Szekszard is a picturesque city surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. Stroll around the historic centre and visit estates in the famous Pannon winemaking region, then burn off the extra calories with walks and bike rides in the surrounding countryside.
Things to do in Szekszárd
The Szekszard historic centre will charm you with its mix of Neoclassical, Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture. Admire handsome buildings clustered around the main square and learn about the unique history of the city at the Wosinsky Mór County Museum. Cosy restaurants serve classic Hungarian dishes like roast pork knuckle and venison stewed in red wine.
Szekszard is a gateway to one of the most famous winemaking regions in Hungary. The vineyards surrounding Szekszard are part of the Pannon wine region and produce some of the best reds in Europe. Szekszard is a bastion for Kadarka, a dark-skinned grape with notes of sour cherry, cranberry and raspberry. Kekfrankos is another popular wine and will tantalise you with rich tannins and a spicy finish. You’ll also see plenty of Bikaver, a full-bodied wine with a ruby red hue.
Many wineries offer guided tours that take you through the vineyards and into the winemaking rooms and storage cellars. Others feature fine-dining restaurants where you can enjoy curated food and wine pairings, with vineyard views.
Board the train and enjoy a scenic ride through Gemenc National Park. Small but beautiful, the park protects a unique habitat of woodland and streams. You can spot red deer and wild boar, as well as rare birds like white-tailed eagles.
Getting around Szekszárd
Szekszard is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Cars are an easy way to explore the Pannon winemaking region or you can join a guided tour. Trains run between Budapest and Szekszard in three hours and Budapest Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.