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– HUNGARY TRAVEL GUIDE –
Country: Hungary
National capital: Budapest
Population: 9,931,000 people
Area: 93,030 square kilometers
Currency: forint
Language: Hungarian
Located in the center of Europe, Hungary is an increasingly popular tourist destination. It owes its popularity to its excellent climate, which guarantees warmth and full sun from early spring to late autumn. A must-see is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities – Budapest. Hungary, is also a magnificent nature and landscapes, beautiful and warm Lake Balaton often called the „Hungarian sea” and spa towns full of unique monuments. Thanks to the constant development of its offerings and facilities, tourism in Hungary is beginning to play an increasingly important role in the country – it is estimated that Hungary is visited by more than 30 million tourists a year.
-Hungary travel guide –
Budapest is among the top European capitals ideal for a city break. All thanks to low-cost airlines and convenient train connections.
Budapest is divided in half by the Danube River – Europe’s second largest river. On its western, hilly side lie: Buda with its castle quarter, Gellert Hill with its citadel, and further north Óbuda with its Roman-era ruins. On the eastern side of the Danube stretches the former Pest with its magnificent parliament, the famous Andrassy Avenue, historic synagogues and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Budapest is full of historical monuments, museums, beautiful walking areas and stunning views. Hungary’s capital has twice been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Balaton is both Hungary’s and Central Europe’s largest lake. The lake is relatively shallow, the greatest depth being 11m. Balaton is a center for tourism and recreation. The tourist season lasts from June to the end of August. The average water temperature in summer is about 23° C, which makes swimming very pleasant. Other tourist activities include sailing, fishing and exploring the surrounding countryside – vineyards on the northern shore and bustling resorts in the south. Another place worth visiting is the Tihany peninsula, where there is a museum and a biological research station. The name Balaton means roughly „muddy lake” and – since Hungary is landlocked – the lake is often referred to as „the Hungarian sea.”
Miskolc is the third largest city in Hungary, located in the northeastern part of Hungary at the foot of the Beech Mountains at the mouth of the Szinva River. A fortress was built by the Hungarians in this village in the 10th century, but it was completely destroyed by the Mongols in 1241. From the 15th century Miskolc was a royal city. From 1596 to 1686 it was under the rule of the Turkish Empire. In the city it is worth visiting the museum, the ruins of a Gothic fortress, Gothic and Baroque churches, among others. Miskolc is also a health resort with mineral springs (the famous cave baths in the Miskolctapolca district). The Miskolc Synagogue was designed by Ludwig Förster and built between 1856 and 1862 in the Neo-Romanesque style.
Sopron, although a small city, surprises with a truly huge number of sights. It lies on the border between Austria and Hungary. To this day the original medieval layout of streets, fascinating buildings have been preserved here. The most recognizable building and symbol of the city is the sixteen-meter Fire Tower. It dates back to 1290, and gained its present Baroque shape in the 17th century. It is worth climbing the 200 stairs to the observation deck at its top to enjoy the beautiful panorama of the city. Wandering through the atmospheric streets of the old city, surrounded by richly decorated townhouses, you will easily reach the main square, where you will find the amazing 18th century Baroque Holy Trinity Column. Also worth noting is the Benedictine Church, the historic City Hall building, the neo-Gothic Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary or the Baroque Caesar’s House. In Sopron you can also admire the well-preserved parts of the medieval city walls. There are also a number of interesting museums, such as the Pharmacy Museum. The Sopron area is also known for the production of Kekfrankos wine. An opportunity to taste it will be a visit to one of the local restaurants.
This is where the famous „Egri Bikavér” or „Bull’s Blood” comes from, a great red wine that can be tasted in the famous Valley of the Beautiful Women (Szépasszony völgye). An attraction for tourists are the many wine cellars with tables set up outside, with gypsy music and typical Hungarian snacks. The town itself, where King Stephan founded the first bishopric in the 11th century, prides itself on its history and the heroic defense of its fortress, which resisted an attack by Ottoman troops during the first assault. It was not until 1596 that Eger came under Turkish rule. At the beginning of the 18th century, it was an important center of the anti-Habsburg Rakoczi uprising. The ruins of the fortress are there to be seen, and one should also visit the classicist cathedral, the archbishop’s palace, and climb to the top of the minaret, from where one can enjoy a beautiful view. Eger also has a splendid, long-expanded swimming pool with steam baths and pools with different water temperatures (28-32 degrees C).
Pécs
Pécs is Hungary’s fifth largest city, located in the southern part of the country, south of the Mecsek Mountains, west of the Danube River. In Roman times, the city was called Sopianae. Since 1009, Pécs has housed the seat of the bishopric. Worth visiting in Pécs are numerous museums, including porcelain (Zsolnay factory), early Christian catacombs dating from. 4th century, the cathedral with crypt. the hospital chapel of St. John of Nepomuk, as well as the oldest university in Hungary (founded in 1367 by Louis of Hungary), the first Hungarian public library (17th century), the national theater, the zoo, and the television tower. Until recently, Pécs was an important center of the mining industry. Today it serves as an important academic and service center. The early Christian cemetery in Pécs was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.
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