Harkány

Harkány (Croatian: Harkanj) is a town in Baranya county, Transdanubia. 25 km south of Pécs, famous spa town in the foothills of the Villány Mountains. Harkány has been welcoming those wishing to relax and to be healed since 1824. It has 3400 residents, but it has far more inhabitants in the summer season. The gold of Baranya County, the medicinal water of Harkány, with its reputed beneficial effect, the 2000-year-old wine-growing area, the Mediterranean-like atmosphere of Szársomlyó hill, and the River Drava are all draws for the visitor.

Understand
There are archeological evidence in the environs have revealed finds from the Hunnish, Avar and Roman ages. Written sources first mention it in 1323 with the name "Harkan". The origin of the name can be traced back to the Hungarian bird name "harkály" (woodpecker) on the one hand, and to the old Hungarian dignitary name "horka" on the other. One of the first owner was, Pálffy György, the lieutenant general of Temesvár, the Gara-family. Later proprietors of the castle of Siklós were: the Batthányi-family and the Benyovszki-family. It was an inhabited area under the Turkish occupation of Hungary. Beside the Hungarian population German, Croatian, Serbian and Slovakian families have been settled here since the middle of the previous century.

The curative effect of the water of Harkany was discovered in 1823 completely accidentally. The first two wells were bored by Vilmos Zsigmond in 1866 and in 1887. The first pool was opened in 1925. It is medically proven that the water and mud lends itself particularly well to the medication of rheumatic illnesses. Drinking cure is a potent remedy of catarrhal ailments.

By car
From Budapest take M6 motorway and take the exit of Villány and Bóly. From here take M60 motorway towards Pécs. From Pécs take road 58 towards Harkány.

By train
The town has no train station. The nearest one is in Pécs.

By bus
Not far from the Pécs train station is the bus station. Buses run from there to Harkány every 30 minutes.

By plane

 * Budapest Airport
 * Osijek Airport, Croatia (50 km)
 * Sármellék Airport

Travel agencies

 * Mecsek Tours Travel Agency (Mecsek Tours Utazási Iroda), 7815 Harkány, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky utca 6. T: +36 72 580 982, E-mail: harkany@mecsektours.hu, open: M-F 08:00-16:00
 * Thermal Travel Office (Thermal Travel Utazási Iroda), 7815 Harkány, Kossuth Lajos utca 7. Tel: +36 72 580115, E-mail: thermaltravel@t-online.hu. Open M-F 08:30-12:00 & 17:30-20:30; Sa 08:30-12:00

Ormánság
The area called “Ormánság” is located in the south-western part of Baranya county, bordered by the river Drava, on the south, and partly by Somogy county, on its western side. There is a headstation to Sellye-Szentlörinc (include a couple sights as: former Esterházy Palace, now Townhouse; - former School (over hundred years old), now Culture House; Koncz Brantner-House, built in the 18th century, and the estate bailiff's apartment, now home of a collection of the civilian housing culture in the 1800s-1900s; the Catholic church, built in Baroque style, in 1718) rail sideline. At the latter station, you can connect to Pécs.

The area is predominantly plain, its most part belonging to the tide lands of the river Dráva. The villages have been built on the so-called “ormá”-s, the small hills emerging from this watery land, the name of the area derives from this term. For tourists the Ormansag gives bach the old provincial, villager atmosphere of Hungary. You can have a look in the lives of the here living people, learn about their art through the paintings of the calvinistic churches. With the beautiful countryside and low volume roads is ideal for bike-tours. Because of its peripheral position, its closeness to the border, this region has been shut off from fast processes of economic growth, being, at the same time, able to preserve its landscape intact, as well as natural, ethnographic and architectural values due to this position.

