THINK HUNGARY, MORE THAN EXPECTED

HUNGary
 HUNGARY
UKRAINE
S LOVA K I A

AUSTRIA

ROMANIA
S LOV EN IA

Airport
M3 Motorway

SERBIA

C R O AT I A
Welcome

Discover
Hungary with us!
text Balázs Weszely » photos Hungarian Tourism Ltd.

Size isn`t everything! Hungary galleries, while bustling festi- Hungary is rich in history and
may be a small country, but it vals take place all over the coun- creativity – it`s the birthplace of
packs an awful lot within its try at all times of the year. Lake world famous inventors, scien-
borders. There is diversity in its Balaton is the largest in Central tists, explorers, composers and
landscape, which ranges from Europe, and ideal for sailing or sports stars. This is a place of va-
f lat and grassy plains to lush sunbathing. Near by is the fa- riety, colour and passion.
peaks and valleys, and in its cul- mous spa town of Heviz, where
ture, which makes room for you can wallow in a natural ther- «
both traditional wooden church- mal lake even in the depths of
es and vibrant modern night- winter. If you like to keep active
clubs. Budapest is a hive of top- and get back to nature, there are
class music and art, with one countless marked routes for hik-
of the world`s best opera hous- ing, cycling or horse-riding, of-
es and a host of museums and ten through stunning scenery.

The lion statue

of the Chain
bridge and
the Matthias
church in the
background

Buda Castle

Hungary » Welcome
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
|
1
2 |
Hungary » `Pearl of the Danube`
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
`Pearl of the Danube`

Budapest, a city to
fall in love with
text Balázs Weszely » photos Hungarian Tourism Ltd.

The ‘City of Spas’, ‘Queen of the Danube’, ‘Paris

of the East’, Budapest has been called many names.
One thing is sure though, it is one of the most exciting
cities in the world.

View of the Home to 1.8 million people, will deliver. It is a city that’s been trolleybus and suburban railway,
“Pest” side of Budapest is the buzzing capital welcoming different cultures for and you won’t miss any of the
the city, with the
Westminster- city of Hungary. Whoever you centuries; they’ve all had a ma- sights. Now that you know how,
inspired are and wherever you come from, jor role in creating the multicul- let’s see where you should start
Parliament
the city has lots of offer. We ad- tural Budapest of today. There exploring Budapest. Fortunately,
building
mit that the language is chal- are a million ways to explore the city centre is where most
lenging and Budapesters may Budapest. One of the easiest of the sights are located and is
not appear to be the most cheer- and cheapest options is by pub- quite compact, although sepa-
ful folks at first glance, but we’re lic transport, not only because rated by the Danube (Duna in
a welcoming and fun lot you’ll National Geographic voted the Hungarian). If you walk along
see. Budapest offers you the line of tram No. 2 the 7th most the embankment of either the
chance of living like a king re- beautiful tramway in the world. Pest (the flatter side) or the Buda
gardless of your budget. Whether In fact, you can get virtually an- (the hilly side), there are two ma-
you have traditional tastes or ex- ywhere in the city by bus, tram, jor sights you can spot straight-
traordinary demands, Budapest underground, cogwheel railway, away. The majestic building

Hungary » `Pearl of the Danube`

Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
|
3
 The building
complex and
the surrounding
Castle District
doesn`t only give
you a hint at the
history of Budapest
and the whole
country, but also
some of the
most breathtaking
views of the city.

The Chain
bridge and
the Buda Castle
illuminated
at night

on top of the city is in fact the only have to follow the rings to turns into a magnificent ice rink
Buda Castle, now housing mu- unfold the city. With the Danube in the winter, the Budapest Zoo
seums and occasional gastro as their central point, these boul- and the sumptuous Széchenyi
and wine festivals. The build- evards are intersected with ave- Baths. For a bit of romancing,
ing complex and the surround- nues, UNESCO World Heritage stroll along the Danube prome-
ing Castle District doesn’t only site Andrássy Avenue being nade or head to leafy Margaret
give you a hint at the history of the most spectacular of them. Island. And although all the
Budapest and the whole coun- Ending at monumental Heroes’ bridges over the Danube offer
try, but also some of the most Square, Andrássy is home to breathtaking views, you should
breathtaking views of the city. luxury stores, cafés oozing old definitely have your camera
The other spectacular building is world charm and the beautiful ready when crossing Margaret
the Parliament, one of the larg- Opera House. Don’t leave before Bridge to the island. What you’ll
est of its genre in the world. As you get to the end of it, as City see from there is simply stun-
Budapest has a boulevard (körút Park awaits right behind Heroes’ ning. When you’re done with the
in Hungarian) structure, you Square with its boating lake that must-sees, leave the main streets

