Szarvas is a very diverse destination, where nature experiences and relaxed city walks complement each other perfectly, so there is a wide range of leisure activities to choose from.
Whether we’re coming for a weekend or a longer vacation, there are plenty of sights to see and activities to enjoy. The famous Szarvas Arboretum, the unique Mini Hungary Model Park, the charming downtown area, the nature-oriented animal park, and the thermal spa all contribute to making Szarvas a truly delightful destination. And since the completion of Highway 44, it’s become even easier to reach this beautiful city.
We've collected some of the best leisure activities in Szarvas that are definitely worth trying - whether you're planning a couple's getaway or a solo holiday.
Arboretum - the green heart of the city
The Arboretum—or, as many people know it, the Pepi garden - is one of the best known and most beautiful sights in the city. A park of more than 80 hectares with a special atmosphere, where you can discover plant species from all over the world.
In the arboretum, you can stroll along shady paths while the calm waters of the Körös backwater stretch out nearby, and if you’re lucky, a peacock or two might even walk right past you. The garden’s history dates back to the 19th century, and it has been continuously expanding and enriching itself ever since.
It’s a great choice for a leisurely walk, whether you’re going alone or as a couple, and if you have enough time, it’s worth setting aside even half a day for this wonderful way to unwind. The Arboretum in the spring and in the fall It also shows a different side.
Mini Hungary Makettpark in Szarvas - the whole country in miniature
The Mini Hungary Model Park is a truly unique attraction where visitors can view Hungary’s famous buildings in detailed, scaled-down form.
A big advantage of the park is that it also has interactive elements, such as trains that start at the push of a button, to make the visit even more enjoyable. This makes it exciting not only for children but also for adults, and it can easily be integrated into a day as a shorter but still meaningful programme.
If you combine your visit with a trip to the Szarvas Arboretum, which is right next door, you'll get a discount on the ticket price.
Downtown Szarvas - sights and a charming walk in the centre
It’s also worth taking a stroll through downtown Szarvas, because it’s surprisingly charming and full of little things to discover—it’s not just a main street you pass through, but truly a pleasant area to walk around.
The „start” of downtown is about a 5-minute walk from Palov’s Guesthouse, and from there it stretches for roughly 1 km, making for a pleasant stroll. The backbone of the city center is Kossuth Lajos Street, which is partly a pedestrian street, so you can leisurely look around, take photos, stop, and sit down somewhere.
Here you will find the St Clare Spa as well as a beautiful, peaceful, well-kept park next to it, with benches, greenery, and shady spots—a great place to take a short break.
The city centre is a succession of small shops, restaurants and bakeries. The old mayor's office building is also worth a look, as well as the statue of György Melis and the The statue of the deer for which the town is nameda.
Szarvas Zoo - an experience close to nature
The Körös-Maros National Park is not a traditional zoo with bars and glass windows; rather, it is a destination that offers a nature-oriented experience. Here, you’ll mainly encounter native wildlife—such as roe deer, red deer, wild boars, and even bison.
A special feature of the park is that you can walk in a wooded setting, making the visit more of a pleasant excursion. You can also explore the natural treasures of the area along the nature trails, so it's not only fun but also a bit educational.
If, during your holiday in Szarvas, we feel like canoeing or kayaking, the Körös is not far from the zoo, so you can hear the sounds of the animals as you paddle towards the water.
St Clare Spa - relax and recharge in Szarvas
The St. Clare Spa is the perfect way to end an active day. The spa features thermal water pools as well as outdoor and indoor areas, all in a peaceful, uncrowded setting.
+ 1 - Szarvas market - local flavours and authentic experience
If you’d like to get a feel for Szarvas „from the inside,” it’s worth starting your morning at the local market, where local farmers and vendors bring their fresh produce.
The market on Kossuth Square offers a true small-town experience: local farmers sell fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, and a variety of homemade delicacies. It’s not just a place to shop, but also to chat and get a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. The selection changes constantly, but fresh, seasonal ingredients are always the focus.
The market is open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and it's worth arriving early because the best produce sells out quickly, and strolling through the stalls with a coffee or a freshly baked flame in hand is a truly authentic experience.
Where to stay in Szarvas?
Everyone can find something to suit their own pace among the leisure activities in Szarvas: you can actively explore nature, go for a walk or ride a bike in the city centre, to see animals or simply relax in the healing waters of the spa.
The Palovs Guesthouse is the ideal base for a for cultural discovery It’s also close to downtown, so most of Szarvas’s attractions are within easy reach—whether by a short walk or a leisurely bike ride. Its location makes it an ideal choice if you’re looking for waterfront accommodations in Szarvas, since you can relax even when you’re not organizing recreational activities, but simply We'd like to enjoy the tranquility of the Holt-Körös from our own dock.
If you want to experience nature, a relaxed small-town atmosphere and a variety of activities all in one place, Szarvas - and a well-chosen accommodation - is the perfect choice.
