Szarvas: Wildlife, Culture and Spa

• At Szarvas Zoo, you can learn about the past and present wildlife of the Carpathian Basin. A 2,100-metre-long trail runs around Anna Gardens.
• Mini Magyarország Makettpark features interactive, detailed models in one of the country's largest arboretums.
• Szarvasi Gyógyfürdő combines indoor pools with medicinal-water pools, saunas and a solarium.

Szarvas Zoo and Körösvölgyi Állatpark offer different focal points. The zoo focuses on the past and present wildlife of the Carpathian Basin. At Körösvölgyi Állatpark, you can learn about animal species that were and are native to the Carpathian Basin, as well as species that are currently spreading. If you want to include wildlife watching in your trip, these offer two distinct themes.

The 2,100-metre-long trail at Szarvas Zoo runs around Anna Gardens, with aviaries and enclosures along the way. Its length gives you a concrete point of reference for planning, without specifying a walking time. At Mini Magyarország Makettpark, you can switch from live animals to detailed, interactive models—a different way to explore Szarvas and its surroundings.

Bicycles and canoes are available to rent for exploring Szarvas's natural and historical attractions and the Körös floodplain. If you want to make use of this option a firm part of your plans, check availability in advance.

In Erzsébet-liget, Ruzicskay Alkotóház displays a permanent art and ethnographic collection associated with György Ruzicskay. Opening times may change, so check them before your visit. At Szarvasi Szlovák Tájház, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the everyday life of a prosperous Slovak farming family: the house dates from the 19th century, and its characteristic layout and period furnishings bring that daily life to life.

Tessedik-Sámuel-Museum brings together the era and work of Sámuel Tessedik with Neolithic fertility figurines dating back 7,000 to 8,000 years. Its programme also includes temporary exhibitions, concerts, family afternoons and book presentations; individual events vary. The museum thus brings together local history, archaeological objects and changing events.

Szarvas's industrial history is also tangible: Szarvasi Szárazmalom was built in 1836 by the Bolza family with carpenters from Slavonia, following the Indian system. The working dry mill still stands at its original location. On the banks of Holt-Körös, Szarvasi Vízi Színház is a summer venue. Find out what's on there at the weekend in the FAQ.

Szarvasi Gyógyfürdő has indoor sports, teaching and whirlpool pools, medicinal-water pools, saunas and a solarium. The pool facilities include two medicinal-water pools with a Turkish-style atmosphere, a 25-metre swimming pool and bathing pools with a depth of 90 centimetres. This offers a clearly different focus from the wildlife and cultural attractions: you can include the spa as a distinct part of your trip planning without losing sight of your other interests.

Sárarany Szalmaporta is on the outskirts of the town. In its craft house, you can view straw-weaving work. A village-style hospitality table also offers oven-baked dough dishes to sample; advance registration is required. Craft and regional cuisine are therefore the focus at a single place close to the destination.

Discover more destinations: Gyomaendrőd, Békésszentandrás, Kondoros.

What is the route of the Történelmi Emlékút?

The 1.1-kilometre-long trail begins near Szent István park, behind Ótemplom, leads onto the embankment of Holt-Körös and ends at the windmill, which is described as the centre of historic Hungary.

Can Bolza-kastély be visited inside?

No. Bolza-kastély, which is part of the Bolza family's heritage in Szarvas, can only be viewed from the outside.

What is on at Szarvasi Vízi Színház at the weekend?

At weekends, you can see musical and dance productions by Cervinus Teátrum, Jókai Színház and Magyar Teátrumi Társaság. The theatre offers cultural programmes every evening in summer; individual performances vary.

Go to the main travel overview: Szarvasi.