Severe asbestos contamination detected in public areas
Carcinogenic asbestos was detected in road gravel across several public areas in Kőszeg, including near kindergartens and schools. Due to the contaminated rock from Austria, authorities distributed masks and ordered immediate safety measures.
Excavation of Hungarian Conquest-era graves
Archaeologists unearthed eleven graves from the Hungarian Conquest era, containing jewelry and everyday objects. The finds provide important scientific data regarding the early settlement history of the border region.
Kőszeg is a pretty historical town situated on Hungary's western border, located in the subalpine foothills of the Alps. The town gained international fame during the Great Siege of 1532, when Captain Miklós Jurisics and a small band of defenders successfully halted Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent's massive army on its way to Vienna. To commemorate this heroic victory, the town's church bells still ring every day at 11 AM, marking the moment the Ottoman forces began their retreat. Jurisics Square serves as the heart of the medieval town center, a treasure trove of Gothic and Baroque architecture featuring the iconic Sgraffito House and the Old Tower. Kőszeg is renowned for its exceptional air quality and subalpine climate, making it a favored health resort and holiday destination for over a century. The surrounding Kőszeg Mountains and the Írott-kő lookout point offer sweeping views and numerous hiking trails for nature enthusiasts. The town is also famous for its winemaking traditions, notably documented in the 'Book of Vine Shoots,' where drawings of the first vine shoots have been recorded every year on St. George's Day since 1740. Today, Kőszeg remains a sanctuary of history and tranquility, where the past comes alive in every cobblestone street.
Location: Vas, Hungary
Top sights: Church of the Sacred Heart · Town Hall of Kőszeg · General's House (Tábornokház)
Nearby: Velem (6 km)
Population: ~11.927
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
4
9
14
18
21
20
15
9
4
-1
Rain mm
39
40
46
45
87
98
95
96
86
59
52
44
Live webcam – Kőszeg
See what it looks like near Kőszeg right now.
Köszeg: Sziget elovaros: Kőszeg -> Kőszeg · 1.4 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Population
11,500
Coordinates
47.38920, 16.54060
Facts
Famous for halting the Ottoman advance toward Vienna in 1532.
Bells ring daily at 11 AM to commemorate the Turkish retreat.
The Jurisics Castle was the main stronghold during the famous siege.
Home to the Golden Unicorn Pharmacy, one of the oldest in Hungary.
The 'Book of Vine Shoots' has recorded growth drawings since 1740.
Renowned for its healthy subalpine climate and clean mountain air.
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→15:162 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Your day in Kőszeg begins in the historic Jurisics Square, where the past comes alive at every turn. After exploring the mighty castle and the quiet beauty of the Sacred Heart Church, an invigorating walk at noon takes you out of the town. The path leads you to the Óház Lookout Tower, rewarding you with a breathtaking view of the town and the surrounding landscape. The afternoon is dedicated to pure relaxation in nature. You'll spend time at the peaceful Seven Springs, an ideal place to unwind before returning to the charming old town in the evening, filled with the day's impressions.
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09:10 · 47'
Jurisics Square
Start your day here with a coffee and soak in the atmosphere.
In the morning, Jurisics Square offers shelter under the historic eaves and arcades. At noon, explore the dry museum interiors of the Castle, the town's historical heart. Afternoon brings a rainy walk to the Sacred Heart Church and a misty hike to the Óház tower. Evening ends with the fresh, post-rain scent of the Seven Springs, sheltered by the thick forest canopy.
Morning frost sparkles on the cobbles of Jurisics Square. At noon, warm up within the castle's historical exhibitions while the winter wind blows outside. Afternoon offers solemn quiet at the Sacred Heart Church before reaching the Óház tower just before the early sunset. In the evening, the town lights glow clearly as seen from the Seven Springs area.
Hop on your bike in Kőszeg in the morning, starting from the historic Jurisics Square. After visiting the nearby castle and church, your route takes you out of the city into the refreshing nature. At noon, you'll reach the Seven Springs, perfect for a short break before tackling the climb to the Óház Tower. The afternoon becomes an adventure: you'll cycle further towards the border to conquer the summit of Írott-kő, the highest point in the region. The return trip to the city rewards you with a gentle descent and a final cultural stop at the charming Pharmacy Museum before your cycling day comes to an end.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Jurisics Square
Rent your bike nearby and start your tour from this central point.
In the morning, Jurisics Square is wet; cycle with extreme caution on the cobblestones. At noon, the castle provides a dry and cultural stopover. Afternoon challenges your stamina at Seven Springs and Óház on damp forest soil. Evening leads to the misty Geschriebenstein summit and ends at the warm, welcoming Pharmacy Museum.
In the morning, an icy wind blows across Jurisics Square. At noon, the castle offers a welcome warm-up break in a historic setting. Afternoon climbs toward Seven Springs and Óház demand full effort despite the frost. Evening finds you at the silent Geschriebenstein summit before returning to the cozy, heated Pharmacy Museum.
Your car day begins by parking on the edge of Kőszeg's old town to explore the historic core on foot. The morning is dedicated to rich history, from the bustling Jurisics Square to the imposing castle. At noon, you get back in the car and head for the hills. A first stop at the Seven Springs offers refreshment, followed by a short walk to the Óház Tower for a spectacular view. The highlight of the afternoon is the scenic drive to Írott-kő, the region's highest peak, where you stand on the border of Austria and Hungary, enjoying the vast landscape. After a long stay in nature, you return to Kőszeg in the late afternoon.
In the morning, park conveniently near the historic center. At noon, explore Jurisics Square and the castle while the rain drums against the ancient walls. Afternoon brings a relaxed drive to Seven Springs and Óház tower through the mystical mist. Evening offers an atmospheric drive to the summit of Geschriebenstein on wet, winding mountain roads.
In the morning, quickly find a parking spot in the quiet wintry town. At noon, festive Jurisics Square and the warm castle invite you to stay and explore. Afternoon brings a careful drive through the beautiful snowy forest to the Óház tower. Evening lets you experience a true winter wonderland at Geschriebenstein before returning to town.
This Neo-Gothic parish church on the main square was built between 1892 and 1894 based on plans by Ludwig Schöne. Its 57-meter high tower makes it the tallest building in Kőszeg.
Town Hall of Kőszeg🏙 civic
One of Hungary's oldest town halls, serving its original function continuously since the 14th century. The facade features the coats of arms of the city and the Jurisics family.
General's House (Tábornokház)🏺 historical
Located on Jurisics Square, this building once served as the seat of the town captain and now hosts exhibitions on local history and guilds. It is a key example of Baroque architecture.
Chernel Garden Arboretum🌿 nature
A botanical garden founded in the 19th century near the old town, featuring rare conifers and a bird rescue station. It is named after the naturalist István Chernel.
Jurisics Castle🏺 historical
The fortress is famous for successfully resisting the Ottoman siege of 1532. Today, it houses the town's history museum and is a well-preserved medieval stronghold.
Seven Springs🌿 nature
A famous spring in the Kőszeg Mountains named after the seven Hungarian chieftains, a classic destination for hikers.
Fekete Szerecseny Patikamúzeum🏛 museum
The Black Moor Pharmacy Museum is a specialized exhibition space in Güns.