Hungary

Hungary is a highly developed country in Central Europe. It occupies just over 93,000 km² and is distinguished by a colorful national culture that locals are proud of and appreciated by tourists. The Hungarians managed to preserve traditions and customs to a greater extent. In total, almost 10 million people live on the territory of the state.

Tourists come to relax at balneological resorts, admire ancient and modern sights, try national cuisine and broaden their horizons. The country is recognized as one of the most inexpensive to travel in Europe, tourism is booming here. A Schengen visa is required to enter Hungary. The official language is Hungarian, the currency is the Hungarian forint.

The capital is Budapest. The city is compared to a large open-air museum. Its sights convey centuries of history and are a combination of cultures and styles. In Budapest there are many sources of mineral waters that have healing properties for the body. SPA centers and sanatoriums work. There are also many interesting places in other cities and towns.

The largest lake on the European continent, Balaton, flows in Hungary. The reservoir occupies a little over 600 square kilometers. In winter, you can go ice skating here, and in the warm season you can swim or play water sports.

The most famous city is Erger with a population of about 60 thousand people. This is a symbol of victory over the Turks, the Hungarians were under their rule for more than 170 years. After that, the country began to actively develop the economy and infrastructure. Baroque quarters have been preserved in Erger. The city was nicknamed an oasis of flowers and wine.

Szeged is called a sunny resort. It is famous for Pik salami sausage, paprika and fish soup. You can sign up for a master class and learn how to cook salami. About 200 thousand inhabitants live in the city. Many sights are concentrated on the Cathedral Square.

Hungary is open to tourists all year round, but locals say the best time to visit is in autumn or spring.

Earlier, the Hungarians were among the militant peoples. They regularly captured the territories of neighboring states, so bastions, castles and fortresses were built in large cities. Many buildings were erected in the Middle Ages, and most managed to maintain an authentic appearance. They are harmoniously combined with modern architecture, this tandem looks colorful.

Researchers say that the foundations of statehood in Hungary were laid by Prince Istvan I of the Arpad dynasty about 1000 years ago. He became the first king of the Kingdom of Hungary and went down in history forever. Until that time, the Hungarian territories belonged to the Roman Empire. They were called outskirts. Panonia. There was no permanent population, nomads and barbarians often arrived in these lands, but they did not stay long. In the 9th century, the Magyars gained a foothold. The monarchical arrangement was blessed by the Roman Catholic Church. And over time, Hungary was able to stand on a par with other countries of Western Europe.

The Turks had a huge influence on modern Hungary. In the 18th century, the fragmented territories passed into the possession of Austria. Hungary strengthened itself in its composition, but in the 19th century it received more political power than the Austro-Hungarian Empire had. This union was short-lived. The integrity of the Hungarian lands was affected by the World Wars. In these battles, Hungary was on the side of the losers. It took some time to recover.

The statesman and politician Janos Kadar made a huge contribution to the development of the state. He paid great attention to the development of the economy, which was focused primarily on domestic consumers. Such a policy had positive results, and already in the 70s the country entered the list of the richest and most liberal in Europe. In the 1980s, integration with other Western states began. Today, Hungary is rightfully considered a prosperous European country with a democratic system. People were able to preserve national traditions and are proud of them.

Hungary is called the sunniest country in Europe. It has a temperate continental climate. Winters are usually cold and summers are warm. Spring comes earlier than in other countries. The air temperature in this season is up to +10°C during the day, and at night it drops to +1°C. The maximum heat mark on the thermometer is +17°C. It is often foggy in spring.

It is warm in summer, but there is no drought in almost all areas. The average temperature at this time of the year is +19°C -+27°C. Despite the fact that it is sunny outside, there is no heat. In July, precipitation often begins to fall. Rains quickly turn into downpours, but they are short-lived, so many do not carry umbrellas with them. But autumn is really rainy. During this season the temperature is up to +14°C, at night - +5°C. November is considered the most cloudy month. There is little snow in winter. It snows about 3-5 times. Blizzards are also rare, but sometimes hail or rain with snow falls. The air temperature stays at -1°C. The coldest month is January, and the warmest month is July.

In Hungary, the flora and fauna are not very diverse, but they have their own charm. Over time, they have undergone some changes. Previously, the country was covered with dense forests. But natural vegetation has given way to agricultural landscapes. This list includes arable land, vineyards, orchards. People grow wheat, corn, barley, beets and apples. At the moment, forests occupy only 20% of the area of the state. They survived in the mountains. Oak, poplar, linden, birch and chestnut, spruce and fir grow here. From spruce cones in Hungary, jam is made and used as a means of traditional medicine. It strengthens blood vessels, improves immunity and reduces fever. Helps to recover from heart attacks and strokes.

