A small medieval town in western Hungary known for its 13th-century hilltop castle and baroque architecture. The limestone fortress walls overlook vineyards and thermal springs.
Sümeg, a small town in western Hungary, lies 20 kilometers north of Lake Balaton. You can explore its 13th-century castle, watch knights clash in medieval tournaments, ride horses through the countryside, and discover ancient Roman ruins. Local restaurants in the town center serve traditional Hungarian dishes like gulyás and halászlé.
Getting to Sümeg
Take road No. 7 from Budapest to Székesfehérvár, then follow road No. 8 and connect to road 84 through Csabrendek to reach Sümeg. Alternatively, drive the M7 highway around Lake Balaton through Keszthely and Zalaszántó. You can visit Sümeg as a day trip from both Budapest and Lake Balaton.
Sümeg Castle Architecture
Walk or take a local taxi from the parking area to explore this 13th-century fortress. The castle complex includes round defensive towers, 2-meter-thick stone walls, and a medieval chapel with original frescoes. The fortress withstood multiple sieges throughout its history, and recent restoration work has maintained its military architecture, including narrow arrow slits and strategic defensive positions along the walls.
Medieval Tournaments and Shows
Watch equestrian performances at the Historical Event Hall from July through December. The shows combine Andalusian horse routines, Mongolian riding demonstrations, and medieval combat displays where knights fight with swords, shields, and maces. Shows run at 4:00 PM, four days a week in summer and twice weekly in autumn.
Roman History and Town Center
Walk among the ruins of a Roman castrum (military fort) and a three-aisled early Christian basilica in the Marcal Valley, where archaeologists have also discovered Roman pottery and household items. In the town center, you'll find well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings around the main square.
Nearby Attractions
Within 25 kilometers of Sümeg, swim in the thermal lake at Hévíz, take a boat through Tapolca's underground cave lake, or hike the marked trails in Keszthely hills. Visit the Badacsony wine region along Lake Balaton's northern shore to taste local wines in centuries-old cellars.
