Things To Do
in Szarvas

A spicy paprika-based river fish soup, often made with carp or catfish from the Körös; you can find it at local restaurants and weekend festivals.

Must-Try!

Slow-cooked meat stews (beef, pork or chicken) seasoned with Hungarian paprika, served with nokedli (dumplings) or boiled potatoes — a staple in local csárda inns.

Deep-fried dough typically topped with sour cream and cheese, sold at markets, fairs and street stalls — a favorite snack while touring town.

Use formal greetings (Jó napot — Good day) with unfamiliar people and shake hands on meeting; friends use informal 'Szia'. Title plus family name is polite with older people or in formal situations.

Show respect at churches and public memorials by dressing modestly and behaving quietly. Remove hats in church and observe local customs during festivals.

Be polite and patient; many locals appreciate attempts to speak Hungarian (even simple phrases). Avoid loud behavior in residential areas late at night.

An easy network of paths within the arboretum suitable for short walks, photography and seasonal nature viewing; well-marked and family-friendly.

Trails and boardwalks in nearby protected wetlands for birdwatching and learning about floodplain ecosystems; bring binoculars and follow visitor center guidance.

Though not mountainous hiking, the flat farm roads and marked cycle routes around Szarvas offer longer pastoral walks and rides with wide-open views and minimal elevation.

Hungary's main international airport, about 160–200 km from Szarvas (approximately 2–3 hours by car or a combination of train and bus). Many international flights and good onward connections.

Regional airport around 100–130 km away (about 1.5–2 hours by car). Limited international and seasonal flights; convenient for eastern Hungary.

Szeged does not have a major commercial airport like Budapest or Debrecen, but is the nearest large city (about 100–120 km) with good rail/bus links to Szarvas; travelers often combine air travel to Budapest or Debrecen with train/bus transfers.

The majority of the population identifies as ethnic Hungarian and maintains local cultural traditions and language.

There is a Roma (Gypsy) minority present in the region, as in many parts of Hungary, contributing to local culture and communities.

Like many small towns, Szarvas has an aging population, with families and older residents forming an important part of community life; younger people often move to larger cities for work.

Local amateur and youth teams are popular and community matches draw local support, as across Hungary.

Water sports are popular on the Körös River; locals and visitors enjoy paddling, races and recreational outings.

Horse riding and traditional horsemanship are common in the Great Plain region, with riding schools and occasional shows in the area.

Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in larger cities—look for vegetable stews, egg dishes, salads and side dishes like stuffed peppers or mushroom paprikash. Ask for simple variations of mains and check markets for cheeses, eggs and fresh produce.

Vegan dining requires planning: supermarkets and markets sell produce and bread, but restaurant vegan mains are less common. Communicate needs in advance, and rely on salads, vegetable sides, legumes and supermarket items.

Gluten-free options are available in supermarkets; in restaurants you may need to request modifications (no dumplings, bread, or heavy roux). Basic dishes like grilled meats and fish with salads are usually safe.