Discover Szigetbecse: Culture, Water and Nature
Accommodation in Szigetbecse
Szigetbecse can be explored through a variety of themes: houses from the 19th and 20th centuries, a museum featuring photographs selected by André Kertész, and places to experience the water and nature. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on architectural history, photography, local customs or paths through green spaces.
Szigetbecse at a glance
Notable buildings include Swabian houses with projecting verandas and iron fences dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. The André Kertész Emlékmúzeum displays 120 photographs that the photographer selected from his own work. The Becsei Holtág formed in an old riverbed on the right bank of the Ráckeve-Soroksári Duna-ág.
By the small pond next to Balassi tér, there is a grassy area and a walking path with benches. The Tó-kilátó looks out over the pond in the centre of the village. Nature, photography and architectural heritage each add a distinct focus to a stay.
What do the houses, church and museum tell us?
The historic houses are at Petőfi Sándor utca 20, 24, 30 and 35. Their front verandas and iron fences make them tangible examples of local architectural history. Photography enthusiasts will find a selection of 120 pictures at the André Kertész Emlékmúzeum, personally assembled by Kertész. A guided tour entitled “André Kertész és Szigetbecse” can be requested there. Check the current arrangements for guided tours before travelling.
The church in Szigetbecse is dedicated to Saint Michael. It was built between 1800 and 1803 with the support of Prince Albert, the husband of Archduchess Maria Christina. Its construction date and patronage place the church in local history, but do not imply that the interior is open to visitors.
What water and nature spots are there?
The Becsei Holtág lies in an old riverbed on the right bank of the Ráckeve-Soroksári Duna-ág. In the centre of the village, the small pond at Balassi tér offers a different perspective: it is surrounded by a grassy area, with a walking path and benches alongside. The Tó-kilátó looks out over this very pond. This makes it possible to experience a distinctive river landscape and a central spot in the settlement as different points of interest.
The Tőzike nature trail is named after the summer snowflake. It grows in less accessible areas of the small forest and blooms in May. Benches, tables and a small viewpoint stand at the entrance to the trail. Outdoor play equipment was also added to the leisure park in 2020 by the Szigetbecse Községért Közalapítvány.
Which customs and nature themes are associated with May?
May brings together two different occasions in Szigetbecse: the summer snowflake blooms along the Tőzike nature trail, and on 16 May, the feast day of Saint John of Nepomuk, candles and lanterns are set afloat on the water. The municipality has revived this centuries-old custom since 2002. The specific arrangements may vary.
Another custom takes place on Easter Sunday: the traditional egg race is still observed in Szigetbecse. Immigrant Swabian families from Styria brought it with them in the early 18th century. Along with the Kertész Museum and the historic houses, this custom reveals a cultural side of the village, while the nature trail and oxbow lake appeal to other interests.
Would you like to discover more destinations?
Discover more destinations: Dunaharaszti, Áporka, Dunavarsány, Tököl, Ráckeve, Szigethalom, Dömsöd and Taksony.
FAQ
What does the André Kertész Emlékmúzeum display?
The museum displays 120 photographs that André Kertész selected from his own work. The guided tour “André Kertész és Szigetbecse” can be requested.
What makes the Tőzike nature trail special?
The trail is named after the summer snowflake, which blooms in May in less accessible areas of the small forest. Benches, tables and a small viewpoint stand at the entrance.
Which customs are associated with Szigetbecse?
The traditional egg race is still observed on Easter Sunday. On 16 May, the municipality revives the custom of setting candles and lanterns afloat on the water; it has done so since 2002.
For the broader travel overview: Ráckevei.
