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Tolna County - Travel destination image
Tolna County - Travel destination image

Tolna County

Hungary, Europe

Tolna County is a STATE in Hungary, Europe.

Tolna County, nestled in the heart of southern Hungary, is a hidden gem of rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards, and thermal spas. The county seat, Szekszárd, is the historic centre of one of Hungary's oldest wine regions, famed for its full-bodied reds like Kadarka and Kékfrankos. Stroll through the charming town squares, visit the Gingerbread Museum, or cycle along the Danube's gentle banks. For nature lovers, the Gemenc Forest offers a wilderness of ancient oaks and floodplain wetlands where deer and wild boar roam, best explored by a nostalgic narrow-gauge railway. Thermal enthusiasts flock to the healing waters of Tamási and Hőgyész, while history buffs uncover Ottoman-era ruins and baroque churches in quiet villages. Rural hospitality is warm, with farm-to-table restaurants serving hearty stews and freshly baked lángos. Festivals like the Szekszárd Wine Days fill the air with folk music and celebration. Tolna County is a slow-travel paradise, ideal for those seeking authentic culture, culinary delights, and tranquil landscapes far from the tourist crowds.

Best time to visit Tolna County

Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring vineyards and hiking, with warm days and fewer tourists. July and August are hot but vibrant with wine festivals and outdoor concerts. Winter is mild but quiet, perfect for thermal spas and cozy cellar visits.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Mild 8-16°C

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Low

Stunning autumn foliage in Gemenc; fewer tourists.

Know before you go

Getting there

BUD

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport

International

155 km away

OSI

Osijek Airport

International

120 km away

PEV

Pécs-Pogány International Airport

International

70 km away

SOB

Sármellék International Airport (Balaton)

International

100 km away

Getting around

"A car is the most flexible way to explore Tolna County, with rental agencies in Szekszárd and Budapest. The region has a reliable bus network connecting towns and villages, but schedules can be infrequent on weekends. Trains serve the main line along the Danube, linking Szekszárd to Budapest and Pécs, though stations may be outside village centres. Cycling is popular on flat riverside routes, especially along the EuroVelo 6. Taxis are available in larger towns; use local apps or call ahead. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt operate only in bigger cities, not consistently here."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in most accommodations, cafés, and restaurants in towns, but can be slow in remote villages.

Local SIM

Prepaid SIMs from Telekom, Telenor, or Vodafone are available in Szekszárd and larger towns. A tourist SIM with 5GB data costs around $8.

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe. Violent crime is extremely rare. Use common sense with valuables at festivals.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe. Violent crime is extremely rare. Use common sense with valuables at festivals.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

8/10

"Tolna County is generally very safe for travelers, with low crime rates. Petty theft can occur in busy markets or at festivals, so keep an eye on valuables. Roads are well-maintained, but rural lanes can be narrow; avoid driving after heavy drinking, as Hungary has a zero-tolerance alcohol policy for drivers. Be cautious when cycling on roads without dedicated bike lanes. At thermal baths, follow local etiquette and hygiene rules. Scams are rare, but always agree on taxi fares beforehand. In summer, watch for sudden thunderstorms."
Police

107

Ambulance

104

Fire

105

General Emergency

112

Entry and health

Health information

"Hungary offers high-quality medical care, with pharmacies (gyógyszertár) in most towns. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state-provided services; others need comprehensive travel insurance. Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease exist in forested areas, so use insect repellent and wear long sleeves when hiking in Gemenc. Tap water is safe to drink. Summer heat can be intense—stay hydrated and use sunscreen. Emergency medical services are reliable, but in rural areas, English-speaking staff may be limited; basic Hungarian phrases or a translation app help."

Culture

Local customs

"Hungarians appreciate polite greetings: a firm handshake and 'Jó napot' (Good day). When entering a wine cellar, wait for the host to invite you to taste. Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees). Tipping is customary (10–15%) in restaurants and for services. Punctuality is valued, but rural life moves at a relaxed pace. At thermal baths, always shower before entering the pools and respect quiet zones. Avoid discussing politics or comparing Hungarian to other language groups—Magyars are proud of their unique linguistic heritage."
Hungarian (official)EnglishGermanHungarian

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5-10 | a hearty two-course local meal costs around $5-10

Hotels

$30-60 | budget guesthouses and pensions range $30-60/night, mid-range $60-100

Local transport

$1.50 | local bus fare ~$1.50; train Szekszárd-Budapest ~$12

Cost notes

Tolna is one of Hungary's most affordable regions. Wine tastings from $3-5, thermal spa entry ~$6-10.

Timezone

Europe/Budapest
Local time 19:09

More facts

Population

220,000

ISO code

HU-21

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Tolma, Tolna

Major HubWine RegionHistoric TownCyclingThermal BathsNatureCulturalFamily-FriendlyRural