The most interesting facts about Hungary. Hungary

At the end of the 9th century, the Magyar tribes from Western Siberia moved to the Danube, thus beginning the formation of the state of Hungary. Modern Hungary is annually visited by millions of tourists to see the numerous Hungarian historical monuments, visit the famous local balneological resorts, and swim in the waters of the "Hungarian Sea", as Lake Balaton is sometimes called.

Geography of Hungary

Hungary is located in Central Europe, bordering Slovakia to the north, Romania and Ukraine to the east, Croatia and Yugoslavia to the south, and Slovenia and Austria to the west. The total area of ​​this country is 93,030 square kilometers, and the total length of the state border is 2,242 km.

A significant part of the territory of Hungary is located on the Middle Danube Plain. This means that most of the territory of Hungary has a flat relief. In the north of Hungary is the Matra mountain range. It is there that tourists can see the highest Hungarian mountain - Kekes, whose height is 1,014 m.

The Danube flows through the entire territory of Hungary from north to south. Another largest river in Hungary is the Tisza.

Hungary is famous for its lakes, of which there are a lot. The most famous of them is Lake Balaton, whose area is 594 square meters. km, as well as lakes Velence and Ferte.

Capital

The capital of Hungary is Budapest, which currently has a population of almost 1.9 million people. The history of Budapest begins in the 1st century. BC. - Then there was a settlement of the Celts on this place.

Official language of Hungary

In Hungary, the official language is Hungarian, which, according to linguists, belongs to the Ugric group, which is part of the Uralic language family.

Religion

The main religion in Hungary is Christianity. About 68% of the population of Hungary are Catholics, 21% are Calvinists (a branch of Protestantism), 6% are Lutherans (a branch of Protestantism).

State structure of Hungary

Hungary is a parliamentary republic. Legislative power is vested in a unicameral parliament, the National Assembly, which has 386 members. Since 2012, Hungary has a new constitution.

The head of state is the President, who is elected by the National Assembly.

Hungary consists of 19 regions, as well as Budapest, which is considered a separate administrative region.

Climate and weather

The climate in Hungary is continental with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. In the south of Hungary, near the city of Pecs, the climate is Mediterranean. The average annual temperature is +9.7C. The average temperature in summer is from +27C to +35C, and in winter - from 0 to -15C.

About 600 mm of precipitation falls annually in Hungary.

Rivers and lakes

The Danube River flows through Hungary for 410 km. The main tributaries of the Danube are Raba, Drava, Sio and Ipel. Another largest river in Hungary is the Tisza with its tributaries Samos, Krasna, Koros, Maros, Hernad and Sayo.

Hungary is famous for its lakes, of which there are a lot. The most famous of them are Lake Balaton, as well as lakes Velence and Ferte.

The length of the coastline of Lake Balaton, which, by the way, the Hungarians themselves call the "Hungarian Sea", is 236 km. There are 25 species of fish in Balaton, storks, swans, ducks and wild geese live near it. Now Lake Balaton is an excellent beach and spa resort.

We also note another famous Hungarian lake - Heviz. This lake is a popular balneological resort.

History of Hungary

Celtic tribes lived on the territory of modern Hungary BC. In 9 BC Hungary (Pannonia) became a province of Ancient Rome. Later the Huns, Ostrogoths and Lombards lived here. At the end of the 9th century, the territory of modern Hungary was settled by the Magyars (Hungarians)

Most scientists believe that the homeland of modern Hungarians is located somewhere in Western Siberia. This theory is confirmed by the fact that the Hungarian language belongs to the Ugric group, which is part of the Uralic language family. Those. Hungarian is similar to Finnish and Estonian.

In 895 AD The Magyars created a federation of tribes, thus forming their own state.

The heyday of medieval Hungary began under King Stephen the Holy (about 1000 AD), when the country was officially recognized as a Catholic apostolic kingdom. After some time, Croatia, Slovakia and Transylvania were annexed to Hungary.

The Hungarian king Bela III had an annual income of 23 tons of pure silver. For comparison, at that time the annual income of the French king was 17 tons of silver.

In 1241-1242, the Tatar-Mongols invaded the territory of Hungary, who, however, could not subdue the Hungarians.

Since the end of the XIV century, the Hungarians waged constant bloody wars against the Ottoman Empire. In 1526, after the defeat at Mohacs, the Hungarian king became a vassal of the Turkish sultan.

Only in 1687 the Turks were driven out of Hungary, and this country began to belong to Austria, i.e. Habsburgs. In 1867, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was formed, in which the Hungarians actually received equal rights with the Austrians.

After the end of the First World War, in 1918, the Hungarian Soviet Republic was proclaimed in Hungary, which lasted until August 1919.

During World War II, Hungary fought on the side of Germany. After the end of World War II, the Hungarian People's Republic was proclaimed (this happened in August 1949).

In 1990, the first elections on a multi-party basis were held in Hungary, and the Republic of Hungary appeared on the political map of the world.

culture

Hungarians are very proud of their culture, which differs markedly from the cultures of neighboring countries. The fact is that the Hungarians (Magyars) are an alien people in Europe who moved to the territory of modern Hungary from Western Siberia in the 9th century.

The culture of the Hungarians was significantly influenced by the Ottoman Empire, as well as Austria. This is understandable, because Hungary was for a long time actually a province of these empires. Nevertheless, the Magyars (Hungarians) still remain a distinctive people.

The most famous folk traditional holiday in Hungary is Farsang (Shrovetide), which has been held since the Middle Ages. Shrove Tuesday is celebrated especially splendidly in Sharköz. it is believed that "real" Hungarians live in this region, whose ancestors came to the Danube in the 9th century from Western Siberia. During Maslenitsa, before the onset of Lent, Hungarian youth walks the streets in scary masks and sings playful songs.

Every February, Budapest hosts the Mangalica festival with numerous competitions, exhibitions and tastings of Hungarian cuisine. The fact is that mangalica is a famous breed of Hungarian pigs.

