Gyor-Moson-Sopron county

Rich in religious and historical monuments this county is located in the northwest corner of Hungary, wedged between Austria and Slovakia. There are two World Heritage Sites of culture located here: the Abbey at Pannonhalma and the area around Lake Fertő.

The limes wall protecting Pannonia ran through this region in Roman times and the ancient Amber Road cut from north to south. It was also here that the first commercial routes developed toward the west.

There were formerly four Hungarian counties in the area: Győr, Sopron, Moson and Pozsony (today's Bratislava and surroundings). Following the Treaty of Trianon in 1924 the remaining areas were drawn into one county, the official name of which was Győr-Sopron for a long time. Then in 1990, considering the history of the area, the name was changed to Győr-Moson-Sopron county.

Its current area consists of 4,062 square kilometres with over 420,000 residents. There are two major cities in the county: Győr and Sopron. The county seat is Győr and additional towns and cities of significance are: Csorna, Fertőd, Jánossomorja, Kapuvár, Mosonmagyaróvár, Pannonhalma, Tét.

The county is easily accessible by train and by car, as a result of the construction of the motorway between Vienna, Austria and Budapest. Transit traffic is high due to the proximity of the border. According to statistics, one third of the tourists arriving in Hungary touch the county either coming here specifically, or crossing it towards other destinations.

There is a wealth of valuable ecclesiastical and secular heritage to be explored in Győr-Moson-Sopron county. Considered a gem of a Baroque city, Győr attracts many visitors, as do the spectacular palaces such as Fertőd, the attractive small cities and towns and the Baroque village churches. Of special value are the two World Heritage Sites, the Abbey at Pannonhalma and Lake Fertő.

Since Austria is so close, this was the first county to experience the rapid civil development of the 19th century. This influence can still be felt today on the local economy and culture as well as in tourism. With its Széchenyi heritage, Nagycenk has become a national place of pilgrimage. This region, particularly Szigetköz, is a favourite with nature lovers.

The lay of the land combined with the climate and the characteristics of the area are particularly suitable for the viticulture that enjoys centuries-old traditions here. Wine growing played such a prominent role that it was mentioned in the founding charter of the Pannonhalma Abbey in 996.