This is Szabolcs–Szatmár–Bereg county where the sun rises first. It is a region of old wooden churches and apple orchards. You will find a world that feels very far away. The white storks build their nests on top of every chimney. You can see them hunting in the green meadows by the side of the road. **Nyíregyháza has one of the best zoos in Europe.** It is a massive park where animals live in natural woods. Nearby, the **Sóstó** spa provides a dip in salty water. It is a great spot to relax. The oak trees provide shade for the picnic spots all around the lake. You can explore the open air museum to see how people lived a century ago. Follow the river **Tisza** to find the 'church of flowers' in **Sonkád**. The painted ceilings are bright and beautiful. This county is a treasure chest of folk art. It is a journey for the curious soul. You will find that people here have the biggest smiles in the country. The sweet smell of plum jam cooking in copper pots fills the villages in autumn.

Szabolcs–Szatmár–Bereg highlights

Part of these road trips

Follow the routes that cross this destination

The Scenic Route

The Heritage Drive

Is this a good destination for road trips?

We're curating expert road-trip insights for this destination — check back soon.

When is the best time to visit?

Detailed seasonal travel advice is coming soon.

How long should I spend here?

Our itinerary team is building personalised duration guides — coming soon.

What are the top attractions nearby?

A curated list of must-see nearby highlights is on its way.

History of Szabolcs–Szatmár–Bereg

Szabolcs–Szatmár–Bereg is the **Land of the First Sunrise**, the eastern gate where the tribes first entered the country in the late 800s. They built massive **earth forts**, like the one at Szabolcs, which still stands today as a giant grassy ring. This was the frontier where the state was born, a land of wide rivers and thick mud that served as a natural shield against the east. This ancient raw history is the core of the **Far East Hungary nature route**. The region is famous for its **barefoot churches** (tiny wooden gems from the 17th and 18th centuries) with ceilings hand painted with flowers and stars. Because the local people were poor, they could not afford gold or marble, so they used the wood of the forest and the colors of the fields to create a unique **Folk Baroque style**. This era created a landscape of tall wooden belfries that look like needles rising from the flat fruit lands. The late 1900s saw the region become a global center for the **red plum**, a fruit so sweet and hardy it became the basis for the most famous brandy in the land. The sandy soil and the fierce eastern sun create a flavor that can be found nowhere else. Today, you can drive through miles of blossoming orchards and visit **water mills** that still grind grain using the slow power of the river.

Szabolcs–Szatmár–Bereg