Hungarian architecture is closely associated with the name of Odon Lechner, who at the end of the 19th century created the national Hungarian architectural style.

Among the Hungarian poets and writers, one should definitely highlight Sandror Petofi, Sandor Maraya and Peter Esterházy. In 2002, the Hungarian contemporary writer Imre Kertész received the Nobel Prize in Literature.

The most famous Hungarian composer is Franz Liszt (1811-1886), who founded the Weimar School of Music. Other Hungarian musicians and composers include Bela Bartok and Zoltan Kodaly.

Cuisine of Hungary

Hungarian cuisine is as special as the culture of Hungarians. The main ingredients of Hungarian dishes are vegetables, meat, fish, sour cream, onion and ground red pepper. In the 1870s, pig breeding began to develop actively in Hungary, and now pig meat is traditional for Hungarian cuisine.

Perhaps someone will say that the famous goulash glorified Hungarian cuisine, but there are many more traditional very tasty dishes in Hungary. Tourists in Hungary are advised to definitely try halasle fish soup, chicken with pepper, potato paprikash, trout with almonds, fried pork with sauerkraut, lecho, salty and sweet dumplings, bean soup and much more.

Hungary is famous for its wines (for example, "Tokay wine"), but good beer is also produced in this country. By the way, in recent years, for some reason, Hungarians began to drink more beer, not wine.

Sights of Hungary

Hungary is a real "treasure" for tourists who love excursion tours. This country has a large number of historical monuments, among which there are about 1 thousand palaces and medieval fortresses. The top ten attractions in Hungary, in our opinion, include the following:

Cities and resorts

Many of the Hungarian cities were formed on the site of Roman settlements. This is how Pécs and Szekesfehervar appeared, which are now considered the most ancient cities in Hungary.

At the moment, the largest Hungarian cities are Budapest (1.9 million people), Debrecen (210 thousand people), Miskolc (170 thousand people), Szeged (more than 170 thousand people), Pecs (about 170 thousand . people), Gyor (130 thousand people), Niredyhaza (120 thousand people), Kecskemét (110 thousand people) and Szekesfehervar (about 110 thousand people).

Hungary is famous for its balneological resorts, among which the most popular are Heviz, Hajdúszoboszló, Count Szechenyi Baths, Sarvar on the banks of the Raba River and Balatonfured. In general, in Hungary there are about 1.3 thousand mineral springs that can be used for medicinal purposes.

A popular beach resort in Hungary is Lake Balaton, although balneological (thermal) resorts are also located here. On the banks of the Lake Balaton there are such popular resorts as Balatonfured, Keszthely and Siofok.

Souvenirs/Shopping

• Paprika (red ground pepper);
• Wine;
• Palinka (fruit vodka made from plums, apricots or cherries);
• Embroidery, including tablecloths, bed linen, towels, napkins and clothes;
• Porcelain (the most famous Hungarian porcelain factories are Herend and Zsolnay);
• Dried meat (especially pork mangalitsa).

Office Hours

Store opening hours:
Mon-Fri: from 9.00 to 18.00
Sat: from 9.00 to 13.00

Large supermarkets are open around the clock, and some of them are also open on Sundays.

Bank opening hours:
Mon-Fri: from 08:00 to 15:00
Sat: from 08:00 to 13:00

Visa

To enter Hungary, Ukrainians need to apply for a visa.

Currency of Hungary

The forint is the official currency of Hungary. The international symbol for the forint is HUF. One forint is equal to 100 fillers, but now the filler is no longer used.

In Hungary, banknotes of the following denominations are used: 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 and 20,000 forints. In addition, there are coins in circulation in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 forints.

With each new trip to Hungary, we discover this amazing country, its customs, culture, cuisine, history and modern way of life. In this article, we will tell you what Hungary is famous for, share our tourist and gastronomic discoveries. So, 25 interesting facts about Hungary.

• Hungary is a country with a thousand-year history. It was founded in 896 not at all by the “local population”, but by the tribes of the Magyars who came from the Ural Mountains.

7 tribes were headed by Prince Arpad. He conquered new lands on the Danube and became the founder of a dynasty of Hungarian kings. So the Hungarians found their homeland. The Feast of Finding the Motherland is considered one of the most important national holidays in Hungary. The country loves and honors its heroes. On Heroes' Square in 1896, in honor of the 1000th anniversary of the Finding of the Motherland by the Hungarians, a column and large monuments of seven leaders of the Magyar tribes, who crossed a thousand years ago from the Ural Mountains through the Carpathians, were erected.

• Hungarian is one of the most difficult to study in the world and completely incomprehensible to the tourist.

The language of communication is the first thing that an independent traveler encounters in a foreign country. The Hungarian language belongs to the Ugric group and the Finno-Ugric family of languages. It is close to the languages ​​of the peoples of the eastern, southern Urals and Western Siberia: Khanty, Mansi, Komi, Udmurt, Mordovian.

In Hungary, at the entrance to a shop, cafe, restaurant, museum, etc. it is customary to say hello and goodbye. Therefore, it will be useful to learn a couple of words in Hungarian))

Jó reggelt kívánok (Yo reggelt kivaanok) - good morning
Jó napot kívánok (Yo napot kivaanok) - good afternoon
Jó estét kívánok (Yo eshteet kivaanok) - good evening
Szia (Sia - one), Sziasztok (Siastok - many) - hello, bye.
Viszontlátásra (Visontlatashra) - goodbye
Köszönöm (Kösönöm) - thank you
Köszönöm szepen (Kösönöm sipen) - Thank you very much
Bocsánat (Bochanat) - sorry
Jó étvágyat (Yo itvadyot) - bon appetit
Jó éjszakát (Yo ijsokat) - good night
Igen (egen) - yes
nem (nem) - no
Bejárat (beyarat) - entrance
Kijárat (kiyarat) - exit
Jo (Yo) - good
Jobb (Job) - very good

But our word “Pool” has an indecent meaning in the Hungarian language, so replace it when visiting beaches and baths with the word “Water” or “medenets” (which means “pool” in Hungarian). We gave our children instructions on this word, but all the same, in a fit of pleasure from swimming, they forgot about the “replacement” and shouted phrases like this: “Let's swim in the pool with waves”, which caused the stormy indignation of the Hungarian old women))

• In tourist places, English and German are understood. Moreover, German is used much more often. Older people can know Russian.

