Hajduszoboszlo

History of Hajduszoboszlo

The first written mention of Szoboszlo dates back to the year 1075 and was met in a letter from King Gesa I of Hungary, in which he wrote that by his decree he was giving lands to the newly founded Benedictine abbey. Much later, on September 2, 1606, Prince Istvan Bochkai of Transylvania gave the lands of Szoboszlo, completely ruined by the Crimean tatars, 700 cavalrymen-Hajdú. This is where the modern name of the city came from, although the composite form of "Hajduszoboszlo" was widely used only in the 19th century. Until the beginning of the last century, the city had a normal, rather difficult life of small agricultural and cattle breeding towns.

The vector of the city development changed radically on October 26, 1925. During the drilling process, thermal water with a temperature of up to 73 °C with a specific odor and colour was burst from a depth of 1091 meters, together with the natural gas. Scientists immediately studied the composition of the water, its healing properties were quickly proved, and already on July 26, 1927 the first bathhouse in the resort opened its doors for guests. Since then, the city has developed towards balneotherapy, but traditional agriculture is still practised here. Nowadays, more than 700 thousand tourists visit the spa every year and their number is increasing every year.

Attractions of Hajduszoboszlo

Aquapark

Opened in the year 2000, the water park in Hajduszoboszlo was the first such establishment in Hungary. The water park is located on Hungarospa beach and is open from May to late September. There are 12 slides, some over 10 meters high, several water attractions and a playground for young children. One of the three beach pools offers relaxation from outdoor activities. The water park is open from 10:00 to 18:00, from 16 June to 5 August until 19:00.

Bathhouse

The area of the bathhouse is 30 hectares, where in addition to the huge Hungarospa beach there are 13 swimming pools, boating, catamarans, competitions in beach volleyball, football, table tennis are organized. The wave pool and jacuzzi, as well as the recreated Mediterranean coast with its sandy beach, pirate ship, lighthouse and palm trees deserve special attention. The beach complex is open from early May to late September, working hours are from 9:00 to 18:00, in the summer months from 8:00 to 20:00.

Hortobagy steppe

Hortobagy National Park was founded in 1973 on the territory of endless pastures and already in 1999 it was included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Only 10 minutes drive from Hajduszoboszlo is the largest steppe in Europe, where unique representatives of fauna live and rare plant species grow. In the park you can go horseback riding, rent an SUV and just walk along the winding paths admiring the unusual landscapes.

Istavan Bocskai museum

In the museum garden there is a historical agricultural exhibition, which presents various exhibits showing the development of technology from the XIX century to the present day. Visitors are also invited to take a look at the aluminium bells made by Edit Oborzil and her husband Tibor Jeney, which they donated to the city. Inside the museum there is an exhibition that tells the guests about the history of the spa; the exhibition also includes paintings by János Szűcs, military exhibits, a collection of insects and butterflies. Temporary exhibitions are regularly held in separate halls. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.

Greek Catholic church

The newest church in Hajduszoboszlo was built by the Greek Catholic community of the city in 1994. The architect is István Lengyel, who combined modern materials and Byzantine style in his work. Thus Hajduszoboszlo received a new architectural monument, which successfully combines modernity and ancient art. Icons for the church were painted by Aranka Latorcainé Újházi. The church is open for visitors.

Reformed Church

The oldest symbols of the city are the Reformed church and the neighboring remains of the fortress wall. The church was built in Baroque style at the beginning of the 18th century, in the year 1818 expansion works were carried out, during which the church acquired elements of Classicism architecture. In year 2000 the building was completely renovated. The church keeps ancient relics and not only holds services but also choirs' performances.

Szent László Roman Catholic Church

The Szent László Roman Catholic church was built in 1776. The frescoes decorating the interior of the church are the work of the church painter István Takács and were made in the 1930s. They reflect Christian themes and major milestones in the city' s life, such as the discovery of thermal springs or pictures of nearby Hortobágy park. Thanks to these frescoes, the Catholic church on Bočkai Street is considered one of the local attractions. Another interesting fact about the church is that it was visited by Pope John Paul II, who was at that time Archbishop of Krakov.

Bell House and painted trees

The Bell house and painted trees are one of the modern attractions of Hajduszoboszlo and at the same time a symbol of the city. The Bell house is located in a park between the main street of the town and the treatment complex. It holds 50 aluminum bells of various shapes and sizes, made using Edith Oborzil's unique technology. This building symbolizes a Carpathian pool filled with water from four springs, which in turn flow from under three painted symbolic trees: Turulo (Hungarian nation), the White Stag (earthly aspirations associated with the recognition of celestial values) and the Spirit Bird (ability to regenerate).

Events and festivals in Hajduszoboszlo

Days of Spring Art

A two-week art festival held by the cultural centre in March/April. Everyone can participate in a variety of programs, including exhibitions, music and dance performances, puppet shows, literary evenings and various lectures.

Hungarosparty

It's a traditional summer opening party on Hungarospa beach. The evening programme starts at 18:00 with a fashion show, followed by live music concerts by pop stars to entertain guests on stage. It takes place on the last Saturday of April.

Food Festival of Hajdusag

On the first weekend of May, a gastronomic festival will be held in the Szent István Park, where everyone can enjoy traditional dishes of the Hajdusag region, made according to original and modern culinary recipes and provided by chefs of local restaurants. During the festival, gastronomy, food tasting and culinary competitions play a significant role, which are made complete by additional diverse programs: concerts and other entertaining performances and performances are held on the main stage of the festival for three days.

Grilled Food and Beer Festival

On the second weekend of June, in the same Szent István Park, gourmets can taste fried dishes prepared on an open fire, with delicious cold beer and snacks that perfectly match the dishes.

Festival of the sun

On the night of Ivanovo (June 22) fires are lit, all forces are given to dance, and lonely people find their half. Everyone who wants to take part in this special event on the shortest night of the year comes.

Folk music and folk art festival

The open stage in front of the bell tower hosts a festival of folk music and folk art during the last weekend of July. For four days, folk ensembles, singers and dancers of national and international level perform, artisans brag about their achievements, and exhibition days always end with a disco.

Dixieland Days

On the first weekend of August, Hajduszoboszlo welcomes all fans of dixieland, a kind of traditional jazz. On the open stage, the audience is entertained by such well-known in narrow circles music bands as "Molnár Dixieland Band" and Katica Illényi, "Benkó Dixieland Band", "Bohém Ragtime Band", "Police Big Band" and others.

Biofood and Wine Festival

On the second weekend of September, a unique culinary event is held in Szent István Park, during which any participant can taste delicious dishes and delicacies prepared with natural products in front of the festival participants, as well as wine tasting by famous Hungarian distilleries. The three-day event is complemented by performances of folk musicians and dancers, classical and light music concerts, as well as programs promoting natural products.

Grape harvest festival

On the third weekend of October, the park celebrates the grape harvest festival in Szoboszlo. This event is designed to strengthen the link between wine, culture and gastronomy while preserving centuries-old traditions. The festive table, along with the traditional dishes of the Hajduszag region, serves wonderful Hungarian wines and pálinka.

St. Martin's Day celebration

The event is organized on the second weekend of November in honor of St. Martin's Day. Visitors can taste new harvest wines offered by famous Hungarian wineries as well as goose dishes. If you can't find the place of harvest by smell, we'll give you a little hint - look in the park.