Nagycenk: Széchenyi History, Museums and a Lake

The István Széchenyi Memorial Museum is located in Széchenyi Castle and features an interactive exhibition. The sculpture park opposite the castle is open year-round and free of charge. Visits to the Firefighting Museum are by prior arrangement. On the edge of town is Laposréti Lake, also known as Nagycenki Fishing Lake, which covers about 1.5 hectares; fishing rules may apply. The published 2026 season for the Széchenyi Museum Railway runs from April 4 to October 25.

Located in Széchenyi Castle, the István Széchenyi Memorial Museum focuses on the Széchenyi family and on István Széchenyi’s life and work. The exhibition is interactive. As a result, both family history and the biography of one individual are at the heart of a museum visit.

Another memorial site is the Széchényi Mausoleum in the public cemetery. It is the focal point of a cross-shaped burial complex commemorating the Széchényi family’s ancestors; István Széchenyi is buried there. The cemetery and the museum therefore have different emphases: one is a memorial site, the other an exhibition about the family and its achievements.

The sculpture park opposite the castle features restored sculptures from roadside crosses and a faithful reconstruction of the Remete Chapel. The original chapel was built by the Széchenyi family at the end of Hársfasor. The park thus offers both the reconstructed chapel and a group of restored sculptures.

The church in Nagycenk is also an architectural monument. It has three naves and a Romantic design; at István Széchenyi’s initiative, it was rebuilt between 1860 and 1864 to designs by Miklós Ybl. These details specify a particular construction period, architect and patron.

Nagycenk’s Firefighting Museum preserves a collection of the local volunteer fire brigade association dating back around 150 years. The exhibits include historic fire engines, motorcycles, specialist equipment, uniforms and memorabilia. The collection offers a different perspective on local history from the castle, church and mausoleum.

Plan this visit separately: the Firefighting Museum welcomes visitors by prior arrangement. Contact the museum before your visit to coordinate it. This arrangement applies to visits to the museum; it should not be confused with the information that the sculpture park is open year-round and free of charge.

Laposréti Lake is on the edge of town and is used for recreational fishing and relaxation. It covers about 1.5 hectares; the municipality describes it as open year-round and free of charge. Fishing rules may apply, so be sure to check them in advance. The lake adds a waterside stop to the historic and cultural sites, but this does not imply that any particular fishing opportunities are available.

The Széchenyi Museum Railway operates seasonally on weekends, public holidays and announced weekdays. Its published 2026 season runs from April 4 to October 25. This date range does not indicate the timetable for a later season. Before your trip, check the operator’s current timetable if you plan to include the railway in your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Fertőszentmiklós, Fertőboz, Sopron, Fertőhomok, Agyagosszergény, Ágfalva, Pereszteg, Szakony.

What does the István Széchenyi Memorial Museum display?

The interactive exhibition covers the Széchenyi family and István Széchenyi’s life and work. The museum is located in Széchenyi Castle in Nagycenk.

Do I need to arrange a visit to the Firefighting Museum?

Yes. Visits are by prior arrangement. Contact the museum in advance.

When does the Széchenyi Museum Railway run?

The published 2026 season runs from April 4 to October 25. The railway operates seasonally on weekends, public holidays and announced weekdays. Check the current timetable before your trip.

Go to the higher-level travel overview: Sopron–Fertőd.