When we rested at Balaton, the staff at the local cafe spoke only Hungarian or German, signs "rooms for rent" are also written in German.

• Hungary is a famous resort country.

Hungary is the "hot key of Europe". There are over 500 unique hot thermal springs. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Budapest has been considered the International Capital of Therapeutic Bathing. Hungarians say with a smile and pride that a spring of hot thermal water will gush out of the ground, even if you just stick a stick into it.

A visit to the thermal baths in Hungary is a mandatory item on the program, a “must have” for every traveler. And in which baths are better to choose, our rating of the best baths in Budapest will help you.

Unforgettable was for us a trip to the cave bath Miskolc-Tapolca.

This bath is unique in that it was created in real caves and is considered the only one in Europe. For many thousands of years, thermal waters washed out the grottoes, walls and vaults of the cave. Read our bathing experience here:

The resort town of Eger is a wonderful opportunity to combine health, gastronomic and tourist holidays. Nearby, in Egerszalok, there is the "Hungarian Pamukalle" - a salt hill and thermal water of unique composition.

Read more about our trip in this article:

• In the Danube, people don't swim in the summer.

The Danube is considered a very dirty river, not suitable for swimming. In Budapest, for example, there is not a single city beach with access to the Danube. But there are many beaches with swimming pools, water slides, as well as thermal baths with outdoor pools. Our review of Romai Furdo beach:

• Balaton is one of the largest lakes in Europe. But at the same time very small.

It stretches for 80 km in length and has a width at its narrowest point - a little more than 1 km, and at its widest point - 12.4 km. “The Hungarian Sea” – this is what the Hungarians proudly say about Balaton. To be honest, “sea” is just a name)) In fact, the average depth of the lake is only 3.5 m, the maximum one is near the Tikhan peninsula - 12.5 m. In the 9th century, the Slavs called it “bog” . The southern coast of Balaton is shallower than the northern one.

Balaton is a popular resort in Hungary, there are many thermal springs. The water of the lake is also good for health. It is not transparent, slightly cloudy. The reason for this is healing silt and the presence of plankton in the water. It warms up quickly in the sun. For adults to swim, go to a depth of 500 meters, or even more. Therefore, Balaton is a wonderful place to relax with children. And what color is the water! Blue-green, turquoise - shades change under the sun's rays. That's very beautiful!

On the Tihany peninsula, a monument was erected to the Hungarian king András I and his wife, the Ukrainian princess Anastasia, daughter of Yaroslav the Wise.

Read more about our vacation at Balaton here:

• Heviz is the largest thermal lake in Europe.

A few kilometers from Balaton is the famous lake Heviz. It, like Balaton, is the national pride of Hungary. And this is not just a lake with healing water, but a lake in the crater of an extinct volcano. The depth of Heviz is more than 40 m. The water in the lake is warm at any time of the year, but swimming here will not work for a long time - too active an effect on the body. There is a time limit for adults. And for children under 16 years old, swimming in Heviz is not recommended.

The charm of the lake is given by pink, lilac lotus flowers on the surface. They were brought over 100 years ago from India. And miraculously, these plants took root in hot water.

Heviz is called the lake of youth. Hungarians say "do not flirt with a girl coming out of Heviz, because it could be your grandmother")))

Our gastronomic discoveries.

• Dishes of Hungarian cuisine can be very peppery, spicy.

Hungarian cuisine is replete with dishes with meat, vegetables, paprika, hot peppers, various spices and seasonings.

• In the shops of Hungary you will not find the usual buckwheat, herring, caviar.

Buckwheat is considered bird food and is sold in pet stores, while herring is, according to Hungarians, a “dead” fish.

• “Goulash” is a rich soup made from meat and vegetables.

The first surprise in Hungarian cuisine for us was goulash. We are accustomed to the standard of our canteens, according to which goulash is a meat sauce for a side dish. It turns out that in Hungary it is a very tasty thick soup with meat, vegetables and paprika. And the Hungarians call it "Guyash". It was once considered a shepherd's dish. Gouash is often prepared by men, because it is easy to prepare. The bean is also very tasty - gouyash with beans and smoked meats. Gouyash at the stake is called Bograch. The word "bograch" is translated from Hungarian as "cauldron", "cauldron".

• In Hungary, a special breed of curly-haired pigs Mangalica is grown.

Hungarians eat a lot of pork and know how to cook excellent lard with spices and spices. It just melts in your mouth))) The meat and lard of a special Hungarian breed “mangalitsa” is unique in that it does not contain cholesterol.

• Marzipan is a very popular sweet in Hungary.

Hungary is a country that, along with France, Italy, Germany and Estonia, claims to be the birthplace of marzipan. There are several Marzipan Museums in Hungary - in Szentedra, Eger, Pec, Keszthely and Budapest. A sweet fairy tale reigns in the marzipan museum. What the masters do not do with this product!

We wrote about how we visited the Marzipan Museum in Sendendra here:

Alcoholic drinks in Hungary.

• Hungary is a wine producing country.

Many people have heard about Hungarian wines. The famous Tokay wines and the sweet wine Assou are considered among the best dessert white wines in Europe. On the bottle of Tokaji Aszu is written "Vinum Regum, Rex Vinorum!", which means "This is the wine of kings, and the king among wines." This is how the French king Louis XIV once appreciated this legendary wine.

• Our discovery among the national drinks of Hungary was Unicum.

Unicum is an original balm infused with 40 medicinal herbs. It has been manufactured by Zwack for over 200 years. It was invented by the court physician Josef Zwak in 1790 for Emperor Joseph II as a means to improve the functioning of the stomach. “Das ist ein Unikum! “- exclaimed the emperor when he tried this balm. So the drink remained in history. The recipe for this bitter liqueur is still a secret of the Zwak family. In order not to reveal the secret, they specifically buy more types of herbs than they actually need.