Many trees have been cut down at various times, but cutting down is now strictly prohibited by law. The state pays much attention to ecology and the environment. The country preserves nature and requires an appropriate attitude from tourists.

Sand dunes are formed in the south. The west in Hungary is presented in the form of the foothills of the Alps, where gentian, mytnik, forget-me-not, plantain and cloves grow. The height of Alpocalia from 500 to 800 meters above sea level attracts attention with its grandeur. Another popular holiday destination is Lake Balaton. Sometimes it is called the sea. Approximately 25 species of fish live in the freshwater reservoir, but carps predominate. People go fishing and catch fish for later sale. Hungary exports fish. It is also added to many national dishes.

Wild cats, foxes, wild boars, hares, roe deer and deer live in the Hungarian forests. Large mammals are represented as bears. The country is actively engaged in hunting. They mainly hunt hares or wild boars. But beavers and otters are protected by the state. In Hungary, hawks, larks, storks, cranes, woodpeckers, orioles and swallows fly. There is a bird sanctuary on the lake. Rodents live in the Alfeld east of the Danube. You can meet ground squirrels, field mice and hedgehogs, moles live underground.

The Hungarian People's Republic is located in the central part of the Danube basin. It has an advantageous geographical position in the world. On the north side is the border with Slovakia, and on the northeast is the Ukrainian border. Romania is a neighbor to the southeast. The Croatian border is located in the southern part, Slovenia opens from the southwest. Austria is recognized as the western neighbor. Hungary cooperates with all these states.

The country is based on the Middle Danube Plain. This provides a favorable climate. In the north-west of Hungary, resorts adapted for skiing are open. Tourists who prefer outdoor activities often fly here. In the north are the Visegrad Mountains. Their foothills are surrounded by the ancient royal residences of Esztergom and Visegrad.

Hungary is a parliamentary republic. It is included in the European Union. The country consists of 19 regions, which are called county here. They are grouped into 7 regions.

Hungarian cuisine cannot be called original, but among the national dishes there are culinary delights. In the 15th century, King Matthias Corvinus had an Italian bride, Beatrice of Aragon. The daughter of the Neapolitan king Ferdinand the Elder brought Italian traditions to the local cuisine. And after the war with Turkey, paprika began to be added to dishes. This spice is considered the main one during cooking.

The modern national cuisine of Hungary is simple. Dishes look appetizing. The key ingredient in the preparation of hot dishes and side dishes for the second is melted pork fat. Onions and a lot of vegetables are often added to first courses. The recipes are dominated by meat from pork, poultry, veal. Hungarians like to stew rather than fry or bake dishes.

In Hungary, goulash is called butter. Paprikash is the first course seasoned with paprika and sour cream. Locals recommend trying Tokay wine. The wine "Bull's Blood" is also popular, the national vodka is called "Palinka". A popular fast food is langosh, a deep-fried flatbread. It is generously smeared with sour cream and garlic sauce, grated cheese is added. Popular restaurants in Hungary are Fatál Étterem, Tüköry Restaurant, Király 100 Gastro Corner. When going to cafes or restaurants, it is better to have cash with you, since not all public places allow you to pay with a bank card.

You can exchange money for local currency at the train station, bus station, airport or in the center of Budapest. If terminals are installed in public places, you can pay in euros. But you should carry forints with you, as not everywhere they accept cards for payment.

You can gamble on the street. It's fascinating, but it's better not to pay attention to them. Thimblers can cheat, chances are they won't let anyone win.

There are many taxis in Hungary. The airport in Budapest cooperates with Főtax. But the cars of this service leave the car outside the terminal. Those cars that are inside the terminal are most likely private taxi drivers. They loudly invite passengers, but it is better to negotiate the price before getting into the cabin. If the driver did not turn on the meter, do not be shy to remind him of this. Otherwise, the amount for the trip may surprise you.

The eighth district is called the red light district. In this place, you should not display expensive phones and jewelry and agree to various offers from people, as they can be deceptive.

Hungary drives on the right. European traffic rules apply. Road markings are always clearly demarcated. The country is carefully monitored so that the paint does not fade, and all signs are clearly visible. The minimum age for passengers in the front seat is 12 years old. In the country, a driver's license can be obtained from the age of 18. However, to rent a car, the driver must be 21 years of age. All cars will not have studded tires, as they are strictly prohibited here.

When contacting a car sharing company, tourists must present a payment card of the international system, a driver's license must be of an international standard. The amount of the deposit depends on the choice of insurance.

