HU
Sopron
A well-preserved old town by the Austrian border, known for its Fire Tower and red wine
A well-preserved old town by the Austrian border, known for its Fire Tower and red wine
The town’s symbol is about 58m high, with Roman foundations at its base. About 200 steps lead to a balcony with views over the rooftops towards Austria.
Photo: Pennyjey, CC BY 2.0
The main square has a Baroque Holy Trinity column, the Goat Church and museums in historic houses such as Storno House.
Photo: Zátonyi Sándor (ifj.), CC BY-SA 3.0
The small horseshoe-shaped old town is easy to explore on foot, with medieval synagogues, courtyards and remains of the town walls.
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 3.0
About 30km east in Fertőd, this 18th-century Baroque palace is often called the Hungarian Versailles. Joseph Haydn worked here for many years.
Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0
The shallow, reed-lined lake, called Neusiedler See in Austria, is good for cycling and birdwatching. Nearby Fertőrákos has an old quarry used for performances.
Photo: Sóhivatal, CC BY-SA 3.0
Try local dishes with Kékfrankos red wine at a wine cellar or borozó. Goulash and pörkölt stews are on most menus.
Pastry shops in the old town serve cakes and coffee.
Trains from Vienna take a little over an hour, and from Budapest about 2.5–3 hours. Sopron is also a short drive from the Austrian border.
The old town is compact; buses and bikes reach the lake and Fertőd.
Hungary uses the forint (HUF). Euros are sometimes accepted near the border.
Old town, wine and the lake.
Climb the Fire Tower, visit Fő tér and taste local wine.
Visit the Esterházy Palace at Fertőd and Lake Fertő.
🛂 Entry rules: EES and ETIAS
Hungary is in the Schengen area, which has two EU border systems for non-EU visitors.
EES (in force): since 10 April 2026 the EU’s Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors’ passport details, fingerprints and a photo the first time they enter the Schengen area, replacing passport stamps. Allow extra time at the border on your first trip; later crossings are quicker. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens are not registered.
ETIAS (not yet running): a €20 online travel authorisation for visitors who don’t need a visa, such as UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens. It hasn’t started and no start date has been confirmed, so nobody can apply yet; ignore websites that offer to “pre-register” you for a fee.
Visa-free visitors can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area, not per country.
Official information: EU: Travel to Europe (EES & ETIAS) · Reviewed September 2026
Try Kékfrankos at a local cellar.
Bike routes circle Lake Fertő.
Austria is minutes away; carry ID.
Pay in forints for better prices.
Quick answers for planning time in Sopron.
Because residents voted in 1921 to remain part of Hungary.
Yes, about 200 steps lead to a viewing balcony.
A little over an hour by train.
Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) red wine.
Lake Fertő and the Esterházy Palace at Fertőd.
Planning a wider trip? Our Hungary travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.