To be honest, at first we did not like the unique one. Having tried it for the first time, we did not appreciate its bitter - herbal taste. But now Unicum is one of our favorite Hungarian drinks. Be sure to bring a bottle of balm home with warm memories.

• Palinka is a Hungarian fruit vodka.

This is the national brand of Hungary. It is distilled from a variety of fruits - apples, apricots, plums, pears, grapes. Interestingly, home-brewing is prohibited in Hungary. Therefore, law-abiding citizens carry fruit to special factories to make their own homemade palinka. It is very soft and fragrant.

Interesting facts about Hungary. famous inventions.

• Rubik's Cube- one of the most popular toys for children and adults. The puzzle cube was “born” in Hungary in 1974 and named after the inventor of the sculptor, architect Professor Erno Rubik. For more than 30 years, the Rubik's Cube Championship has been held in Budapest. A world record was set here - 7 seconds.

• First ballpoint pens were created in Hungary in the 30s of the 20th century by the Biro brothers and they were called biroms.

• Hologram was invented in 1948 by the Hungarian physicist Dennis Gabor, for which the scientist received the Nobel Prize.

• Hungary is the birthplace of the famous hussars.

It was here that hussar troops appeared for the first time in the world. Hussars are lightly armed horsemen. In the 15th century, King Matthias Korvin ordered every twentieth "conscript" to be sent to cavalry units. The fame of victories in battles, courage and skill of the Hungarian hussars quickly spread throughout Europe. Soon the name "hussars" appeared in Poland, Prussia, Lithuania, Russia. Russia borrowed from the hussars not only the name, but also the uniform.

How we went to a horse show with the participation of the brave hussars, read here:

• Buses known to us Ikarus also from Budapest. The company that produces them was founded in the Hungarian capital in 1895 as a carriage workshop.

• In Budapest, the first metro in continental Europe and the third in the world was built. This event took place in 1896, more than 100 years ago, in honor of the Finding of the Motherland. The first "yellow" metro line has survived to this day and is actively used. It is very interesting to ride in small old subway cars and visit the subway museum.

Find out about the old subway and the subway museum here:

• In Budapest, you can ride on another original attraction. On the route number 4 and number 6 goes the longest tram in Europe. Its length - without 10 cm is 54 m.

• The numbering of trolleybus routes in Budapest starts with the number 70. Routes numbered from 1 to 69 do not exist. Budapest owes this to its socialist past. In 1949, the first trolleybus appeared in the capital of Hungary. The route number was given to him as the 70th, in honor of the 70th anniversary of Stalin

• The amphibious tourist bus is an original way to see Budapest. This miracle bus not only travels along the roads with the sights of Budapest, but also floats along the Danube. A very unusual and exciting tour.

At the end of our selection of interesting facts about Hungary - another important tourist discovery.

Hungarians are very careful about their history and culture, revered as national heroes of kings, figures of politics, culture and art. Many streets, squares, cathedrals are named after the heroes of Hungary. With trepidation, the Hungarians treat the monuments of architecture. Even in the ruins of ancient temples, castles, fortresses, museums are arranged, festivals, concerts, and theatrical performances are held.

An interesting fact is that in 1933 in Budapest, on the Lehel tér square, an exact copy of the unique Jambek basilica of the 13th century, destroyed by the earthquake of 1763, was built. So, if you wish, you can see how the basilica looked like in the distant 12th century.

copy in Budapest.

In fact, you can write a lot about Hungary. Each of our visits is a new discovery, tourist, cultural, gastronomic. Hungary is a very interesting country! It is worth coming here, especially since it is very close)))

How to get to Hungary:

• Travelers by car to Hungary our article will be useful:

• Find the cheapest flight to Budapest you can here. We recommend low-cost Wizzair.

Where to stay. Housing in Hungary.

• Hotels in Hungary.

We wish you new travels and bright discoveries!

The article is written with love and boundless gratitude to our dear Lyudmila and Alexei Yamkovenko.

For Hungarians, goulash is the crown national food, and depending on the density and ingredients, this dish can be either the first or the second course. The soup is called “Gulyas leves” and is a fragrant stew with a fair amount of melt-in-your-mouth meat, topped with dumplings (balls of dough), flavored with spices and paprika, and served with a slice of wheat bread freshly removed from the oven. The form of serving adds color to an unusual and hearty dish - waiters often bring goulash soup in beautiful clay pots. In addition, the national cuisine is also famous for goulash as a second dish, of which there are several varieties. The name of the stew is "Porkolt". As a rule, for the preparation of goulash, tender meat is taken - beef, pork or lamb, which is fried and stewed in a dressing of onions, tomatoes, paprika and aromatic herbs. Hungarian chefs and vegetarians did not ignore them, inventing something special for them - "Gomba porkolt" - mushroom goulash.

3. Relax at Lake Balaton

Balaton is rightly called the "Hungarian Sea", because millions of vacationers come here as an alternative to sea tours. Thanks to the mild climate, the abundance of adjacent forests and warm water, Balaton is a real sunny paradise for beach lovers. In addition to traditional entertainment on the lake, you can go in for water sports (sailing and surfing), as well as take part in equestrian competitions, go fishing or admire the local wild "inhabitants" - herons, geese and swans. The beach season at Balaton begins with the onset of May days and ends in late autumn. However, the winter lake also captivates the eye with its splendor, hiding behind a lacy blanket of ice and as if hiding its waters from the winter cold.

4. Climb Mount Gellert

Mount Gellert is one of the most striking sights of both Budapest and Hungary. The mountain received its name as a sign of respect for Saint Gellert, who was the spiritual mentor of the King of Hungary - Istvan, and also baptized the Hungarian people. However, he was subsequently punished in a terrible way - he was placed in a barrel studded with nails and lowered from the mountain into the waters of the Danube. Therefore, the mountain was named after the bishop, and later, in memory of him, a monument to St. Gellert was built on the slopes. By the way, on the mountain you will find a memorial to Istvan himself, as well as the "Monument of Freedom". The mountain is dotted with parks and adorned with a waterfall, but that's not all. Tourists from all over the world climb the observation deck of Mount Gellert in order to admire the beauties of the Hungarian capital from above. They say that it is from this place that the view of Budapest opens up simply amazing. Try it too!

