The Swabian Folk House, showcasing historical objects and memories of the local Swabian community, was built in 2002 with the support of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, designed by architect Imre Karacs, and funded by the Hercegkútért Foundation.
The building is an authentic replica of a typical Hercegkút house from 100 years ago, with furnishings and household items that are original and owned by the local residents. This setup offers an authentic glimpse into the life and daily routines of the Swabian community.
260 Years Ago: The Adventurous Journey of German Ancestors
Over 260 years ago, the first German settlers embarked on a journey from the regions of Lake Constance and the Black Forest to find a new home in Hungary. This historical migration is documented in their Settlement Charter, dated August 15, 1750. The settlers traveled on the Danube River by boat and the so-called "Ulmer Schachtel" to Buda, and from there, they continued on foot and by wagon to their new home. Though they started their journey with hopes for a new life, the challenges were far from over.
Tough Beginnings: The Challenges of Building a New Home
The early settlers faced enormous challenges in creating a new home. They cleared bushes and cut down forests to establish plots for building houses, a process that could take up to 4-5 years. In the meantime, they lived in cave-like dwellings carved into the rocks, sharing a communal oven for baking bread, with flour provided by the local estate. Even at this early stage, viticulture and winemaking played a significant role in their lives, as they worked on the surrounding vineyards.
Land Reforms and the Impact of the Phylloxera Plague
In 1867, the settlement was granted significant landholdings during the land reforms, which greatly contributed to the village’s development. They also purchased additional land from neighboring villages. After the devastation of the phylloxera plague in the late 19th century, new vineyards were planted, and Hercegkút soon became part of the Tokaj-Hegyalja closed wine region. Since then, viticulture and winemaking have remained integral to the lives of local residents, alongside their strong religious faith.
The Tragedy and Rebirth of the Folk House
In June 2006, the Swabian Folk House, which showcased the community’s history and everyday life, was struck by lightning. The thatched roof caught fire, and the building was completely destroyed. The loss of the historical objects, furniture, and memories—donated by local families and preserved over the centuries—was devastating, as each item carried personal significance.
Thanks to the community’s efforts, the Folk House was rebuilt by 2007 and now boasts a rich collection once again. Among the special items on display are a painted bridal chest from 1900 and a cradle made in 1875, both evoking the village’s past.
Everyday Life in the Village
The traditional peasant houses in Hercegkút were built in a characteristic longhouse style, where residential buildings with small windows shared a courtyard with opposite farm buildings. The layout was simple: the front included a clean room and a kitchen (with an oven and open chimney), followed by a living room. At the back were storage rooms, a stable, and other farm structures. The barn, located about 25 meters from the main house, was used to store crops and hay.
This historical site not only showcases the Swabian community’s past but also embodies the respect for local culture and traditions.
Unfortunately, in June 2006, a natural disaster struck the Swabian Folk House. A lightning strike ignited the thatched roof, and the building was completely destroyed by fire. The community, however, quickly began restoration efforts, and by May 2007, the architectural reconstruction was completed. The rebuilt Folk House remains faithful to the original design, with modern improvements to make it more resilient to similar natural disasters.
The Folk House not only returned to its original form but also regained a rich and diverse collection. After the reconstruction, the museum was filled again with old furniture, household items, and objects related to Swabian daily life. These artifacts reflect the history and cultural heritage of the Swabian community, offering visitors a unique insight into this fascinating culture.
The Swabian Folk House is an important cultural and historical landmark for the local community, where visitors can explore the daily moments of Swabian life, traditional furnishings, and objects that preserve the values of the past. The rebuilt Folk House continues to safeguard the heritage and memories of the Swabian culture, which has enriched the region’s history for generations.
SWABIAN FOLK HOUSE HERCEGKÚT
Address: 3958 Hercegkút, Kossuth St. 9/A
Phone number: (+36 47) 346 101
Museum Director: Dr. Enikő Stumpf
Visits by appointment only.
