Sopron

Hungary’s ‘most faithful city’ (a reference to a 1921 referendum when Sopron opted to stay part of Hungary rather than be absorbed into Austria) has been around for a while, first settled by the Celts, then the Romans (as a trading spot along the Amber Route from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic and Byzantium), then a succession of Germans, Avars, Slavs and Magyars. In recent times, this little town also indirectly brought about the most dramatic event of the late 20th century – the fall of the Iron Curtain. Today it is the most beautiful town in western Hungary, its medieval Inner Town (Belváros) intact and its cobbled streets a pleasure to wander. And if that weren’t enough, it’s also famous for its wine, surrounded as it is by flourishing vineyards.