Harkány
The name ‘Harkany’ was first found on an ancient document
dated 323 as Nagh Harkan. Its 180 year old thermal baths and its open-air
swimming pool have become world famous and is now a sought after holiday
destination. 
The unique sulphurous water provides benefits for ailments such as rheumatic
pain, skin disorders such as psoriasis, lumbago and even gastric problems.
Theses waters can be consumed bathed in and mixed to form ‘mud packs’ for
maximum absorption of the mineral properties.
Properties of the Waters
Sodium: 160 mg/l
Potassium: 15 mg/l
Ammonium: 2,9 mg/l
Calcium: 53,4 mg/l
Magnesium: 20 mg/l
Cations: 251,3 mg/l
Chloride: 108 mg/l
Bromide: 0,40 mg/l
Iodide: 0,13 mg/l
Fluoride: 1,1 mg/l
Hydrogen-carbonate: 525 mg/l
Sulfid: 13 mg/l
Phosphate: 0,1 mg/l
Anions: 641,73 mg/l
The Thermal Bath
These therapeutic baths are located within a beautiful park
area covering an enormous 7000 m2 area offer a choice of 5 thermal pools and 3
medicianal pools.
The thermal baths in Harkany also offers an open-air swimming
pool, which is very popular with families. This park area is spread over 13.5
hectares and offers fun, relaxation and tranquillity to all.
The local town steeped in history offers a lively and
beautiful experience for both domestic and foreign visitors of all ages. Local
events scheduled throughout the year.
Annual Events
Drive With The Devil Day - at the end of February
Cultural Meeting of Southern Transdanubien German Minority Groups
May Day Tree Festival – fun for all dancing around the May tree
Whitsun Festival
Harkány Bath Festival
Long Weekend in Harkány - in August
Harkány Vintage Festival – every weekend from June until September, performances
and ‘Balls’ are organised and take place on the open-air stage
The Legend of the Water of Harkány
Once upon a time at the feet of Szársomlyó (the highest point of the Villany
Mountains) lived an old witch who had a beautiful daughter. She was so beautiful
that the devil desired to marry her. The witch disliked the devil so much that
she devised a cunning plan which would safeguard her beautiful daughter. She
challenged the devil to plough and crop the wheat of the whole hillside in one
night. If he finished this task before the first cock crowed he would win her
daughters hand in marriage. The
devil harnessed 6 cats to his plough and worked swiftly. The witch watched
patiently and feared that the devil would complete his task. So fearful was she
that she ran into the first hen house and started to crow. The devil was so
startled that he immediately started to run. Legend has it where he stopped and
disappeared hot water welled up.
Legend ‘also’ has it that anyone who drinks enough Villany
wine will be able to see the witches beautiful daughter.
Neighbourhood of Harkány
This town is rich with history and has many wonderful places
of interest to visit. To the west of Harkany are the small towns of Vajszló and
Sellye. Also there is the small village of Kórós with its famous church and the
unique sights of the Ormánság area.
If you decide to visit Drávaszabolcs or Siklós they are only
a short drive away (but in different directions). Look out for the fisherman’s
paradise of Lake Matty on your way through Siklós. Until lately the wonderfully
maintained castle at Siklós was still occupied. Tours of this castle come highly
recommended. Just north of Siklós is the two towered church of Máriagyűd, the
legendary pilgrimage town.
And from her you can take a trip to the hill of Szársomlyó.
Dráva
The river Dráva is the cleanest river in Europe and offers
fishing excursions, boat trips and sightseeing tours. Also sightseeing tours are
available within the Duna-Dráva National Park.
From Drávaszabolcs you can visit the town of Donji Miholjac
which is in Croatia. This is easily reached within minutes. This town has a
wonderful castle built by Count Majlath, with spectacular grounds, not to be
missed.
Hungary unfortunately has only a small number of monuments
from the Arpads era (972-1301) left standing. After the blooming period of the
renaissance Turkey ruled Hungary for a period of 150 years. Catholic churches,
emblems and institutes were destroyed and only 2 churches are left standing and
they can be found in Túrony and Nagyharsány. A wonderful open air ‘sculpture
park ‘ can also be found in Nagyharsany.
For wonderful walks we suggest you venture into the hills of
Tenkes, which are situated in the north of Harkány. These hills boast a
beautiful panorama from the top. Tours to both Villány and Villánykövesd located
in an idyllic wine region are also highly recommended.
The sights of Harkány
The Catholic Church and Gardens
The passion of Jesus, made with enamel by Morvai László can be seen on the
exterior wall of the church which was founded in 1990 years.
Calvinistic Church
This beautiful building can be found in Kossuth Lajos street paralel to the
Thermal Baths. This ancient monument was built in 1802 and it is under
national monument protection.
Calvinistic Church in Terehegy
The church is positioned on a hill in Terehegy. It was built in 1798 and is
also under national monument protection.
Zsigmondy Promenade Park
This park is situated south of the Thermal Bath in the historic park area.
Fine artwork can be found whilst leisurely strolling through this area.
The Harka Fountain
This fountain which was erected in 2000 can be found in the historic area of
the park. The valuable fountain ‘Zsolnay’ portrays the legend of the medical
water in Harkány.
Fountain with Orb
This masterpiece of Vajda László and Kamerer Tamás stand in front of the town
hall.
Museum
Futó László Pál Museum
The gallery offers an art exhibition of multidimensional works. The
contemporary works that are exhibited are changed each month.
Exhibition
Paleonthological exhibition
Harkány, community centre
Hunting
In the10,000 hectares of beautiful floodplains surrounding
Harkány, Siklós and Drávaszabolcs there is a hunters and fisherman’s paradise
calling ! Such an amazing experience, both German and Austrian hunters and
fishermen return year after year. For tranquillity venture into the Duna-Dráva
National Park.
The Ultimate Fishing Experience
Dráva
The Great Lakes are waiting for all levels of fishermen to
come and enjoy. These lakes are;
Ócsárd
Szalánta
Kovácshida
Matty
Kontakt, informacion: Pusztainé Márti
martip67@gmail.com
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