4 |
Hungary » `Pearl of the Danube`
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
behind, and let the city unfold its Hungarian fashion designers including even the culinary arts)
secrets. Plenty of design shops, and fashion collectives such as in general is what you’re after, the
tiny parks, terraced cafés, archi- urban and laid back Nanushka, monthly design fair is the place
tectural treasures await in the sophisticated and feminine USE to go to. Outdoors in the sunny
nooks and crannies, and if you’re Unused and playful and arty Je months and indoors in the win-
lucky, you’ll hear music f low- Suis Belle all have their head- ter, WAMP gives a quite a clear
ing from open windows. When quarters there. Check on your picture of what Hungary’s crea-
it comes to shopping, Budapest visit if there’s a Stylewalker tive minds have been up to lately.
has all the usual suspects of high Night (shopping and party tour Cute jewellery, bags of all imagi-
street brands. But if you’re in for in the design stores of the dis- nable materials, recycled objects
some local colour, leave the shop- trict) coming up, and join in one and even jams, chutneys, teas
ping centres behind and head to of the best shopping experiences and spices, cheeses and salam-
the small streets of the 5th dis- of your life. If it’s not particular- is are here to be admired, taste
trict, aptly nicknamed Design ly fashion but Hungarian design and try, and eventually, to buy.
District. Young and innovative (design in a very broad sense, Now that we’re done for the day,

Hungary » `Pearl of the Danube`

Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
|
5
 Dohany street
in the Jewis
Quarter

Shop in the
Design district

One of the
famous ruin
pubs

Cinetrip in
Gellert bath

let’s see what Budapest has to of- one of the pioneers of the aban- Jewish Quarter, in the Gozsdu
fer when the sun goes down. The doned-buildings-to-trendy-wa- Courtyard and Király utca, you’ll
best way to start your night out tering-holes movement, head to find more sophisticated and less
is with a liquid dinner. Budapest in Kazinczy utca. The meeting touristy bars with large terrac-
is famous for its ruin pubs, these point of international hipsters es and wine bars, with reasona-
semi-open air hangouts based on at night, Szimpla offers guid- ble prices and decent pub grub.
the concept of recycling, trash ed tours introducing you to the Some of the bars and pubs of
chic and slightly artsy atmos- history of ruin pubs every after- the area are open until sunrise,
phere. The old Jewish Quarter noon, monthly bicycle flea mar- catering also for your party-
is the place to go for a ruin pub kets and weekly produce mar- ing pleasure. Fancy seeing some
crawl, and if you’re looking for kets. Back to boozing. Still in the of the popular Hungarian and

6 |
Hungary » `Pearl of the Danube`
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
international acts live? Anchored of the latest electronic and un- Some of the bars
on the Buda side of Petőfi Bridge derground acts. And for a truly
is the ‘world’s greatest bar’ ac- unforgettable party experience and pubs of the
cording to Lonely Planet’s 2012 check out if there’s a Cinetrip area are open
poll. A38, a decommissioned during your stay. That’s when
Ukrainian stone hauler ship is a Budapest bath is transformed until sunrise,
way more than just a bar though. into a magical party arena of
It’s got a restaurant, an exhibi- throbbing music and lights flash-
catering also for
tion space, several bars in fact, ing on gyrating, bikini-clad bod- yours partying
and it’s without a doubt the ies, fire-throwers, acrobats and
best venue to see the greatest belly dancers. pleasure.

Hungary » `Pearl of the Danube`

Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
|
7
BUDAPEST: CITY OF SPAS SINCE 1934

THE WATERS OF LIFE

Since 1934, Budapest proudly wears the Spa city title,

but it’s good to know, that its unique facilities were fully
recognised by Roman legionaries over 2000 years ago!

