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Tours & activities, climate & best time to visit, general information, visa & travel requirements.

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Climate in hungary:, number of rainy days:, best time to visit transdanubia:.

Spring (April to June):

• Spring is considered one of the best times to visit Hungary. The weather is mild, and nature begins to bloom.
• It's an ideal time for exploring Budapest, enjoying outdoor activities, and witnessing beautiful landscapes.

Summer (June to August):

• Summer is a popular time for tourism in Hungary. The weather is warm, and the country comes alive with festivals and events.
• Experience the famous Budapest Summer Festival, enjoy outdoor dining, and relax in the thermal baths.

Autumn (September to November):

• Autumn is another pleasant time to visit Hungary. The weather remains comfortable, and the fall foliage is beautiful.
• It's an ideal time for wine tasting in the Tokaj region and exploring the countryside.

Winter (December to February):

• Winter in Hungary can be cold, but it's a unique time to experience the country's festive spirit, especially during the Christmas season.
• Enjoy the Budapest Christmas Markets, soak in thermal baths, and explore Hungary's historic towns in the snow.

Hungary currency:

Prices in hungary *:.

• U.S. dollar (USD)
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Hungary general information:

Electricity:.

• Type C (European 2-pin)
• Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Power sockets

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Discover Western transdanubia (Hungary) ‘s Hidden Treasures: 19 Must-Visit gardens and natural places

• Western transdanubia

Join us on a journey to unlock Western transdanubia (Hungary) ‘s secrets with 19 gardens and natural places. Explore 19 amazing gardens and natural places or the best 19 gardens and natural places in Western transdanubia (Hungary) . Let’s discover 19 best gardens and natural places or hidden gardens and natural places in Western transdanubia (Hungary) . Plan your next adventure with our comprehensive list of destinations in Western transdanubia (Hungary) .

Information about Western transdanubia (Hungary)

Western Transdanubia borders four countries (Slovakia, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia), and has many ethnic groups that speak seven languages. It is considered the chosen holiday region of Hungary, as it combines man, nature, tradition, and present in perfect harmony. Along its borders, it has an unpolluted natural environment. It is very popular among tourists, such as hills, picturesque national parks, natural resources, rivers, and dense forests, along with many walking and cycling paths, famous horse stables, and natural parks that give the visitor a sense of vitality and closeness to nature, and it is worth noting that the region Extremely rich in curative and thermal waters, the region also offers a range of lively and refreshing cultural events, and monuments that are a living example of the development of European art from the Roman era to neoclassicism.

A list of the best Gardens and natural places in Western transdanubia

Discover the top gardens and natural places destinations in Western transdanubia (Hungary) with our hand-picked list, chosen with care by our expert team based on the feedback and ratings from previous visitors. Let us help you plan the perfect trip.

1- Big Meadow

Big Meadow – The Great Meadow, which is located among the beautiful hills and near a 3-storey observation deck, is one of the most popular destinations and landmarks that attract many nature lovers and people who want to wander, picnic and eat in the open air. When visiting, tourists can do a lot of outdoor activities such as walking, exercising, and even lighting a fire in the evening. Some special activities and events are also held in this meadow, the most important of which is the Spring Festival, which is held in the month of April every year.

Place address: Gyenesdiás, 8315 Hungary

Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map

Looking for more : The best Natural areas in Western transdanubia

2- Balaton Uplands National Park

Balaton Uplands National Park – The Balaton Uplands National Park is a nature reserve that overlooks the northern banks of the picturesque Lake Balaton, and is one of the popular tourist attractions in Hungary. This national reserve extends over an area of approximately 56,000 hectares, and is interspersed with long hiking and climbing paths, natural caves, diverse plants and trees, towering mountains and volcanic hills, in addition to being home to many animals and birds. Visiting this stunning garden is like visiting an open-air nature museum.

Place address: Hungary

Looking for more : The best Nature reserves in Western transdanubia

3- Cyclamen Nature Trail

Cyclamen Nature Trail – Cyclamen is a simple circular natural path that combines nature, art and sports at the same time. Its paths pass through small villages that include houses with beautiful architecture, surrounded by various plants and trees. His visit is like a multi-level climbing excursion. The highlight of this pathway garden is the brightly colored Persian horn plant (cyclamen).

Place address: Sopron, Lőver krt., 9400 Hungary

Looking for more : The best Things to do in Western transdanubia

4- Kastély park

Kastély park – The Castle Garden is an integral part of the Festetics Castle and Palace, and it is one of the distinguished historical gardens that extends over a large area of 14 hectares. This garden embraces 38 species of distinctive trees and plants, in the middle of which is a large water fountain; In addition, the majestic Baroque palace can be seen from its various parts and long paths.

Place address: Keszthely, 8360 Hungary

5- Ferto Hansag National Park

Ferto Hansag National Park – The Vertu Hansag National Park extends over an area of 236 square kilometers, and it is one of the natural areas that attract many locals and tourists who wish to spend an unforgettable time in the arms of Hungarian nature. This park embraces the sprawling Vertu Lake, which is the third largest lake in the central region. Europe; It is also home to many local birds and some rare species, and is a resting station for migratory birds.

Place address: Sarród, Rév-Kócsagvár 4, 9435 Hungary

Looking for more : The best Gardens and parks in Western transdanubia

Csobanc – Mount Choban is a dormant volcano, and it is currently considered one of the most beautiful places to hike on foot and see the stunning scenery and wonderful view of the region, as it is one of the prominent landmarks in the region. You can also explore the historical houses around the place, and the mountain is characterized by growing grapes and many other trees. It is a great place to get a lot of rest, relaxation and meditation. It is also one of the important monuments in the region.

Place address: Gyulakeszi, Csobánc, 8286 Hungary

7- Fertorakos Quarry and Cave Theater

Fertorakos Quarry and Cave Theater – One of the distinctive attractions located about half an hour from the city of Sopron is the Virtorakos Cave Theater and Quarry, which is a permanent and open exhibition of the world of rocks and fossils. This distinguished landmark was included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites in 2001 AD, and its visit is considered a journey to the ancient stone ages. The inner cave, which was formed by natural factors and some human interventions, is what distinguishes this place most, and some wonderful performances and concerts are held in it.

Place address: Fertőrákos, Fő u. 1, 9421 Hungary

8- Friendship park

Friendship park – very spacious garden in the heart of the city of Gyor, visitors who want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city come to it. The park spreads picturesque natural features such as trees and plants, as well as many animal statues, and others. There are also many facilities in the park, including seating and picnic areas, a bicycle path, and a small cafeteria where visitors to the park can have delicious snacks.

Place address: Győr, Friendship park, Ifjúság körút, 9023 Hungary

9- Lover Adventure Park

Lover Adventure Park – The Lover’s Adventures Garden is one of the most famous gardens in the city of Chobon. It is a beautiful garden that takes its name from the Lovers’ Hill area in which the garden is located. It is a picturesque natural area dotted with tall perennial trees, plants and short herbs. It is a great place to spend time with family and your loved ones, as there are many Activities and games such as ziplining, climbing and walking on paths among tall trees; The park is also an ideal place for camping due to the flatness of the land, and it includes many signs and guiding boards that help visitors to know the place and the roads designated for walking in it.

Place address: Sopron, Lover Adventure Park Kft., Hrsz. 0539, 9400 Hungary

10- Helikon Park

Helikon Park – Helikon Park is a haven for all nature lovers and those who want to spend some time away from the city’s atmosphere and hustle and bustle, and it is one of the largest city parks that attract many tourists to the city throughout the year. The most important feature of this park is the Helikon Monument located in the heart of the park. It also includes walking paths and is decorated with tall plants and trees.

