MATE Regatta Szarvas: Dragon boats and visual shows on Holt-Körös
The MATE Regatta attracted numerous visitors to the banks of the Holt-Körös with dragon boat races and a visual show. The event highlighted the importance of water sports and university life for the city of Szarvas.
100th anniversary of the Alumni Association in Szarvas
The Alumni Association of the Vajda Péter Gymnasium celebrated its 100th anniversary with a commemorative general assembly. On this occasion, a special publication documenting the history of the association was presented to the public.
Mol expands Szarvas biogas plant with a biomethane unit
The Mol Group is expanding its biogas plant in Szarvas with a new biomethane unit scheduled for completion by the end of the year. This investment will enable the production of pure biomethane that can be injected directly into the national natural gas network.
Szarvas is a characterful town on the banks of the Körös river backwater in Békés County, celebrated for its natural landscapes and rich historical legacy. Its most famous attraction is the Szarvas Arboretum, popularly known as the Pepi Garden, founded by the Bolza family in the 19th century and now home to over 1,600 species of trees and shrubs. The town also hosts the monument marking the geographical center of historical Hungary as it stood before the Treaty of Trianon. The Bolza Mansion, a Neoclassical building situated on the riverbank, stands as a testament to the Italian noble family's significant influence on the town's development. The Mini Hungary model park provides a unique experience where visitors can view detailed scale models of the country's most iconic landmarks. During the summer, the Szarvas Water Theatre becomes a cultural focal point, featuring performances on a stage built directly over the water. Szarvas is an important center for agricultural science, housing specialized university faculties and research institutes.
Location: Békés, Hungary
Top sights: Old Evangelical Church · Bolza Mansion · St. Clare Parish Church
Nearby: Orosháza (35 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Avg °C
-1
1
6
12
18
22
24
24
18
12
6
0
Rain mm
34
37
39
41
60
76
69
50
50
46
43
44
Live webcam – Szarvas
See what it looks like near Szarvas right now.
Bekesszentandras: Békéscsaba · 5.3 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Population
18,170
Coordinates
46.86670, 20.55000
Facts
The Szarvas Arboretum covers a total area of 82 hectares.
The historical center of Hungary was calculated here in 1880.
The Bolza Mansion was built between 1810 and 1820 in Neoclassical style.
The Mini Hungary park features over 50 architectural models.
The Szarvas Water Theatre opened its unique river stage in 2011.
The town was re-established in 1722 following the Ottoman wars.
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→15:332.8 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Start your day in the historic heart of Szarvas, exploring the Lutheran Old Church and diving into local history at the Tessedik Museum. In the afternoon, stroll along the river to Bolza Castle and the unique Water Theatre before delving into the miniature world of Mini Hungary. End your day with a relaxing walk through the lush paths of the famous Arboretum.
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09:10 · 47'
Old Church (Ótemplom)
Admire the simple yet impressive Lutheran Baroque building from 1788.
The day starts at the Old Church, providing initial shelter from the rain. Spend the morning at the Tessedik Museum, a perfect indoor spot for local history. At noon, admire Bolza Castle and find cover under the roof of the Water Theatre. The afternoon is dedicated to Mini Hungary and the Arboretum, where the trees release a particularly intense fragrance in the damp air.
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09:10 · 47'
Old Church (Ótemplom)
Use the church entrance to open your umbrella safely.
A frosty morning starts at the Old Church. Then, we warm up in the heated rooms of the Tessedik Museum before viewing Bolza Castle on the icy Körös bank. At noon, the winter silence of the Water Theatre greets us. The afternoon is spent among the Mini Hungary models, which look magical when covered in frost. We end the day among the majestic trees of the arboretum before the early sunset.
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09:10 · 47'
Old Church (Ótemplom)
It is significantly cooler inside than in modern buildings.
A bike tour is perfect for exploring the extensive natural attractions of Szarvas. Start at the Mini Hungary park, then cycle to the vast Arboretum. After lunch, a longer ride takes you to the Körös-Maros National Park center. On the way back to the city center, discover the historic Dry Mill before finishing the day relaxing in the park of Bolza Castle.
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09:10 · 47'
Mini Hungary Model Park
Start with a bike tour of all of Hungary in miniature.
