ŐRSÉG NATIONAL PARK (ŐRSÉGI NEMZETI PARK)

The Őrség region (meaning guard or faction) is a border area near Austria and Slovenia. As far back as the 9th century, when Hungary was conquered by Magyar tribes, border guards were established here, each occupying a hill with their families in fortified dwellings. The Őrség region extends beyond the border into Austria, in the part called Oberwart in German (Upper Őrség). This unique region, now protected, includes the three municipalities of Őriszentpéter, Apátistvánfalva and Szalafő. Őrség has not only preserved its traditional flora, but also examples of interesting and very old architecture.