The surroundings of Sopron

SOPRONPUSZTA AND THE PAN-EUROPEAN PICNIC MEMORIAL PARK

Sopronpuszta is famous for the so called „Pan-European Picnic”, which was a peace demonstration held on 19^th August 1989 at the Austrian-Hungarian border.

In a symbolic gesture agreed to by both countries, a border gate on the road from Sankt Margarethen in Burgenland (Austria) to Sopronkőhida (Hungary) was to be opened for three hours. On the same spot on 27^th June 1989, Austria's then foreign minister Alois Mock and his Hungarian counterpart Gyula Horn cut through the border fence, a move highlighting Hungary's decision to dismantle her surveillance installations along the border, a process started on 2nd May 1989.

More than 600 East Germans seized the opportunity provided by this brief lifting of the Iron Curtain, and headed to the West. In the run-up to 19^th August, the organisers of the Pan-European Picnic distributed pamphlets advertising the event. The Hungarian border guards, however, reacted judiciously to the growing number of people fleeing and despite their orders to shoot anyone who attempted to cross the border, did not intervene.

Slightly later, thousands of East Germans were waiting for their chance to cross to border, not believing that the border would be opened, and not trusting the procedures. Therefore, the number of people crossing the border on the day of this event was limited to no more than a few hundred. Over the next few days, the Hungarian government increased the number of guards patrolling on the western border, so that only a relatively small number actually reached the West successfully. On 11^th September 1989 Hungary finally opened her borders for citizens of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) for good.

The Pan-European Picnic is considered a highly significant milestone in the efforts that led to the end of the GDR and to the German reunification. Commemorative ceremonies are held each year on 19^th August at the place where the border was opened.

At the present time, the place of the picnic is marked by a large sculpture symbolizing a Cross and a barbed wire. This symbolic piece of art was made by Gabriela von Habsburg, a daughter of Otto von Habsburg.

(Source: Wikipedia)

NAGYCENK

Nagycenk with its 1826 inhabitants is located in the western part of Hungary, not so far from the Austrian border. The village is situated merely 3 kilometres from Lake Fertő and 12 kilometres from Sopron.

Although it is a small town, it has plenty attractions to show. The history of Nagycenk remounts to the 13th century, however, the excavations demonstrated that it had been inhabited even before. During the centuries this region was under the authority of many squatter families, amongst the Széchenyi family. The most familiar descendant is Count István Széchenyi who is called "the Greatest Hungarian".

The Széchenyi Castle hosts the István Széchenyi Historical Museum, where the political and economic legacy of "the Greatest Hungarian" is exhibited. In the castle park you can have a look at several tree-curiosities and in front of the main gate of the castle you can take a walk in the beautiful Lime alley. The  above mentioned natural treasures became part of the World Heritage in 2002.

For visitors with children there is a great attraction, the unforgettable Museum railway operated by child railroaders. At the departing station of the railway, there is an interesting open-air railway exhibition, where children can have a look at the old steam-locomotives.

The Saint Istvan Church stands in the middle of the village at the Széchenyi Square and has been built according to the plans of the architect, Miklós Ybl. In the middle of the square in front of the church stands the Széchenyi Statue made by the famous sculptor, Alajos Stróbl. Just a few metres from there, rests in peace "the Greatest Hungarian" in the Mausoleum in the cemetery.

The inhabitants in Nagycenk are working on retaining the Széchenyi recollections and the  intellectual legacy. It is highly honourable that since joining the EU in 2004 Nagycenk can represent Hungary in the Charter of European Rural Communities.

(Source: www.nagycenk.hu)

FERTŐD

The town of Fertőd is situated 26 km from Sopron and 7 km from the Austrian border in the beautiful area of Hanság. It has more than 3000 inhabitants and possesses city status since 1995.  The most famous attraction of Fertőd is the Esterházy Palace (Esterházy-kastély).

One of Hungary's wealthiest aristocratic families, the Esterházys had their splendid palace, the 'Hungarian Versailles' built between 1720 and 1766.  These days the palace is the centre for the Hungarian Haydn research and functions as an important cultural venue.

