The surroundings of Sopron are renowned not only for their unparalleled natural beauty but also for mysterious, abandoned castles that house stories spanning centuries, legends, and family dramas within their walls. These castles are not mere ruins; they are important imprints of Hungarian history that evoke all our senses: the past whispers from behind cracked walls, among the branches of trees, and within the surrendering natural landscape. This article invites everyone curious about castle tourism, urban exploration in Sopron, and the secrets of bygone eras on a true time-travel adventure.

We will provide a detailed presentation of the four most captivating abandoned castles near Sopron: the mystical Sághy Castle in Sopronnémeti, the tragic Sopronhorpács Castle, the baroque Lakompa Castle remains, and the suddenly deserted yet elegant Fertőszéplak Széchenyi–Esterházy Castle. We reveal how their destinies unfolded, what legends and historical events are associated with them, and practical information to help you prepare for your own exploration trip.

Embrace this comprehensive guide to the secret castles of Sopron, where the past truly draws near—whether through historical knowledge or a unique experience among the ruins.

The Sághy Castle, located on the outskirts of Sopronnémeti, is one of the most impressive yet sorrowful abandoned castles in Győr-Moson-Sopron County. Its history and ongoing decline border on legend; local residents claim that echoes of Sághy Castle’s ghost stories and whispers of the past still resonate within its walls, especially during the night hours.

The original castle belonged to the Sághy family in the late 19th century and underwent multiple renovations and extensions. The current, grand baroque building reached its final form around 1900. After the storms of World War II swept through the region, the castle experienced several ownership changes, nationalization, and nearly half a century of abandonment.

A significant turning point was the failed renovation attempt in 1990, when it was sold for only 500,000 forints amid privatization waves—yet dreams of restoration quickly faded. The buyer from Budapest aimed to breathe new life into the building with hopes of tax exemptions, but restoration was never realized, and the building’s decay continued.

Among abandoned buildings in Sopronnémeti, this one has become a Mecca for urban explorers, ghost story enthusiasts, and local history aficionados. The ancient park, once a private family paradise and a community gathering spot, now bears the marks of time and encroaching nature’s reclamation.

If you choose to explore the Sopron urban exploration spots, the romantic, almost gothic atmosphere of Sághy Castle, its picturesque castle park, and the whispering wind through the surrounding trees will captivate you. The Sághy family, whose name is woven into the town’s history, has left a lasting legacy in Sopronnémeti.

The Sopronhorpács Széchenyi Castle park and its grand building date back to the 18th century. Constructed between 1771-1774 in Baroque style at the behest of Cziráki Mária, it was later expanded to host the social events of the Széchenyi family in Sopronhorpács. Many skilled craftsmen and architects—among them Hofstädter Kristóf—worked on its construction and renovations, making the park one of the most valuable among the Danube region’s castle gardens.

The castle’s golden age occurred in the early 19th century, when it hosted lavish balls, housed an esteemed library, and contained family art collections renowned across the country. However, the WWII period drastically altered its fate—by war’s end, the building suffered severe damage, and subsequent looting led to the loss of much of its library, furnishings, and decorative objects. The once-glorious past was soon replaced by empty, gradually decaying walls.

The Sopronhorpács castle park, now a protected natural area, boasts a rich flora with ancient plane trees and rare plants, making it reminiscent of a castle ruin garden. Walking along its paths reveals remnants of ornamental gardens, centuries-old trees, and rare plant species. Despite abandonment, the scene exudes a captivating beauty, interrupted only occasionally by birdsong or the whisper of wind through the trees.

Local legends say that on foggy mornings, the Sopronhorpács castle’s history seems to come alive: tales of bygone families, memories of past balls, and the tragedy of decay hover over the building and its garden. The Sopron horpács secret garden park entranced visitors who walk its paths with open eyes (and open hearts).

Photographers, history buffs, and urban explorers often search the site, which stands as a prominent example among Győr-Moson-Sopron county’s heritage castles. It reflects the ups and downs of Hungarian castle history: from golden eras through community management to somber abandonment.

Nestled within the forested hills near Sopron, Lakompa is a village that preserves the Lánzsér Castle Lakompa ruins. These Baroque castle remnants in Lakompa are historically and culturally unique: the estate was an important defensive and noble residence from the 16th century. The first significant builder, Erasmus Teuffel, constructed a water castle here between 1548–1552, which is surrounded by tales of tragedy (his death in Constantinople) and many exciting legends.

In subsequent centuries, new lords occupied the site, with major renovations in the Baroque period, primarily based on plans by Johann Henrici. The fire damages of Lakompa Castle (1772, 1787, and 1806) inflicted severe harm, leaving parts of it unrestored. The castle also played a role in the Napoleonic wars, serving as a military station in 1809, further contributing to its deteriorated state.

