Festetics-kastély
Classicist castle and English-style park designed by Pollack Mihály, with exhibitions on Freemasonry, the Festetics family and the building history of the castle.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The castle at Dég was built between 1815 and 1819 for Count Festetics Antal, according to the classicist plans of Pollack Mihály. The Festetics family rose in the 18th century to become one of the largest landowners in Transdanubia; the Dég comital branch descends from Festetics Lajos (1732–1797). The castle is also known as a legendary centre of Freemasonry in Hungary: its builder was himself a Freemason, and here the secret archive of Hungarian Freemasons was kept, which has since been destroyed.
In the renovated building, thematic exhibition spaces present the history of Freemasonry and its Hungarian aspects, the everyday life, hobbies and historical role of the Festetics family, the building history of the castle and the work of Pollack Mihály. On the upper floor, an interactive initiation ceremony evokes the world of the movement.
The landscape garden is one of Hungary's largest English parks, with a long fish pond; on an island in the pond stands the Holland House (Holland-ház), built in 1891 in the Netherlandish style of red brick.
Highlights
- Interactive Freemasonry exhibition with an initiation ceremony
- History of the Festetics family and aristocratic life at the castle
- Classicist building by Pollack Mihály
- English park with ancient trees and a long fish pond
- Holland House on the island in the pond
Permanent exhibitions
- Szabadkőműves kiállítás – Interactive exhibition on the history of the Freemason movement, with an initiation ceremony.
- Kastélytörténet és Festetics családtörténet – Everyday life, historical role of the Festetics family, and the building history of the castle.
- Operated by
- NÖF Nemzeti Örökségvédelmi Fejlesztési Nonprofit Kft.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | HUF 3,900 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | HUF 1,950young people aged 6 to 26, people over 62, and close relatives accompanying at least two children under 18 (up to 2 persons); the combined ticket also gives admission to the castle and the park |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 · Children under 6 enter free of charge. |
| Seniors | freeVisitors who have reached the age of 70 enter free of charge. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · A visitor with a disability and one companion enter free of charge. |
| Groups (15+ people) | HUF 3,100 per personAdult group ticket |
| Combined ticket for local residents (with a Dég residence card) | HUF 1,000 |
| Castle park ticket with Holland House | HUF 1,200Discounts cannot be used for this ticket; residents of Dég and children under 6 enter free of charge. |
| Guided tour for individual visitors (per person, minimum 5 people) | HUF 1,000 |
| Group guided tour in Hungarian (more than 15 people) | HUF 15,000 |
| Rental of a Visual Guide device | HUF 1,000 |
Prices are per person; discounts apply to citizens of EEA member states. Anyone entering the park must buy a park ticket. Payment is possible in cash, by bank card and with all three types of SZÉP card.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
On the south side, a ramp leads to the ground-floor exhibition, where staff help with getting around; an accessible toilet is available in the garden.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Playground / play area
Museum education sessions for school groups and summer camp participants. Children's play area on the upper floor.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
From Székesfehérvár by train and bus, or by train to Simontornya and then by scheduled bus to Dég; from Budapest by intercity bus.
Dég lies beside Route 64, 28 km from the M7 motorway; Székesfehérvár is 40 km away, Budapest 100 km.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Café Chrysanthème can be visited without an entrance ticket during the castle's opening hours; museum shop.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
Ceremonial hall for wedding ceremonies, corporate events and conferences; terrace café for receptions.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The exhibition can be visited independently. Dogs on a leash may be taken into the park; small dogs may enter the building only in a carrier. Museum education sessions for school groups (from 15 people, HUF 1,500 per person). |