Place address: Keszthely, Sóhaj allé, 8360 Hungary

11- Dias Island

Dias Island – Dias Island is located southwest of Lake Balaton, and it is a protected natural area with a vast area adorned with green nature and water ponds distributed throughout. In addition to the breathtaking landscapes of its beauty, this nature reserve includes some distinctive cottages and country houses, the most important of which is a replica of the “Koh Matola”.

Place address: Keszthely, Fenékpuszta, Diás-sziget, 8360 Hungary

Looking for more : The best Tourist islands in Western transdanubia

12- Sopron Botanical Garden

Sopron Botanical Garden – This wonderful botanical garden is located in the heart of Sopron University, and it was previously arable land until it was annexed to the university and allocated to the cultivation of various plants in 1897 AD. Designed in a contemporary style very much like a castle garden, this garden is home to many trees and plants ranging from ancient beech, black pine, silky pine, linden, oak and other fine plants with identification panels.

Place address: Sopron, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky utca 4., 9400 Hungary

13- Pan-European Picnic Memorial

Pan-European Picnic Memorial – The Pan-European Monument was built with the aim of promoting the idea of a common Europe without borders and to break the complex system of protection between common borders between countries; The reason behind its construction was that a large group of citizens of the GDR crossed into Austrian territory without any problems, and this is a matter of pan-European integrity.

Place address: Fertőrákos, 9421 Hungary

Looking for more : The best Statues and memorials in Western transdanubia

14- Községi strand

Községi strand – This beach is one of the hidden gems of the Keszteli Lake District, Hungary. It has a wonderful view and a beautiful nature that gives a lot of comfort and relaxation. It is a suitable place for you to take your children to and get a lot of unforgettable times and memories. Children will enjoy a lot of water and picturesque nature, relax and watch the amazing landscapes. It is really a recommended place to visit while you are in the city.

Place address: Balatonberény, 8649 Hungary

Looking for more : The best Beaches in Western transdanubia

15- Lake Heviz

Lake Heviz – Located near the western shores of Lake Balaton, 8 km from Keszteli, Heviz is the largest thermal lake available for swimming in Hungary. This lake enjoys its warm waters with health benefits, in addition to the fact that the water in the lake is renewed every 72 hours. Its depth is about 38 meters, and there is a luxurious spa resort near it.

Place address: Hévíz, Lake Hévíz, 8380 Hungary

Looking for more : The best Tourist lakes in Western transdanubia

16- Erzsebet liget

Erzsebet liget – wonderful garden located in the city of Gyor, and it is one of the gardens that is easily accessible as it is located in a central place in the city. The wonderful natural features such as trees and plants are spread throughout the park, and there are many beautiful statues and fountains. It is one of the gardens in which plants change according to the season. In it, you can do many activities, such as cycling, walking and long-distance jogging, and others.

Place address: Győr, Erzsébet liget, Szent Imre út 37, 9024 Hungary

17- Helikon Beach

Helikon Beach – Helikon Beach is one of the most beautiful and famous tourist destinations in the city of Kezteli, where you can enjoy the clear blue beach waters and soft white sand, and near it there are many recreational facilities that meet the needs of all tourists, where you can enjoy sitting in front of the beach and eating and drinking from the kiosks extending on the beach You can also rent bikes and stroll along the beach.

18- Kuopio park

Kuopio park – wonderful, sprawling garden near the city center, the garden is full of green areas and beautifully landscaped plants. It is a very spacious park where locals and tourists come to take pictures, and to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is possible to do a lot of activities such as cycling, walking pets, jogging and yoga, and many others.

Place address: Győr, Kuopio park, Kodály Zoltán u., 9023 Hungary

19- Municipal Beach

Municipal Beach – The municipal beach is one of the most famous beaches in the city of Kistelye, and it is a small lake beach located near Lake Balaton, where you can enjoy quiet and enjoyable sessions accompanied by your families and friends. The beach is surrounded by many cafes and restaurants so that you can enjoy a delicious meal while you stroll, and you can also see many Of the birds that live on the shore of the lake.

Place address: Keszthely, 8360 Keszthely, Balaton part, 8360 Hungary

We hope our guide has inspired you to explore the unique and fascinating region of Western transdanubia (Hungary) . From its stunning natural wonders to its rich cultural heritage, Western transdanubia (Hungary) is a destination that promises to leave you awe-inspired and enriched. We encourage you to take your time and immerse yourself in the local culture, learn about the history and traditions of the region, and connect with the people who call it home. Remember that every journey is a personal one, and your experience in Western transdanubia (Hungary) will be different from anyone else’s. So, don’t be afraid to follow your instincts, take a detour, and explore the unknown. As you journey through Western transdanubia (Hungary) , we invite you to embrace the unexpected and discover the hidden treasures that await. We hope that our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Safe travels, happy exploring, and until next time!

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• Don’t Miss Out on Keszthely (Hungary) ‘s Best: 25 restaurants and cafes to Experience
• Uncover Sopron (Hungary) ‘s Hidden tourist attractions 9 Must-Visit Places
• Uncover Western transdanubia (Hungary) ‘s Hidden tourist attractions 14 Must-Visit Places
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Must-see attractions in Danube Bend & Western Transdanubia

Esztergom Basilica

The largest church in Hungary sits on Castle Hill, and its 72m-high central dome can be seen for many kilometres around. The building of the present…

Pannonhalma Abbey

Danube Bend & Western Transdanubia

In a country filled with religious sites, nothing comes close to the hilltop Pannonhalma Abbey in terms of architectural splendour and historical…

Christian Museum

The former Bishop’s Palace in the picturesque riverbank Watertown (Víziváros) district houses the Christian Museum, home to the largest and finest…

Storno House & Collection

Built in 1417, Storno House has an illustrious history: King Matthias stayed here in 1482–83, and Franz Liszt played a number of concerts here in the mid…

King Matthias Museum (Royal Palace)

Just inland from the river, the Royal Palace boasted 350 rooms during the 15th-century reign of King Matthias Corvinus to whom the museum it now contains…

The 13th-century citadel looms over Visegrád atop a 333m-high hill and is surrounded by moats hewn from solid rock. The real highlight is simply walking…

Firewatch Tower

A narrow spiral staircase of 116 steps leads to the summit of this 60m-high tower, from which trumpeters would warn of fire, mark the hour and watch for…

Fabricius House

This baroque mansion is divided into three sections. The archaeological exhibition covers Celtic, Roman and Hungarian periods of history, the standout…

This enormous gallery, spread over three floors of an old mill at the northern end of town, exhibits cutting-edge photography, light and sound…

Hungarian Open-Air Ethnographical Museum

Just 5km northwest of Szentendre is Hungary's most ambitious skanzen (open-air folk museum displaying village architecture), with farmhouses, churches,…

Old Synagogue

The Old Synagogue, built in the 14th century, contains two rooms, one for each sex (note the women’s windows along the west wall). The main room contains…

Öziçeli Hacci Ibrahim Mosque

This 400-year-old mosque was built in the 17th century, during the Ottoman occupation of Esztergom. In its later incarnations it served both as a granary…

Castle Museum

The Castle Museum is housed in the former Royal Palace, built mostly by French architects in the 12th century during Esztergom’s golden age. The palace…

