HUNGARY
Hungary has not only claimed a unique place in the continent being in the centre but also in the hearts of many travellers throbbing its exuding, sparkling life. This kidney shaped country has the myth of being the homeland of extra-terrestrial beings. Hungary has been ranked as one of the 15 most popular tourist destinations in the world. Today it’s a high income economy pursuing a goal to be a developed nation by IMF standards. It capital Budapest is considered as one of the finest cities of Europe. Hungary has a moderate climate witnessing sunshine from April to September. It rains a lot in November and January is the coldest month taking the temperature down to -4 degrees.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
The people of Hungary are very intelligent and hardworking who are known to re strengthen their country after being a loser in both world wars. The national anthem thus describes the Hungarians as “people torn by fate”. They call themselves Magyars speaking a language and forming a culture distinct from the whole world. Safeguarding it for 1100 years, culture has been a pride for Hungary. The language of the country is Hungarian which is special in its own kind and very dissimilar with any other European languages. Christianity is the main religion having Catholics as the majority. Protestants and Jews are also found in abundance. Hungary has thus been a star performer with its rich and vibrant culture has become the most appealing destination in Europe.
ECONOMY
Hungary is one of the newest countries to join the European Union (2004) which has led to its tremendous economic growth. The currency however is still Hungarian Forint- HUF because Hungary still has to fulfil the Maastricht criteria to adopt Euro as the currency. The income tax rate is fairly high and the corruption is low in Hungary with the increase of its GDP growth. The private sector accounts for over 80% of GDP. Many big automobiles company such as Audi and Suzuki have come up with their manufacturing plants in various cities of Hungary providing employment to thousands of people in Hungary. This has raised their standard of living and led the country on the path of development.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Hungary is a land locked country and has access to roads, railways, and air and water transport. There are five international airports including one close to Lake Balaton which is the top tourist spot of Hungary. Hungary is also connected through ports and harbours having the main port at Budapest. The public transport network of Budapest is the best stating that “all roads lead to Budapest”. Hungary has a good network of paved and unpaved motorways like other European cities connecting all major cities to the capital city. Budapest is the only city having the underground railway Metro and sub urban railway to go in and around the city. Rest of the country is also widely covered by railways providing easy access throughout the country.
Hungary has a well-developed communication system of telephones, mobiles, internet and postal services. Hungary’s country code is +36 and national dialling code is 06. The media is independent consisting of TV, newspapers and radio most of them mostly privately owned.
ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS
Hungary meets the needs of all kinds of travellers from the ones who seek leisure to the adventure seeking ones. It provides a great active holiday with numerous activities like fishing, water sports and hunting. The visitors can also relax in the undisturbed countryside, clean air and sunshine. Golfers can play on the professional courses and enjoy the rich nature. Vacationers can also participate in famous Hungary festivals like Haydn Festival in Eszterhaza, Gyor Summer Festival and the Budapest Spring Festival celebrated with great joy and fun.
Aggtelek Caves
The caves of Aggtelek were declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. There are around 260 caves formed in shallow seas over 200 million years ago. A tour of these enormous underground chambers with an array of red and black stalactite and stalagmite pyramid stones is a must see for all travellers. It was also country’s first national park protecting its geological formations of limestone bedrock.
Lake Belaton
Lake Belaton is Europe’s largest fresh water body where many locals and travellers go to escape Europe’s summer heat. Here the water is shallowest and safest for children providing an ideal aqua playground and a good vacation for families. Heviz is a splendid site in Lake Belaton where swimmers can enjoy swimming in beautiful water lilies and streams. The shores of the lake provides luxurious resorts, sandy beaches and clubs attracting world renowned DJs which makes it a enticing holiday spot for tourists.
Eger Castle
Eger castle not only provides the best view of the town from its Gothic tower but also gives a glimpse of rich heritage of Hungary. The castle’s architecture is well preserved giving it a Mediterranean feel and depicting the numerous historical events that took place. The world renowned wine Eger Bull’s Blood is also produced here which can be tasted by visitors. The castle also houses the Dobo Istvan Museum which is one of the most popular museums in Hungary. The castle also has prison museum, waxworks and exhibitions on the history of castle and town.