The historical Baths, day spas and lidos are an age of Budapest spa culture start-
Szechenyi bath,
integral part of Budapest life, all ed in the second half of the 19th
Budapest
year round serving as places of century and we can safely say that
The magical family entertainment, wellbeing it’s still going strong today. Old
interior of
and lately even of pool parties. baths were renovated and new
Gellert bath,
Budapest Budapest is exceptional for being ones built that today provide not
a capital rich in thermal springs only medicinal benefits and rec-
and aquifers, providing eight reation, but are significant tour-
therapeutic spas and several li- ist attractions, the most popular
dos with thermal waters that have of them being the Gellert, Lukacs
proven health benefits. These and Szechenyi baths. Szechenyi is
thermal springs have been pop- the largest spa complex not only
ular for a very long time accord- in Hungary but in Europe. The
ing to archaeological finds of 18 lavishly decorated building houses
Roman baths around Aquincum. several indoor and outdoor pools,
Spa culture really flourished un- the thermal waters of which are
der Turkish occupation during particularly beneficial for joints,
the 16th and 17th centuries, bath- and there are massages and med-
ing being an important part of so- ical treatments available. The im-
cial and religious life. Of the eight age of people playing chess whilst
baths built in the period two can taking the waters in the pool has
still be enjoyed today in their orig- become one of the most recogniz-
inal function, the Rudas and Király able symbols of Budapest.
baths in Buda. The third golden «

8 |
Hungary » Major events
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
OFFERS

Big Bus Tours Budapest

The Big Bus Sightseeing tour is the perfect introduction to
Budapest. The hop-on, hop-off tour showcases the most
famous landmarks and explains the city’s rich cultural history,
and reveals its hidden gems. The price includes a 48-hour
pass, a night tour, a river cruise, walking tours, audioguide
in 23 languages and a bonus booklet.

» www.bigbustours.com/budapest

Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest Klotild Palace*****

The downtown located luxurious 5-star hotel is part of the famous Buddha-Bar concept. The unique combination
of the modern Asian–Colonial design and a historical palace received the Best International Hotel interior award.
The Buddha-Bar Restaurant, Bar & Lounge is celebrated for its Asian-fusion cuisine and authentic live Buddha-Bar
DJ music.
» www.buddhabarhotel.hu

Hungary » Offers
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
|
9
Prestige Hotel
Budapest
Opened in 2015 to recall the glorious time of peace
and to combine vintage, classic elegance and
state-of-the-art facilities, Prestige Hotel Budapest
awaits its guests with 85 rooms, a meeting room,
a relaxation zone and with the top gastronomy of
the Costes Downtown restaurant in the heart of
Budapest’s business life.

Budatours
» www.prestigehotelbudapest.com Budatours Travel Agency is a family business with
more than 25 years of experience in organizing
incentive trips for Francophone and Anglophone
groups. During these 25 years, we at Budatours have
always continued to diversify our range of services,
adding the imagination and creativity we have
gained from previous our experience to be able to
realize our clients’ ideas in the most perfect way.

» www.budatours.hu

10 |
Hungary » Offers
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
OFFERS

World of beauty created

by Kaviczky.
A new dimension of beauty care to preserve the
beauty, youth and vitality of your skin from the
unique lake of Hévíz.
Kaviczky products are built on each other and
mutually reinforcing in order to indulge you with the
feeling of perfect comfort and near appearance,
while ensuring that your skin becomes fresher, tighter
and younger.

» www.kaviczky.hu
Continental Travel DMC
Continental Travel DMC, founded in 1992, is one of
the top incoming and incentive agencies in Hungary.
We provide consultancy services and logistics
management for the leisure & MICE market and
organize every detail of your event with the highest
care.
Discover the hidden side of Budapest through our
tailor-made proposals!

» www.continentaltravel.hu

Hungary » Offers
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
|
11
 Major events
Hungary`s capital has a host of annual festivals and
events. Here are the highlights of the Budapest calendar.