We cycle to Mini Hungary despite the rain, where paved paths make riding easier. Then, the dense canopy of the arboretum provides protection. At noon, the National Park visitor center is a perfect dry stop with indoor exhibitions. We visit the Dry Mill in the afternoon before passing by Bolza Castle to end the tour.
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09:10 · 47'
Mini Hungary Model Park
Be careful when braking on the wet cobblestones at the entrance.
We cycle through the cool winter air to Mini Hungary, then to the frosty arboretum. At noon, we reach the National Park visitor center, where the heated spaces invite rest. In the afternoon, we visit the historic Dry Mill. The tour ends at Bolza Castle as dusk falls over the Körös branch.
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09:10 · 47'
Mini Hungary Model Park
The wind chill is particularly cold on the open areas here.
By car, you can conveniently reach the more distant attractions of Szarvas. Start at the Körös-Maros National Park center, then drive to the historic Dry Mill. The next cluster is the Arboretum and Mini Hungary; park there and explore both on foot. Finally, drive to the city center, park, and finish the day with a walk to the Old Church, the Tessedik Museum, and the picturesque Bolza Castle.
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09:10 · 47'
Körös-Maros National Park Visitor Center
Start your day with nature. There's good parking before you explore the exhibits.
By car, we comfortably reach the National Park visitor center and the Dry Mill without getting wet. At noon, we visit the arboretum and Mini Hungary, where parking lots next to the entrances guarantee short walking distances. In the afternoon, the Old Church, Tessedik Museum, and Bolza Castle are on the agenda, all easily accessible in the city center.
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09:10 · 47'
Körös-Maros National Park Visitor Center
Free parking spaces are located directly in front of the building.
The winter car tour starts at the National Park center. We visit the Dry Mill and the arboretum while the heater ensures pleasant temperatures. In the afternoon, we explore Mini Hungary and the historic buildings in the city center. We end the day at Bolza Castle before frost makes the streets of Szarvas slippery.
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09:10 · 47'
Körös-Maros National Park Visitor Center
In case of snow, the parking lot here is usually cleared quickly.
Built in 1788, this monumental Baroque church is a landmark of the town, famous for its excellent acoustics.
Bolza Mansion🏺 historical
A Classicist manor house on the banks of the Körös backwater, known for its elegant architecture and scenic setting.
St. Clare Parish Church🏺 historical
Consecrated in 1812, this Roman Catholic church in the town center features a striking Classicist facade.
Mitrovszky Mansion🏙 civic
An important Classicist building in the heart of the city, currently serving as the town hall.
Mini Hungary Model Park👨👩👧 family
An interactive theme park within the Arboretum showcasing detailed scale models of historical Hungary's most famous buildings. Several models include moving parts and realistic sound effects.
Szarvasi Szent Klára Gyógyfürdő👨👩👧 family
This spa in Szarvas has thermal baths and wellness facilities.
Cervinus Teatrum🎭 culture
Cervinus Teatrum in Szarvas, a centre for theatre and dance.
Ruzicskay Emlekhaz🏛 museum
Memorial house in Szarvas dedicated to the painter György Ruzicskay.
A museum presenting the traditional life and architecture of the local Slovak minority.
Frequently asked questions
What can you see in the Szarvas Arboretum?
Besides a vast collection of rare botanical specimens, it houses 'Mini Hungary', a model park featuring detailed miniatures of famous Hungarian buildings.
Where is the historical center of Hungary located?
In Szarvas, a stylized windmill monument on the banks of the Körös backwater marks the geographical center of historical Hungary.
Can you go boating on the Körös river?
Yes, the Körös backwater is well-suited for kayaking and canoeing, or you can join a scheduled sightseeing boat trip to explore the local wildlife.
What is the Szarvas Water Theater?
A unique open-air stage built directly on the bank of the Körös backwater, hosting spectacular theater and dance performances all summer long.
Is Szarvas recommended for families with kids?
Yes, especially 'Mini Hungary' and the Körösvölgyi Animal Park, with its interactive exhibits and native species, are very popular with families.
Szarvas: where is it located?
Szarvas is located in Békés, Hungary.
Szarvas: what is there to see?
Highlights include Old Evangelical Church, Bolza Mansion, St. Clare Parish Church.
Szarvas: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Szarvas: why is it worth visiting?
Szarvas is a characterful town on the banks of the Körös river backwater in Békés County, celebrated for its natural landscapes and rich historical legacy.