots. The Vésztő-Mágor Historical Memorial Place is a nature protection area with archaeological traces of a seven-thousand-year-old culture and the ruins of the Csolt Monastery. The Gerlai Wenckheim Mansion and Chapel, though in need of restoration, holds significant architectural beauty. The Jantyik Mátyás Museum in Békés town also offers a cultural highlight away from the more crowded sites.