Olcsva: Castle History and Fishing Lake

• Olcsva’s fortified castle was besieged and captured in 1561.
• Olcsvai Kastély was rebuilt several times and demolished between 1777 and 1791.
• The Holt-Kraszna fishing lake is managed by the local fishing association and regularly stocked with fish; a fishing permit is required for access.
• A bust of Sándor Károlyi stands in the park south of the Reformed Church.

In 1561, the troops of King Ferdinand besieged and captured Olcsva’s fortified castle. The Károlyi family rebuilt Olcsvai Kastély in 1699. After this rebuilding, the castle consisted of several buildings and had multiple storeys.

The complex burned down in 1703. Count Sándor Károlyi had it rebuilt in 1708–1709. In February 1711, Francis II Rákóczi visited Olcsvai Kastély. This visit therefore took place between the rebuilding and the later demolition of the building complex, which occurred between 1777 and 1791.

The bust of Sándor Károlyi is also a local memorial: it stands in the park south of the Reformed Church. The castle’s history and the bust offer different points of reference if you are interested in the town’s historical heritage.

The lake is in the heart of Olcsva, is managed by the Olcsva fishing association and is regularly stocked with fish. It welcomes anglers and people seeking recreation alike. Its stated uses therefore appeal to two interests: fishing and relaxing by the water.

A fishing permit is required for access. Include the required permit in your plans.

Across the wider destination of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, a range of cultural attractions complement Olcsva’s local history. The Vay-Ádám Museum Collection of the Hungarian National Museum is housed in the Renaissance Vay Castle in Vaja. The Báthori Castle in Nyírbátor features a permanent exhibition and a tableau depicting members of the Báthori family in period surroundings.

Another way to explore regional history is the northern Hungarian section of the Medieval Churches Route. It links 37 churches in the medieval ecclesiastical landscape of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg.

The natural attractions of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg also vary considerably. Bátorliget Ancient Moor covers about 53 hectares and is strictly protected. It preserves the different stages in the vegetation and landscape history of the Alföld plain particularly well.

Near Csaroda lie Nyíres-tó and Báb tava, distinctive peat bogs whose history dates back to the Ice Age.

Discover more destinations: Csaroda, Gelénes, Vásárosnamény.

What happened to Olcsvai Kastély?

The fortified castle was captured in 1561. The castle was rebuilt in 1699 and again in 1708–1709 after a fire in 1703. The building complex was demolished between 1777 and 1791.

Is a fishing permit required for the Holt-Kraszna fishing lake?

Yes. Access to the lake requires a fishing permit. The lake is managed by the local fishing association and regularly stocked with fish.

Which cultural attractions are in the wider destination of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg?

In Vaja, the Vay-Ádám Museum Collection of the Hungarian National Museum is housed in the Renaissance Vay Castle. In Nyírbátor, a permanent exhibition and a tableau at the Báthori Castle are among the cultural attractions described.

For the wider travel overview: Vásárosnaményi.