The maximum allowed speed on roads in residential areas is 20 km/h, in populated areas - 50 km/h. You need to be prepared for the fact that the speed limit of 30 km/h can often be found on the roads. If there is no settlement nearby, you can accelerate to 130 km/h on motorways.

There are several customs regulations. For example, the transportation of non-national currency has no restrictions. But funds exceeding 1 million forints must be declared. It is allowed to export large amounts if there is a special document from the bank. You can import and export the national currency in the amount of no more than 350 thousand forints.

You can bring antiques, works of art, gold or silver jewelry with the appropriate permission. They will not let you into Hungary and will not let you out of the country if you find poison, illegal drugs, weapons, meat, chocolate, dairy products and canned food. Baby food is an exception, it is allowed.

People who smoke often put cigarettes in their luggage. But there should be no more than 200, you can take no more than 50 cigars and 250 g of tobacco. Alcohol is not prohibited, but there are limits: 2 liters of wine and up to 1 liter of spirits. Perfumes are limited to 250 ml of perfume. When buying souvenirs in Hungary, keep in mind that the total amount should not exceed 270 thousand forints. If the amount is more, you will have to pay a fee.

Hungary hosts festivals for all existing types of culture. The most popular destinations are music, dancing, cinema and cooking. Many holidays take place in the spring. The biggest event is the Spring Festival, which has been celebrated in Budapest since 1981. It combines chamber, church and folk music, jazz, ballet, modern dances. At least 50 events take place within the framework of the festival, at each of them you can get acquainted with the culture of Hungary.

At culinary festivals, you can try national delicacies, pork and craft beer. Gourmet cuisine is tasted at the Gourmet Festival celebrations in May. It is held in Millenaris. In terms of scale, it is compared with a wine festival. Folk festivals are taking place, a versatile cultural program is being prepared, those who wish can taste wine.

Every year on December 30, a big concert of the Budapest Symphony Orchestra "100 Gypsy Violins" takes place. You can listen to Strauss, Tchaikovsky and other talented composers.

Shopping is booming in Hungary. For shopping, you can go to shopping centers, bazaars or small shops. There are many boutiques with stylish designer clothes in Budapest. They work from 9.00 to 18.00, malls can work longer, sometimes even at night. Bazaars may close in the afternoon. It must be remembered that almost all shops are closed on Sundays.

It is advisable to always have the national currency with you, as bank cards are not accepted everywhere. It is undesirable to exchange money from your hands, since the exchange rate in this case can be very different from the official one. Most often, wooden dolls, clothes and tablecloths with national embroidery, figurines, handicrafts made of porcelain, ceramics and textiles are bought as a memory of a trip to Hungary. Wine, beer, paprika, books and albums on Magyar art are also considered the most popular goods.

Black Friday takes place in November every year, and sellers make big discounts, they can reach up to 90%. There are always sales before Christmas. You can bargain in the bazaar, but it is pointless to ask for an additional discount in stores.

The variety of life in Hungary provides ample opportunity to organize any kind of vacation. Spas, sanatoriums and health resorts with therapeutic mud and mineral waters are open. 80% of the country consists of natural and thermal springs, so there is a wide choice. You can organize a trip to the thermal lake Hévíz, fish at Lake Balaton or choose other places to visit.

In Budapest, you can go alone or with a large company, including with children, to the zoo, amusement park, circus, and visit various museums. The Campona shopping center has a tropicarium with underwater animals and fish. Crocodiles are a special pride.

Hungarians recommend taking a boat ride on the Danube at least once in your life. Water tourism ends with a visit to the Buda Castle, which consists of a labyrinth and underground catacombs. Nearby are the Buda Mountains. You can visit a real children's railway. Children can be conductors and ride on mini-cars, which offer a picturesque view of nature.

Most Hungarian hotels offer high service and low cost per stay. In hotels, they carefully monitor the order and maintain cleanliness. Even the economy class rooms are cozy and comfortable. The cheapest way to stay is in hostels and guest houses on the outskirts. If you choose a three-star hotel, you can check into a spacious room and eat buffet style. In five-star rooms, you can choose luxury apartments with a private veranda.

The most expensive hotel in the country is the Spirit Hotel Rogner. It is located in Sarvar. Its advantage lies in the presence of a SPA zone, thermal waters, baths. Luxurious apartments can be rented in castles and hotels in combination with golf clubs. The staff speaks different languages. Most often, the influx of tourists occurs in the spring, so it is better to book a hotel in advance. Almost everyone has an official website, and you can look at the conditions from the photos, choose the best option. Prices are inexpensive, asking for a discount is not worth it, this can make a negative impression on guests.