5. Ride the oldest metro on the continent and the longest tram on the planet

You may be surprised, but the first metro in Europe opened in Hungary. Moreover, the stations of the yellow line "M1" in Budapest today look exactly the same as a hundred years ago, and on "Deák tér" you have the opportunity to look into the Hungarian Metropolitan Museum - "Millennium Underground". In addition, you will be amazed that tickets are punched in the metropolitan metro.

As for the trams, you will need lines 6 and 4 in Budapest, which are up to 54 meters long, thus making them world famous. By the way, these metropolitan trams are not only the longest on the planet, but also the busiest, because tourists, trying to get in touch with the world history of transport, often use the services of hospitable fifty-year-old trailers. Movement along the picturesque banks of the Danube enhance the impression of the trip.

6. Enjoy real wine

First of all, try the local famous "Tokay" - its taste is breathtaking and makes even the most sophisticated winemakers from all over the planet ask for more. Why be surprised? Hungary is the mother of Tokaj wine! Where can you find this wine? Perhaps everywhere - all the wine lists of restaurants are decorated with this type of wine, all wine cellars and factories offer tasting and sale of "Tokay". Other varieties of wines - Sopron, Villan and Eger - have proven themselves excellently. The most colorful place for wine tasting is the legendary "Valley of Beauties" in the city of Eger, where more than 200 wine cellars are collected, offering tourists the best wines of Hungary and generously treating travelers with real goulash. Do not forget about the local "Bull's Blood", which is actually equated to the elixir of courage, because after drinking this wine, the soldiers defended Eger before the Turks, although the number of enemies was 40 times greater than the defenders.

7. Conquer the Danube on a boat

The Danube River is the pride of the Hungarians, as well as the Volga for the Russians. In addition, it is rather an international pride, because the length of the river reaches almost 3000 km and flows or is considered the border of 10 countries, and the Danube drainage basin is present in 9 more states. Agree, the river is a legend - you just want to get in touch with it! It offers tourists regular flights of local ships of different comfort and exciting content. You can take an evening sightseeing tour of the Danube while enjoying a glass of wine, or book a trip with a whole entertainment complex, including a banquet, live music, performances by artists and animators.

8. Rejuvenate at Lake Heviz

If Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Europe, then Heviz is the largest warm water lake. You can swim here at any time - even in a fierce cold, wrapped in openwork clouds of steam above the water. In Heviz, not only water is healing, but also a multi-meter layer of silt at the bottom of the lake. It is said that many people make pilgrimages here, trying to regain youth or stop old age. It should be noted that all visiting vacationers are invariably satisfied with the result and impressions of a holiday on Heviz, because this is incomparable with anything. There is such a powerful thermal spring under the lake that the water in Heviz changes every 28 hours, and the temperature never (even in winter) drops below +26-28°C. Rough vegetation in the form of the dazzling beauty of tropical lilies on the surface of Heviz brings the final note to the euphoria of being here.

9. Visit the Marzipan Museum

Marzipan is a sweet made from almonds and sugar, but in Hungary the production of this confectionery was turned into an art form, constructing paintings, figures and other masterpieces from such simple components. There are 5 Marzipan Museums in Hungary - in Szentendre (the most famous), Budapest, Eger, Keszthely, Pecs. The expositions are dazzling, to some extent jewelry work of creation. In the halls, you can admire full-length figures of celebrities, for example, Michael Jackson, a map of Hungary, the Parliament of the capital, heroes of films and cartoons and other fascinating sweet exhibits. Each museum has a confectionery shop where you can enjoy the taste of marzipans and buy your favorite items for gifts to loved ones upon returning home.

10. Visit the Polovtsian village of Holloko

Can you visit the past? In Hungary, yes. The village of Hollokyo (translated into Russian as the Raven Stone) is a journey into the past, living a calm measured life until today, despite millions of prying eyes of tourists. The history of the village goes back to the 13th century, 67 local buildings are considered architectural monuments. Holloko is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is an open-air ethnographic exposition, living the daily village life. About 400 residents live here, doing their usual business (woodcarving, pottery, embroidery, animal husbandry, work in the garden and garden) under the general observation of the guests of the settlement, which adds color to visiting this ancient place.

Night Budapest is an unforgettable sight. Illumination immerses the city in a special atmosphere of the Middle Ages. According to tourists, the most fascinating view of Budapest at night opens from the deck of a boat or a floating bus plying the Danube. A scattering of skillfully illuminated bridges, the outlines of majestic buildings, fresh air and the soothing sound of river water - all this plunges the guests of the capital into an atmosphere of magical mood with a feeling of being in the medieval past.

12. Buy colorful local souvenirs

Few people know that Hungary is the birthplace of the Rubik's Cube and ballpoint pen. But these world-famous things were invented by local nuggets - the sculptor Rubik and the journalist Biro. Therefore, in the form of a souvenir from Hungary, you can buy an unusual wooden handle with a painting or a puzzle in national packaging. In addition, Hungary is rich in porcelain, black ceramics, wooden souvenirs and hand-embroidered items. Also, do not forget about the local excellent wines, the miraculous Unicum balm, marzipans that captivate the eye and the national spice - paprika, which is sold both ground and crushed, and in the form of colorful clusters.

A separate topic is the saturated flea markets of Budapest: a real storehouse of historical monuments and antiques, where you can buy items and decorations that breathe antiquity.

Hungary is an interesting country with a colorful culture, picturesque beauties, healing natural gifts, a fascinating history and a rich architectural heritage. The above tips will help you feel the country to its secret depths.

Traveling to Hungary will give tourists a lot of unusual and pleasant experiences. There are no less sights of different types in it than in other European countries. In Hungary, there are interesting corners of nature, and ancient fortresses, and castles, and many religious buildings of different eras and styles. Inspection of monuments architects can be combined with a visit to museums or the Hungarian Opera House.

