Official Name

Győr. Note that the name is pronounced [ Djeir ] (at least it's close to the real pronunciation, for the proper pronunciation of 'gy' and 'ő' see → Hungarian language). Since some computers may not display the special character 'ő' correctly, it is often written Gyõr, Györ or simply Gyor. Once there was a Roman settlement nearby, which was called Arrabona. And of course there's a German name, too: Raab (because of the river with the same name).

Location

	Gyor

Győr is a large town in Western Transdanubia and only a few kilometres south of the border to →Slovakia. To Bratislava in the north-west it's only around 70 km, to →Budapest in the east about 100 km. Near Győr, the two rivers Rábca and Rába (Raab) flow into the Mosoni-Danube, which again is an arm of the main river. The main arm of the Danube river flows further to the north.

Population

Around 130,000.

Orientation

Győr is the third largest industrial centre of Hungary, which is hard to believe for visitors. The old town centre stretches along the river Rába - a tributary of the Danube - in the north and in the west. The Bishop's Castle towers above the river on the top of a spur. Southeast of the castle, the rather small old town stretches all the way to the railway tracks in the south. The castle and the train station are connected by a long pedestrian zone called Baross Gábor utca. The tourist information can be found in that street not far from the train station. Right behind the train station there's the bus terminal - accessible from the train station by a dark tunnel. As in many other Hungarian cities, the main square is called Széchenyi tér. Many lanes in the area between main square and Bishop's Palace are particularly beautiful, with most of them being closed to traffic. The homogeneity of the centre is very nice - there are almost no newer buildings at all.

	The old town centre of Győr

History

Almost two thousand years ago, the small settlement Arrabona marked the northern border of the Roman province Transdanubia. In the 11th century, the first Hungarian king, Stephen I, made the town the residence of the bishop - remainings from that time can still be seen inside the Bishop's castle.

In the middle of the 16th century, the town was transformed into a fortress to protect it from the gradually advancing Ottoman empire. But the Ottomans never reached Győr - and so, in contradiction to Hungarian towns like →Pécs - there are no Turkish remainings in the town. Today, Győr is an important industrial town.

Getting there / transportation

Győr lies between Vienna and Budapest, which can be said about railway connections as well. Several daily local as well as express trains running between →Budapest and Vienna stop in Győr (most trains depart from Déli und Keleti pu., in Vienna they mostly arrive at the Südbahnhof = South terminal). Even the international express train from and to →Belgrade stop in Győr. The ride to Budapest takes around 1½ hrs, the local train to Vienna needs two hours. The fare to Vienna is 4,000 Ft. There are only two direct trains a day to Bratislava. Some local trains run southwards as far as Veszprém near Lake Balaton.

Of course there are also many bus connections. Buses are the better option when heading for destinations around Lake Balaton. The bus station is right behind the train station.

The best thing to do is just to walk around the old town centre. Kitty-corner from the train station there's the rectangular Városháza Square with the large town hall.

	The neo-baroque town hall of Győr

The neo-baroque town hall facing the square is quite big and was completed in the year 1898. It is lit up at night, so it's worth to have a look at it in the evening as well.

	The central square Széchenyi tér

The historic centre of town is marked by Széchenyi tér with the Column of the Holy Virgin standing in the middle and baroque St. Ignatius Church facing the square. The latter was built in 1641 and is one of the most beautiful churches in town. Most of the buildings were erected during the 17th and 18th century and are perfectly preserved.

Unfortunately, Bishop's Palace was closed when we visited the town - and so I can't write about it. It seems to be worth a visit...

Around 20 km south of Győr you will find the huge Pannonhalma Monastery on the top of a hill. The construction of the monastery was started around the year 1000. It's possible to get there from Győr by buses and trains.

	Danubius Raba Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$59 Price: from US$5 Room amenities: air conditioning, inhouse movies, hair dryer, internet access, television, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

The Danubius Raba Hotel is located in Gyor making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. This 3-star property offers travelers a choice of 155 pleasant rooms that are equipped with the standard amenities of hotels in its class. All of the guestrooms are replete with air conditioning, inhouse movies, hair dryer, internet access, television. Guests staying at this Gyor accommodation can enjoy a wide range of hotel facilities such as casino, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant. Hotel's guests can experience on-site latest leisure and sports facilities such as massage, gym/fitness facilities, sauna. With elegant facilities and hospitality, guests at this hotel will surely have an impressive stay. For your reservation at the Danubius Raba Hotel, simply submit your dates and complete our secure online booking form.

	Raba Hotel
	Rating: 2 Price: from US$48 Price: from US$4 Room amenities: air conditioning, bathrobes, daily newspaper, inhouse movies, desk, hair dryer, ironing board, television, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, coffee/tea maker, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

With its central location, Raba Hotel is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Gyor. With the guests' convenience in mind, each of the 155 guestrooms at the hotel is well designed and fully equipped to cater to the demands of corporate and holiday travelers looking for unique accommodation in Gyor. Each guestroom is tastefully appointed with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, bathrobes, daily newspaper, inhouse movies, desk, hair dryer, ironing board. This Gyor accommodation features on-site facilities such as room service 24hr, shops, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant. For guests to unwind, the hotel offers a variety of facilities and services including massage, gym/fitness facilities, sauna. Modern comfort and convenience are seamlessly combined to ensure the guests' satisfaction. To book a room easily at the Raba Hotel, please submit your travel dates and proceed with our secure online booking form.

