Change in leadership at the Nyíregyháza Zoo
László Gajdos has bid farewell to the employees of the Nyíregyháza Zoo. He is expected to take on a new role as the minister responsible for the living environment.
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Nyíregyháza
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ℹ️Practical info — Nyíregyháza
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Dedicate a full day to the Sóstó Zoo (Nyíregyházi Állatpark), as it is one of Europe's largest and best zoo parks.
- Visit the Village Museum (Múzeumfalu) on weekends for traditional craft demonstrations and events.
- Enjoy the therapeutic thermal waters in Sóstógyógyfürdő for a relaxing afternoon break.
- Kossuth Square is especially beautiful in the evening when the fountains are illuminated.
- Rent a bicycle to explore the flat and accessible terrain of the surrounding Nyírség region.
🍽 Food
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Szabolcs Stuffed Cabbage
These regional cabbage rolls are smaller and often prepared with a tomato-based sauce.
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Lapcsánka
A crispy potato pancake that is a local favorite, usually served with garlic sour cream.
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Plum Dumplings
Homemade plum dumplings are a specialty of the Nyírség region, especially during harvest season.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
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Korzó Shopping Center
Modern mall in the heart of the city with a wide variety of brands and services.
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Búza tér Market
An authentic local market for fresh fruit, vegetables, and regional specialties.
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Sóstó Souvenir Shops
Find local handicrafts and products made from the famous Nyírség plums here.
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Sóstó Forest (Sóstói-erdő)
A beautiful forest park with walking paths, handy for peace and relaxation.
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Botanical Garden (Tuzson János)
Explore exotic plants in this peaceful university-run green oasis.
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Sóstó Lake Shore
A relaxing loop around the lake, especially quiet during the early morning hours.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
1
Nyíregyháza is the capital of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County in northeastern Hungary and ranks among the country's most dynamically developing cities. The town experienced rapid growth in the 18th century following the arrival of Slovak settlers (known as Tirpákok), who revitalized the local agriculture. The city center’s architectural landscape is defined by grand Eclectic-style buildings, such as the City Hall and the Roman Catholic Church on Kossuth Square. The primary tourist destination is the Sóstógyógyfürdő district, a spa resort centered around a saltwater lake famous for its healing thermal waters. This area is home to the Nyíregyháza Zoo (Sóstó Zoo), widely regarded as one of Europe's top zoos, featuring over 500 species in naturalistic enclosures. The adjacent Sóstó Open Air Museum showcases the region's traditional folk architecture. Nyíregyháza is also a significant educational and industrial hub, successfully blending heritage with modern urban living. Nyíregyháza joined eastern Hungary's battery-industry corridor in 2024-2025 as South Korean suppliers linked to LG and Samsung SDI expanded their footprint. Ferenc Kovács (Fidesz) remained mayor after the 2024 election.
- Location: Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, Hungary
- Top sights: Nyíregyháza Zoo (Sóstó Zoo) · Sóstó Museum Village · Jósa András Museum
- Nearby: Kállósemjén (19 km)
- Population: ~118.185
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 5 | 12 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 17 | 11 | 5 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 35 | 36 | 38 | 39 | 67 | 75 | 79 | 56 | 51 | 49 | 43 | 43 |
Geography
Facts
- Nyíregyháza was granted the status of a privileged market town in 1837.
- The Nyíregyháza Zoo covers 30 hectares and houses over 5,000 animals.
- The Sóstó thermal water emerges from a depth of nearly 1,000 meters.
- The town was significantly repopulated in 1753 by Slovak colonists.
- The Roman Catholic Church on Kossuth Square was built in 1904.
- The Sóstó Open Air Museum features 80 traditional buildings from the region.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Nyíregyháza (17)
Nyíregyháza Zoo (Sóstó Zoo)👨👩👧 family
Regularly voted as one of the best zoos in Europe, this 35-hectare park houses over 5,000 animals in naturalistic settings. Major highlights include the Green Pyramid with a massive oceanarium and the Andes Adventure section. The zoo is organized by continents, allowing visitors to travel the world's wildlife in a single day.
Sóstó Museum Village🏺 historical
The largest regional open-air museum in Hungary, showcasing the traditional rural architecture and lifestyle of the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg region. It features historic peasant houses, a wooden church, a school, and various craft workshops. It is a living history site that frequently hosts traditional folk festivals and craft demonstrations.
Zsinagóga⛪ religious
The new synagogue, built in an eclectic style, is part of Nyíregyháza's architectural heritage.
🌐 sofar-ujsag.hu🕒 Mo-Th 08:00-14:00; PH off
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nyíregyháza Zoo large?
Yes, it is considered one of Europe's best zoos, located in the Sóstó oak forest.
What is Sóstógyógyfürdő?
A resort district with a lake, thermal bath, and adventure park.
Is there an open-air museum in the city?
Yes, the Sóstó Museum Village presents the folk architecture of the region.
What is worth seeing in the city center?
The co-cathedral, the city hall, and the Jósa András Museum.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer is good for Sóstó, but the zoo is great all year round.
Nyíregyháza: where is it located?
Nyíregyháza is located in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, Hungary.
Nyíregyháza: what is there to see?
Highlights include Nyíregyháza Zoo (Sóstó Zoo), Sóstó Museum Village, Jósa András Museum.
Nyíregyháza: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Nyíregyháza: why is it worth visiting?
Nyíregyháza is the capital of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County in northeastern Hungary and ranks among the country's most dynamically developing cities.
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🗺️
Kállósemjén
Kállósemjén is a significant municipality in the Nyírség region, famous for its aristocratic heritage and exceptional natural sites.
Ófehértó
Ófehértó is a developing village in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County, well-known for its thermal springs and extensive forested areas.
Tarpa
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Csaroda
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Tákos
Tákos is a tiny but culturally rich village in the Bereg region, famous for its Reformed Church, often called the 'Barefoot Notre Dame'.
Nyírtelek
Nyírtelek is a Hungarian settlement in Nyíregyháza District County, with approximately 6.468 inhabitants.
Nagykálló
Nagykálló is a Hungarian settlement in Nagykálló District County, with approximately 9.016 inhabitants.
Újfehértó
Újfehértó is a town south of Nyíregyháza, famous for its fruit growing.
Ibrány
Ibrány is a Hungarian settlement in Ibrány District County, with approximately 6.256 inhabitants.
Nagyhalász
Nagyhalász is a Hungarian settlement in Ibrány District County, with approximately 5.270 inhabitants.
Hajdúdorog
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History & landmarks
Nature
More places
LEGO Factory Nyiregyhaza
One of the most modern LEGO factories worldwide, producing millions of bricks.
Nyiregyhaza Zoo
One of Europe's best zoos, located in an oak forest near Sóstó.
Mariapocs Pilgrimage Church
One of Hungary's most important pilgrimage sites, the shrine of the Weeping Madonna.
Baktaloranthaza Forest
One of the most valuable forest areas of the Nyírség.
Reformed Church of Nyirbator
A masterpiece of Late Gothic architecture with one of the tallest wooden belfries.
Szabolcs Apple Orchards
Hungary's largest apple-growing region, famous for high-quality fruit.