”Busójárás” Spring-Rites premiers, musicals, operas, dance Budapest Half Marathon

Festival shows and concerts. June-July- and Marathon
» The “Busójárás” in Mohács August » Lovers of running can join the
has been part of the UNESCO Hungarian F1 Grand Prix race, and run through the most
intellectual world heritage. This » The biggest sporting event beautiful parts of the city. Both
is a carnival of saying good-bye in Hungary. The first race took races became a real internation-
to the cold season by lighting place at the Hungaroring in 1986 al event with runners from more
and dancing around a bonfire. and was the first Grand Prix than 70 different countries.
February to take place behind the Iron September/October
Hollókő Easter Festival Curtain. End of July/beginning CAFe Budapest Contem­
» Since 1987, Hollókő has been of August porary Arts Festival
part of the UNESCO world her- Sziget Festival » Hungary’s most important fes-
itage. The revival of Palóc folk » Voted the Best Major European tival of the contemporary arts
traditions, the village life of past Festival in 2011 and 2014, Sziget is to offer a host of not-to-be-
times is demonstrated together is a week of music, theatre, and missed events. October
with Easter folk traditions. uninhibited fun. August Tokaj-Hegyalja Vintage
Budapest Spring Festival Festival of Crafts Days
» The internationally renowned » The living Hungarian folk tra- » This is the famous vintage
festival is Hungary`s largest cul- ditions (dances, music, arts and day of Hungary’s emblemat-
tural platform, featuring classi- food) are on show at Buda Castle. ic wine region, made unforget-
cal and pop music, drama, ex- 20th August table by the procession and the
hibitions and open-air events. Flower Carnival folk and traditional bands that
It attract famous artist from » Debrecen`s major event. A one play. October
Hungary and abroad. April week fiesta with the contribution Budapest Christmas
Herdsmen’s Festivities on of international and Hungarian Markets
St. George’s Day artists. One surrounded by flow- » Artisan gifts, fragrant mulled
» Herdsmen celebrate the new ers and extraordinary bouquets. wine, fairy lights – the per-
grazing season by leading the 20th August fect place to experience what
sheeps, gray kettles onto the International Wine Festival Christmas is about. From mid-
fields from the barns they kept » Sample the best wines of dle of November
them in during the winter. the world and enjoy the best «
April views of Budapest. The Wine
Budapest Summer Festival Festival offers additional cul-
» T he Open-a ir St age of tura l programmes as well.
Marga­ret Island is the home of September

12 |
Hungary » Water Therapy
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
 Hungary » Water Therapy
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
|
13
Water Therapy

Hungary, the land

of healing
text Balázs Weszely » photos Hungarian Tourism Ltd.

If you are looking to combine a rich cultural experience

with medical, health or wellness treatments, then
Hungary may be the destination for you

The waters of Hungary come medical effects of our thermal spas. It’s not only the medicinal
with a magic touch; so drink waters are unmatched in the thermal waters that make your
them, splash around in them, world. You’re not only spoilt for healing holiday worthwhile.
soak in them, and fall in love choice regardless of your budg- Medical training in Hungary is
with them. How do the waters et, but it’s likely that whatev- world class. A quarter of medi-
of Hungary improve your heath er your ailment, there’s a rem- cal students at Hungarian uni-
and well being? First of all, the edy for it in one of Hungary’s versities come from abroad,

The historical
Szechenyi bath,
Budapest

The natural
medical thermal
water lake, Heviz

14 |
Hungary » Water Therapy
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
 Wide range of
medical tourism
services:
balneology,
rheumatology,
dental
treatments,
dermatology
and infertility
treatments

and many Hungarian special- school is accredited by many in- hours’ flight away from the UK
ists teach and practice interna- ternational medical associations, and with the lowest MRSA rates
tionally. The Medical School of and the language of education is in Europe, Hungary is an excel-
the University of Debrecen was Hungarian and English, thus it’s lent choice for your healthcare
the first campus medical school not surprising that the number holiday. What’s more overseas
in Central Europe. The school of international students is in- travellers can save up to 70% on
now has 22 departments of ba- creasing every year. Visitors can similar healthcare treatments at
sic sciences and 25 clinical de- be assured that a good stand- home, especially dentistry and
partments specialising in vari- ard of English is spoken at all surgery.
ous fields, and can boast many private clinics all over Hungary
world-class achievements. The and being just a two and a half «

Hungary » Water Therapy

Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
|
15
What`s on the Magyar`s Table?

The Flavours
of Hungary
text Balázs Weszely » photos Hungarian Tourism Ltd.

