Szabadkígyósi Wenckheim-kastély
Castle designed by Ybl Miklós in Szabadkígyós, with an interactive exhibition on the Wenckheim family, a tower and a 25-hectare park.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Wenckheim Castle in Szabadkígyós was built between 1875 and 1879 by Wenckheim Krisztina and her husband Wenckheim Frigyes, based on plans by Ybl Miklós. The main building is decorated with towers and a loggia terrace with Renaissance influences; it has 52 rooms and 365 windows. In front of the castle lies a baroque-style French garden of clipped boxwood and yew with a fountain basin. Around it extends an English garden with an artificial lake and bridges. The park covers 25 hectares.
The Wenckheim couple raised seven children and were famous for their lively social life: several thousand guests were received at the castle, as the surviving guest book from Kígyós attests. In the renovated building, a modern interactive exhibition called “Vendégségben Wenckheiméknél” (“Visiting the Wenckheims”) has opened. On arrival, visitors receive a visiting card with a chosen character. The heroes of the exhibition bring the former residents of the castle back to life and tell of their everyday lives and celebrations. At the end of the exhibition, visitors can also climb the castle tower, from which the park can be seen. The castle park can be visited free of charge, and the Krisztina Kávéház café operates in the park.
Highlights
- Interactive exhibition: Vendégségben Wenckheiméknél
- Castle tower with a view
- French and English gardens in a 25-hectare park
- Playground in the castle park
Permanent exhibition
- Vendégségben Wenckheiméknél – Interactive exhibition that guides visitors through the castle as guests of the Wenckheim family, with a ramp leading up to the tower.
- Operated by
- Nemzeti Örökségvédelmi és Fejlesztési Nonprofit Kft. (NÖF)
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) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 |
| Seniors | –Visitors who have reached the age of 70 enter free of charge. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · People with disabilities and one companion can visit free of charge. |
| Groups (10+ people) | HUF 15,000 per personGuided tours in Hungarian for registered groups from 10 people; group prices: rendezveny@nof.hu |
| Local resident ticket (with a Szabadkígyós residence card) | HUF 1,000 |
| Combined ticket, adult (Szabadkígyós, Wenckheim Castle – Geszt, Tisza Castle) | HUF 7,000 |
| Combined ticket, reduced (Szabadkígyós – Geszt) | HUF 3,500 |
| Guided tour for individual visitors | HUF 1,000per person, minimum 5 people |
| Rental of a Visual guide device | HUF 1,000per piece |
Free admission for: children under 6, visitors aged 70 and over, people with disabilities and one companion, and teachers in public education. Guided tours in foreign languages are priced individually. Eligibility for discounts must be proven.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- 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
The main building's exhibition can be reached by lift via the main entrance; on the ground floor there is an accessible toilet and a baby-changing room. Vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit must announce their arrival in advance at szabadkigyosikastely@nof.hu.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
On arrival, you can choose one of six characters, including child characters; the interactive tools show content relevant to the chosen character. A free children's activity sheet is available on request with the admission ticket, and the park has a playground.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Nefelejcs · 10-min walk
Get off at the Nefelejcs stop from buses heading to Szabadkígyós; from there it is a 10-minute walk to the castle. Szabadkígyós cannot be reached by train.
By car
Paid parking
Parking is only permitted in the designated paid car parks.
From Budapest, follow Route 44 and the M44 motorway; from Szeged and Debrecen, Route 47; from Békéscsaba and Gyula, follow the direction Újkígyós–Szabadkígyós.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Krisztina Kávéház café in the castle park (the park can be visited free of charge).
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | With a valid ticket, amateur photos and videos for personal use may be taken without prior registration and without an extra fee, without flash. |
| Good to know | Guided tours require a reservation (by email, through the online booking system or on site). Kajla discount: stamps can be collected here with a Kajla passport. |
