Each year, the Ópusztaszer National Historical Heritage Park (Ópusztaszer Nemzeti Történeti Emlékpark) becomes the heart of Hungarian tradition with its grand Sculpture Grove Farewell (Szobori Búcsú). Mark your calendar for Sunday, September 7, 2025, when the park’s statuesque grove at 68 Sculpture Grove Street (Szoborkert utca) transforms into a spectacle of heritage, flavors, and festivities. There’s truly no better place to soak up authentic Hungarian culture—or just kick back, eat well, and enjoy the countryside.
All-Day Festivities Full of Tradition
This isn’t just your average village fair: the Sculpture Grove Farewell at Ópusztaszer offers a full day of unforgettable experiences. It begins with a festive holy mass—the spiritual highlight for many, echoing centuries-old customs at this historic site. From there, the park fills with the sounds of live folk music, bringing unmistakable Magyar rhythms that invite everyone to join in the dancing.
If you’re after excitement, don’t miss the horse-drawn carriage rides or the breathtaking skills competition among Hungary’s top carriage drivers. Not to be outdone, ancient Hungarian horsemen take to the open fields with dramatic demonstrations, recreating legendary moments from the era of the Hungarian conquest with galloping, archery, and bravado.
No festival is complete without crafts, and the Sculpture Grove Farewell’s artisans are ready to welcome curious hands. Traditional workshops run throughout the day, where visitors—young and old—can shape, spin, and paint in the old-world way. For a break from it all, enjoy the color and energy of the pop-up street theater as it weaves through the festival crowds.
Comfort in the Woods: Country-Style Accommodation
A perfect country getaway deserves an overnight stay, and the Ópusztaszer Forest Guest Houses (Erdei Vendégházak) rise to the occasion. Combining the Wellness Guest House (Wellness Vendégház) and the Family Guesthouse (Családi Vendégház), these lodgings promise homey comfort with refined natural touches. Nestled at the edge of the woods, the rooms and apartments guarantee a peaceful environment that lets you truly unwind.
For guests arriving any time of year, there’s a centrally located guesthouse in the heart of Ópusztaszer—offering modern amenities and stylish rooms, along with free parking so you don’t have to worry about your car.
Flavors Galore: Where to Eat and Drink
You won’t leave hungry at the Sculpture Grove Farewell. The Steam Buffet (Gőzös Büfé), conveniently inside the Heritage Park, welcomes guests with seasonal meals from April 20 to October 31. For an afternoon energy boost or a relaxing evening, the Szer Café (Szeri Kávézó) at the Visitor Center serves specialty coffees, teas, soft drinks, local wines, and top-quality spirits. Payment is convenient, with local cards and vouchers accepted.
If you crave the full countryside culinary experience, settle in at the Ópusztaszer Inn (Ópusztaszeri Csárda). Here, the focus is on hearty authenticity: Hungarian soups, kettle-cooked classics, freshwater fish dishes, beef, Hungarian Grey Cattle (szürkemarha), and Mangalica pork—plus artisan oven-baked options and vegetarian meals. The home-style restaurant and terrace, complete with hand-carved wooden furniture, make families especially comfortable.
Feeling adventurous? Just steps from the park entrance, the renovated Szer Inn (Szeri Csárda) dazzles with a true outlaw (betyár) atmosphere. Decorated inside and out to recall Hungary’s Robin Hood era, it’s not just a meal—it’s an experience. Take note: the Szer Inn currently serves only groups who book ahead, so plan your visit for the most memorable taste of the past.
Good to Know: Plan Ahead!
The organizers reserve the right to change both the schedule and the line-up, just in case. So bring a light heart, a hearty appetite, and get ready for a Hungarian celebration in the great outdoors—because the Sculpture Grove Farewell at Ópusztaszer isn’t just a day out, it’s a full feast for the senses.
