Hungary
Surrounded by Austria, Slovakia, Romania, Serbia and Croatia to name but a few, Hungary is one of the oldest countries in the World. This fact gives rise to a unique mix of 2000 year old Roman Ruins, 17th Century Turkish remains and beautiful Romanesque churches scattered around the country.
A land of culture, history and delightful landscapes, Hungary is still a somewhat undiscovered destination for many travellers but it really is a fantastic place and well worth a visit. Nature lovers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that Hungary is home to a host of cycle and walking trails within its ten national parks and 145 nature reserves, with an abundance of mountain activities available in the Carpathians.
The River Danube, which splits the country in half, is great for boat trips, fishing and other water-based adventures and carries you straight to Margaret Island – a fantastically serene area of parkland, woods and greenery offering a peaceful retreat from the bustle of Budapest.
Hungary has many claims to fame as home to the largest synagogue in Europe (Great Synagogue), the largest medicinal bath in Europe (Széchenyi Medicinal Bath) as well as the largest Early Christian Necropolis outside Italy!
Something that Hungary is perhaps best known for is its spas. Thermal mineral springs and lakes can be found all over the country, the most popular being Lake Balaton, central Europe’s biggest lake and Hévíz which provide a peaceful haven for travellers to wash away the aches and pains of their travels.
Visit Budapest
Hungary’s capital, Budapest, is also known as the ‘City of Spas’, with a dozen thermal baths served by over a hundred natural thermal springs. The city itself is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, formed after the merging of the towns of Buda, Pest and Óbuda during 1873 when the first permanent bridge over the River Danube was built. Every year Budapest hosts a number of festivals, concerts and sporting events, giving it an all year round appeal and providing an insight into the unique Hungarian folk customs that still exist.
Hungarian Cuisine
Hungarians are renowned for their hospitality and you will certainly not be short of offers for entertainment or invitations to dinner from the locals. If you are asked, be sure to take them up on their offer as Hungarian cuisine is a fantastically flavourful feast for the tongue. The world famous Goulash and paprika-flavoured dishes such as halászlé, Chicken Paprikash and stew are out of this world, with mouth watering deserts such as Dobas Cake, Strudels, pancakes and dumplings enticing you to ask for seconds!
