Szarvas is a charming town set on the Koros River and surrounded by beautiful forests and woodlands. Spot free-roaming peacocks in the riverside arboretum and explore one of Hungary’s premier national parks. The world-famous miniature village, compete with a model railway, is a national treasure.
Things to do in Szarvas
Spot hundreds of rare and endangered bird species in Körös-Maros National Park. The park protects more than 800,000 hectares of the Southern Great Plain and features a mosaic of habitats, including forests, lakes, swamps and marshland. Trails wind through the park and take you past huge flocks of bustards, cranes, plovers and wild ducks.
Walk beneath stands of enormous pine trees in Szarvasi Arboretum. Also known as Pepi Garden, it’s set on a tributary of the Koros River and features more than 80 hectares of pristine forests and woodland. Wild peacocks roam the grounds and will impress you with their shimmering blue and green feathers.
Visit Mini Magyarország and see pint-sized models of famous Hungarian landmarks, including castles, palaces, churches, bridges and water mills. The attention to detail is incredible. Watch sailboats cruise around a miniature lake and spot tiny people, pets and farm animals. Miniature trains chug around one of the longest open-air model railways in the world.
Walk around the charming town centre and admire handsome historic buildings, including the snow-white Old Lutheran Church. Enjoy “becsi kave” coffee topped with whipped cream at a sidewalk café and stroll down to the river to admire a Classicist-style castle built in the 1800s.
Getting around Szarvas
Szarvas is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in Békés County, a two-hour drive from Budapest and 2.5 hours by train. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Békés County at your own pace. Budapest Airport is a two-hour drive away.