Harrer Chocolate Factory

Sopron’s answer to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The Austrian confectioner dynasty Harrer goes back four generations and aims to initiate you into the…

Ferenczy Károly Museum

The first museum you come across when walking up from the HÉV or bus station is this one, in the former home of the prolific Ferenczy family. Károly…

Goat Church

Built in the late 13th century, this mostly Gothic church gets its unusual name from the legend that the church had been built thanks to the treasure…

Serbian Ecclesiastical Art Collection

This is a treasure trove of icons, vestments and other sacred objects in precious metals. A 14th-century glass painting of the crucifixion is the oldest…

Margit Kovács Ceramic Collection

Descend Görög utca from the main square and turn right on to Vastagh György utca to reach this museum (in an 18th-century salt house) dedicated to the…

Blagoveštenska Church

The highlight of Fő tér is the Blagoveštenska Church, built in 1752. The church, with fine baroque and rococo elements, hardly looks ‘Eastern’ from the…

New Synagogue

Like the Old Synagogue, the New Synagogue was also built in the 14th century; both are among the greatest Jewish Gothic monuments in Europe. The New…

Colourful Fő tér, the town’s main square, contains many buildings, monuments and churches from the 18th and 19th centuries, including the Memorial Cross…

Fidelity Gate

Fidelity Gate, at the bottom of the Firewatch Tower, depicts 'Hungaria' receiving the kneeling civitas fidelissima (Latin for 'the most loyal citizenry')…

Pharmacy Museum

Housed in a Gothic building just off the main square, the Pharmacy Museum features a 17th-century apothecary. This collection of curios comprises an…

Belgrade Cathedral

Just north of Castle Hill is the red tower of Belgrade Cathedral, completed in 1764 and seat of the Serbian Orthodox bishop in Hungary, when Hungary had a…

Ámos-Anna Museum

The excellent Ámos-Anna Museum displays the surrealist and expressionist paintings of husband-and-wife team Margit Anna and Imre Ámos. Imre Ámos' dark…

Nagy-Villám Lookout Tower

There are some easy walks and hikes in the immediate vicinity of the Citadel – to the 377m-high Nagy-Villám Lookout Tower, for example. On a good day you…

Castle Hill

Castle Hill, reached via Váralja lépcső, the narrow steps between Fõ tér 8 and 9, was the site of a fortress in the Middle Ages. From here you get…

National Wine Museum

The National Wine Museum, in the cellar beneath Labirintus restaurant, traces the development of winemaking in Hungary and offers wine tastings of between…

Szanto Memorial Home & Synagogue

The relics inside Europe's tiniest synagogue are a loving tribute to Szentendre's 250-strong Jewish community, devastated by the Holocaust.

Chapel of St James

Behind St Michael's Church is the Romanesque-Gothic Chapel of St James, the oldest structure in Sopron and originally an ossuary.

Solomon’s Tower

North of the main town and just a short walk up Salamon Torony utca, 13th-century Solomon's Tower was once part of a lower castle, built during the reign…

St Michael's Church

At the top of the Lővér Hills is St Michael's Church, built between the 13th and 15th centuries and featuring impressive gargoyles. Not much escaped the…

Mária Valéria Bridge

Cross the bridge from Watertown over to Primate Island (Prímás-sziget) and to the southwest is the Mária Valéria Bridge, connecting Esztergom with the…

Roman Ruins

As the plaque on the ground in Fő tér reminds you, Sopron used to be an important stop along the Amber Road, and fragments of Sopron’s Roman past – in the…

Szamos Marzipan Museum

Attached to the cafe of the same name, this cute little museum shows off elaborate marzipan creations. Highlights include a tasty model of the Budapest…

Požarevačka Church

Dedicated in 1763, this late-baroque Serbian Orthodox church has a lovely iconostasis dating from 1742. The church is on the way into town from the bus…

The oddly shaped Fő tér contains several museums, churches and monuments, including the massive Firewatch Tower, which can be climbed. In the centre of Fő…

Balassa Bálint Museum

This museum, in an 18th-century baroque building, has a small collection of black-and-white photos of the excavations of the town's castle, as well as a…

Danube Museum

This surprisingly interesting (and quite high-tech) museum has exhibits on all aspects of the history of Hungary's greatest river, including its mighty…

Holocaust Memorial

This Holocaust memorial, across the street from the derelict Orthodox synagogue, was erected with much political chest-beating in 2004. It features…

More destinations you need to see

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Politics
• 4.2 Climate
• 4.3 Holidays
• 4.4 Visitor information
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By train
• 6.5 By ship
• 6.6 From Slovakia
• 7.1 By plane
• 7.2.1 By train
• 7.2.2 By bus
• 7.2.3 By boat
• 7.3.1 Highways
• 7.4 By car pool
• 7.5 By taxi
• 10.1.1 Money exchange
• 10.2 Tipping
• 10.3.1 Hungarian foods
• 10.3.2 Hungarian beverages
• 10.3.3 Others
• 11.1 Cuisine
• 11.2 Vegetarian food
• 12.2 Liquor
• 12.4 Coffee
• 13.1 Hostels
• 13.2 Farmhouses
• 13.3 Camping
• 16.1 Driving conditions
• 17 Stay healthy
• 18.1 General etiquette
• 18.2.1 National issues
• 18.3 Uncommon customs

Hungary ( Hungarian : Magyarország ) is a small landlocked country in the south-eastern region of Central Europe . It features a gorgeous capital city, Budapest , and the largest lake in Central Europe, Balaton . Hungary offers many diverse destinations: relatively low mountains in the north-west, the Great Plain in the east, lakes and rivers of all sorts, and many beautiful small villages and hidden gems of cities. Top this off with Hungary's great accessibility in the middle of Europe, a vivid culture and economy, and you get a destination absolutely worth visiting if you're in the region.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• 47.498333 19.040833 1 Budapest — with green filled parks, interesting museums, and a pulsating nightlife, Budapest is one of Europe's most delightful and enjoyable cities
• 47.53 21.639167 2 Debrecen — the second largest city in the country
• 47.684167 17.634444 3 Győr — there are many cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and night clubs in its lovely baroque city center
• 46.9075 19.691667 4 Kecskemét — a town famous for its vibrant music scene, plum brandy, and Art Nouveau architecture
• 48.1 20.783333 5 Miskolc — with the unique cave bath in Miskolc-Tapolca , the third largest city in the country, located near the Bükk hills
• 47.95 21.716667 6 Nyíregyháza — a medium-sized city with a busy water resort, museum village, and annual autumn festival
• 46.070833 18.233056 7 Pécs — a pleasant cultural centre and university town
• 46.25 20.166667 8 Szeged — the sunniest city in Hungary
• 47.2 18.416667 9 Székesfehérvár — former royal seat, famous for its baroque architecture and museums

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 46.85 17.72 1 Lake Balaton — the major lake of Hungary and the biggest lake in Central Europe
• 47.59458 21.15678 2 Hortobágy National Park — Hungary's largest protected area and the largest semi-natural grassland in Europe

Understand [ edit ]

Hungary is one of the 15 most popular tourist destinations in the world, with a capital regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world . Despite its relatively small size, Hungary is home to numerous World Heritage Sites, UNESCO Biosphere reserves, the second largest thermal lake in the world (Lake Hévíz), the largest lake in Central Europe ( Lake Balaton ), and the largest natural grassland in Europe ( Hortobágy ). In terms of buildings, Hungary is home to the largest synagogue in Europe (the Great Synagogue of Budapest), the largest medicinal bath in Europe (Széchenyi Medicinal Bath), the third largest church in Europe (Esztergom Basilica), the second largest territorial abbey in the world (Pannonhalma Archabbey), the second largest Baroque castle in the world (Gödöllő), and the largest Early Christian Necropolis outside Italy (Pécs).

