Things to see in Rétimajor

Sights in Rétimajor:

Rétimajor is the centre of the fishing lakes. The manor built by the Zichy counts at the end of the 19th century has been restored to its original state. The old stable is the only fishing museum in the country today. Its importance lies in the fact that it collects and displays the tools, objects and photos of folk fishing, a trade that has a long history in Hungary.
Fishing as an ancient trade of Hungarians and the lifestyle belonging to it have disappeared in the West by now today and only its traces can be found in Hungary. Traditional fishing is disappearing together with its objects, terminology and the people involved in it.
All this comes back to life in the museum that was opened in the year of the Millennium. In contrast to traditional museums, the process of fishing, fishing tools and fishermen are presented through the synthesis of different methods. The museum displays the rarely used fishing tools and equipment in photos, in use and in dioramas.
On the walls, the photos of László Kunkovács ethnographer-photographer show how the different tools were used. He visited all the fishing families from Szigetköz to Berettyó from the 70s on and systematically recorded the existing methods of catching fish.
His artistically composed photos pay homage to a vanishing lifestyle in a unique way.
Hungarian folk artists were always inspired by the love and depiction of fish and fishing. Ottó Szabó woodcarver carved the illustrations of Ottó Herman’s ‘Book of Hungarian Fishing’ on wood plates. The unique collection of fishing pottery is the artwork of Mrs Sándorné Banga, folk artist from Hódmezővásárhely.
In the centre of the exhibition area, a separate set of tableaux present the rare and valuable plant species and display the photos of wildlife and particularly those of threatened birds.
In the open area next to the museum, the indispensable tools of fishing, the boats are displayed. There is also a 0.25 hectare lake, where fishing shows can be held, and a reconstruction of the mud huts of ancient Magyars settling in the territory of present-day Hungary can be found on the small peninsula. It shows how and in what circumstances our ancestors lived.
When seeing the ancient boat tied to the reed hut, the willow sinking into the water and the carp that lazily jump out of the water breaking the glittering water surface, the visitor can feel the atmosphere of ancient times when people used to find food and protection in the wonderful world of Sárvíz.

Reed school:

However, we do not just show objects from ancient times but also have the next generation in mind so we have built a school in the reed, where students can learn about the wildlife and eco-system of the nature reserve. A small lake has also been created in which different fish can be observed.

Fish restaurant:

The old water tower and the wheelwright’s and blacksmith’s workshops were turned into a fish restaurant with the reconstruction of the original wooden roof structure. The oak furniture is decorated with carvings showing scenes of life near water. On the walls, there are pictures showing the legendary catching of beluga sturgeon as well as fishing relics and a wonderful collection of plates with fish ornaments. The garden is surrounded by walls displaying the folk tools of the region. The stove, the stand of the stew-pot and the wine cellar are not just decorations. Guests can feed not only their souls but also their bodies with the gifts of water, the fish cooked in the stew-pot outdoors and Simontornya wine. Groups of friends and visitors are welcome to taste our fish and game specialities in our fish restaurant, garden and terrace in a beautiful setting all year round. It is also an ideal place for events, gatherings, weddings and high school reunions. Our restaurant can seat 40, our garden 70 people. The garden is also ideal for hosting outdoor events, cooking and barbecues for up to 500 people.
It is nice to go down to the wine cellar of the restaurant in the summer heat, where smaller groups can taste Hungarian wines during a guided tour.