Tokaji, lángos, főzelék. These words may mean nothing to

you yet, but you can’t leave Hungary without tasting and
falling for them. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure.

Eating well constitutes to your Although you can still have your the way our grandmothers used
well-being, and in Hungary, the fair share of főzelék (vegetable to cook chicken broth and meat
menu is full of healthy options. stew of the season) at a number stew (pörkölt) with noodles us-
Although Hungarian cuisine is of eateries and stuff your face ing tons of lard and paprika, to-
usually known for goulash and with lángos (fried dough, recom- day’s chefs are experimenting
the excessive use of paprika, mended only with sour cream with recreating the same f la-
there are plenty of good quali- and cheese topping with a touch vours using innovative cook-
ty meats, freshwater fish, fresh of garlic) at markets, tradition- ing methods to make dishes
produce and excellent wines al flavours and traditional ingre- lighter and healthier. And they
to be had here. Hungary is in dients are being re-thought and do it so successfully, that one
the midst of a food revolution. reinvented. Instead of recreating of Budapest’s Michelin-starred

Picturesque
vineyards get
really busy at
autumn time

Nice selection
of home made
artisan cheeses.

16 |
Hungary » What`s on the Magyar`s Table?
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
restaurants offer a degusta- you’ll be amazed by the produce coffee houses are sophisticated
tion menu called Hungarian displayed at farmers markets. spots to meet your friends and
Evolution Menu. Have a break From home-made goat’s cheese make some new ones at. Light
from restaurants and take time through to a million differ- bites and sweet pastry com-
to explore the colourful and ent types of honey and not-so- pliment your coffee, but if you
lively markets of Budapest, too. perfect-looking, but deliciously crave more substantial sugary
These are the places where it is chemical-free fruit and vegeta- goods, head to one of the many
easy to find that special item bles, you’ll be spoilt for choice cukrászda (sweet shops) and
you won’t find elsewhere. It even at local farmers’ markets all treat yourself to a divine slice
has a name: Hungaricum. If around the country. Fancy some of heaven in shape of a cake.
you’re a health conscious eater, guilty pleasure? Long-standing Moving on to drinks - the Great

Hungary » What`s on the Magyar`s Table?

Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
|
17
 Colourful
range of fresh
Hungarian
vegetables
and fruits at the
Big Market Hall,
Budapest

Plains of east Hungary is where else. For the best result, pálinka
the majority of our juicy fruits should be sipped slowly at 10-15
Have a break
come from; eat them fresh or °C, savouring every single drop. from restaurants
enjoy their tastes in fiery pálin- Hungary has 22 wine regions, so
ka shots. Only fruits distilled in you’ll find beautiful wines wher- and take time
Hungary with a minimum alco- ever you go in the country. The to explore
hol content of 37.5 percent can best known is sweet and gold-
be considered authentic pálin- en Tokaji Aszú, from the Tokaj- the colourful
ka. Never drink pálinka in a sin- Hegyalja wine region, modestly
gle gulp straight out from the dubbed ‘king of wines, the wine and lively markets
fridge unless you’re after a burn- of kings’. Legend has it Louis of Budapest
ing sensation and not much XIV of France and Beethoven

18 |
Hungary » What`s on the Magyar`s Table?
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
were fans, so have a glass in least 3 of 13 possible grape va-
their honour. The area has been rieties. The closest wine region
Hungary has
protected since 1737, when it to Budapest is the Etyek-Buda 22 wine regions,
was declared an exclusive wine region. Its lovingly renovat-
area by a royal decree, the first ed rows of wine cellars, bubbly so you`ll find
example of such a provision wine festivals and charming at- beautiful wines
in the world, earlier than both mosphere make the Etyek area
the Bordeaux and Porto wine worth visiting. Hungarian win- wherever you
classified regions. The area is emaking has diversified a lot
also now a UNESCO protect- over the past years, with small go in the country.
ed historical cultural landscape. wineries offering ‘artisan’ wines
2015`s new attraction is the Aszú mushrooming all over the coun-
House in Mád. Visitors can ex- try. Specialised wine tours cov-
plore the exhibition that charts er all the must-see and must-
the history of wine growing in taste areas, and are a fun and
the area through accessible, enlightening way of discover-
partly interactive contemporary ing Hungarian wines. And as
artworks. Video installations there are wine festivals, dedicat-
using archive footage as well as ed wine shops and wine restau-

