Sümegi Vár

About the museum

Sümeg Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Hungary, standing on a solitary hilltop in the western part of the Balaton Uplands. Its core is the old tower built in the 1260s; the walls of the upper castle were added a century later, and in the 15th century the plateau in front of the castle was also enclosed by a high defensive wall. The castle was built by the bishop of Veszprém and later held by the Kőszegi family; the bishopric withdrew to Sümeg to escape the Ottomans.

The castle played a role in the border-fortress battles, in Bocskai's uprising and in the Rákóczi War of Independence. In 1709 the Kuruc garrison surrendered without a fight, and the buildings were burned in 1713. The abandoned castle was left to decay for centuries; archaeological excavation and conservation began in the 1960s. It was renovated from 2016 under the Nemzeti Várprogram (National Castle Programme), and the works were completed in 2022.

Visitors to the restored castle can see the prison, the episcopal reception room and bedroom, the castle chapel, a wheelwright's workshop, a medieval kitchen and a stone collection. In spring 2023 an interactive castle history exhibition opened in the reconstructed buildings of the east wing. In summer, historical horse shows and a knights' tournament are held at the foot of the castle.

Highlights

• Interactive castle history exhibition in the east wing
• Prison exhibition, episcopal reception room and bedroom in the old tower
• Castle chapel, wheelwright's workshop, medieval kitchen and stone collection
• Playful archaeology and video room for children
• Historical horse shows and knights' tournament at the foot of the castle

Permanent exhibitions

• Interaktív vártörténeti kiállítás – The interactive exhibition on the castle's history opened in spring 2023 in the reconstructed building of the east wing; period-furnished rooms can be seen on the lower level.
• Börtönkiállítás és püspöki helyiségek – In the old tower: the prison exhibition, the episcopal reception and council room, and the episcopal bedroom.

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid for all exhibitions in the castle and for the programmes held there. The knights' tournament and the banquet require separate tickets.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

The castle can only be reached on foot: the upper third of the approx. 200 m paved road is steeper and narrower. Visitors with limited mobility can be taken up by transport if arranged a few days in advance (except in the winter months); the transport requires at least two persons, costs HUF 6,000 for two persons, and HUF 3,000 for each additional person.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Playful archaeology for children, children's games in the castle courtyard, archery.

Getting there & parking

Driving up the access road is prohibited; the castle can only be reached on foot. It can also be reached via the staircase from the Várcsárda side.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Várcsárda (castle inn), Nagy Lovagterem restaurant and gift shop; the Hotel Kapitány hotel is nearby.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Events are held in the castle and in the Nagy Lovagterem (Great Knights' Hall).

Plan your visit