The flora and fauna of the Ormánság is exceptionally rich. Numerous populations of rare species can be found in some of the places. The vegetation present along the banks of the river Dráva, the willow and poplar groves, oak, ash, and elm groves are an exceptional landscape while being rather remarkable from an ecologic perspective, as well. Two species typical of the Ormánság area are the Slavonic oak and the Hungarian ash tree. Other noteworthy tree species, typical of the Ormánság are the elm, poplar and the blue beech. The furze thicket provides appropriate habitat for the sword-flag and the water-chestnut, while protected plains host a vast variety of lily and iris species. Bird and game population is also exceptionally rich. Bird species typical of the area are the black stork, the bald eagle, the black kite, the falcon, the short-winged hawk, the ant-catcher hawk, the bank swallow and the common kingfisher. This area is a home for beautiful specimens of deer, fawn and wild boar. The river Drava and the fishponds provide excellent opportunities for line-fishing.

The built heritage of this region include the, located in Sellye, and its surrounding park, the prime botanical garden in the South-Transdanubian area, which hosts a wide variety of rare plants. Close to local history museum- Built heritage of the area consist mainly of examples of folk architecture. Construction of the so-called “footed houses”, typical of the area, must have emerged due to adaptation to the natural conditions of the area, including frequently occurring floods. - Most famous treasures of the area,- in addition the untouched nature,- are the churches. The Hungarian Reformed people lived in Ormánság for centuries. The tempera decorative elements of the painted paneled churches originate from the original ancient Hungarian symbols. The most beautiful highly decorated churches can be found in Drávaiványi (4 km southwest of Sellye. Its church is an outstanding monuments of the architecture of Ormánság, built in 1792, the late Baroque style and painted wood panels. The church has 167 painted ceiling wood panels, in each row nine except semicircular apsis where in four rows seven per row. In the center of the ceiling is a solar disc called the "King cartridge". Only in this reformed church - of all Protestant churches of Ormánság- can be see a figurative picture, fish-tailed, crowned female figure (mermaid?), who holding a sword, and next to its a fish and a dove, the latter holding an olive branch in its beak.) Kórós (20 km east of Sellye, the church standing in the middle of the village, built in 1793, the late Baroque style. On the ceiling  in the nine line six-six panels can be see, these are consistent despite the different motives of theirs, characterized by brilliant colors and sharp contours. The primary colors are white, burgundy, blue, and dark blue, in diagonal composition alternating.), Adorjás (Close to Kórós, 21 km from Sellye, 16 km from Harkány, The tower helmeted, late baroque church built in 1836. The bottom of the choir decorated with rococo, wood, ceiling plates. The boards of choir are drawing with light-toned floral elements, lattice motif and individual fringe elements. The primary colors are red, yellow and blue.) and Kovácshida (The reformed church was built in neoclassical style, the balustrade panels of the gallery made in 1833, by János Gyarmati of Vajszló. The center plate of balustrade depicts two chalices, the other panels are florid, only one of which includes two facing birds with stylized flower ornamentation feathers. - The lakes of Kovácshida are 4 km from Harkány, just after Kovácshida. The three, nearly form a circle lakes have a total water surface of 30 hectares. Around one of the waters called “Új tó” (lit. New Lake), you will find some really romantic spots, depth of its reaches five meters in several places! All lakes abound in introduced fish. The fish most favoured by anglers include the carp, the grass carp, the pike-perch, the catfish,-some piece weight over sixty kg, and the pike, but crucian carp is also worth a try. Guest anglers can fish with a day ticket. Day tickets can be purchased at the lake guard. The fish does not have to be paid for. You can rent a boat for a whole day or half a day. Statute of the fishing association forbids rolling. On the lakeshore, one can find a buffet open all day. Cooking is permitted in certain spots, marked in this sense. The guest house includes a WC and provides hand washing opportunities. The flora of lakes include water lilies and reed; and soft wood groves on the shore.