recently made films and photo rants and bars galore beside the You can try
nice Hungarian
animations show the region, its wine cellars, you’ll be spoilt for wines in autumn
geographical features, vineyard sipping choice. time at the wine
labours and the most important, festivals all over
the country.
unique phenomenon, the noble «
rot on late-harvested grapes in a
completely new way. Also from
the northern slopes of Hungary
comes the popular Bull’s Blood,
(Bikavér in Hungarian), which
has nothing to do with bulls or
blood, but is a red cuvee of at

Hungary » What`s on the Magyar`s Table?

Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
|
19
Other Hungarian hotspots

Northern Hungary
text Balázs Weszely » photos Hungarian Tourism Ltd.

The north of Hungary is home to the country’s

highest peak, miles and miles of hiking trails, vast cave
complexes, lakes, waterfalls, sweet golden and robust red
wines, UNESCO world heritage sights and old industrial
towns where time has stopped.

To ka j - H e g ya l j a »   Tok aj- over millions of years in one will find a green valley covered
Hegyalja, a World Heritage site chamber you can even watch a in grapevines with wine cellars
since 2002, is the most famous light display and listen to per- built into the hillside one after
among Hungary’s wine regions, formances or classical music. the other.
and not without a reason. It has
a very special climate around the Eger » If full-bodied reds are M i s k o l c t a p o l c a  »   Nor t­
perfectly shaped, volcanic Tokaj more like your type, taste the hern Hun­ga­r y is also home to
Mountain, which helps noble rot Bull’s Blood in Eger. This charm- some pretty extraordinary baths
to evolve thus giving an extraor- ing little town is not only re- too. For a truly unique expe-
dinary aroma and texture to cer- nowned for its wonderful wines, rience chill out in a cave. The
tain wines. The liquid gold pro- but also its thermal baths and 30 ºC water in the cave bath of
duced here is called Tokaji Aszú, historical buildings (even a Miskolctapolca will treat your
and carries the high and mighty Turkish minaret and a castle up joints to some love and care
title of ‘king of wines, wine of on the hill) galore. Eger was be- while you enjoy floating in the
kings’. sieged in the mid-16th century dim light. In Egerszalók the hot
and the heroic story of the Stars waters from two ancient ther-
Agg telek »  T he Aggtelek of Eger is a source of Hungarian mal springs have been flowing
Caves on the border w ith national pride. When staying in out of the side of a hill for ages,
Slovakia spread over many kil- Eger, it is a must to walk over to leaving behind beautiful mineral
ometers, and contains some tru- the Szépasszonyvölgy, or the val- formations.
Tokaji
Wine Region ly wondrous stalagmites and sta- ley of the beautiful woman, to
in Hungary lactites that have taken shape visit the wine cellars. Here you «

20 |
Hungary » Other Hungarian hotspots
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
 Hungary » Other Hungarian hotspots
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
|
21
Other Hungarian hotspots

Great Plain
text Balázs Weszely » photos Hungarian Tourism Ltd.

East of the Danube and south of the mountains lies

the largest continuous grassland in Europe called the
Great Plain. Rivers run through it, national parks divide
it, Hungarian herdsmen roam it, and spas fill it with life.
This is the land where horizons are endless.

Hortobágy » The Hortobágy over the endless grassland cre- riding, biking, swimming, jet-
National Park area offers you ates funny illusions and mirages. skiing and even banana-boating
the experience of getting out in this idyllic environment. The
into some big open space right Lake Tisza »  This region, Bird Reserve in Tiszavalk is not
here in the heart of Europe, with and the park is also home to only part of the Hortobágy, the
nothing else in sight but loads of Lake Tisza, a wildlife wonder- UNESCO World Heritage Site
cranes and other birds, plus the land as well as a sports para- but is home to around 200 bird
native horned gray cattle. In the dise. You can go hunting, fish- species, including herons, egrets,
summer, the quivering hot air ing, boating, hiking, horseback and wagtails.

