Hajós

Wine, Swabian heritage and nature in the heart of the Great Hungarian Plain Hajós is located in Bács-Kiskun County, halfway between Baja and Kalocsa, in the former floodplain of the Danube. The town's character is shaped by its viticulture and winemaking traditions, as well as its vibrant community identity rooted in Swabian (German ethnic) heritage. Hajós is a key settlement in the Hajós–Baja wine region, making it a natural gateway to exploring the area's culinary delights. The most famous attraction is the Hajós Cellar Village: a unique network of wine cellars and press houses carved into loess soil, preserving folk architectural heritage. With over 1,200 cellars, this distinctive “village structure” provides a special setting for wine tastings, cellar visits and events. The development of the cellar village is closely tied to the region's unique natural features: the soil and terrain were ideal for both viticulture and the creation of cellars, making wine here not just a product but a tradition that shapes the landscape. In the town itself, Baroque and ethnic heritage are tangible: the Hajós Baroque Castle (formerly an archbishop's hunting lodge) now serves as a museum and a venue for community and cultural events, while the German Ethnic Heritage House offers a glimpse into local identity through the everyday objects of Swabian life. Among the town's attractions, the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Emeric holds a prominent place, complementing the wine tourism experience with built and cultural heritage. For those seeking active or nature-based experiences, Hajós and its surroundings are an excellent choice. The protected area of “Hajós Meadows and Loess Cliffs” offers scenic landscapes and natural phenomena such as the nesting sites of bee-eaters carved into the loess walls. The South-Őrjeg Natura 2000 area spans several settlements, including Hajós, highlighting the region's ecological significance. Here, hiking, birdwatching and cycling can be combined into a seamless chain of experiences. Hajós boasts several mutually reinforcing features from a sustainability perspective: much of its tourism appeal is based on the responsible utilisation of existing cultural heritage (such as the traditional press houses and cellars of the Cellar Village, and the Baroque castle's current community and museum functions), adhering to the principle of “preservation through use” and reducing the need for new developments. Additionally, the area around the town is home to nationally and internationally protected natural assets (Hajós Meadows and Loess Cliffs; South-Őrjeg Natura 2000), providing a framework for the development of eco-friendly, outdoor and interpretative tourism. Sustainable mobility is further supported by the development of cycling tourism links in the region, connecting the Hajós Cellar Village with neighbouring settlements via Natura 2000 areas, offering realistic alternatives for low-impact exploration such as cycling and walking. - editorial content -