Apart from the Baroque theatre, the building complex of this resplendent palace has remained intact. Much of the exhibitions set up in the museum conjure up the building's heyday under Miklós Esterházy Fényes (1762-1790). Rich gold-plated halls, period wall paintings, lacquer plates brought from China, 18^th century furniture with embroidered upholstery and porcelain display the fashion of the period, befitting of a Baroque-Rococo princely court.

Three rooms house the exhibition introducing the works of Joseph Haydn. Besides enjoying an opulent lifestyle and entertainment, the Esterházy court also played a significant role in the contemporary musical life. As a result of Joseph Haydn’s efforts, who spent his most productive and creative years in the service of Duke Nicholas, many operas, operettas and symphonies were born during this period in Esterháza, called Fertőd at the present time. Thus, the Haydn exhibition presents an integral part of the palace's history.

(Source: www.hungarystartshere.com)

FERTŐD-HANSÁG NATIONAL PARK

It is said that the most exciting parts of the world are those territories where two worlds meet – where something finishes and something else is born. The Fertő–Hanság area is one of the best examples for such a place: along the rainy west slopes of Lővérek, in the vicinity of Sopron, an alpine climate is perceptible, but jut a stone's throw away to the east on the hills we can find the thriving submediterranian, thermohphilous oak-woods.

A few more meters and we reach the extensive, though shallow saline lake, located westernmost in Eurasia, with vast reeds around it, recalling memories of a world that existed centuries ago. More to the east we can find remnants of a formerly continuous wetland with boggy, marshy/swampy habitats and wide plains reminiscent of the Asian steppes, from where also some peaks of the Alps can be seen in clear weather. All this richness is further enhanced by precious historical an ethnographic relics of the past.

The area gives home to various kinds of birds, such as the Great Egret, Purple Heron, Common Spoonbill and Greylag Goose. During the migration season different species of the Scolopacidae family appear. Rare birds include Red-breasted Goose, White-tailed Eagle and Hen Harrier. The lake is inhabited by Weatherfish, Northern pike and Ziege. On the meadows west from the lake vegetation of rare plants such as the Yellow Lady's Slipper, Fly orchid, the Hungarian Iris and Iris pumila and various butterfly species can be found, while the eastern puszta areas are covered by Puccinellia peisonis, Aster tripolium, pannonicum and Suaeda maritima.

(Source: http://www.foek.hu/zsibongo/termve/np/angnp/fhnp.htm and wikipedia)

LAKE NEUSIEDL

Lake Neusiedl (in German Neusiedlersee; in Hungarian Fertő tó) is the second largest steppe lake in Central Europe, straddling the Austrian–Hungarian border. The lake covers 315 km², of which 240 km² is situated on the Austrian side and 75 km² on the Hungarian side.

The average depth of the lake is one meter and the widening south part of it is the shallowest, swampy section. Throughout the history Lake Fertő dried out entirely several times – last time between 1865 and 1870 – and later it has been revived in a rainier period.

With over 2 000 hours of sunshine annually, the lake is one of the most popular holiday areas in both countries. Sport, culture, nature, wine or fine food, the UNESCO World Heritage area of Lake Neusiedl has all the essential ingredients for a perfect holiday.

With its unique flora and fauna, the transborder National Park offers rare plant and bird species as well as Asinara White donkeys, Grey Hungarian cattle and Mangalitza pigs under the appropriate protection and in a natural habitat. In addition, the Natural Park of the Leitha Mountain Ranges and the untouched habitats of the Leitha River Meadows also provide a distinctive experience.

In the region there is a unique focus on culture. Whether operetta, opera, classical music or rock festivals – places around the lake hosts musical entertainment of the finest quality and to everyone’s taste. Moreover, many galleries, museums, exhibitions of fine art can be found in the lake area.

Sport enthusiasts in particular will enjoy themselves at Lake Neusiedl. Possibilities include cycling, sailing, wind-surfing, kite-surfing, hiking or golfing – boredom is an unknown word here and diversions are always available.

Special culinary treats combined with regional delicacies guarantee an exceptional gastronomic experience. The Pannonian climate and the soils in the Lake Neusiedl wine-growing area provide optimal conditions for the wine industry. Numerous national and international awards verify the outstanding quality of the wines in this region.

(Source: www.neusiedler-see.at)