Unforgettable experiences for mini knights and damsels. The Magic Middle Ages at Hotel Kapitány.

When my little girl, in all her finery, said she was a lady of the castle and we were off to the jousting tournament, I knew we were in the right place at Hotel Kapitány. The two-hour journey took us back in time hundreds of years, literally back to the age of chivalry, where all members of the family had unforgettable experiences at the foot of the fabulous Sümeg Castle.

If you were in America, you’d say theme park. Because in Sümeg, the four stars superior Hotel Kapitány Wellness is more than a hotel: the hotel’s experience is a perfect reconstruction of the knightly era, where the magic of the past and modern comfort go hand in hand. Every little detail of the hotel enhances the experience of time travel, from medieval decorations to realistic knightly games and historical programmes. Meanwhile, the modern wellness facilities of the four-star superior hotel ensure that guests of all ages can immerse themselves not only in history but also in a world of total relaxation, so that every member of the family can find the perfect experience for several days.

Even the moment of arrival is stylish, for as you approach the castle-like Hotel Kapitány, the imposing towers of the carefully restored Sümeg Castle loom over the landscape. As you get closer to the hotel, next to the building, giant wooden implements of war, stone throwers and siege engines stand, not only adding to the historical authenticity of the place, but also showing that here the past really does come alive – in a way that everyone can experience up close.

At Hotel Kapitány, time travel begins with the first steps. At the reception and throughout the building, staff dressed as castle ladies and knights welcome and guide guests. And as you walk through the walls of the building, you’ll find relics and paraphernalia of the heroic era almost everywhere: shields, swords and period decorations evoke the world of the Middle Ages. For the youngest guests, the magic begins from the moment they arrive. While the climbing frames and slides of the medieval playground promise fun, the pony rides offer a special adventure for children. During the day, puppet shows and a mini-disco are guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of children and parents, while the little castle ladies and knights can become real fairytale heroes.

And the attractions don’t stop there: in the petting zoo, children can get up close and personal with the animals that have been faithful companions of the countryside for centuries. And the riding stables and the hotel’s 50 or so private horses also offer visitors a chance to experience the life of a horse and the magic of riding.

Besides the sights, a holiday in Sümeg also offers a real gastronomic adventure. The hotel’s cuisine places particular emphasis on local ingredients: most of the delicacies served at breakfast and dinner come from the Castle Captain’s own sample farm. Home-made sausages, bacon, pork rinds, smoked ham and cheese are a favourite among guests, who can even take them home to bring a little Sümeg atmosphere into their homes.

The special experiences at the Hotel Kapitány do not end in the evening, when the most outstanding attraction, the Historical Horse Games, begins, which uniquely evoke the age of chivalry in the Horse Arena next to the hotel or in the covered Historical Event Hall. During the equestrian demonstrations, visitors can admire a spectacular performance by the Spanish Riding School, followed by a spectacular Mongolian cavalry stunt show, and then impressive displays of archery, battle stars, battle axes and spear throwing. The highlight of the programme will be a jousting match between horse and foot, where battle scenes from the age of chivalry will be brought to life in duels with swords, shields and head-breakers amid period costumes. The spectacular show will be followed by a real medieval feast, with hand-me-down dishes in keeping with the customs of the time.

Relaxation lovers can enjoy 2 floors of wellness: swimming, adventure and children’s pools, various saunas, steam rooms, beauty and massage treatments. The hotel’s own 32°C thermal water with methacetic acid from its own well is the perfect choice for everyone, as it is suitable for all ages without contraindications.

To crown your days at the Hotel Kapitány, a visit to the Sümeg Castle, a few hundred metres away, is an unmissable experience, where you can step back in time and walk between the ancient walls. In the courtyards and halls of the castle, the everyday life of the Middle Ages comes to life: the work of old craftsmen and artisans – blacksmiths, bow makers and weavers – can be experienced at first hand, while the evocative moments of life in the castle give a unique insight into what life was like in Sümeg in the age of the knights. A perfect complement to a historical holiday that not only entertains, but also educates and makes you think.

Erika Kocsis