Refreshing Summer Activities at the Skanzen

A summer walking in the Skanzen is an unforgettable experience – but in the heat, it’s nice to take a break sometimes, cool off, or linger in a shady spot. We’ve compiled a list of places where visitors can enjoy a bit of relief from the heat alongside the traditions.

Let’s wash clothes the old-fashioned way!

At the village wash-house in Bakony, Balaton Uplands region, you can not only learn about old-fashioned washing techniques, but also try your hand at washing. The fresh water, the washstand, and the traditional tools offer a special experience for young and old alike—and for a moment, you can experience just how refreshing it must have been to be near water on a hot summer day.

VIII. Bakony, Balaton-Uplands Region, Communal well and Wash-House from Köveskál

Every day during the museum's opening hours

Fishing at the Game Yard

At the Uszka Game Yard, cob fishing is a great way for kids to unwind. This fun game of skill is both entertaining and nostalgic, while the whole family can relax together in the shade of the trees.

III. Upper-Tisza Region, Uszka Yard

Every day during the museum's opening hours

Picnic Under the Trees

No summer excursion would be complete without a rest in the shade. In Uszka and Csököly, our volunteers lend out rag rugs, and at the Mesekert playground and the Határjelek, you can pick up rag rugs from baskets. Find a shady spot, spread out the rug, and take a break for a while – just as people used to do on those long summer days.

III. Upper-Tisza Region, Uszka Yard; VII. Southern Transdanubia, House from Csököly

Every day during the museum's opening hours

Refreshing Mint Tea at the Witch’s Brew

The world of medicinal herbs comes to life at the Witch’s Brew. On summer days, visitors can enjoy a glass of fragrant, refreshing mint tea while learning about the role medicinal herbs played in peasant households.

I. Northern Hungarian Village, House from Perkupa

Every day during the museum's opening hours

Refreshing Syrups in Baglad

In the summer, homemade syrups were always lined up on the shelves of the pantries. Made from elderberries, raspberries, red currants, or mint, they provided a welcome refreshment while working in the garden. Now, everyone in Baglad can enjoy the traditional flavors of summer.

IX. Western Transdanubia Region, House from Baglad

Every day during the museum's opening hours

Cooling Off in the Cellar

If you’re looking to really cool off, step into the public cellar in Upland Market Town region! These thick-walled cellars, built underground, remained cool all year round, so they were not only suitable for storing wine, vegetables, and fruit, but also provided refuge from the summer heat. Spend just a few minutes here, and the heat outside will feel completely different.

II. Upland Market Town Region, Square

Every day during the museum's opening hours

Among Cool Walls

The Magtár building offers a refreshing refuge from the summer heat, where the exhibition titled “Together for Sustainability!” awaits visitors. The exhibition showcases the Skanzen’s “Green Skanzen” philosophy and highlights how many elements of a sustainable lifestyle were already a natural part of our ancestors’ daily lives. Created with the collaboration of 17 curators, the exhibition links the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals with the proven practices of peasant culture – ranging from water conservation and waste-free households to repair, reuse, and the use of local ingredients. The exhibition also inspires visitors to take themed walks, so once you step out of the pleasantly cool exhibition space, you can explore the various areas of the Skanzen to discover how our ancestors lived sustainably.

I. Northern Hungarian Village, Granary

Every day during the museum's opening hours