You can expect to find safe food and water, good safety and a generally stable political climate.

Hungary has been ethnically diverse since its inception, and while today over 90% of the population are ethnically Hungarian, pockets of ethnic and cultural Slovaks, Romanians, Germans, Romani/Sinti people (Gypsies), and others dot the country. Due to the border changes of Hungary after World War I, over 2 million ethnic and cultural Hungarians live in bordering countries, as well. The Hungarians, otherwise known as Magyars, are the descendants of several tribes from Central Asia, who were believed to be fierce, nomadic horsemen and came to Central Europe in the 9th century.

Politics [ edit ]

Hungary is governed by a right-wing conservative party that is accused of authoritarian behaviour, and the country's status was declared to be no longer a full democracy but an electoral autocracy by resolution of the EU parliament in Sep 2022. This is unlikely to affect travellers who refrain from political activity and do not run afoul of the law. There are also reports of general anti-foreigner sentiment and racism against people who look ethnically non-European, however, Hungary seems to lie within the average of the former Eastern Bloc in that regard.

Climate [ edit ]

Temperatures in Hungary vary from -20°C to 39°C through the year. Distribution and frequency of rainfall are unpredictable due to the continental climate of the country. Heavy storms are frequent after hot summer days, and so do more days long still rainfalls in the autumn. The western part of the country usually receives more rain than the eastern part, and severe droughts may occur in summertime. Weather conditions in the Great Plain can be especially harsh, with hot summers, cold winters, and scant rainfall.

Holidays [ edit ]

• 1 January - New Year's Day
• 15 March - National Day (commemorating the 1848 Hungarian revolution and independence war against the Austrian Empire)
• moveable - Good Friday
• moveable - Easter
• 1 May - International Worker's Day
• moveable - Pentecost
• 20 August - State Foundation Day (also known as St. Stephen's Day)
• 23 October - National Day (also known as Republic Day)
• 1 November - All Saints Day
• 25-26 December - Christmas

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Visit Hungary

Talk [ edit ]

Hungarians are rightly proud of their unique, complex, sophisticated, richly expressive language, Hungarian ( Magyar pronounced "mohdyohr"). It is a Uralic language most closely related to Mansi and Khanty of western Siberia. It is further sub-classified into the Finno-Ugric languages which include Finnish and Estonian ; it is not at all related to any of its neighbours: the Slavic, Germanic, and Romance languages belonging to the Indo-European language family.

Although Hungarian is related to Finnish and Estonian, it is not mutually intelligible with either of them. While there are some similarities in the vocabulary, the complicated grammar and pronunciation make it one of the most challenging languages for English speakers to learn. However, modern Hungarian is written in the Latin alphabet, which eliminates the need for English speakers to learn a new script.

English is a mandatory subject in schools in Hungary. However, most Hungarians are not fluent in the language, and their level of proficiency is lower than that of many other European countries. Younger generations and people living in Budapest may be able to hold a decent conversation in English but don't expect the same from people in rural areas. It's best not to expect people to speak English at all in rural parts of the country.

German is spoken almost as widely as English and is almost universally spoken near the Austrian border, especially in Sopron , which is officially bilingual and has significant contacts with Vienna due to its accessibility by Vienna suburban trains.

Russian , which was compulsory in the Communist era, is spoken by a minority of Hungarians. Speaking Russian to Hungarians is a sensitive issue due to the history of unwanted Soviet domination, so be sure to begin the conversation in Hungarian and ask if the person speaks Russian before proceeding, and only use Russian as a last resort.

Get in [ edit ]

Hungary is a member of the Schengen Agreement . See Travelling around the Schengen Area for more information on how the scheme works, which countries are members and what the requirements are for your nationality. In summary:

• There are normally no immigration controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.
• There are usually identity checks before boarding international flights or boats entering the Schengen Area. Sometimes there are temporary border controls at land borders.
• A visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.

Recognised refugees and stateless persons in possession of a valid travel document issued by the government of any one of the above countries/territories are exempt from obtaining a visa for Hungary (but no other Schengen country, except Germany and, for refugees, Slovakia ) for a maximum stay of 90 days in a 180-day period.

Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda are permitted to work in Hungary without the need to obtain a visa for the period of their 90-day visa-free stay. However, this ability to work visa-free does not necessarily extend to other Schengen countries.

Citizens of Croatia can also enter the country by showing their identity card, but may not stay longer than 90 days in a 180-day period or work in Hungary without a work permit.

By plane [ edit ]

Hungary's international airports are Liszt Ferenc Airport ( BUD  IATA ) in Budapest , Airport Debrecen [dead link] ( DEB  IATA ) in Debrecen and Hévíz–Balaton Airport ( SOB  IATA ) in Sármellék. The Hungarian national carrier, Malév (Hungarian Airlines) was closed down in early 2012. There are also several low cost carriers operating to Budapest: for example Ryanair , Wizzair , Easyjet and Eurowings .

By train [ edit ]

Budapest is an important railway hub for the whole Hungary and large part of eastern Europe, with frequent trains from Austria , Germany , Czechia and Slovakia . There are at least one train daily from Bosnia and Herzegovina , Croatia , Italy , Romania , Russia , Slovenia , Serbia , Switzerland and Ukraine , as well as through cars from Poland and seasonal through sleepers from Bulgaria and Montenegro .

For detailed info see Budapest#By_train .

You can search for international train connections at official schedule site of MÁV, national train company, or at German Railways website covering almost whole Europe.

By car [ edit ]

To enter the country, ensure that your International Motor Insurance Card is valid for Hungary (H) along with the Vehicle Registration and a Power of Attorney from the owner if the car is not yours. The border guards are very strict about allowing cars through without these documents (see excepts below).

The Hungarian border control is very strict and thorough. They will not hesitate to conduct a full vehicle search if necessary. Entry from Schengen countries (Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia) is out of such border control since the abolition of physical borders. All those remain show light control and due to a bilateral agreement Serbian citizens are also no more undergo a strict border control. However you have to take into consideration that from Schengen area you might undergo a so-called inside-customs control wherever moving/driving in the country. Non-Schengen passengers must take into account facing a strict control upon customs prescriptions from Ukraine and Serbia. Coming from Serbia you are allowed to bring 2 packets of cigarettes into Hungary. If you bring more they will take it and fine for €102. Weapons for hunting are allowed to bring in from any EU member state if you have a European Licence. However with possessing that you may not buy or sell your or a new weapon here. The same is the situation with illicit drugs as well. Infringement of these rules may definitely lead to your immediate arrest!

Entry from non-Schengen countries can take quite a long time, in particular in the summer months on the weekends when EU-Nationals are returning north along the E75 corridor from Belgrade, Serbia. The wait lines to get through the border have been as long as 7 km with a wait time of up to 6 hours. Alternative border points in Hungary or Croatia can be used to by-pass. If you are driving in from an EU country e.g. Austria, you are required to pull over to check with authorities at the border, otherwise, the borders are open and usually the immigration control kiosk are empty.

When driving into Hungary, ensure that the border crossing on the route you choose allows the passage of foreigners. Also some smaller crossings close in the afternoon for the night. It is also required to buy a vignette for driving on highways. 20€ for 10 days, 30€ for a month as of 2024.

