Wandering in this region of Western Transdanubia, visitors from Hungary or abroad will witness a blend of local cultures: German, Croatian, Wendish and Jewish traditions exists alongside of customs of native Hungarian. Relics of great turning points of human life - such as birth, baptism, wedding or death – are on display and practises of important holiday–like mask wearing, egg painting and “Bethlehem Plays” around Carnival-, Easter- and Christmas-time are still performed. Masterpieces of local folklore and old crafts ranging from basketry to the art of shepherds' or artisans', such as potters, cartwrights, locksmiths, weavers or button-makers can be admired and modern productions of the old crafts can also be purchased.

Those interested in ethnology will certainly appreciate the incomparable folklore of this region. The unique skills of the well-known Rábaköz embroidery, the wood-carvings of the Őrség or the great variety of folk dances and folk music can be heard and seen even in our days and prove to be unforgettable experiences. 

Õrség

Highways meander among pine and beech forests, lead from valleys onto hilltops. Clusters of houses appear here and there and only some road signs inform us that we are driving across villages. This special and incomparable world of resin fragrance is called Õrség. Õrség has its unique culture and folklore. Around the times of the Hungarian settlement the forefathers of those living here today were settled in this region to secure the border. They lived on hilltops, watched the approach of the enemy and lit fires to warn each other whe intrusers were detected. Various “szer” settlements (this type of buildings clusters) were founded this way. Körmend is often called the gate of the Õrség region. Körmend was probably founded at the same timne as the other Őrség outposts. The 18th century Baroque Batthyány palace is a reconstructed medieval castle. Rare species of plants bloom in the park of the castle.

Szalafõ is part of the true Õrség. The structure of the tiny little hamlet with its seven "szer" on seven hilltops follows medieval traditions. Several ancient buildings are still untouched. Pityerszer is the oldest and best preserved “szer” in the Õrség. Õrség houses were like small fortresses. Houses and farm-buildings, with the “kástu” (a building to store crops, durable food wine-presses barrels and implements) - only preserved in Pityerszer - formed a U-shape, whereas the fourth side was blocked by a two-meter high plank.

The hilltops of the neighbouring Göcsej region with its almost seventy villages were also built in around the times of the Hungarian settlement. Today, only the form of the ancient outpost is preserved on the green slopes, the houses and the lifestyle of the peasants from 150-200 years ago are exhibited in the village museum of Zalaegerszeg. The Göcsej Museum, set in an Art Nouveau building displays the ethnological collection of the region.