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Mátészalka

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City
—°1812
Mátészalka (Hungary)
ℹ️

Practical info — Mátészalka

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the Szatmári Museum to see the carriage collection and learn about the history of public lighting.
  • Take a stroll down Kossuth Street, the hub of the city's daily life.
  • Parking in the center is usually easy to find and often free, but check local signs.
  • Visit the local market early in the morning for the best selection of regional produce.

🍽 Food

🍽
Szatmár plum jam

Taste this thick, traditional jam at the local farmers market.

🍽
Stuffed cabbage

Look for the Szatmár regional style at traditional local taverns.

🍽
Local pastries

Drop into a downtown bakery for fresh Hungarian baked goods.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
City market

Buy fresh fruit, vegetables, and local crafts from regional farmers.

🛍
Kossuth Street shops

Browse small boutiques and everyday stores right in the city center.

🧘
City Park

A quiet green spot in the center for a short walk and relaxation.

🧘
Kertváros (Garden City)

Explore this peaceful residential neighborhood with plenty of greenery.

Highlights of 2026

1

Embezzlement investigation at agricultural company

Authorities have launched an investigation into suspected embezzlement at the agricultural company Bászna Zrt., involving restrictive legal measures. The case has caused significant public interest due to the company's links to political figures.

Mátészalka is a historic town in northeastern Hungary and the second-largest center in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County. The town achieved historical fame in 1888 when it became the first settlement in present-day Hungary to introduce electric street lighting, even before Budapest. This milestone is celebrated annually during the popular 'Festival of Light.' Mátészalka is also known for its connections to international figures; the father of Hollywood star Tony Curtis was born here, and his legacy is preserved in a local memorial exhibition. Throughout the 20th century, the town developed into a major regional transportation and industrial hub due to its strategic location. A key cultural landmark is the Szatmár Museum, which has one of Europe's most significant collections of horse-drawn carriages and wagons. The local thermal bath, featuring sulfur-rich waters, provides therapeutic relaxation for visitors and residents alike.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-205121721232317115-1
Rain mm434144417177825555534949

Geography

Population
18,718
Coordinates
47.95000, 22.31670

Facts

  • Electric street lighting was first switched on in the town on September 1, 1888.
  • The Szatmár Museum houses a world-class collection of over 100 carriages.
  • Hollywood legend Tony Curtis visited his ancestral home in Mátészalka in 1988.
  • The town was granted city status in 1969 during its industrial expansion.
  • The local spa uses 57°C thermal water sourced from 1,000 meters deep.
  • The town is home to a significant optical lens manufacturing plant (Carl Zeiss).

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Mátészalka (8)

Mátészalka Town Hall🏙 civic

Located in the city center, this administrative building features a well-maintained facade and an adjacent park-like square. It serves as the hub for local government and civic activities.

City of Light Monument🏺 historical

A memorial plaque and a replica of the first electric street lamp commemorate that Mátészalka was the first Hungarian town to have electric street lighting in 1888. This technological milestone is a source of local pride.

Szatmár Museum (Carriage Museum)🏺 historical

The museum is home to a world-unique collection of horse-drawn carriages, carts, and sleds characteristic of the Szatmár region. It also features extensive ethnographic exhibits showcasing local crafts and the traditional rural lifestyle of Eastern Hungary. It is a major cultural highlight for those interested in historical transportation and folk heritage.

Synagogue of Mátészalka🏺 historical

Built in 1857 in a romantic style, this synagogue is a significant architectural landmark reflecting the town's former large Jewish community. Despite the tragedies of the 20th century, the building has been preserved and stands as a dignified memorial. It now serves as a venue for cultural events and exhibitions.

Városi tó🌿 nature

The Városi-tó in Mateszalka is a popular urban lake.

Városi Játszópark👨‍👩‍👧 family

The Városi Játszópark in Mateszalka is a great playground for kids.

tanmedence👨‍👩‍👧 family

A swimming pool in Mátészalka for daily training.

Városi Uszoda és Strandfürdő🎡 recreation

The municipal swimming pool and beach bath of Mátészalka.

🕒 06:00-21:00

Frequently asked questions

Why is Mátészalka called the city of light?
Mátészalka was the first Hungarian city to have electric street lighting in 1888, even before Budapest.
What famous Hollywood connection does the city have?
Tony Curtis's parents were from Mátészalka; there is a memorial house and museum in the city in his honor.
What can you see in the Szatmár Museum?
The museum houses one of Europe's largest collections of carriages and wagons, along with local folklore.
When is the Festival of Light held?
The Festival of Light (Fényes Napok) is held annually in late August or early September with light shows.
How to get to Mátészalka from Budapest?
Reach it by car via the M3 motorway (approx. 3 hours) or by direct trains from Nyugati station.
Mátészalka: where is it located?
Mátészalka is located in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, Hungary.
Mátészalka: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mátészalka Town Hall, City of Light Monument, Szatmár Museum (Carriage Museum).
Mátészalka: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Mátészalka: why is it worth visiting?
Mátészalka is a historic town in northeastern Hungary and the second-largest center in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County.
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