By bus [ edit ]

Several international bus lines go in or through Hungary. You can find timetables and book tickets on the homepage of Volánbusz , which is the national bus company and also the local Eurolines representation. Alternatively, Orangeways bus company [dead link] offer services on routes between Budapest and Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. Timetables and online booking are available on their website. On the southern border with Serbia you shouldn't be surprised when there in the bus a collection is being held for a donation to the border-guards, to let the bus pass faster.

By ship [ edit ]

It is possible to enter Hungary by international shipping lines on Danube (Duna) or Tisza rivers. There is a scheduled hydrofoil service on the Danube to and from Vienna and Bratislava between May and September operated by Mahart.

From Slovakia [ edit ]

• You can use the bus no. 91 of the urban traffic company of Bratislava (DPB) going to Čunovo in order to cross between Rajka (Hungary) and Bratislava (Slovakia). In Bratislava, the bus has Nový most as its terminus, and near the Hungarian border you get on/off at the stop Čunovské jazerá (you need to signal to the driver if you plan to get off at this stop). From Čunovské jazerá it's a four-kilometer-long straight walk through a flat terrain to the town of Rajka, two kilometers on each side of the border. You may detour to visit a monument at the Austrian-Hungarian-Slovakian three country border.

Get around [ edit ]

Hungary has no regular domestic flights. As Budapest lies in the centre of the country and pretty much any point can be reached within three hours by train or bus, there isn't much need for scheduled domestic flights.

However there are many opportunities for people with a valid pilot's license to rent a plane and explore by air.

• A Pilot's Academy of Malev Flying Club [dead link] T:+36 20 565-6467, Dunakeszi . Lightweight gliders and other stuff.

By public transport [ edit ]

There are multiple trip planning websites for Hungarian public transport, for example: utas.hu , menetrendek.hu [dead link] or uj.utvonalterv.hu (this seems to be available only in Hungarian but the first two are available in English). They provide real-time position information about your buses, as well as the planned schedule of the trains and allow you to plan your journey between any two points in the country.

Some important words in Hungarian that may be helpful are:

• “honnan” - from
• “hová” - to
• “Autóbusz állomás” - bus station
• “naponta” - daily
• “munkanapokon” - on workdays

The Hungarian National Railway is MÁV and GYSEV (some lines in the west of the country). MÁV has online schedule and pricing site [dead link] . You can purchase domestic and some international train tickets on the web in English. Read and follow the instruction here .

The train network is star-shaped (hub-and-spoke), fanning out from the centre at Budapest . This is caused by history because half of the once complete train system went to the neighbor countries after World War I. If neither the starting or ending point is Budapest, expect to travel for a long time often with change in Budapest.

Intercity (IC) trains are the fastest, and they're up-to-date, well maintained and clean. They link the major cities with Budapest. Expect to pay about 550 Ft (= €2) extra fee independently from the distance for the mandatory seat reservation (not in international ICs, ECs). In some cases the extra charge can be lower. Compared to the majority of Western European ticket prices, Hungary's IC trains are among the cheapest, with an excellent record of speed and comfort. At the weekends many students use these IC trains to commute between Budapest and other cities, so an early advance booking is recommended on Friday afternoons for the trains leaving Budapest and on Sunday evenings for trains towards Budapest. Working with a notebook is generally safe, unless it's heavy overcrowded.

Other train lines usually are not that fast, and not always cleaned up to the high standards (even in the 1st class), and often vandalised (mostly in Budapest region); however quality standards are improving. During summer trains linking Balaton to Budapest are sometimes overcrowded with the IC usually being sold out. The next choice is the gyorsvonat, or the old fast train. Pricing depends only on the distance and on the car class. Cash desks assume 2nd class by default for non-IC trains (at least in Budapest for English speakers), so if you didn't catch your IC, consider asking 1st class, paying small extra for much more comfort. Smoking is prohibited on all trains, as well as on the station platforms.

Since March 2024, people aged 65 and older and people under 14 generally travel free of charge. People under 26 receive a 50% discount. There is also a nationwide 24-hour-pass. It's called Hungary24 and costs 4999 HUF (approx. 13.10 euros).

It is possible to buy Inter Rail pass for Hungary. Check whether buying tickets for each journey is cheaper.

Check the MAV site for a station list [dead link] where you can buy a train ticket with a debit or credit card. A gépi menetjegykiadás is a staffed cashier desk; jegykiadó automata is a vending machine.

You can buy tickets with euro . It is possible to purchase an international ticket and supplement at every Hungarian railway station which has an international cash desk. Cash desks do not accept euro bank notes of values above €50, and you will get the change in forints.

A station list with ticket vending machine [dead link] usually to destinations which are not enlisted by the vending machines, tickets will be issued without extra charge by the conductor on board. These ar working with a short midnight break.

International bike transport [dead link] on the train also possible on selected trains cost €4-10 (vary), first price to Vienna , the highest to Hamburg (via Berlin ).

List of e-ticket acceptance point [dead link] s like a vending machine. Buy the ticket on the Net [dead link] and find at the station the pre-purchased ticket issuing machine to validate and print your ticket.

There are luggage rooms or lockers [dead link] (Hu: csomagmegörző) in train stations. Lockers cost (since 2010): small 400 Ft, or bigger 600 Ft per 24hours. More than one day cost 600 Ft per each started day. An incomplete list of stations with Luggage rooms or/and lockers: Budapest-Déli, Kelenföld (Budapest), Budapest-Keleti, Budapest-Nyugati, Debrecen, Győr, Miskolc-Tiszai, Nyíregyháza, Siófok, Sopron , Szolnok , Szombathely .

Hungary’s national bus network is operated by 28 state run companies, united in Volán Association . Connections are frequent, and prices are identical to those on non-Intercity trains. Bus lines often are more complete than train lines, but the speed is quite similar. Long-distance buses are clean and safe, but often subject to delays. Buy your ticket at the station ticket desk before boarding; if you do not take your bus at a main station, purchase a ticket from the driver. Make sure that you validate tickets even when buying from the bus driver. The small orange boxes are used for validating tickets and are seen at several points throughout the bus. Ticket inspectors operate on the airport bus and if you have not validated your ticket, you are liable for a 7000 Ft on the spot fine. It is a good idea to reserve your tickets for national holidays, Friday and Sunday evenings beforehand. Online booking is available in English . You can plan your trip with any of the trip planning services mentioned at the beginning of the chapter.

Citizens from EU countries over 65 years can travel free of charge. Children aged 6-14 get 50 % Discount.

By boat [ edit ]

There are several scheduled riverboat and hydrofoil lines operated by MAHART PassNave Ltd. from the capital city Budapest to towns in the Danubebend, like Szentendre , Visegrád and Esztergom , and also a good hydrofoil boat connection operated by the same company between Vienna and Budapest from May to September.

In the capital city there are several sightseeing and night cruises operated by MAHART PassNave Ltd. and other shipping companies, like Legenda Ltd.

There are some ferries on Danube and Tisza but their working hours are undependable. You can trust the ferry on Lake Balaton, though, for a modest price.

Aggressive and unpredictable driving and speeds significantly higher than in northern Europe are a constant source of traffic incidents. Traffic lights are not always obeyed.

Most roads in Hungary are two-lane, apart from modern motorways. Roads and motorways leading to Budapest are mostly in good shape; however, cracks, potholes and bumpy roads are common on minor roads and in major cities, though they are constantly being repaired. It is usually not difficult to travel by using a map and following road signs.

