Sopron: The Jewel of Western Hungary

• HelloHelló
  [heh-loh]
• GoodbyeViszontlátásra
  [vee-sont-la-taash-ra]
• YesIgen
  [ee-gen]
• NoNem
  [nem]
• Please/You're welcomeKérem
  [kay-rem]
• Thank youKöszönöm
  [koes-noem]
• Excuse me/SorryElnézést
  [el-nay-zayst]
• How are you?Hogy vagy?
  [hoj vahdj]
• Fine. And you?Jól vagyok. És te?
  [yol vahdj-ohk. ays teh]
• Do you speak English?Beszélsz angolul?
  [bes-ayl-s ang-oh-lool]
• I don't understandNem értem
  [nem ayrt-em]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSzeretnék megnézni a menüt, kérem
  [seh-reh-tneik meh-nyez-nee ah meh-noot, kay-rem]
• I don't eat meatNem eszem húst
  [nem es-em hoost]
• Cheers!Egészségedre!
  [eg-ay-sheh-ged-reh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseFizetnék, kérem
  [fee-zeht-neik, kay-rem]

• Help!Segítség!
  [sheh-geet-saeg]
• Go away!Menj el!
  [men yel]
• Call the Police!Hívd a rendőrséget!
  [heevd ah rehn-dur-say-get]
• Call a doctor!Hívd az orvost!
  [heevd ozz or-vosht]
• I'm lostElvesztem
  [el-veh-stem]
• I'm illBeteg vagyok
  [beh-tehg vahdj-ohk]

• I'd like to buy...Vennék...
  [ven-neyk]
• I'm just lookingCsak nézelődöm
  [chak nay-zeh-loe-dum]
• How much is it?Mennyibe kerül?
  [men-nyee-beh keh-ryool]
• That's too expensiveTúl drága
  [tool draa-ga]
• Can you lower the price?Le tudnád engedni az árat?
  [leh too-dnaad eng-ed-nee ahz ah-raht]

• What time is it?Mennyi az idő?
  [men-yee ahz ee-d-oh]
• It's one o'clockEgy óra van
  [edj oh-ra van]
• Half past (10)Fél tizenegy
  [fayl tee-zen-ayg]
• MorningReggel
  [re-ggel]
• AfternoonDélután
  [del-oo-taan]
• EveningEste
  [es-teh]
• YesterdayTegnap
  [teg-nap]
• TodayMa
  [mah]
• TomorrowHolnap
  [hol-nap]
• 1Egy
  [edj]
• 2Kettő
  [ket-toe]
• 3Három
  [haa-rom]
• 4Négy
  [neyg]
• 5Öt
  [oet]
• 6Hat
  [haht]
• 7Hét
  [hayt]
• 8Nyolc
  [nyolts]
• 9Kilenc
  [keel-ents]
• 10Tíz
  [teaze]

• Where's a/the...?Hol van a...?
  [hol van ah]
• What's the address?Mi a cím?
  [mee ah cheem]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Megmutatnád (a térképen)?
  [meg-moo-tat-naad ah tare-kaypen]
• When's the next (bus)?Mikor jön a következő (busz)?
  [mee-kor yoen ah koe-vet-ke-zo (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Egy jegyet (....-ra)
  [edj ye-geh-et rah]

Sopron, known in ancient times as Scarbantia, was an important Roman settlement. Located along the Amber Road, a significant trade route, Scarbantia flourished with bustling marketplaces and defensive fortifications. The remnants of the Roman city walls and the forum are still visible today, offering a glimpse into the city's early significance.

During the Middle Ages, Sopron became a key trading hub due to its strategic location near the Austrian border. The city's wealth grew, leading to the construction of majestic Gothic and Baroque buildings. The city’s medieval layout, with its narrow streets and imposing city walls, remains largely intact, reflecting its historic affluence.

A devastating fire ravaged Sopron in 1676, destroying much of the city. The reconstruction that followed led to the Baroque architecture that dominates the city center today. The Fire Tower, a symbol of Sopron, was part of the medieval city walls and was rebuilt after the fire, serving as a lookout point for any future threats.

After World War I, Sopron's fate was uncertain due to shifting borders. In 1921, a referendum was held to determine whether Sopron would remain part of Hungary or join Austria. The majority voted to stay with Hungary, and this event is celebrated annually as the 'Day of Loyalty'. This decision preserved Sopron's Hungarian identity and culture.

During the Cold War, Sopron was located near the Iron Curtain, the boundary separating the Soviet bloc and the West. The city witnessed the Pan-European Picnic in 1989, a pivotal event where hundreds of East Germans crossed into Austria, contributing to the fall of the Iron Curtain. This moment is commemorated with monuments and memorials throughout the city.

Sopron is renowned for its cultural heritage, hosting numerous festivals, concerts, and events that celebrate its rich history. The Sopron Wine Region is famous for its Kékfrankos wine, and the city’s culinary scene reflects a blend of Hungarian and Austrian influences. The preservation of its historical architecture and traditions makes Sopron a vibrant cultural destination.

Sopron is located near the Austrian border, making it easily accessible from several major cities. The nearest international airport is Vienna International Airport (VIE), roughly 80 kilometers away. From Vienna, you can take a direct train to Sopron, which takes about an hour and a half. Alternatively, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is about 220 kilometers away. From Budapest, you can take a train or bus to Sopron, with the journey taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

Sopron is a compact city, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances within the city, local buses are available and operate regularly. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. If you prefer to explore the surrounding region, renting a car is a convenient option. Bicycles can also be rented for a more eco-friendly way of getting around.

The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Sopron. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for convenient cash withdrawals.

Sopron is generally a safe city for tourists. Standard safety precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number works for police, fire, and medical emergencies. Sopron has a local police station and several medical facilities, including pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly; avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress conservatively and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake; it is the most common form of greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and wines; Sopron is known for its wine culture. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Sopron like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Hungarian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Firewatch Tower for a panoramic view of the city. For wine enthusiasts, a visit to the Sopron Wine Region for a tasting tour is highly recommended. Also, take a stroll through the Lövérek district, known for its beautiful villas and lush greenery.