Enjoy relaxing holiday available at thermal spas. There are warm springs with healthy water in almost every city. However, several of them can be distinguished. The Széchenyi baths stand out for their size and luxury. Unusual and practically unparalleled in the world is the Cave Bath of Miskolc-Tapolca. For lovers of outdoor recreation in Hungary there is more thermal lake Heviz.

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What to see and where to go in Hungary?

The most interesting and Beautiful places to visit, photos and a short description.

1. The building of the Hungarian Parliament

2. Buda Castle (Budapest)

The residence of the kings of Hungary, which is included in the UNESCO heritage list. The oldest part of the palace was built in the 14th century. Over the years of its existence, the fortress has survived several sieges, destruction and reconstruction, which took away many historical architectural delights. The reconstruction of the castle was completed in 1980. Among the surviving historical buildings, the Sandor Palace, the house of Hungarian wines, and the Fisherman's Bastion are distinguished.

3. Visegrad fortress

Built in the 13th century. In the Middle Ages - the residence of the Hungarian kings. During the invasion of Austrian troops in the 18th century, it was almost completely destroyed. Among the ruins, only the surviving tower of Solomon towered. Reconstruction is currently underway. In the restored walls of the fortress, you can see the interiors of a medieval kitchen and a dining room, a torture chamber has been recreated, and there is a collection of ancient weapons.

4. Citadel (Budapest)

In the 18th century, the slopes of Gellert Hill, 235 meters high, were covered with vineyards. At the end of the 19th century, a citadel was built on its top. An overview of both banks of the Danube gave it a special strategic value. In a military capacity, it lasted about 20 years, until the formation of Austria-Hungary. Nearby rises the 14-meter Statue of Liberty on a 26-meter pedestal. It was installed in memory of the liberation of Hungary from the Nazis.

5. Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Budapest)

Symbol of the capital of Hungary. This is the first stone bridge that connected then two different cities - Buda and Pest. The opening took place in 1849, and at that time the bridge was one of the largest in the world. The re-opening of the bridge was in 1949, after being restored from being blown up by German troops. The bridge is currently 380 meters long and 14.5 meters wide. In the dark, the backlight turns on.

6. Shoes on the Danube (Budapest)

The monument to the victims of the Holocaust is a sculptural composition in the form of 60 pairs of shoes. Many call this monument the saddest in the world. Children's sandals, dressy women's shoes, men's worn shoes - made of iron, they are arranged on the Danube embankment as if their owners are about to return. The terrible reality became the idea for the monument - before the execution, the Nazis forced the victims to take off their shoes, and the bodies were thrown into the water.

7. Lake Balaton

Tourists often call Balaton the "Hungarian Sea", as the length of the lake is almost 80 km. A trip to the lake is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. The average depth of the lake is about 3 meters. The gently sloping southern shores attract many families with children for beach holiday. The north coast is more popular with sailing enthusiasts. There are many resorts and health centers on the shores of the lake.

8. Park Varosliget (Budapest)

The park was built in 1799 on a swampy area. A network of water channels was laid on the drained territory, thousands of trees were planted. Among them, several artificial lakes were equipped. Now it is one of the favorite parks for walking among Budapest residents and guests of the city. It presents a lot of entertainment: a botanical garden, a zoo and a circus, Vaidahunyad Castle and several museums are available for inspection.

9. Szechenyi Baths (Budapest)

Large bath complex, built in 1909. It has 3 outdoor pools and 15 indoor pools, as well as several saunas. The complex is considered balneological. The thermal water of the baths is supplied from the well of St. Istvan. The temperature of the water in the spring is 77 °C and it rises to the surface from a depth of 1200 meters. The healing properties of thermal water help in the treatment of many diseases.

10. Heroes Square (Budapest)

The famous square of the capital of Hungary. About 50,000 people came to its opening in 1896. In the middle of the square there is a 36-meter Millennium Monument. On the colonnades there are figures of the heroes of the country, and between them there are 14 monuments to members of the royal Arpad dynasty and allegorical figures. The architectural basis of the square is made up of museum buildings built in the style of classicism with elements of eclecticism and baroque.

11. Fisherman's Bastion (Budapest)

The construction of the bastion was completed in 1905. It is a square in the form of a gallery 140 meters long, 8 meters wide, decorated with towers and balustrades. Despite the name, the bastion was not built for defensive purposes. Previously, fish was traded at this place, and now it is a wonderful architectural addition to the Matthias Church. From the walls of the bastion, a delightful view of the Danube and the capital opens up.

12. Matthias Church (Budapest)

Located on the Buda Hill. Built in the 14th century in the Gothic style. The bell tower of the church is the tallest building in the Buda Castle complex. Its height is 82 meters. The church has 3 naves with a large number of adjoining chapels. The roof is covered with red tiles. The main decoration of the interior are stained-glass windows and wall paintings. Two columns have been preserved since 1260, they are located under the Bela tower.

13. Hungarian Opera House (Budapest)

The impressive building of the opera house was erected in the 19th century in the Neo-Renaissance and Baroque styles. It is decorated with ornaments and sculptures. The wall paintings in the auditorium were made by famous artists: Tan, Sekei, Lotz. The horseshoe-shaped hall has excellent acoustics. Well-known actors, conductors and composers work here with pleasure, including the Italian composer Giacomo Puccini.

14. Hungarian National Museum (Budapest)

The theme of the museum is the history and art of Hungary in the period from the founding of the country to the present. In total, about a million exhibits are exhibited in the museum in collections of various themes. Many archaeological finds are presented, including samples of stone writing from the Roman period. There are collections of coins, weapons, jewelry, household items from different periods, as well as a hall of the royal mantle.

15. House of Terror Museum (Budapest)

Housed in a former prison building, it is dedicated to the totalitarian period in the history of Hungary. Strict gray building with black edging. The look of the frame creates a large black visor with the word "TERROR" embossed on it. On sunny days, this inscription casts a shadow on the facade of the building. The exhibitions of the museum present exhibits left over from the fascist regime and requiring reflection: instruments of torture, documents and objects of that time.

