Plan a trip to Somogy

Somogy County is located in the southwestern part of Hungary and borders Croatia on the south. In the north, it lies between the southern shores of Lake Balaton - the largest lake in Hungary -and the Drava River. It shares borders with several Hungarian counties, including Zala, Veszprem, Fejer, Tolna, and Baranya. With approximately 300,000 residents in 2330 square miles, Somogy is the least populated region in Hungary. However, largely because it is situated along the southern part of Lake Belton, Somogy County has become an attractive destination.

Kaposvar is the capital of the county and one of its largest cities. Kaposvar, meaning “the fortress with gates” in Hungarian, dates back about 5000 years BC and, according to legend, is built on seven hills. By around the year 400 BC, Celtic tribes populated the majority of the region, and, for the first few centuries CE, it was part of the Roman province of Pannonia.

Later, as nations migrated, Germanic, Illyrian and other tribes arrived here, with the Slavs being the last. These periods left their mark on the colorful nature of the communities living here. In 1009, the establishment of a Benedictine church was approved, and the town was named Kapos. 
The first fortress was built here in 1200 by King Bela IV following the Mongol invasions of Hungary. Anecdotally…King Bela is the same king who swore that if he defeated the Mongols he would consecrate his daughter, Margit, to be a nun. He did indeed defeat the Mongols and named the island in the middle of the Danube “Margit Island” where he built a Benedictine monastery for her. Tragically, Margit ended her life there at the age of 28.

During the Ottoman period, after the famous Battle of Mohacs in 1526, the soldiers of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent occupied the area and, in 1555, also settled in the fortress. This occupation lasted for 131 years, until 1686, when the Hapsburgs freed Hungary from the Turks. In the 18th century, the city began to decline. The fortress was destroyed by the Hapsburgs, and what was left of it was further destroyed during the Hungarian War of Independence when Hungary was liberated from the Hapsburgs.

Toward the end of the 18th century, the Esterhazy family, one of the Hungarian noble families, received the right to open markets there, and the city began to thrive again. There was a construction boom, and many new buildings were built, including schools, churches, medical centers, hospitals, libraries, and pharmacies. A period of industrial development began in the region, as well, because the train that traveled between Budapest and Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, passed through the city. The population doubled in size, and the city continued to develop. In the 20th century, many companies, including industrial ones, settled there.

Among the city’s major attractions are the imposing Kaposvar Cathedral, the Gergely Csiki Theater - one of the most beautiful theaters in Hungary, and the remains of the original 11th century monastery, Zselicszentjakab Abbey. Lake Deseda, located in close proximity and known as a “corner of paradise,” is a magnificent area for kitesurfing, fishing, water sports, hiking, and biking, and its unique flora and fauna are also well-known. If you’re looking for thermal waters, they await you in Zalakaros, an hour’s drive from here.

The popular vacation destination, Siofok, with its 11-mile coastline along Lake Balaton and its abundance of hotels, restaurants, and clubs, is also nearby.

Other towns that are recommended to visit in Somogy include Barcs, Marcali, Nagyatad, Miklosi, Ecseny, and Szulok. The city of Somogyvar, one of the most important religious centers of Hungary during the Middle Ages, is also located here. In the area of the Drava River, of which a significant part is located in Somogy, there are towns which are populated mainly by Croatians as well as Gypsies. Part of the Danube River National Park is also located in this area.

Somogy’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture – grains, fruits, and grapes – as well as fishing, which is popular both for occupation and recreation along the shores of the lakes and rivers. In more recent times, the food industry has played an important role in the local economy, as do the computer, electronics, and optical product industries.

Tourism has developed, as well, including the niche of “rural tourism” where visitors are hosted in rural homes. Modern, luxurious hotels have been built in the cities of Siofok and Balatonszentgyorgy. There are also many recreation and spa centers both in the capital and in smaller cities such as Igal, Nagyatad, and Csakonyvisonta.