Expressways are not free, but there are no other toll roads or tunnels. A vignette system is used, similar to that in neighboring Austria and Slovakia, but as of 2013 the vignette is stored electronically and checked for using gantries that read license plate numbers. You can purchase them in intervals of 10 days (called "Weekly vignette"), 1 month, or 1 year. The vignette is very important and it is a good idea to buy it even if you don't plan to use the highway. Control is automatic with video cameras and you will get a high ticket (20,000 Ft) automatically without any warning.

If you travel by normal roads the speed limit is 90 km/h between cities and 50 km/h inside, which slows you to the average around 60 km/h. Roads often have high traffic (especially main roads like #8 to the west, #6 to the south and #4 to the east). On highways the speed limit is 130 km/h, travel is the same as in Germany, and on the inside lane it is very common to have someone speed by you.

Expect the Police to use speed traps of all kinds: fixed ones on all motorways which are signed, and mobile ones from bridges, cars standing on the shoulder or behind bushes and trees. Beware that some policemen hide around speed limit signs, especially when the sign visibly useless or if it's extremely slow for the given road type. Police corruption is widespread especially around Budapest (generally 10,000 Ft solves usual problems if you don't get arrested for it).

When you cross the country from the west to the east (or vice versa), take into account that there are only a few bridges crossing the Danube outside Budapest . There are some ferries available though.

Outside urban areas, it is a legal requirement to drive with headlights on, even during the day—a requirement that is becoming more common across the EU.

Hungary has a policy of zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. If you are caught driving even after only having a couple of units of alcohol you are most likely to be arrested.

Highways [ edit ]

There is a fast growing highway network in Hungary (1,480 km in total). Each highway starts in Budapest.

• M0 - Motorway ring around Budapest. The north-east and south sections are ready.
• M1 - connection to Győr , Austria and Slovakia (west)
• M2 - connection to Vác , planned to reach the border to Slovakia by 2015 (north)
• M3/M30/M35 - connection to Miskolc , Debrecen and Nyíregyháza (east)
• M5 - connection to Serbia , via Kecskemét and Szeged (south-east)
• M6/M60 - Connection to Dunaújváros and Pécs (south)
• M7/M70 - connection to Lake Balaton , Croatia and Slovenia (south-west)
• M4 - will provide connection to Romania via Szolnok by the year 2015 (east)
• M44 - will provide connection between the M5 at Kecskemét and the Romanian border via Békéscsaba (east)
• M8/M9 - will cross the country east-west by 2015

A single vignette is required to use all highways, except for M0 and short sections around major cities, which are free. Vignettes can be purchased online with bankcard on the official web (and several private online companies), at filling stations and at ÁAK (State Motorway Management Co.) offices. A 10-day vignette for a passenger car costs 2975 Ft during summertime, the 4-day ticket for car has been cancelled. Vignettes are controlled automatically through a camera system.

By car pool [ edit ]

The Hungarian oszkar.com social car pool network/website will allow you to find cheap transport around the country and from (and to) many European cities (especially Vienna, but many German cities are also well "serviced").

In case you're not familiar with the idea: people who travel by car and willing to take passengers post their itinerary. You can hitch a ride by booking it on the website and then contacting the driver, whose contact information the website furnishes you with. People wishing to travel by car pool can also post and hope to be found by a prospective driver. Passengers are expected to contribute to the cost of the trip, but "fares" are typically much lower than bus/coach or rail fares (e.g. as of 2013, a trip from Vienna to Budapest may cost 2,500–6,500 Ft). A significant downside is that the site is in Hungarian (although you might be able to navigate it with a service Google Translate) and that booking (but not searching) requires registration, which is free. Drivers as well as passengers can rate each other after trips, much like at auction sites.

Drivers are typically young adults (young enough to be familiar with the Internet and old enough to own their own cars); this also means they're slightly more likely to speak a foreign language than the average Hungarian, but you still shouldn't depend on it.

Some commercial "shuttle operators" use oszkar.com to offer rides too; their postings are visually distinguishable from "amateur" ones.

Oszkar.com is a buyer's market: there are generally many more passenger seats available than passengers.

By taxi [ edit ]

Inspect the change that taxi drivers give you. Cabbies commonly rip off tourists by giving them change in outdated Romanian currency, which looks similar to Hungarian currency, but is worthless and cannot be redeemed.

Ride-hailing is available in Hungary and the following are the most anticipated providers:

• Bolt . Works in Budapest, Debrecen and Pécs. ( updated Jul 2020 )

See [ edit ]

Hungary has several World Heritage sites . These are:

• Budapest , including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
• Old Village of Hollókő and its Surroundings
• Caves of Aggtelek National Park — beautiful caves with dripstones and stalagmites
• Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment
• Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
• Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)
• Fertő Lake Cultural Landscape common place with Austria more see there.
• Tokaj and Villány Wine Regions and Historic Cultural Landscapes

Other major tourist destination is Lake Balaton , with winehills, thermal spa in Hévíz , Hajdúszoboszló and Harkány around. Sopron is one of the most popular place for a sightseeing in the region.

There are also some amazing things to see.

• Tiszavirágzás . In mid-June the Tisza produces swarms of mayflies which are likened to flowers. Once decimated by pollution, the population is rebounding. (They're famous for living only for 1–2 days.)
• Busójárás . In February the people chase away bad ghosts by loud clamping on streets of Mohács .

Do [ edit ]

• Birdwatching: Hungary has wooded hills, vast fish-pond systems and grasslands, the puszta . Particularly good areas are the Kiskunsag and Hortobagy National Parks and the Aggtelek, Bukk and Zemplen Hills.
• Horse riding: Vast areas of open countryside coupled with the long traditions of horsemanship make Hungary an ideal country for riding. Wide open plains in the south and forested hills in the north offer varied riding terrain.
• Baths: Thermal waters abound in Hungary, with over 1000 thermal springs many of which have been turned into baths and spas. The most famous are the Szechenyi baths in Budapest , but there are hundreds more. The cave baths at Miskolc-Tapolca and the spa at Egerszalók are good examples. See also Budapest#Baths , Nyíregyháza#Do , and a selected list of authorized medicinal waters.
• Football: 12 teams play soccer in the country's top tier, Nemzeti Bajnokság I or NB1; four of them are based in Budapest. The national team play home games at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, completed in 2019.
• Cycling: the premier race is the Tour de Hongrie held over four days in May.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The Hungarian currency is the forint , denoted by the symbol " Ft " (ISO code: HUF ). Notes come in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 forint; coins are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 two-coloured, similar to €2) and 200 (two-coloured, similar to €1) forint.

Euros are now accepted at most hotels and some of the restaurants and shops. Make sure you check the exchange rate, sometimes even well known places (like McDonald's) will exchange at unrealistic rates. Forints are to disappear in the coming years in favour of the euro, but no date has been fixed.

You can use major credit cards (EuroCard, Visa) in major shops and larger restaurants, but never expect that without checking first. Small places cannot afford to handle cards. ATMs are available even in small cities, the coverage is good. In Budapest, almost all businesses and services relevant to tourists support card payments.

While completing any monetary transactions, it is best to pay in forint when you can. Some restaurants and hotels charge a steep rate for exchanging euros and often due to the fluctuation in forint, cost and services stated may vary drastically.

Money exchange [ edit ]

Shopping in Hungary is extremely cheap for people from the euro zone and the US. An exception to this rule is that luxury goods are often at higher prices than would be encountered in Western Europe or the US.

