Hajdúszoboszló

Hearing the name Hajdúszoboszló, the first thing that comes to mind is its thermal bath, not only for Hungarians, but foreigners as well. Its reputation is being spread by thankful patients, who, already cured, think it useful to return regularly, even just for the atmosphere.

Although the number of ancient sights is quite few, Szoboszló is one of the earliest mentioned Hungarian settlements. The name Szoboszlóvásár appeared in the deed of gift of Géza I in 1075. Then in the 15th century it used to be the property of the Hunyadi family, when its fortressed church was built. Its wall still stands and can be visited.

Here, the effect of the Tartar Invasion was depopulation as well, but owing to the work of the Transylvanian Prince, István Bocskai, the city revived. He was the man who provided seven hundred Hajduk with land and homes in 1606 because they heroically fought in the freedom movements against the Habsburgs. Hajduk are Hungarian soldiers, usually freedom fighters, whose name appears in the title of several settlements. The name of the city was supplemented with the prefix ‘hajdú’ at this time. In honour of István Bocskai the city, being proud of the heroism of its ancestors, placed a statue in Heroes’ Square.

Towards the end of the 18th century, the population of the city was over 15,000 people. The cultural and religious life of nearby Debrecen has always had a great impact.

The year 1925 proved to be a turning point in the life of Hajdúszoboszló. When searching for natural gas, not only this was found, but hot water with an unusual odour erupted as well. Of course its effect on health was not known yet. It came to light only when, surprisingly enough, the years-long arthritic sufferings of those women who would regularly wash clothes in the hot water which gathered in ditches, started to ease.

From this point onwards the conscious development of the spa took root and the city became ‘the Mecca for Rheumatics’. In recent years the spa, occupying a large area, has again undergone a great development. The most up-to-date therapies are applied under constant and professional medical supervision, with the help of high-quality technological instruments.

However, its visitors are not entirely made up of people with rheumatic diseases. One of the largest beaches in the country is located here offering ample possibilities for the relaxation of any age group. Giant slides, an enormous pirate ship, a lighthouse, and even a sandy beach with palm trees and choppy water are all available here.

When the night comes, guests will surely not be bored either. It is the time for the restaurants and cafés to entertain them. And as for further pastimes, the city offers a wide range of cultural events during the whole summer and even into the autumn to entice more and more tourists.

Bell-House (belfry)

Probably, even without our recommendation, everyone would visit the unique bells made of a special aluminium alloy. No doubt their ornate appearance will attract the attention of anyone. They were made and gifted by a female artist, a former resident of the city.

Bocskai Museum

Furthermore, it is not only the spa which must be mentioned about the area. Since agriculture and livestock farming used to be the main source of income, which, of course, influenced the way of thinking, the habits and the artistic life of the population. If visitors would like to get a glimpse into this aspect of local life, they should go to the Bocskai Museum. Where, among other things, embroideries, special Hungarian mantles for shepherds (which are called szűr in Hungarian), clothes made of sheepskin, carvings and ornamental wrought-iron hinges are exhibited.

Fortress Wall

If you would like to find the oldest sight of the city, you must visit the Calvinist Church on Kalvin Square. The spectacular wall of which was built back in the 14th century.