Szentendre
Szentendre is a charming old market town which has not changed much since 18th century possessing a charm and character of its own. The town also called “The Pearl of the Danube bend” is close to Budapest and has thus become a favourite destination of tourism having loads of tourist souvenirs and handicraft shops. It is a worth visiting place with its ancient architecture of brightly painted houses, cobbled lanes and galleries which gives it an artistically quaint setting. The skyline of Orthodox Church spires awkwardly positioned attracts hoards of tourists from all over. There are also nice holiday resorts for relaxation and picturesque sight (Horany and Surany) situated on the island of Danube which is right opposite the town. The striking beauty of this town made it a hotspot among painters, poets and sculptors ever since 1900s.
Budapest
Budapest, the most beautiful and romantic city of Central Europe has a remarkable combination of human legacy and Mother Nature’s. During the day, the city glistens in golden light radiated back from Buda buildings and the nights are equally spectacular with floodlit white lights and the Opera making it a delight both at day and night. It is excellent for its cheap food and wine along with the lively night life. The outdoor entertainment areas called kertek is famous among the party makers. The city has many attractions for tourist to enjoy the city.
Budapest Central Synagogue built by an Austrian architect is the largest synagogue in Europe and second largest in the world. Adjoining the synagogue is the Heroes Temple used for religious services on weekdays. Its beautiful architecture with exquisite patterns of brickwork in bright colours of red, blue and yellow makes the grand synagogue Budapest’s major landmark. Next door is also a Jewish museum which exhibits the horrors of the Holocaust and relics from the Hungarian Jewish Community.
Gellert Bath attached to the lavish Gellert Hotel is based around the natural hot springs of Gellert Hills which offer a panoramic view of the city taking in both Budh and Pest. The statue of the Bishop martyr also stands at the base of the hill. The world famous, traditional thermal spa valued for its medicinal properties has attracted tourists for treatments like hydrotherapy, electrotherapy and physiotherapy from all over the globe. The visitors also come and relax in this opulent style thermal spa adorned with mosaic, tiles and marble pillars taking the massage and healing treatment.
Fisherman’s Bastion built in 1905 is another historic monument named after the fishermen who defended this side of the hill during the middle Ages. The huge tower with stairways connecting seven turrets symbolizing the Magyar tribes offers an outstanding view to the city. Visitors can see the Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Matthias Church and the Chain bridge from the top of the tower. It is a splendid sight from across the river looking at the tower illuminated by lights.
The Royal Palace or the Buda Castle Palace is Hungary’s most vital historical monument serving as a home to numerous museums including the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest history museum and the Ludwig museum having exhibitions explaining the history of the country.
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD
Hungary has a vast range of hotels from the exquisite expensive ones to the tidy cheap ones to fulfil the needs and budget of all kinds of tourists. The Hungarian govt. has also launched its Tourism Quality Award Programme which helps tourists to select the best hotels and restaurants in the country. Tourist hostels, guest houses and youth hostels and dormitories are available for the travellers who do not want to spend much time in their rooms. Camping, self-catering and caravanning is available for little adventure seekers. Home stay accommodation popular in resort areas provides the facility to visitors to make their temporary home in Hungary. There are many restaurants and cafes in Hungary serving a variety of cuisines in American, Dutch, Italian, French and Korean. BioPont is a famous joint serving vegetarian organic food which the visitors can enjoy along with the programmes and lectures happening there. Govinda another popular restaurant situated in the basement near Chain Bridge is run by a Buddhist and blessed by Dalai Lama.
Hungary as a nation has shown keen interest in preservation and transmission to a new generation of one’s own culture, history and traditions. Recognition of this heritage is necessary for an understanding of the present and planning for the future. The man-made and natural World Heritage sites of Hungary are a good example of what splendours this small nation has provided Europe with, increasing the world’s cultural treasures while preserving their special Hungarian character.
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