	Alfa Hotel
	Rating: 3 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, air conditioning, television, shower, mini bar >>Check availability

>>Description

The Alfa Hotel is located in Gyor making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each guestroom is fully equipped with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, television, shower, mini bar. Guests staying at this Gyor accommodation can enjoy a wide range of hotel facilities such as room service 24hr, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, restaurant, disabled facilities, business center. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. To make your reservation at the Alfa Hotel quick and easy, please select your preferred dates of stay and proceed with our secure online booking form.

	Amstel Hattyú Fogadó és Amstel Cafe & Restaurant
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$46 Price: from US$4 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, air conditioning, daily newspaper, television, shower, mini bar >>Check availability

>>Description

With its central location, Amstel Hattyú Fogadó és Amstel Cafe & Restaurant is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Gyor. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each guestroom features amenities such as non smoking rooms, air conditioning, daily newspaper, television, shower, mini bar. This beautiful Gyor accommodation provides room service 24hr, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant, room service, safety deposit boxes to suit all guests' utmost convenience. For a more enjoyable stay, guests can take advantage of a variety of recreational facilities, including massage, sauna, tennis courts, garden. These top-class facilities are complemented to excellent services to meet the needs of visitors to Gyor. Make your reservation at the Amstel Hattyú Fogadó és Amstel Cafe & Restaurant Gyor now by selecting your chosen dates of stay and submitting our secure online booking form.

	Arany Szarvas Fogadó és Captain Drakes Pub
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$60 Price: from US$6 Room amenities: air conditioning, desk, hair dryer, ironing board, in room safe, television, shower, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, jacuzzi bathtub, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Arany Szarvas Fogadó és Captain Drakes Pub is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Gyor. The Arany Szarvas Fogadó és Captain Drakes Pub boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom features amenities such as non smoking rooms, air conditioning, desk, hair dryer, ironing board, in room safe, television, shower. This Gyor accommodation features on-site facilities such as room service 24hr, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant, room service, safety deposit boxes. Leisure and sports facilities available on the hotel's property comprise massage, jacuzzi, sauna, garden. The hotel creates a balance of rich culture and modern convinience to ensure you a memorable stay. Please complete our secure online booking form by entering your period of stay.

	Corvin Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$45 Price: from US$4 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, television, bathtub, shower, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

The Corvin Hotel is located in Gyor making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each of the hotel's guestrooms offers non smoking rooms, television, bathtub, shower, satellite/cable TV. Guests staying at this Gyor accommodation can enjoy a wide range of hotel facilities such as room service 24hr, laundry service/dry cleaning, business center, pets allowed. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. To proceed with your booking at the Corvin Hotel, simply choose your travel dates and fill in our secure online booking form.

	Fonte Hotel and Restaurant
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$72 Price: from US$7 Room amenities: air conditioning, desk, hair dryer, ironing board, in room safe, television, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

Discover all that Gyor has to offer with Fonte Hotel and Restaurant as a base. The Fonte Hotel and Restaurant boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom is fully equipped with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, desk, hair dryer, ironing board. The amenities and services offered at this Gyor accommodation include room service 24hr, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant, room service. Along with its convenient location in Gyor, the hotel also offers a wide range of services and facilities to the guests. Make your reservation at the Fonte Hotel and Restaurant Gyor now by selecting your chosen dates of stay and submitting our secure online booking form.

	Hotel Amarillis
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$37 Price: from US$3 Room amenities: air conditioning, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Hotel Amarillis is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Gyor. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each guestroom is tastefully appointed with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV. To suit guests' convenience, this Gyor accommodation offers room service 24hr, business center, pets allowed. This hotel is characterized by a combination of modern comfort and traditional element of Gyor, making it a distinct accommodation. For your reservation at the Hotel Amarillis Gyor, please choose your period of stay and fill out our secure online booking form.

	Hotel Famulus
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$82 Price: from US$8 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, air conditioning, hair dryer, in room safe, television, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

With its central location, Hotel Famulus is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Gyor. The Hotel Famulus boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. In-room facilities include non smoking rooms, air conditioning, hair dryer, in room safe, television, shower. This Gyor accommodation contains all of the facilities and conveniences you would expect from a hotel in its class. The hotel offers massage, gym/fitness facilities, sauna, tennis courts, squash courts to provide extra pleasure and relaxation for all guests. The hotel creates a balance of rich culture and modern convinience to ensure you a memorable stay. For your reservation at the Hotel Famulus, simply submit your dates and complete our secure online booking form.

	Hotel Isabell
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$75 Price: from US$7 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, air conditioning, hair dryer, television, shower, separate shower and tub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

The Hotel Isabell is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Gyor. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each guestroom is fully equipped with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, hair dryer, television, shower, separate shower and tub. This Gyor accommodation contains all of the facilities and conveniences you would expect from a hotel in its class. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: massage, sauna. This hotel is characterized by a combination of modern comfort and traditional element of Gyor, making it a distinct accommodation. To make a reservation at the Hotel Isabell Gyor with our secure online booking form, please choose your preffered period of stay.

It looks like there are many private rooms, most of them located in the city centre. But there's also a large hotel right in front of the train station. Get out of the train station direction old town and you will stand in front of Hotel Szárnyaskerék. The hotel is run by the national railway company and a bit drab. However, the rooms are very clean. A double room (bathroom is on the floor) will set you back € 22. Here's the address: Révai Miklós utca 5, Tel.: 314 629.

• www.visitors.hu/05_02_en.html Extensive website about Győr, Pannonhalma and the entire region.
• www.gyor.hu The official website of the town. Partially under construction.

Do you have or do you know a good website about Győr? Don't hesitate, let me know! After checking it, I would love to add it to the link list. You can submit a link by using the →contact form. Note that commercial websites will be treated differently.