Exchange rates for euros and US dollars are roughly the same within central (at least in Budapest and Eger ). Rates will likely be much worse in airports and large train stations, so only change what you need to reach the city centre. A good habit is to compare the buy and sell rates: if they are drastically different, you're best going somewhere else. Official exchange offices always give a receipt and normally have a large glass between client and a cashier making all steps transparent for clients.

Euros are very widely accepted, in hotels, in some splurge restaurants or bars, in some shop (like all SPAR super/hypermarkets, usually at the cashdesk area is a board with the actual rate), or international cash desk of course the rates five even ten percent worse than in the banks and be prepare the change they will get back in forint. Try using small notes (max. 50), at international cash desk even can pay also with coins and the rate is ok. Traded currencies at the two biggest Hungarian bank K&H Bank : AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, JPY, NOK, PLN, SEK, USD; OTP Bank : same as K&H plus BGN, RUB and accepted Euro or Amex travellers cheques (comission). Smaller banks like Raiffeisen Bank [dead link] (for CZK), Oberbank [dead link] (for CHF) or Sberbank [dead link] (for RUB) giving better rates, but not change so many currencies (need to check as it is variable). For your remained forints buying euros, US dollars and Swiss francs always available, but others only when in stock. More unusual currencies, such as Israeli shekels, Hong Kong dollars, or Ukrainian hryvnia, can only be exchanged at money changers.

If you arrive in Hungary at weekends, holidays or evening banks are closed only ATMs or money changer shops or some hotels (mostly the biggers). ATMs and banks can be found in hypermarkets.

There are many ATMs in Budapest which will accept European and North American debit or credit cards. Be aware that "Euronet" ATMs have high charges in addition to any charges your own bank may apply, whereas ATMs operated by banks (e.g. OTP Bank, Raiffeisenbank) don't add extra charges.

Visitors report that unofficial money changers operating nearby an official money changing booth offer unfavourable rates, and recommend using the official exchange offices. Such exchangers are illegal and there is the possibility that you will receive other than Hungarian currency or nothing at all.

Tipping [ edit ]

Tips ( borravaló ) are given in Hungary for some services: in restaurants, in bars, to taxi drivers, to hairdressers, and often to people that fix things around the house, like plumbers and electricians.

Although not legally required, social norms encourage that tips are given. 10% is usually enough. Check your receipt before you pay, because some bars and restaurants charge a 10% service fee (szervizdíj), in this case tipping is not expected.

Shopping [ edit ]

Apart from classic tourist souvenirs such as postcards and trinkets, here are some things unique to Hungary or just hard to find elsewhere.

Hungarian foods [ edit ]

• Duck and goose liver
• Salamis - products of Hertz , Picks are the best, try Winter salami (Hu: Téliszalámi)
• Sweets Chocolates with fruit Brandy, Szamos Marzipan dessert, Praline with Truffle, szaloncukor, literally: "parlour candy", is a popular sweet at Christmas.
• Cold-smoked sausages - Mangalica and grey beef specials
• Herbal Teas
• Truffle Products - Honeys, Jams
• Spices : Paprika and Hungarian Saffron
• Gundel set of cheese : aged in Gundel wines or with walnut pieces or seasonings. Most easily found in 350 g sets of three kinds in duty-free of Ferihegy Airport in Budapest (at least in Terminal 2), but is likely available in Gundel 1894 Food & Wine Cellar (see Pest#Eat ). Keep in mind that shelf life for this cheese is only 2 months.

Hungarian beverages [ edit ]

• Wines : the vineries of Badacsony, Tokaj, Villány have the best products, but when purchasing wine beyond the right kind and vintage is also important the wine rack. The wrought iron with wine leaves is very showy, but if you are traveling by plane difficult to transport, so maybe a wood is more practical and you can buy a wide range of it. Other good names are: Somlói Juhfark, Egri Bikavér (see Liquor), Kadarka, red wine from Villány area etc.
• Pálinka : very famous and strong brandy made from fruits.
• Unicum : a herbal digestif liqueur.

Others [ edit ]

• Black pottery - part of the Transdanubian folk art
• Porcelain - look for high quality handmade Herend and Zsolnay products, usually sell them in set, simple candle holders are much cheaper and also popular
• Herend majolica at more affordable prices than the classic Herend.
• Hungarian Cuisine book (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian)
• 'matyó' patterned wooden spoons, ceramic of Sárospatak spoon holder
• Embroideries such as patterned of Kalocsa or Matyó.
• Blueprinted textiles mostly linen or cotton materials
• Diamonds in handmade white gold, platinum inlaid jewellery, try your luck at Szentendre the Europe’s largest diamond & jewellery centre
• Handicrafts and decorative arts works decorated with traditional, Hungarian folk motifs (letter-paper envelope sets, greeting cards, handkerchiefs, napkins, tablecloths, pillows, towels)
• The Rubik's cube originated in Hungary and was invented in 1974 by Erno Rubik and is one example of its longstanding gaming tradition.

Eat [ edit ]

Main courses in menu are normally 3000–5000 Ft in touristy places in Budapest, 2000–3000 Ft outside it, or in towns like Eger and Szentendre . A two-course lunch with a soft drink in Budapest typically costs 3000–10000 Ft per person, and half or third of that outside Budapest . A Chinese fast food menu is around 1500 Ft. (updated Jan 2023)

In restaurants, a service charge is frequently included into bill, 10% or even 12%, but this has to be clearly pointed out on the menu. If it's not mentioned, the place has no right to include a service charge in the bill.

Even if there's no service charge, unless the service was preposterous most Hungarians tend to leave a tip of 10% minimum. Unlike in most western countries, tip is usually not left on the table but rather the amount is specified to the waiting staff when you pay.

There were some places, mainly in the centre of Pest, that try to rip off drunk tourists at night by charging ridiculously high prices for drinks. Most of these places are closed now, but it's still a good idea to always check the prices before ordering.

Common in major cities and next to the highways are branches of major international chains such as KFC , McDonald's , Burger King [dead link] , Subway [dead link] , Pizza Hut and TGI Friday's last two just in Budapest.

Cuisine [ edit ]

Hungarians are quite proud of their cuisine ( Magyar konyha ), and most of the time not without reason. Food is usually spicy, but not hot by general standards, and it's tasty rather than healthy: many dishes are prepared with lard or deep-fried. The national spice is paprika , made from ground sweet bell peppers.

Meat is popular, especially pork (sertés), beef (marha) and venison (őz). Less common are lamb and mutton. Chicken (csirke) and turkey (pulyka) are common, and you will also find game birds excellent in smarter restaurants and country areas: pheasant (fácán), partridge (fogoly) and duck (kacsa). Goose is also quite popular in Hungary. While tourists gorge on goose liver ( libamáj ), still cheap by Western standards, probably the most common dish is sült libacomb , roast goose leg . The best fish in Hungary are river fish: carp (ponty), zander (fogas/süllő) and catfish (harcsa), though many restaurants will serve fish from far away. Another typical Hungarian fish meal is roasted hake (sült hekk). Less well known in the rest of the world are csirke paprikás , chicken stew in paprika sauce, and halászlé , paprika fish soup often made from carp.

Stuffed ( töltött ) vegetables of all kinds are also popular, and Hungarian pancakes ( palacsinta ), both savoury and sweet, are a treat. Common snacks include kolbász , a Hungarianised version of the Polish kielbasa sausage, and lángos , deep-fried dough with a variety of toppings (mostly sour cream, cheese, or garlic).

