Discover the Enchanting Castle of Sümeg near Lake Balaton in Hungary

Published: 2023-07-16

Located near Lake Balaton in Hungary, the Castle of Sümeg is a captivating tourist attraction. With its rich history and recent renovations, the castle offers visitors a chance to experience its unique atmosphere and explore special exhibitions.

Built in the late 13th century by Béla IV of Hungary, the Castle of Sümeg served as a hideaway for the king during the Mongolian invasion. Over the years, the castle underwent significant changes, transforming into a major frontier fortress during the Ottoman wars in Hungary. Today, the castle stands as one of Hungary's most well-preserved castles, with an irregular shape, two towers, and dimensions of approximately 125 meters long and 80 meters wide.

In the 18th century, the Castle of Sümeg was abandoned and fell into disrepair. However, in the 20th century, restoration efforts began to bring the castle back to its original glory. The most significant renovation occurred in the 21st century through the National Castle Program, in collaboration with the National Heritage Protection Development Non-profit Ltd (NÖF) and with funding from the European Union. The restoration aimed to showcase the castle in its late 17th-century state and expand the available services for visitors. The ground floor spaces were meticulously restored to recreate the castle's 16th-century rooms, allowing visitors to experience the everyday life of the people who once lived within its walls. Additionally, the upstairs area features a modern exhibition with models, graphics, 3D reconstructions, and short films that portray the history of the fortress. Visitors can even participate in an interactive archaeological game, adding a sense of adventure to the experience.

The Castle of Sümeg near Lake Balaton in Hungary offers an enchanting journey through history. With its captivating past, recent renovations, and diverse exhibitions, the castle provides a unique and immersive experience for all visitors.

Where is the Castle of Sümeg located? The Castle of Sümeg is situated atop a mountain, just a couple of kilometers away from Lake Balaton in Hungary.

Who built the Castle of Sümeg? The Castle of Sümeg was built in the late 13th century by Béla IV of Hungary.

What was the purpose of the Castle of Sümeg during the Mongolian invasion? The Castle of Sümeg served as a hideaway for the king during the Mongolian invasion.

What shape is the Castle of Sümeg and how big is it? The Castle of Sümeg has a unique irregular shape with two towers. It is about 125 meters long and 80 meters wide.

Is the Castle of Sümeg well-preserved? Yes, the Castle of Sümeg is one of the most well-preserved castles in Hungary.

Has the Castle of Sümeg undergone renovations? Yes, the Castle of Sümeg has undergone renovations, particularly in the 21st century. The restoration aimed to show the castle in its most complete period, the late 17th century.

What can visitors expect during their visit to the Castle of Sümeg? During their visit to the Castle of Sümeg, visitors can explore the castle's ground floor spaces featuring contemporary presentations of the castle's 16th-century rooms. They can also try on period clothes and take pictures at selfie points. The upstairs area offers a modern experience with models, graphics, and 3D reconstructions. Short films presenting the history of the fortress are also played in the rooms. There is even an interactive archaeological game projected on the floor of one of the rooms.

Are there additional tourist attractions near the Castle of Sümeg? The Castle of Sümeg is located near Lake Balaton, which is one of the most significant tourist attractions in Hungary. Visitors to the castle can also explore the beauty of the 'Hungarian sea.'

When did the renovations of the Castle of Sümeg finish? The renovations of the Castle of Sümeg finished in the 21st century as part of the National Castle Program, in cooperation with the National Heritage Protection Development Non-profit Ltd (NÖF), using EU funding.