16. Basilica of St. Adalbert (Esztergom)

Catholic church in the city of Esztergom. Built on a hill on the banks of the Danube in 1869. The architecture of the temple is made in the neoclassical style, the building itself has a cruciform shape. The basilica is 118 meters long and almost 50 meters wide. The facade of the building is decorated with 8 columns. Mosaics, columns, frescoes and statues form the basis of the interior. On the dome of the basilica there is an observation deck with excellent views of the city, mountains and the Danube.

17. Pannonhalma Abbey

The Benedictine abbey has a long history. It was founded in 996. The building has been rebuilt several times, so its architecture combines styles from different eras. The unique religious ancient complex is included in the lists of UNESCO protection sites. Basilica of St. Martin Abbey strikes with the luxury of interiors. The libraries hold over 300,000 unique and valuable books. There is a botanical garden and a winery.

18. St. Stephen's Basilica (Budapest)

The current large-scale temple with picturesque interiors. The construction of the temple ended in 1905, it lasted almost 50 years. The height of the basilica is 96 meters observation deck under the dome you can see almost the entire capital. The interior decoration is decorated with bronze bas-reliefs, marble and mosaics. Concerts of organ and classical music are often held. The church choir sings at Sunday services.

19. Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul (Pec)

The Roman Catholic Cathedral is located on the Dome Square in Pécs. Erected in the XI century. In the XVI-XVII centuries the cathedral was used by the Turks as a mosque. The facade of the building is made in a classical style with sharp arched forms and is decorated with statues of 12 apostles. The interior is dominated by gilded sculptures and frescoes. The organ of the cathedral consists of 75 pipes. The famous Franz Liszt performed masses on it.

20. Szeged Cathedral

Incredibly beautiful building in neo-romantic style, built of red brick in 1930. It is an architectural monument. Tourists are attracted by towers 91 meters high, looking into the sky. In total, the cathedral has 57 turrets of various sizes. The main hall of the cathedral is designed for 5,000 parishioners. Wall paintings, reliefs, mosaics in the Art Nouveau style - the unusual decor inside further enhances the vivid impression of the design of the cathedral.

21. Tihany Abbey

Erected on the site of an ancient earthen fortress. As a result of enemy raids and fires, only the church of 1754 in the Baroque style has remained from the ancient building of the monastery. The carved altars in it are luxuriously decorated and are considered the masterpiece of wooden sculpture in Hungary of the 18th century. Master Sebastian Stulhof worked on the creation of altars for 25 years and did not take payment for his work.

22. Reformed Cathedral (Debrecen)

It is considered a symbol of the city of Debrecen. The design is made in a classic traditional style - strictly and without unnecessary details. The interior design of the cathedral is also very modest, the walls are painted with plain white paint. The area of ​​the cathedral is quite large - it can accommodate up to 5,000 people. It is the largest Reformed church in Hungary. As an attraction, the chair of Lajos Koshsuth is exhibited in the cathedral.

23. Eger Fortress

A medieval fortress, the defenders of which showed heroism in the defense against the invasion of the Turks in 1552. Built in the 13th century, it is currently a museum complex. Bastions and underground casemates are available to tourists for inspection. The István Dobo Museum tells visitors about the rich history of the Eger Fortress. In summer, festivals are held in medieval style with jousting tournaments.

24. Royal Palace in Gödöllő

Palace-estate, a masterpiece of Hungarian baroque architecture. Erected in the XII century. For several centuries, a stable, a greenhouse, and a theater were attached to it. Currently, it is a museum complex with restored interiors of the royal chambers. The expositions of the halls are dedicated to the Grasszalkovich dynasty. A separate object for inspection is the chapel of St. John of Nepomuk. Around the palace there is a park with an area of ​​29 hectares.

25. Festetics Palace (Keszthely)

It is located in a picturesque park near Lake Balaton. One of the largest castles in the country, built in the 18th century. The facade and interior decoration resembles the palaces of France. The castle houses a museum. The museum's collections include valuable and rare books, weapons from different eras. In the stables of the palace exhibited samples of various carriages - carriages and wagons. Various official and entertainment events are held in the halls of the palace.

26. Historical center of Sopron

In this place, many architectural monuments of history have been collected, most of them were made in the 16th-18th centuries in the Baroque style. A labyrinth of narrow cozy streets with ancient buildings from different eras diverges from the main square. The Gothic Church of the Goat, the General's House, the House of Fabricius with archaeological exhibits and antiques - and that's not all. The symbol of the historical center is the 60 meters high Fire Tower.

27. Holloko village

The open-air museum of ethnography, which is included in the UNESCO heritage list. The museum village is home to 500 people, and they all lead a normal daily life. For visitors, this is a great opportunity to look at folk traditions that have been preserved for several centuries. Many residents are engaged in traditional folk crafts - pottery, embroidery, woodcarving.

28. Győr old town

The historic district of the city, which is visited by thousands of tourists every year. They are attracted by magnificent architectural ensembles of ancient buildings of the 18th century. The starting point for the tour is the Central Széchenyi Square. It is surrounded by buildings in the Baroque style - the Abbot's house, the Jesuit church, the building of the old town hall, the Vashtushkosh house. In the Janos Xanthus Museum you can get acquainted with the history of the city of Győr.

29. Lillafured Resort

The popular resort is located by Lake Hamori among the forests of the Bükk mountain range. For tourists, a hotel was built, with its appearance more like a palace. There are many guests at any time of the year. Travelers come here to enjoy the clean mountain air and picturesque views. Water walks on the lake and hiking in the forest are popular. You can also visit the bat caves or Sinwa waterfall.

30. Cave bath Miskolc-Tapolca

The uniqueness of the bath is in its location. It is located in a cave formed naturally over thousands of years. The cave is located in a large beech forest in the mountains. The air of the cave is considered to be curative, it is especially useful for asthma. Thermal water has a composition enriched with minerals, but at the same time low in salt. This allows you to stay in the water for almost unlimited time.