Matty Lake and Hotedra Lake
Matty is a rural community 6 km south of Harkány near the southern border of Baranya county, by the river Drava. Its surroundings are extremely rich in the givens of nature. This place feels like paradise for those interested in fishing and hunting. The outskirts of the village are washed by two natural lakes: the Matty Lake and the backwaters of the river Drava, both of which provide excellent fishing opportunities. The backwaters of the river Drava, close to Matty village maintained the harmony of ancient aquatic life untouched. The two lakes are not far from each other, one can find a fishermen’s cottage and a buffet on the lake shore. Also in nearby can find the family-run (Gáti Tanya Cottage, Explore the 'Vegetable Labyrinth', ancestral Hungarian domestic animals can be found here,, hunting tour, horse riding, pleasure carriage ride), including a pension and a restaurant, and offering horse riding and promenading opportunities.

For hikers just outside the village, tempting woodlands and a nature reservation await those who wish to hike. A unique spot -almost unprecedented in Europe – is the Memorial Park for Birds, situated on the plain near Matty. This place can be found alongside the so-called “Három folyó” (lit. “Three rivers”) hiking, cycling route.

Palkonya
Palkonya (Croatian: Plakinja, Palkonija) is a village in Baranya county in Siklós municipality. A rail sideline provide connection toward east to Mohács (29 km) via Villány (5 km) and toward northwest to Pécs (31 km). In 2007, this one street village was the first in Hungary to be awarded the title 'Cultural Village of Europe'. The  The village preserves the architectural culture of the German wine-growers who settled to here in 18th century. The cellars, including 53 press-houses, are the most famous monument complex of Palkonya, located in the hillside at the end of the village. Half of the houses (locally) are protected monument, facade of its labeled with a house formed ceramic and there is subtitle "Védett" (lit. protected). Palkonya surrounded by three fish ponds, they are rich in bird life and provide recreation for anglers, hikers. Many marked hiking routes located in the area. Tha village passed by the international "Three Rivers" cycling route. If you walk up to "Weingarten" vineyards hill, where in 2007, the St. Bartholomew's Chapel was built, can enjoy unrivaled panorama of Palkonya.

Siklós – Máriagyűd
Siklós, a small town in Baranya County (pop.: around 10000). 5 km east of Harkány, these are regularly connected by bus. The Castle is a pride of its inhabitants, is a real Mediterranean gem, whose atmosphere, monuments and excellent wines offer you a pleasant time. The cultural programmes and events, the spa, the famous destination of pilgrimage in Mariagyűd (in nearby) are all worth a visit. Exhibitions in the town include: Castle Museum, Town Gallery, Ceramics Studio, local history exhibition. There is an open-air bath in the town.

Villány

 * — a large village with 2900 inhabitants 22 km east of Harkány (13 km east of Siklós). The area is one of the best wine regions of the country. It is especially famous for its local red wine that is why it obtained the title of the Town of Wine-yards and Wine. Viticulture can be traced back to some thousand years in this place. The southern slopes are characterized by a Mediterranean climate. The enterprises in the vicinity are united in the Borút Egyesület (Wine Route Association), in order to secure regular high standards in wine supply and wine shops. In addition to wines accommodation is also available in pensions and private boarding houses.
 * Teleki and Wine Cellar Museum (installed in the one-time Tithe-Cellar) old equipment and traditions of wine-growing are exhibited. Church Hill quarry with fossil demonstration (Nature Conservation Area).
 * The famous cellar known as "Wine Tunnel", ends in a stalactite cave.
 * Explore the Villany-Siklos Wine Road include castle in Siklos, Mariagyud and Villany can be accessed by bicycle, partly on bike path.
 * The Villany wine festival.
 * At the foot of hill Szársomlyó, an interesting park of Sculpture can be visited.
 * The Roman Catholic church of Villany was built in the 15th century.

Villánykövesd
Villánykövesd is layed at Villány stumps. About 19km form Harkany. Because of the very interesting natural environment here are a couple of the most extraordinary wineyards of Hungary. Belongs to Villány–Siklós wine county. One of the most famous touristic attractions is cellar-village with three etage.

