Vasvár

Alongside the heritage buildings of the town, the noteworthy sights of the surrounding countryside are the Szentkút church (Holy Well) visited by pilgrims and Lake Szentkút popular with anglers.

Vas County is named after Vasvár (Iron Castle). The name presumably originates from the Árpád Age when several small foundries worked in the area, processing the so-called 'iron pan'. The 'iron pan' or hardpan of hydrous ferric oxides is a type of iron found in the top layers of the soil, mainly in wet areas, enabling the extraction of small amounts of iron. Ancient foundries processing iron pan have been excavated near Vasvár and Kőszeg.

First mentioned in early 12th-century documents, Vasvár then had a castle bailiff and it is proven that a castle already stood there. The exact location of the castle estate however remains in question, igniting much argument among local historians and researchers.

Vasvár was a county seat until 1578 when the county diets were moved to Szombathely. Still provoking much debate among historians, the 1664 Vasvár peace treaty was concluded here following the Szentgotthárd Battle during the Turkish wars. Often referred to as a shameful contract, historians' opinions differ as to the impact of the treaty. The fact remains that although the Hungarians won the battle, a major section of Hungary remained under Turkish control.