Every August, Sátoraljaújhely (Hungarian: Sátoraljaújhely) transforms into one of the liveliest spots in Hungary with the Zemplén International Folk Dance Festival. This year, from August 16-19, the city welcomes dancers from multiple countries, as well as vibrant Hungarian groups, all celebrating tradition and community. The 2025 event marks a special milestone too—it’s the festival’s 30th anniversary, promising extra fanfare alongside the rhythmic footwork.
Where to Stay: From Cozy to Full-On Luxury
The area knows how to treat its guests right, offering everything from intimate guesthouses to sprawling hotels. Starshine Guesthouse and Restaurant (Hungarian: Csillagfény Panzió és Étterem), quietly nestled at the base of High Hill (Hungarian: Magas-hegy) with spectacular views, offers ten air-conditioned rooms for up to 25 guests. A swimming pool and sauna invite deep relaxation, while its diverse menu caters to everyone, including vegetarians and diabetics.
For those seeking more amenities, Hotel Hunor raises the bar. Located right by Zemplén Adventure Park (Hungarian: Zemplén Kalandpark), the hotel offers 26 double rooms and 4 suites, all boasting excellent wellness facilities. Visitors can bowl, play foosball or billiards, hit the tennis court, get a massage, and choose between indoor or outdoor pools, jacuzzis, and both Finnish and infrared saunas. Sun terraces complete the experience for those wanting to soak up the rays.
Get Lost in Nature—and Learn From It
Sátoraljaújhely, Hungary’s northernmost city and former seat of Zemplén County, is famous for its fresh air and lush landscapes. Educational camps near the Tent Hills (Hungarian: Sátor-hegyek) offer kids an unbeatable way to experience biology firsthand: field trips in the wild that bring textbook lessons to life. Group activities spark friendships and team spirit, while the healthy air and wide open spaces get everyone moving.
The Guest Houses: Rest, Recharge, Repeat
Within walking distance of the city center but hidden away in leafy neighborhoods, Kossuth Guesthouse (Hungarian: Kossuth Panzió) offers a quiet respite for hikers and road-trippers, complete with a secure courtyard and bus/car parking. The historic Hungarian Royal Hotel (Hungarian: Magyar Királyi Szálloda), reborn on Sátoraljaújhely’s main street, promises comfort and culture in one.
Their guesthouses can host up to 69 people in rooms and apartments equipped with showers. Extras include a sauna, solarium, wooden playground for the kids, a small soccer field, and even a fishing lake for hobby anglers. Winter visitors aren’t left out—sledding and ski trips, with instruction included, are available. Guests using tickets from Zemplén Adventure Park (Hungarian: Zemplén Kalandpark) enjoy a 10% discount at both the hotel’s restaurant and guesthouse.
Museum Garden Restaurant (Hungarian: Múzeumkert Vendéglő) provides that family-run warmth everyone craves. Over in Sátoraljaújhely-Rudabányácska (Hungarian: Sátoraljaújhely-Rudabányácska), the Emerald Valley Recreation Park and Restaurant (Hungarian: Smaragdvölgy Pihenőpark és Étterem) sprawls across 35 acres, perfect for school trips, family getaways, and anyone eager for a few days far from the chaos of the city.
Wine Tastings and Culinary Delights
The region takes its wine seriously (and deliciously). The Bodnár Winery Wine House (Hungarian: Bodnár Pincészet Borház), founded by famous horticulturist Dr. Sándor Bodnár and his winemaker son-in-law, combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Tastings for up to 30 people are available by reservation, and their Tokaj Wine & Gastro Terrace (Hungarian: Tokaji Bor & Gasztro Terasz) in the Adventure Park (Hungarian: Kalandpark) tempts foodies from late April to early October.
Porgányi Family Winery (Hungarian: Porgányi Családi Pincészet), started in 2004, further boosts the area’s winemaking renown with a focus on both traditional and innovative methods, from barrel-aged classics to modern reductive wines.
Just five minutes from Sátoraljaújhely, in Széphalom (Hungarian: Széphalom), a cozy restaurant serves up authentic Hungarian comfort food. Meanwhile, in the historic Ungvári Wine Cellar Row (Hungarian: Ungvári pincesor), visitors can sample award-winning local wines, homemade hot and cold dishes, and regional treats like Swabian bacon, sausage, and goat cheese.
A Few Words of Caution
Organizers warn that dates and programs may change, so keep an eye on updates as you plan your trip.
