About Vas
Vas County in western Hungary is a captivating blend of history, thermal waters, and unspoiled natural beauty that offers travelers an authentic Hungarian experience away from the bustling capital. This border region shares boundaries with Austria and Slovenia, creating a fascinating cultural crossroads where Hungarian traditions meet Central European influences. The county's crown jewel is the historic town of Szombathely, Hungary's oldest city founded by the Romans as Savaria, where visitors can explore ancient ruins and the impressive Cathedral of Szombathely. Nature enthusiasts will adore the Őrség National Park, a UNESCO-protected cultural landscape of rolling hills, traditional wooden churches, and charming villages preserving centuries-old folk traditions. Vas is renowned for its exceptional thermal spas like Sárvár and Bük, where mineral-rich waters provide therapeutic relaxation amid luxurious settings. The region's culinary scene showcases hearty Hungarian fare with Austrian and Slovenian touches, featuring local specialties like túrós csusza and exceptional wines from the Kőszeg wine region. With its medieval castles, Baroque architecture, vibrant folk festivals, and welcoming atmosphere, Vas County offers a perfect blend of relaxation, cultural discovery, and outdoor adventure.
Things to do in Vas
Hells Gate with Hiking Biking Climbing and Camping in Kenya
From $32
5.0 (13)
Day Trip To Hells Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride
From $36
5.0 (4)
Day Tour to Hells Gate National Park
From $200
5.0 (2)
Nairobi: Day Trip to Hell's Gate National Park and Lake Naivasha
From $40
5.0 (2)
2 Days Lake Elementaita National park Safari
From $675
5.0 (1)
Hell's gate bike tour and lake Naivasha boat safaris
From $153
5.0 (1)
Bike Tour at Hell's Gate National Park, Boat Ride at L. Naivasha
From $92
4.9 (30)
Full-Day Tour to Hell's Gate and Lake Naivasha from Nairobi
Day Trip: Hell's Gate Bike Ride and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride
From $43
4.7 (60)
Nairobi: Hell's Gate Day Trip and Lake Naivasha Boat Ride
From $45
4.7 (31)
Hell's Gate Guided Tour with Option Boat Ride at Lake Naivasha
From $265
4.7 (20)
8 Days, 7 Nights Safari – Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Naivasha and Amboseli Park
From $5,670
3.7 (3)
The best of Naivasha walking tour
From €410.25
Romantic Tour In Naivasha
From €410.25
8 Days Masai Mara & Zanzibar Honeymoon Package
From $5,242
Places to visit in Vas
Öjbergetin Hiidenkirnu
Öjbergetin Hiidenkirnu, Öjbergetin luontopolku, 65410 Vaasa, Finland
Korttitalo
Korttitalo, Liito-oravankatu, 65350 Vaasa, Finland
Osa kaikkeutta
Osa kaikkeutta, Vanhan Vaasan katu, 65370 Vaasa, Finland
Greenstar Hotel Vaasa
Greenstar Hotel Vaasa, Myllykatu 17, 65100 Vaasa, Finland
Sokos Hotel Vaakuna
Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Kauppapuistikko 15, 65100 Vaasa, Finland
Jatulintarha
Troy town, 3;18, 65350 Vaasa, Finland
Edvininpolku
Edvininpolku, 65300 Vaasa, Finland
EC Hostel
EC Hostel, Korsholmanpuistikko 2B, 65100 Vaasa, Finland
Scandic Vaasa
Scandic Vaasa, Rosteninkatu 6, 65101 Vaasa, Finland
Hotel Vallonia
Hotel Vallonia, Centrumvägen 3, 65610 Korsholm, Finland
Öjbergetin peikko
Öjbergetin peikko, Öjbergintie, 65410 Vaasa, Finland
Veera
Veera, Onkilahdenkatu, 65200 Vaasa, Finland
Patteriniemi
Patteriniemi, Patteriniementie, 65350 Vaasa, Finland
Auringon lapsi
Auringon lapsi, Wolffintie 32, 65200 Vaasa, Finland
Elämän tie
Elämän tie, Onkilahdenkatu, 65200 Vaasa, Finland
Travel Tips for Vas
Getting Around
Public transportation includes trains connecting major towns (Szombathely, Sárvár, Kőszeg) and extensive bus networks. Regional trains are reliable but infrequent in rural areas. Car rental is recommended for exploring villages and national parks. Taxis are available in towns - use official companies or apps like Bolt. Biking is popular with dedicated routes in Őrség region. Local buses serve smaller villages but schedules can be limited. Szombathely has an efficient city bus system. Ride-sharing is less common outside major towns. Navigation apps like Google Maps work well throughout the county.
Best Time To Visit
May to September offers the best weather for exploring outdoor attractions and thermal baths. July and August are warmest (20-28°C) but also busiest. Spring (April-May) brings beautiful wildflowers in Őrség National Park. September-October features wine harvest festivals in Kőszeg. Winter (December-February) offers Christmas markets and thermal spa visits in cold weather. Major festivals include the Savaria Historical Carnival in August and the Kőszeg Festival in July.
Local Customs
Hungarian hospitality is warm but formal initially - use titles (Mr./Mrs.) until invited to use first names. Handshakes are standard greetings. Remove shoes when entering Hungarian homes. Tipping is expected: 10-15% in restaurants, round up for taxi fares. Dress modestly when visiting churches. Thermal bath etiquette requires showering before entering pools and wearing swim caps in certain areas. Sunday family lunches are important cultural events. Respect local traditions during festivals. Punctuality is valued for appointments. Avoid discussing sensitive historical topics unless initiated by locals.
Safety Information
Vas County is generally very safe with low crime rates. Standard precautions apply in tourist areas against petty theft. The border regions are well-patrolled but crossing should only be done at official checkpoints. Road safety is good, though watch for wildlife on rural roads at night. Scams are rare but be cautious with unofficial taxi services. The Őrség National Park requires proper hiking preparation as some trails are remote. Emergency services respond quickly throughout the county. Avoid political demonstrations, though they are infrequent in this region.
Health Information
Vas County has good medical facilities including the Markusovszky Teaching Hospital in Szombathely and several smaller hospitals in towns like Sárvár and Kőszeg. EU citizens should carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergency care. Non-EU travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance. No special vaccinations are required beyond routine immunizations. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the county. Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested areas, so use insect repellent when hiking. Pharmacies (gyógyszertár) are widely available with English-speaking staff in larger towns. Emergency dental services are accessible in Szombathely.
Languages Spoken
HungarianGermanEnglish
Quick Facts
Currency
Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Ft
Ft
Timezone
Europe/Budapest +02:00 (GMT+2 in summer), +01:00 (GMT+1 in winter)
Calling Code
+36
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
250,000
Area
3336 km²
Government
County government with elected assembly and appointed commissioner
ISO Code
22