The tragic “silent story” of the ruins is largely due to the fact that the castle was no longer maintained in the 19th century and was partially dismantled by later generations. Walking among the ruins at the end of the village offers a palpable sense of history—especially when close to the Lakompa Jewish Cemetery, with over 1700 gravestones, reflecting the multiethnic, multicultural heritage of the area.

This site is a challenging destination for Sopron region exploration tours, given its dilapidated state and dense undergrowth, offering discovery of authentic baroque remnants, a mystical atmosphere, and dark, whispering legends.

The overall tragedy of Sopronnémeti’s castles is epitomized by Lakompa Castle: every brick, crack, and remaining decorative element is a fragment of the bygone era—waiting for you among the trees’ shadows.

Among the haunted castles of the Fertő region, the Fertőszéplak Széchenyi–Esterházy Castle stands out as one of the most intriguing and melancholic examples of how history and political shifts can leave once-vibrant homes in neglect. The castle was owned by the Széchenyi family from the mid-18th century and later passed into the possession of the Esterházy family—hence sometimes referred to as Fertőszéplak Széchenyi-Esterházy Castle.

During the communist era, it was nationalized and served various functions: from a cooperative office to worker’s accommodation, and eventually, like many Hungarian castles, repurposed for joint enterprise use. In 2011, it was put up for sale for 400 million forints, but no buyers emerged, leaving the building in a state of abandonment.

Today, visitors are greeted at the main gate by the phrase “Rögtön jövök“—as if the castle itself is sending a message through time, hinting that the past still awaits. It is a site full of historical significance, where joyful childhoods, family celebrations, balls, and later the austerity of the socialist period once filled its rooms.

For urban explorers, history photographers, and romantic adventurers, this place offers a treasure trove, with every corner hosting memories of bygone events: the destroyed balcony of the main façade, the empty, curtainless rooms, or the wild overgrowth of the garden park—all blending into a unique Sopron castle tour: a mixture of past, present, and fantasy.

The fate of Esterházy Castle in Fertőszéplak remains uncertain, but it remains a true gem for those passionate about historical journeys and exploration’s atmospheric thrill.

If you are planning to explore the abandoned castles around Sopron—including the Sopronnémeti, Lakompa, Sopronhorpács, or the Fertő area ruins—it is worth considering Hotel Szieszta as your base and resting point!

The Hotel Szieszta, the largest wellness hotel in Sopron, is an excellent choice not only for families but also for couples, groups of friends, and individual explorers passionate about urban exploration. Its location is outstanding: situated in the green Lővérek area, close to the city center yet surrounded by forests, offering easy access to cultural, natural, and historical attractions.

The rooms are spacious, bright, and most feature balconies with views of Sopron or nearby hills. The wellness area includes pools, saunas, and a fitness center, ensuring relaxation after a day of castle ruins exploration. The hotel’s restaurant offers Hungarian cuisine along with light, healthy options to keep your energy high for adventures among the ruins.

Thanks to active leisure opportunities, family-friendly services, and easy access to Sopron’s treasures, Hotel Szieszta is an ideal base for a multi-day exploration of Sopron’s castle sites.

Of course, Sopron offers other excellent accommodations as well. The Pannonia Hotel provides elegant, classic environments in the heart of the historic Old Town, though rooms may be smaller and parking more limited. The Hotel Wollner caters more to romantically inclined couples with a boutique style, while the Fagus Hotel Conference & Spa Sopron is modern and well-equipped for business travelers. All are great options, but Hotel Szieszta‘s broad offerings and prime location make it especially suitable for those interested in castles, urban exploration, and Sopron’s most beautiful sights.

Which abandoned castle near Sopron is the most mysterious?

According to experts and locals, Sághy Castle in Sopronnémeti holds the most secrets. Many legends surround it, including night whisperings and ghost sightings, leading it often to be called the most mysterious castle in the area.

Why did these Sopron castles become abandoned?

The main reasons include damages from World War II, subsequent nationalization, transformations during the communist era, and failed privatization attempts in the 1990s. Fire damage and vandalism also contributed—exemplified by incidents like the Lakompa Castle fires.

Can these castles be visited?

Most abandoned castles are privately owned or municipally managed. Some, like the Lakompa Castle ruins and the park, are freely accessible, while others, such as Sághy Castle, are private property and should be approached with caution, respecting ownership and preservation rules. Always check permissions beforehand and be mindful of weather and safety conditions.

What legends and stories are associated with these castles?

Legends at Sághy Castle in Sopronnémeti tell of whispers and lights appearing during the night. At Lakompa, stories recount the tragic death of Erasmus Teuffel, and at Fertőszéplak, locals speak of the “Rögtön jövök” inscription as a haunting reminder of the past.

What tips should I keep in mind for a Sopron region urban exploration tour?

Always wear durable clothing and footwear, bring sufficient water, a detailed map or GPS, and inform someone about your route. Enter abandoned structures at your own risk, respecting private property and laws. Photography is usually allowed, but causing damage or vandalism is forbidden. For detailed guidance, visit Sopron Media or Amultemlekei.hu.