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The Southern Transdanubian region extending from Lake Balaton to the river Dráva, and from the Danube to the river Zala is mostly a hilly area cut by “thousands of valleys”. Due to this geographical characteristic there are many small, intimate villages. Reminders of rich historical past, varied landscapes and friendly people welcome visitors to Southern Transdanubia. This region embraces almost every type of Hungarian landscape. On the banks of the Danube, Drava and the Mura, which flow on the eastern and southern frontier of the region, there are plains similar to the Great Hungarian Plain. Rolling hills are the most characteristic elements of the gentle Pannonian landscape. They create the typical Transdanubian panorama with their gentle slopes covered with forests and broken up with valleys. The two mountain "islands" of the region, the Mecsek and the mountain of Villany, are favourite tourist destination as they preserve protected geological and botanical rarities.
Small village hiding in the folds of hills cherish with special care their rich traditions. "Many places, many customs", we could say, as every small area and every settlements has its own traditions. The popular architecture, dressed, customs and memories of the ancient peasant lifestyle reveal the pearls of the past to visitors who appreciate cultural values.
Outstanding natural locations and towns abounding in monuments and artistic and cultural programmes welcome, with open arms, visitors looking for millennial memories or bustling everyday life. Historical monuments, museums, medieval castles and palaces secluded in natural parks make Hungary's stormy and rich history "tangible" and intelligible for everyone.
In this region, rural life has preserved to this day its special magic: a living connection with nature, a silence and tranquillity, close human relationships, enjoyment of life and a cheerful disposition. The hours themselves pass more slowly here, we have the time to contemplate, to be amazed and to recharge our energies.
You can see all these things and even more in this rural region, one of Hungary's sunniest areas. It lies to the south of the bustling lake Balaton, and here the Sub-Mediterranean South and the Atlantic North have a rendezvous with each other between the Danube, the Drava and the Mura.
Southern Transdanubia - Brochures of the Hungarian National Tourist Office |
