Page 153 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Hungary

HUNGAR Y REGION B Y REGION  151

NORTHERN

TRANSDANUBIA

For centuries, Northern Transdanubia was Hungary’s
golden triangle, the conduit in trade and commerce
between the twin capitals of Vienna and Budapest; it was
where the empire’s greatest families built their mansions with profits made
in the region’s factories. Recently, tourism has surpassed industry as a main
source of income, with Bük’s thermal baths and Lake Fertő the main attractions.

Much of the western part of this region One of Hungary’s most historic complexes,
is classic frontier territory. The Őrség its Benedictine monks resisted all invasions
region, Kőszeg, Szentgotthárd and Sopron, and tests of their faith. The abbey at Zirc,
Hungary’s most westerly city, were for further south, is no less important.
centuries bulwarks against invaders. In recent times the west of the region has
Nowhere else in Hungary is it more seen a determined search for oil. Although
apparent that Austria and Hungary were some oil has been found, many probes
once parts of the same empire. Sopron, in found little except hot water; indeed, the
fact, is closer to Vienna than to Budapest – springs that serve the thermal resort of
its street signs are often in German and Bükfürdő were discovered this way.
well-dressed Viennese throng its charming The east of Transdanubia includes
old town. Further south, in Szombathely, Székesfehérvár, where for 500 years
German as well as Hungarian can be Hungarian kings and queens were
heard, and, at the popular Lake Fertő, crowned, and Lake Velence, a quiet spot
Hungarians are outnumbered by visitors and a favourite with all nature-lovers.
in summer. Yet this is proudly Hungary. The real natural wonder of Northern
Close to Győr, a city of legends that is as Transdanubia, however, is the Bakony
far from Vienna as it is from Buda pest, is Forest, which offers some of the most
the astonishing abbey of Pannonhalma. spectacular driving routes in the country.

A verdant landscape in the rolling Northern Transdanubia hills
The Firewatch Tower on the corner of the town hall, Sopron

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