The Lake Tisza

is home to
around 200
bird species

22 |
Hungary » Other Hungarian hotspots
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
 Horseback-
riding is an
outstanding
experience
on the vast
steppes of the
Hortobágy

The Calvinist
church on the
main square of
Debrecen

Adventure bath,
Debrecen

The famous
gray cattle
of Hortobagy

Debrecen » The Plain is not artwork of Mihály Munkácsy, Hajdúszoboszló »  Alt ­h o­

only about rural idyll though. the Crist trilogy can be seen in ugh the Great Plain is the driest
There are cities too with all the Déri Museum. Just a short and sunniest part of the country,
the mod cons, culture and fun. walk away MODEM Centre for there are plenty of spa cities here
Debrecen, Hungary’s second city, Modern and Contemporary where you can soak, splash, and
known as the Calvinist Rome, Arts, the largest arts gallery heal. The largest spa complex in
stands on the edge of the prairie of Central Europe. The Agora Europe is in Hajdúszoboszló.
with its gorgeous main square Science Centre explains the «
and huge university. Debrecen wonders of our everyday life in a
is one of the cultural centre way how everyone can enjoy and
of Hungary. The monumental understand.

Hungary » Other Hungarian hotspots

Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
|
23
Other Hungarian hotspots

lake Balaton
text Balázs Weszely » photos Hungarian Tourism Ltd.

Whether it’s peace and quiet you’re after or a calendar

full of things to see and do, Lake Balaton is here to satisfy
your every need. Smooth waters and fresh wines, sand and
surf, fishing and frolicking, splashing and sailing, concerts
and clubs, partying and paddle boating, beach volleyball
and biking, elegant castles and sleepy villages, beautiful
landscapes and crystal clear air, Lake Balaton has it all.

The highlights on the northern myth makes it even more worth- the grandeur and elegance of
shore of Lake Balaton include while for couples. If you and your the palace, don’t miss out on
romantic strolls along the pret- loved one sit on the Rose Stone the area’s tiny jungle, the Little
ty streets of Balatonfüred oozing with your backs to the lake, leg- Balaton. It’s paradise for endan-
19th century charm and hiking end has it you’ll be married with- gered plants and for birds, with
to the top of Tihany for a breath- in a year. Explore the many wine tens of thousands arriving as if
taking view of the lake in the cellars and their fabulous wines for an annual convention at mi-
lavender scented air. Just a few and mouth watering dishes un- gration time. Patient birdwatch-
million years ago geysers spout- til you find your favourite one. ers have counted 250 species, of
ed hot water into the air on the Behind the basalt mountain which 100 nest here and 27 are
Tihany peninsula. Take a hike of Badacsony you can find the protected. The southern shores
on the lunar landscape near the fairytale valley called the Káli of Lake Balaton will lull you with
Inner Lake to see the evidence. Basin. Visit its lovely quiet vil- their quiet charm. Small towns
Just a short ride from here to the lages. At the western peak of oozing character, living tradi-
west, between Balatonudvari and the lake, you won’t only find the tions of arts and crafts, spas and
Örvényes, you’ll find one of the source of health in the largest wineries and the largest wal-
most spectacular golf courses natural medicinal thermal wa- nut plantation in Europe. But
of Hungary. The volcanic slopes ter lake in the world in Hévíz, your trip to Lake Balaton won’t
further west along the shore are but also one of the three largest be complete without visiting the
the perfect terrain for refreshing baroque palaces of the country, party capital of the area, Siófok.
white wines. Badacsony is a per- the Festetics Palace in Keszthely.
fect spot for hiking, but a local If you like great contrasts, after «

24 |
Hungary » Other Hungarian hotspots
Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » uk.gotohungary.com
Published by Hungarian Tourism Ltd. » Text: FUNZINE Kft. » Creative design: WOW Stúdió Kft. » Printed by CREW Nyomdaipari
Szolgáltató Kft. » Map: Freytag-Berndt » Photos: Photoarchivum of Hungarian Tourism Ltd., Sziget Festival image (page 13,
below left) by Sándor Csudai » Free copy » Hungarian Tourism Ltd. cannot be held responsible for content of any of the third
party advertisements within this publication. » For more information please contact the service providers directly.
 1100 years of history
The largest lake of Europe
Thermal springs
Horse riding traditions
Historical wine regions
» uk.gotohungary.com