Introducing Hungary
There is no place like Hungary (Magyarország). Situated in the very heart of Europe, this kidney-shaped country can claim a unique place in the continent's soul. Doubters need only listen to the music of Franz Liszt and Béla Bartók, view the romantic Danube River as it dramatically splits Budapest in two or taste the nation's unique (and paprika-infused) cuisine to be convinced. Hungary's impact on Europe's history and development has been far greater than its present size and population would suggest. Hungarians, who call themselves Magyars, speak a language and form a culture unlike any other in the region - a distinction that has been both a source of pride and an obstacle for more than 1100 years.
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Hungary is the best place to enter both Central and Eastern Europe. While some of its neighbours may have more dramatic scenery or older and more important monuments, Hungary abounds in things to see and do, and those with special interests - fishing, horse riding, botany, bird-watching, cycling, thermal spas, Jewish culture - will find a treasure-trove here. Under the old communist regime, most of the government's focus and money went to Budapest. As a result, foreign visitors rarely ventured beyond this splendid city on the Danube River, except on a day trip to the Danube Bend or to Lake Balaton. These places should be visited, of course, but don't ignore other towns and regions off the beaten track: the tanya világ (farm world) of the Southern Plain, ethnically rich Northeastern Hungary, the Villány Hills in Southern Transdanubia covered in vineyards and the traditional Őrség region in the far west.
The '90s were not a stellar time for the reborn republic. Its economic development was in limbo and serious economic problems affected all aspects of daily life. Thankfully, those days are past and many now view Hungary, with its intelligent, hard-working populace, and rich and vibrant culture, as the star performer and most interesting destination of the new Europe.
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- Cycle from Vienna to Budapest along the Danube
- Experience the beauty of Hungary's southern Great Plains
- Go on a an excursion to the stately mansion of Godollo Castle
Last updated: Feb 21, 2012
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Went to see Gary Newman in concert
by battybilly 28 May 2012
I'm off to E.Europe for almost a month, in just over a fortnight - too. Hungary's on my little list, but not CZ this time.
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Re: online train info
by Railways 28 May 2012
The advance purchase tickets on the MAV website are €13, not €19. Also, no online tickets (on the MAV website) for international jour…
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RE: Border crossing at Tiszabecs
by celticbhoy7 27 May 2012
Unless you have some really specific reason for wanting to do this, I would seriously reconsider. In exchange for driving 15km or so through…
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Hungary
Things to do
- All things to do (1,303)
- Activities (165)
- Entertainment (227)
- Restaurants (317)
- Shopping (151)
- Sights (429)
- Tours (14)
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Our Top Picks For Hungary
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1 Sopron
One of the most charming medieval cities in Hungary and gateway to the stunning Lővér Hills
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2 Esztergom
Seat of Roman Catholicism in Hungary for a millennium and site of the nation’s most important basilica
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3 Visegrád
Site of a medieval hilltop castle, with sweeping views of the Danube Bend
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4 Budapest
The nation’s vibrant capital and a world-class city of culture, clubs and cafés
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5 Hollókő
A hidden village that nurtures the rich folk traditions so important to Hungary
Fast Facts about Hungary
- Famed and fabulous Hungarians - Paul Erdös If not the greatest mathematician of all time, certainly in the top one and three quarter percentile
- Famed and fabulous Hungarians - Count Ede László Almásy Cartographer, explorer, aviator, double-agent, Iron Cross recipient. Locked away in a Russian camp after WW2 only to be transported to Cairo after intervention by Egyptian royalty. Turns up in the film The English Patient.
- Animals associated with Hungary The Turul, a powerful mythological bird that stands atop the Tree of Life. Related to Attila, the Turul is often depicted carrying the sword of God.
- National anthem
Himnusz, with the music composed by Ferenc Erkel and the lyrics written by poet Ferenc Kölcsey
- Dinosaur bones found in Hungary? Yes! Ankylosaurid among them (you know, the squat, armoured ones with tails like warhammers)
- What did Miklós Zrínyi write? He wrote an epic poem titled Szigeti veszedelem about his grandfather's role in the doomed battle of Szigetvár in 1566
- Population
10.045 million
- What do Hungarians eat? They love strudel, pancakes, stuffed peppers, goulash and kohlrabi soup
- Internet domain
hu
- Hungarian pet? Can't go past the Magyar Vizsla - from an ancient line of hunting dogs. Big, proud, loyal, handsome.
Our favourite Hungary Blogs (beta)
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The Basilica of St. Stephen in Budapest Wishes You Were Here
Blog: Suzy Guese - 18 May 2012
A robed man waits for a couple to shell out their “donation”. While every guidebook will tell you entrance into the Basilica of St. Stephen is free, the holy might have a different notion. I pay my forced donation, lending the couple without change a giant sigh of relief. Now the unidentified ticket agent has [...]
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Hungary’s Parliament in Budapest Wishes You Were Here
Blog: Suzy Guese - 11 May 2012
I never knew I was on the Hungarian government’s bad side. “It doesn’t work,” the ticket agent to Hungary’s Parliament building tour says to me almost laughing. She seems to say, “You fool. You don’t even haven enough money on your credit card to tour all of this opulence.” Luckily my friend spots the check [...]
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Daily Wanderlust: Budapest’s House of Parliament
Blog: The Adventures of D - 5 May 2012
Daily Wanderlust: Budapest’s House of ParliamentA majestic city split into two by the Danube River, Budapest’s House of Parliament is one of the most breathtaking sites in the city. The neo-Gothic structure with Byzantine features [...]d travels 'round
