Excursion Tips from Orosháza
Hódmezővásárhely
Located along Route 47, just a half-hour drive from Orosháza and already in Csongrád County, Hódmezővásárhely is Hungary’s largest rural town by area.
If you’re traveling from Orosháza to Szeged, your route will take you through Hódmezővásárhely. This classic market town, rich in history, culture, and economic and commercial significance, is a key settlement in the region. However, visitors are likely less concerned with the town’s economic profile and more drawn to the many attractions Hódmezővásárhely has to offer. Its historic buildings are worth exploring, including the synagogue adorned with Moorish-style elements—a poignant reminder of the once-large Jewish community of the Southern Great Plain, many of whom were deported to concentration camps—the town hall designed by Miklós Ybl, and the Károlyi House.
The Agricultural Museum offers a journey into the town’s renowned farming heritage, while the Memorial Point takes visitors on an interactive exploration of the past fifty years, including the Soviet occupation and decades of socialism. A trip to Hódmezővásárhely is also a treat for food lovers, as the town boasts numerous well-known restaurants serving authentic Southern Great Plain cuisine, perfect for travelers hungry for traditional Hungarian dishes.
Békéscsaba
The county seat of Békés, Békéscsaba is just over a half-hour drive from Orosháza along Route 47.
Regular buses and trains run frequently to Békéscsaba, at least once an hour. With a population of around 64,000, the city is the county’s industrial, commercial, and civic hub, although some county institutions still operate in the former county seat, Gyula.
As a major city, Békéscsaba offers a wide range of programs and festivals throughout the year, the most prominent being the long-standing Csabai Sausage Festival. Gastronomy plays an important role in the city’s tourist appeal: from the famous Csabai sausage and traditional pig-slaughtering events to several highly regarded restaurants, visitors can enjoy authentic local cuisine. After savoring these culinary delights, cultural appetites can also be satisfied by attending performances at the prestigious Jókai Theatre or following in the footsteps of the city’s famous native, painter Mihály Munkácsy.
Shopping enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy in Békéscsaba. In addition to the Csaba Center in the city center, numerous boutiques, jewelry, watch, and clothing stores are all within a short, pleasant stroll through the downtown area.
Gyula
The historic spa town of Gyula lies just about 60 kilometers from Orosháza, right near the Hungarian-Romanian border, and is easily accessible entirely by main roads (first via Route 47 to Békéscsaba, then Route 44).
By train or bus, you can also reach the town via Békéscsaba using regular scheduled services. Gyula has a population of around 32,000.
The town’s main attractions—besides the famous Gyula Thermal Bath—include Central Europe’s only intact brick castle, the Gyula Castle, which is open to visitors; the beautifully renovated city center featuring elements of bourgeois architecture; and the numerous fountains that you will encounter during a stroll through the town. Gyula is also the birthplace of Erkel Ferenc, composer of Hungary’s national anthem and the opera Bánk bán. His legacy is honored both by a statue near the world-famous Százéves Confectionery and by his former home, now an interactive museum.
For nearly fifty years, the Gyula Castle Theatre has offered opportunities for cultural enjoyment, presenting performances by both domestic and international theater and music artists. In summer, shows take place in the castle and on the stage by the castle pond; in winter, performances are held in the chamber hall. Gyula is truly a festival town, celebrating its gastronomy—ham, sausage, and pálinka—as well as its rich historical heritage throughout the year.
Speaking of gastronomy, the Húsipari Museum, located next to the Gyulai Húskombinát, honors the local butchers who first created the world-famous Gyulai Sausage, the tradition of pig-slaughtering, and the thriving meat industry that grew from it. And for the best souvenir? Nothing beats a pair of authentic smoked Gyulai sausages—a perfect treat for travelers eager to taste the flavors of the Southern Great Plain.
Tótkomlós Tótkomlós is located about 15 kilometers south of Orosháza and is easily accessible, making it an ideal destination even for visitors who wish to reach it by bicycle. With a population of around 6,000, the town is a stronghold of the Slovak community in Békés County, proudly preserving and showcasing its ethnic traditions to visitors. In addition to the Rózsa Thermal Bath, the Slovak Open-Air House and the Farm Museum, which offers a glimpse into everyday life on the Great Plain, attract tourists to the town. Tótkomlós lies roughly halfway between Orosháza and Mezőhegyes, making it a perfect stop for a longer excursion. Its authentic small-town Great Plain atmosphere provides a charming rest point for travelers. The town is easily and quickly accessible by train or regular bus services, making it a convenient destination for day trips or short visits.
