Sopron
Eastern Europe and the Balkans · Hungary
Did you know?
- Nearby Fertő Lake belongs to a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape.
- Kékfrankos is a signature wine of the surrounding vineyards.
- A Firewatch Tower rises above the old town's former gate.
See also
Overview
Sopron is a bilingual city near the Austrian border. Its appeal combines history with local wine culture.
Languages: Hungarian
Why go?
Sopron is a charming bilingual city near the Austrian border, rich in history and wine culture. It's a great budget alternative to Vienna, with a well-preserved old town and proximity to the Neusiedler See UNESCO site.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The city is compact and walkable. Public buses are available; tickets cost Ft 320 in advance or Ft 390 from the driver. A daily ticket is Ft 780. The city centre is closed to cars except with special permission. Biking is also a good option.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Sopron is easily reached by train from Budapest (2-3 hours) and Vienna (1 hour). The train station is central. Buses from nearby Hungarian towns also connect; for example, from Győr trains run frequently.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Buy a bottle of the famous local wine Kékfrankos, take a walk in the forest around the city, or enjoy a coffee at Széchényi Tér with a view of the Liszt Ferenc Cultural Centre. The Firewatch Tower offers a panoramic view of the city.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
You must try the local Kékfrankos wine. The area around Sopron is known for its wine production. There are many wine bars and cellars to taste.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Spring and autumn are pleasant for walking. Summer can be warm but is popular for outdoor activities. Winter is cold but less crowded. The wine harvest season (September-October) is a highlight.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
The country code is 36, area code for Sopron is 99. Cellular coverage is excellent with three networks: Telenor, T-Mobile, and Vodafone.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Fertő Lake (Neusiedl Lake) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, easily reachable from Sopron. Other destinations include Győr, Kőszeg, Szombathely in Hungary, and Burgenland in Austria.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Sopron you can continue to Fertő Lake, Transdanubia, or the Austrian region of Burgenland. Trains connect to Vienna in 70 minutes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
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#55
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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All Star Bowling
Sports: bowling, squash, table tennis, table football.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Alpha Park
Shopping mall with many brand stores and a Penny Market.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Alphapark Shopping Mall
Alpha Pharmacy (M-F 08:00-18:30; Sa 08:00-17:00), Chen's Cooking (restaurant, daily 11:30-22:00), Coffeeshop Company (M-Sa 09:00-20:00; Su 09:00-18:00), Dm drogerie (M-Sa 09:00-20:00; Su 10:00-17:00), Euronics Technical Store (M-Sa 09:00-20; Su 10:00-16:00), Euro Family household products shop (M-Sa 09:00-20:00, Su 09:00-19:00), Boutiques: Benetton, Brendon Baby Store, NewYorker, 'no age store' - Humanic (shoes, M-Sa 09:00-20:00, Su 10:00-18:00), Játéksziget Sopron (Toys, M-Th 10:00-19:00, F Sa 10:00-20:00, Su 10:00-19:00); Kappa Sportswear (M-Sa 09:00-20, Su 10:00-17:00), Lyric Book Store (M-Sa 9:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-18:00), Optura Optics (M-Sa 09:00-20:00, Su 10:00-17:00), Penny Market (discount supermarket store, M-Sa 07:00-20:00, Sun: 07:00-18:00) Reno (shoes, M-Sa 09:00-20:00, Su 09:00-18:00). Schneider (Watch and Jewellery, M-Sa 09:00-20:00, Su 10:00-17:00) Toy-Star (Game, gift, decoration, M-Sa 09:00-20:00, Su 10:00-17:00). Services: Speedfit Fitness Studio (daily 06:00-24:00), Therapiezentrum Sopron, (English- and German-speaking physiotherapists, Tu-Su 09:00-19:00)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Aréna Sopron
Bowling, squash, handball field, basketball court, fitness room.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Botanical garden
Area 17.2 hectares. Protected birds. Protected indigenous and exotic plants.
Recorded price: Free, professional guidance (up to 20 people): Ft 5000 per group, Pre-booking essential
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Brennberg-völgyi Horse Club
Qualification: 2 horseshoes
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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CBA supermarket
- unit: CBA Cent Diszkont ( Lackner K. u. 35., open: M-Sa 07:00-20:00, Su 07:00-19:00)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Country code +36, area code 99. Good cellular coverage with Telenor, T-Mobile, and Vodafone.
Culture
The town is officially bilingual with German as a historical language.
Food
Local specialty is Kékfrankos wine.
Local transport
Buses and trains connect Sopron to nearby cities. Within town, walking or cycling is best.
Money
Shopping is cheaper than in neighbouring Austria. There are several shopping centres.
Safety
Sopron is generally safe, but as with any tourist destination, watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.
Transport
Bus tickets Ft 320 in advance, daily ticket Ft 780. Trains to Vienna take 70 minutes.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking.