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Szombathely

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City
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Szombathely (Hungary)
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Practical info — Szombathely

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Don't miss the Iseum, the ancient temple of the goddess Isis, showcasing the city's Roman heritage.
  • The Main Square (Fő tér) is great for a walk, featuring beautiful architecture and numerous cafes.
  • Visit the Savaria Museum for a deep dive into the region's Roman archaeological finds.
  • Park in the designated parking garages near the center for the easiest access to the pedestrian areas.
  • Check out the Kámoni Arboretum, especially during the spring rhododendron blooming season.

🍽 Food

🍽
Vasi Pecsenye

A garlic-marinated pork roast typical of the region, served in traditional restaurants downtown.

🍽
Dödlle

A local potato-based dish, often served as a hearty side, found in authentic eateries.

🍽
Vas County Wines

Look for local white wines from the nearby hills in the city's wine bars.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Market Hall (Vásárcsarnok)

Head to the large market hall for fresh regional produce and local specialties.

🛍
Downtown Artisan Shops

Explore the side streets near the Cathedral for unique local crafts and gifts.

🧘
Boating Lake (Csónakázó-tó)

A scenic lake area well-suited for a peaceful walk or renting a boat.

🧘
Kámoni Arboretum

A large botanical garden offering tranquil paths and beautiful flora.

Highlights of 2026

2

Asbestos contamination in Szombathely

The Hungarian government has launched an investigation after asbestos-contaminated rocks from Austrian mines were found in areas near kindergartens, schools, and playgrounds in Szombathely. Authorities have promised to hold those responsible accountable.

Szombathely is the seat of Vas County and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Hungary, founded by the Romans in 43 AD as Savaria. Under Emperor Claudius, it rose to become a key administrative and religious center of the province of Pannonia, with remnants like the Iseum, a shrine to the goddess Isis, still standing today. The city's historical significance is further enhanced by its legacy as the birthplace of Saint Martin of Tours, commemorated by the striking Saint Martin Church. Despite sustaining heavy damage during World War II, which included hits to its grand Baroque cathedral, the city center was meticulously restored, with the Bishop's Palace remaining a highlight of local architecture. Modern Szombathely is characterized by its bustling university life, the annual Savaria Historical Carnival, and its highly developed industrial parks. The Vas Museum Village (Skanzen) showcases the region's traditional folk architecture, while the Boating Lake and surrounding woodlands provide ample space for relaxation. Its proximity to the Austrian border makes the city an essential economic and logistical gateway in Western Hungary. Today, Szombathely is a spirited hub where ancient Roman roots and contemporary urban development create a unique cultural atmosphere. Szombathely retained its role as the regional centre of Western Transdanubia in 2024-2025. András Nemény (backed by MSZP-DK-Tisza) was elected opposition mayor in the 2024 local elections.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1151115202222161150
Rain mm354243468191878786595544

Live webcam – Szombathely

See what it looks like near Szombathely right now.

Szombathely: Belvaros: Szombathely, Petőfi út -> Rohonci út · 0.5 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
78,025
Coordinates
47.23060, 16.62170

Facts

  • Founded in 43 AD as Savaria, it was the capital of Pannonia Superior.
  • The birthplace of Saint Martin of Tours (born 316 AD).
  • Features the Iseum, one of the most significant Isis shrines in the region.
  • The city's cathedral is the third largest church in Hungary.
  • Host of the annual Savaria Historical Carnival, a major costumed event.
  • A primary industrial and educational center near the Austrian border.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Sights in the town Szombathely (27)

Cathedral of the Visitation of Mary🏺 historical

The third largest cathedral in Hungary, this neoclassical masterpiece was rebuilt after being bombed in WWII and remains the spiritual heart of the city.

Iseum Savariense🏺 historical

An archaeological site and museum built over the ruins of a Roman Temple of Isis, reflecting the prestige of ancient Savaria in the Roman Empire.

Vasi Village Museum🏺 historical

An open-air museum displaying traditional vernacular architecture and rural life from the Vas County region through restored farmhouses.

Boating Lake (Csónakázó-tó)🎡 recreation

A popular green area on the edge of the city featuring a large lake for boating and fishing, surrounded by walking paths and parks.

Savaria Museum🎭 culture

An institution showcasing the city's rich ancient findings, including memories of Roman Savaria and archaeological treasures.

Kámon Arboretum🌿 nature

A beautiful botanical garden with a vast collection of conifers and colorful rhododendrons spread across a large area.

Weöres Sándor Theatre🎭 culture

The city's modern theatre, a center for cultural life featuring contemporary plays and high-quality local performances.

Berzsenyi Dániel Library🎭 culture

The modern building of the county library, an important intellectual center and architecturally outstanding landmark.

Gayer Park🌿 nature

A popular public park in the heart of the city, good for walks and relaxation in the shade of old trees.

Pelikan Park🌿 nature

A quiet resting place near the city center, known for its well-kept flower beds and calm environment.

Szent Márton-templom⛪ religious

This church in Szombathely is dedicated to Saint Martin, who was born here.

Egykori ortodox zsinagóga📍 landmark

A former Jewish house of worship in Szombathely, which is an important monument.

Vasi Múzeumfalu Szombathely🏛 museum

An open-air museum in Szombathely showcasing the traditional rural architecture of the Vasi region.

Pottyondy-villa🏰 castle

A castle-like villa in Szombathely, representing an architectural landmark of the city.

Krisztus király templom⛪ religious

A Roman Catholic church in Szombathely dedicated to Christ the King.

Szent Kereszt Lelkészség⛪ religious

A religious site and spiritual centre in Szombathely.

Brenner park🌳 park

A green recreational area in the city of Steinamanger.

Ezredévi park🌳 park

A public park in Steinamanger for leisure and relaxation.

Szent István park🌳 park

An urban green space located in Steinamanger.

Távhő Látogatóközpont🏛 museum

A museum in Steinamanger dedicated to district heating.

Iglódi-ház🏰 castle

A historic residential building in Steinamanger.

Információs Központ🏛 museum

A museum and information center in Steinamanger.

💶

Kopfensteiner-villa🏰 castle

A historic villa-style building in Steinamanger.

Régi villamos📍 landmark

A historic tram displayed as a technical monument.

Zsinagóga📍 landmark

A former synagogue in Steinamanger, now used as a concert hall.

Tófürdő🎡 recreation

A water park in Szombathely offering outdoor recreational facilities.

🕒 May-Sep: Mo-Su 09:00-20:00

Történelmi Témapark🎡 recreation

A theme park in Szombathely focused on historical exhibitions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Roman history of Szombathely?
Founded as Savaria, it is the oldest city in Hungary with significant ruins like the Iseum.
When is the Savaria Carnival?
The historical Savaria Carnival takes place every year in late August with costume parades.
Is there a botanical garden in the city?
Yes, the Kámoni Arboretum is famous for its rhododendrons and giant conifers.
Which saint was born here?
Saint Martin of Tours was born in Savaria (today's Szombathely) in the year 316.
What can you do at Csónakázó Lake?
You can rent rowing boats, take a walk, or visit the nearby Open-Air Village Museum.
Szombathely: where is it located?
Szombathely is located in Vas, Hungary.
Szombathely: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cathedral of the Visitation of Mary, Iseum Savariense, Vasi Village Museum.
Szombathely: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Szombathely: why is it worth visiting?
Szombathely is the seat of Vas County and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Hungary, founded by the Romans in 43 AD as Savaria.
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