Do
Castle-theatre evenings in Siklós, bath concerts, the arts, gastronomic and handicraft festivals. Horseback riding, cart-rides, hiking, cycling, boat-rides, water sports.
 * Take a walk to Belvedere at the top of the Kopasz hill. Good viewpoint.
 * Sports Hall (Sportcsarnok), Petőfi u. 42. Tel.:72/480-323
 * Line-Fishing in varied fishing lakes: Ócsárdi fishing lake (From Harkány towards Pécs, the third village is Ócsárd., T: +36 30 2265834), Szalánta fishing lake (take #58 road toward Pécs, 4-5 km before the Pogány airport must turn right. T: + 36 20 9283837), Bissei fishing lake (Turning off the No. 58 main road, out of village Bisse you will find the lake, T: +36 30 5953109), Görcsöny lake (Leading the way toward Görcsöny from Harkany 500 meters before village limit turn to left, follow the paved road near the forest end of its is the Lake, T: +36 20 4186535). Fishes in the lakes: carp, grass carp, pike, perch, carp, African catfish
 * Equestrian farm (Lovastanya)
 * Line-Fishing in varied fishing lakes: Ócsárdi fishing lake (From Harkány towards Pécs, the third village is Ócsárd., T: +36 30 2265834), Szalánta fishing lake (take #58 road toward Pécs, 4-5 km before the Pogány airport must turn right. T: + 36 20 9283837), Bissei fishing lake (Turning off the No. 58 main road, out of village Bisse you will find the lake, T: +36 30 5953109), Görcsöny lake (Leading the way toward Görcsöny from Harkany 500 meters before village limit turn to left, follow the paved road near the forest end of its is the Lake, T: +36 20 4186535). Fishes in the lakes: carp, grass carp, pike, perch, carp, African catfish
 * Equestrian farm (Lovastanya)

Events

 * „Ördögűző”- celebration - the end of winter in February,
 * Gastronomic Festival: food, potions and cake maker 'competition' - Springtime
 * Bath Festival- Summer
 * Wienharvest festival - at the secound weekend of September
 * Advent program living Betlehem - December

Church festival days in Máriagyűd
The festival day of the place of pilgrimage is 2 July, which is supplemented by six major and several smaller church festivals:
 * Whitsun – Roma pilgrimage (end of May)
 * Sunday of the Holy Trinity (last Sunday of May)
 * Feast of the Visitation - July 5
 * Our Lady – youth church festival (“Sarlós Boldogasszony”) three days of first week of July
 * Our Lady – main church festival (“Nagyboldogasszony”) mid August
 * Our Lady – main church festival, festival for the German community (“Kisboldogasszony”) two days, first week of Sept

Drink

 * Local Villány wines

Sleep
Around a dozen three four stars hotels and pensions, more than three dozens guest-houses, private summer cottages and a big camping are at the tourists’ disposal. Several families of the residents has transformed rooms in their own houses in order to receive guests. In case of a longer vacation it is advisable for health reasons to interrupt bathing at the spa for some days of rest, during which you can travel around the environs, and you can get acquainted with their interesting and valuable scenic spots.

Stay safe

 * Ambulance 104
 * Police 107
 * Fire Station 105
 * Police Station of Harkány (Rendőrkapitányság Harkányi Rendőrörs), Bartók Béla u.1. +36 72 480-367
 * Vilmos Zsigmond Spa Hospital (Zsigmondy Vilmos Gyógyfürdőkórház), Harkány, Zsigmondy sétány 1. 72/580-900
 * Thermal Bio Pharmacy (Thermál Bio-Patika), Harkány, Kossuth Lajos u.16. Tel.:+36 72 279-489, M-F 09:00-17:00, E-mail: kesdrm@gmail.com
 * Thermal Bio Pharmacy (Thermál Bio-Patika), Harkány, Kossuth Lajos u.16. Tel.:+36 72 279-489, M-F 09:00-17:00, E-mail: kesdrm@gmail.com

Connect
Dialing code: 72. Postal code of Harkány: 7815.

Go next

 * Pécs - center of Baranya County with Crypt frescoes, part of UNESCO World Heritage list