31. Heviz

Thermal lake in the western part of the country. Rest on it is popular at any time of the year. The water temperature in it does not fall below 24 ° C even in winter, and in summer it reaches 36 ° C. Heviz is one of the largest thermal lakes in the world. Its area is 47,000 m². Substances in the composition of water help in the treatment of many diseases, but there are also contraindications - pregnancy, cancer, asthma, tuberculosis.

32. Caves of Aggtelek

They are located in the karst mountains on the territory of the national park in the north of the country. Numerous caves form intricate labyrinths with many kilometers of passages. In total, experts count about 700 caves in the area. The largest cave Aggtelek is also one of the largest stalactite caves in Europe. It is 26 kilometers long, 8 of which are in Slovenia.

33. Hortobágy

National park with an area of ​​800 km². The territory of the park is protected by UNESCO. The attraction is the Nine-Arch Bridge, which is 167 meters long. It was built over a marsh in 1833. Near the bridge there is an inn, whose age is 300 years. It houses an ethnographic exhibition. Hortobágy is a popular holiday destination with many different types of entertainment, including a water park.

34. Tagore Embankment (Balatonfured)

The city of Balatonfured is located on the northern shore of the picturesque Lake Balaton. In 1926, the famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore visited the resorts of the city. According to the traditions of his country, he planted a lemon tree by the water, in gratitude for the hospitality. Other celebrities who visited the cities began to do the same. Over time, the alley of planted trees turned into a memorial park and became a decoration of the embankment.

35. Tokaj wine region

Included in the list of UNESCO sites. The history of Tokay winemaking began in 1550. The vineyards are located on the slopes of the mountains at an altitude of up to 400 meters. The specific microclimate of the region is a special secret of production, which gives Tokay wines a unique and refined taste. Almost every residential building in the city has a wine cellar, and the Rakoczi wine cellars are considered the main attraction.

Hungary is undeservedly underestimated by tourists. Picturesque landscapes, authentic national cuisine, interesting history and facts, the knowledge of which makes you look at the country from a different angle.

Fact 1: The underground in Hungary is amazing on amazing

When talking about the subway in Hungary, they always mention the longest trams in the world with their length of 53.9 m. It is noteworthy that the Budapest trams began to run on routes in 1896. At that time, there was no subway in Europe at all, and there were only two subways in the world - in London and New York.

The most famous in Budapest is route number 60. A modern tram runs along it, the interior of which is recreated according to historical archives. Moreover, this tram, the only commercial (non-tourist) route in the world, goes uphill. Any tourist can ride it for only 350 forints.

Fact 2: Hungarian Sea Balaton

Interestingly, Hungary has a sea that every inhabitant of the country knows about. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that an inquisitive tourist will be able to find it on the map. The Hungarians call Lake Balaton the sea. The depth of the lake is on average 3 meters, and reaches a maximum of 12.5 meters. 2% of the lake is covered with reeds, which are cut down for export in autumn.

In summer, the coastal zone of the lake becomes the main resort of the country. The main resort town is Siofok, located on the south coast. It got its name from the Shio River, which flows into the lake. There is another attraction in Siofok that will surprise a Russian tourist: there is an obelisk right on the shore, donated in 2012 by Russian residents to the Hungarians in honor of the 6th World Congress of Finno-Ugric Peoples.

Fact 3: Rubik's Cube

In 1941, the creator of the Rubik's Cube was born - a puzzle that almost every inhabitant of the civilized world tried to solve. In 1974, Enre Rubik presented his puzzle, and already in 1984, the first competition in high-speed cube assembly started. The author himself spent a whole month to solve his own puzzle.

The Rubik's Cube has become so popular that the number of copies sold today exceeds 350 million pieces.

Fact 4: Vegetarians will have a hard time in Hungary

Saying "meat", Hungarians always mean pork. The average Hungarian eats 0.5 kg of fat per week. Moreover, frying of all dishes takes place not on vegetable oil, but on pork fat.

Hungarians are very fond of the pre-winter holiday "wake for the pig." On this day, a master is invited to cut and butcher a pig. Women traditionally salt lard and prepare a festive table, the main dish of which is fried liver.

Fact 5. The ballpoint pen was invented in Hungary

In the late 1930s The Biro brothers invented the ballpoint pen. During periods of Jewish pogroms, they were forced to emigrate to England, where they patented their invention, and then sold the rights to it to an English company. The brothers did not receive a single pound from sales, so they were forced to return and establish their own production of pens, which was subsequently sold to Marcel Beek.

Fact 6. Mount Gellert is a UNESCO heritage

The most beautiful view is from Mount Gellert, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Thanks to the picturesque landscapes that open up, the mountain has become a place of pilgrimage for photographers. Rumor has it that until 1848, witches gathered on the mountain for a sabbath.

Fact 7. Budapest is the only resort capital in continental Europe

Tourists are used to the fact that the capital of the country is a place of concentration of business centers, active cultural and night life. Thanks to the thermal springs lying at a depth of 1 kilometer, Budapest is famous for a large number of therapeutic baths.

Fact 8. Budapest is two cities

Until 1873, modern Budapest did not exist, and two independent cities of Buda and Pest were located in its place. Buda was on the hilly side of the Danube, while Pest was on the flatter side. It is symbolic that today both parts are united not only in the name of the city, but also in many bridges.

Fact 9. Hungarian is one of the most difficult languages ​​in Europe

A foreign tourist is likely to fail when trying to communicate with a Hungarian in his dialect. The Finno-Ugric language group, which includes the language, is rightfully considered one of the most difficult to learn.

Fact 10. In 1944-1946, Hungary experienced the largest currency collapse in the history of the country

The current Hungarian currency, the forint, was put into circulation only in 1946 as a means of combating galloping inflation, which reached 400% per day. At that moment, any resident could become a millionaire. In 1946, the largest denomination in denomination of 1 quadrillion was also issued.

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