Katonai Emlékpark Pákozd – Nemzeti Emlékhely

About the museum

The Military Memorial Park lies beside the site of the Battle of Pákozd-Sukoró on 29 September 1848. There the newly organised Hungarian Honvéd army halted the troops of Croatian Ban Jellasics; it was the first victorious battle of the War of Independence, and the area is therefore also called the cradle of the Hungarian Honvéd army. The memorial park was built around the obelisk erected in 1951, which is the tallest of the monuments of the 1848–49 Revolution and War of Independence in the country.

Development of the park began in 2002 with the cooperation of eleven organisations and with European Union support. In its present form it has welcomed visitors since 2010, and since 1 January 2012 it has operated as a national memorial site. The presentation runs from the 1848 revolution to the present day and commemorates the known and unknown soldiers of the Honvéd army.

Alongside the indoor exhibitions, military history memorial points can be seen outdoors: a First World War barrack, the restored 154-metre trench of a former section support point of the Second World War Margit-vonal (Margit Line), a Soviet tank recalling the events of 1956, the peacekeepers’ memorial and the Huszárszobor (Hussar statue).

Key themes

• “1848-as Pákozd-Sukorói Csata Emlékkiállítás” (memorial exhibition on the Battle of Pákozd-Sukoró, 1848)
• “Sorkatonaság története” – permanent exhibition on the history of conscription
• “High-tech Honvédség” display area with simulators: original MiG-21 cockpit, Gripen VR simulator
• 154-metre restored trench, tank and Hussar statue outdoors
• Obelisk, the tallest monument of the 1848–49 War of Independence

Permanent exhibitions

• 1848-as Pákozd-Sukorói Csata Emlékkiállítás – The park’s oldest exhibition, completely renewed in 2014, presents the background and turning points of the 1848–49 Revolution and War of Independence, with particular attention to the Sukoró war council and the victory at Pákozd.
• Sorkatonaság története – Permanent exhibition on the past of conscription service.
• High-tech Honvédség bemutatótér és szimulátorok – Interactive indoor exhibition on the 21st-century Hungarian Honvéd army, the everyday lives of soldiers and the development of military technology, with a simulator park.

Founded

2010

Operated by

Katonai Emlékpark Közhasznú Nonprofit Kft.

Admission & discounts

Residents of Pákozd receive a 50% discount on presenting their address card (except for events). Card payment is possible. Parking: cars HUF 300 per hour, coaches HUF 1,000 per hour.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family activity booklet at the information desk, family detective game with Bátor Sára, BakaLand obstacle course (recommended for pupils in grades 2–6), simulators and programmes for children’s groups.

Getting there & parking

By car on the M7 motorway, leave at the Pákozd exit at kilometre 44. By boat from Agárd to the north shore of the lake, then a 1,200 m walk. The park has bicycle racks and drinking water; the Budapest–Balaton (BUBA) cycle path passes nearby. Discounted train tickets can be requested in advance at kempp@kempp.hu or +36 30 474 7905.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Museum café with a terrace and a view of Lake Velence; gift shop with military memorabilia, books and souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Event venues available for hire for conferences, team-building and corporate events; a venue for birthday celebrations can also be booked.

Plan your visit