Gyongyos

The Art-Nouveau and Baroque buildings around the main square were reconstructed after a disastrous fire started in the local hospital in 1917, destroying a number of buildings housing important Jewish institutions and leaving in all around 8,000 homeless.

Gyöngyös was home to a large Jewish community before World War II. Following the occupation of Hungary by the German army in March 1944, 1800 Jews were locked in a ghetto. Some were saved by Hungarian Righteous Among the Nations personnel but most of them were deported to Auschwitz and killed.

Get in

By car you can reach the city by travelling on highway M3 (towards

By Train

By car you can reach the city by travelling on highway M3 (towards

By Plane

The nearest international airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), approximately 90–180 km from Gyongyos depending on the location in Heves. From the airport, the most practical onward option is a combination of airport shuttle bus to Budapest city centre followed by a train or long-distance bus to Gyongyos.

By Car / Road

Driving is the most flexible way to reach Gyongyos. The town is accessible via the Hungarian secondary road network. Parking is available at the edge of the town centre. Road conditions are generally good, though rural lanes may be narrower.

The centre of Gyongyos is compact enough to explore on foot. The main square, churches, and principal sights are typically within a 10–15-minute walk of each other. Local bus services connect the town centre with outlying residential neighbourhoods. Taxis are available and can be hailed at the train station or booked by phone. For exploring the wider Heves region, a car is the most practical option.

In the town

Saint Bartholomew's Church

( in the centre of town on the central square ).

Built in the 14th century, remodelled in the Baroque style.

Orczy mansion and Mátra Museum ,

Lajos u. 40 .

It houses a unique mammoth skeleton.

( updated Dec 2021 )

In the district

Take a narrow gauge train into the vineyards and further to Matra mountains.

"Kékes Étterem" (restaurant): it's in the central square of the city. It may be one of the best restaurants in Hungary (food is excellent and the service matches the food), though its looks could have been improved.

Mátra is one of the famous wine-producing regions. Try some of their whites!

Go next

Routes through Gyöngyös

Accommodation options in Gyongyos typically include a central hotel or guesthouse (panzió), private room rentals, and occasionally a hostel. Mid-range guesthouses generally offer clean, comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms, TV, and Wi-Fi for €30–60 per night for a double room. Panzió accommodation is the most common type in smaller Hungarian towns. Breakfast is usually included. For more options, the nearest larger town or city in Heves may offer additional hotels. Booking in advance is recommended during summer and festival periods.

Shopping in Gyongyos centres around the main square and adjacent streets, where you will find bakeries, grocery stores (ABC), and small boutiques. A weekly market (piac) is typically held in or near the town centre, selling fresh produce, local honey, eggs, cheese, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. For more extensive shopping, larger supermarkets (such as Spar, Lidl, or Tesco) are usually located on the outskirts. Shops generally open Monday–Friday 7:00–18:00, Saturday 7:00–12:00, with many closed on Sunday.

Routes through Gyöngyös