A typical Hungarian meal will involve soup, often like a consommé (erőleves), meat with potatoes (burgonya) and a side salad, and a dessert such as pancakes (palacsinta). A meal is almost always, even at breakfast, accompanied by Hungarian pickles called savanyúság , literally "sourness". These are often dubbed saláta on menus, so order a vitamin saláta if you want fresh vegetables. Starch is most often served as potatoes, rice or dumplings ( galuska or nokedli ). The primary Hungarian contribution in this field is an unusual type of small couscous-like pasta called tarhonya .

It is worth visiting a "cukrászda" if you are in Hungary. These are very popular with delicious cakes and coffee. Try the traditional krémes (with vanilla cream), eszterházy (lots of nuts) or somlói galuska.

Another favourite is lángos , which is deep-fried bread served served with various fillings. The most common is plain, with salt, garlic (fokhagyma) and soured cream (tejföl). If you do come across a lángos stand, there are usually a large number of options from pizza lángos, or eggs with mayonnaise or Nutella and bananas.

Vegetarian food [ edit ]

Vegetarians and Vegans will have about as much ease eating out as in any other western country. Budapest is not a problem, as there is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, but in an ordinary Hungarian restaurant the non-meat mains on the menu are pretty much limited to rántott sajt (fried cheese) and gombafejek rántva (fried mushrooms).

Italian food is popular, so as long as you don't mind a pasta heavy diet as a vegetarian you will find a wider choice.

For self-catering, the selection of fruits and vegetables from supermarkets or local shops and market is quite good, especially in summer.

There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and a lot of health food stores that offer all sorts of vegetarian/vegan products, including cosmetics.

Drink [ edit ]

Wine [ edit ].

• Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood of Eger) (1000 Ft for a good one) is a strong red Hungarian wine which supposedly saved a clever Hungarian girl from her fate with a Turkish sultan. During the time of the Turkish occupation, it is said a young girl was summoned to become a member of the local sultan's harem. Not wanting this fate for his daughter, her father gave her a bottle of Egri Bikavér to take to the sultan. He told her to tell the ruler it was bull's blood, and would make him invincible. The sultan, being Muslim, was unaccustomed to alcohol, and proceeded to pass out, leaving the daughter unharmed. There is another story connected to why Bull's Blood is called so, and it also comes from the Turkish era. According to that one, the defenders of the different castles used to drink this red wine. When they saw the color on the mouths of the Hungarians, they thought that it must have been from a bull, thus the name.
• Tokaj is known for its sweet dessert wines ( Tokaji aszú ), (2000–6000 Ft) which acquire their distinctive taste from grapes infected by the "noble rot" Botrytis cinerea . The favorite tipple of aristocracy, past fans of Tokaji include Louis XIV (who called Tokaj as " The king of the wines, the wine of the kings "), Beethoven, Napoleon III and Peter the Great — which is still reflected in the steep pricing of the best varieties. Almost uniquely among white wines, Tokaj keeps well for a long time.

If new to Hungarian wine, be aware that both champagne ("pezsgő") and wine, red or white, are quite likely to be sweet ("Édes" or "félédes"). If dry wine is your preference, look for the word "Száraz" on the label. When buying bottled wine, don't bother with types cheaper than 600–700 Ft, as these are usually very low quality (maybe not even produced from grapes). In wine cellars high quality may be available at surprisingly low prices.

Liquor [ edit ]

In Hungarian, pálinka denotes strong brandy-like liquor distilled from fruit. Pálinka is a very social drink: just as the English drink tea, the Hungarians, especially in rural areas, will offer pálinka to guests upon arrival. The best-known varieties are barackpálinka , made from apricots, körtepálinka from pears, and szilvapálinka made from plums. Factory-made pálinka is widely available, but keep an eye out for homemade házipálinka . Pálinkas usually contain around or above 50% of alcohol, often more for the homemade ones. Pálinka bottles marked mézes will be heavily sweetened with honey. (3000 Ft for something good)

Unicum is a strong digestif made from a secret mix of over 40 herbs. It comes in striking black bottles emblazoned with a red and white cross, and has a very strong and unusual taste. Unicum Next has a lighter, citrusy flavor, and is rather more palatable. Definitely worth trying, the spherical bottle (affectionately called "the Holy Hand Grenade") itself may also be used for decoration, and keeps very well for a long time. It is available in every bar in Hungary but it is rare to see someone drinking it.

Beer [ edit ]

Hungarian beer is quite average compared to other Central European countries like Germany and the Czech Republic as it has long been a wine culture. The most common beers are Dreher, Szalon, Borsodi, Soproni and Arany Ászok, available in the styles világos (lager) and barna (brown). All of Hungarian breweries are owned and managed by international brands such as: Dreher Sörgyár (Budapest); Heineken Hungaria (Sopron and Martfű); Heineken; Borsodi Sörgyár (Bőcs); Pécsi Sörfőzde (Pécs); Ottakinger. They cost 200–300 Ft at a store and 400–600 Ft at a bar. Some expensive club can charge up to 900 in Budapest.

Imported beers like Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen and Budweiser-Budvar (the original Czech variety) are widely available in bars and markets for not much more than the ubiquitous Hungarian brands.

When offering a toast with beer, be warned that most Hungarians will politely refuse. This is due to an old tradition due to remembering soldiers executed by the Habsburgs of Austria in the 1848 revolution, whereby it was decreed no Hungarian would toast with beer for 150 years. It's been so long, however, that most Hungarians no longer know the origins of this tradition or that they've been free to make toasts over beer for the past ten years.

Coffee [ edit ]

Cafe culture is widespread in Hungary, although it may never recover the romance of its turn-of-the-century intellectual heyday. Unless asked, it's a good idea to specify what kind of coffee you prefer. The word kávé means the strong, espresso-like coffee, although American-style coffee, known as hosszú kávé in Hungarian, usually translated as "long coffee", is also available at most places.

Tea [ edit ]

Tea houses are becoming popular in cities, especially among the young. There is a growing number of tea houses, mainly in Budapest and some bigger cities where people can buy several types of loose tea. The best teas are herbal and fruit varieties. In restaurants and cafes, lemon juice is frequently served in a small bottle. However, in traditional restaurants or cafes good teas are hard to find as coffee are preferred.

Sleep [ edit ]

Hostels [ edit ].

Very good rated hostels cost about €9–22 per night. The lower prices you usually get during week-days and in low season. (updated July 2022)

Farmhouses [ edit ]

Village Tourism is popular and very well developed in Hungary, and can be a remarkable experience. Start your research with 1Hungary [1] , National Federation of Rural and Agrotourism [2] [dead link] and Centre of Rural Tourism [3] . Near Budapest it is also possible to find rural houses to rent, for instance the Wild Grape Guesthouse [4] [dead link] , what makes a good combination to explore the capital and a National Park while staying at the same accommodation.

Camping [ edit ]

There are campgrounds available. See the city guides, including the Budapest guide.

Learn [ edit ]

Hungary is a country known for its rich academic tradition and cultural diversity, where education is highly valued. It boasts 13 Nobel laureates, numerous inventors, artists, and scientists, and is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. Despite facing many historical challenges and transformations, Hungarians strongly believe in the power of knowledge to preserve their identity and sovereignty. This unwavering commitment to education and innovation has made Hungary a member of the European Union and a leader in several fields of science and technology.

Hungarian universities are open to all foreign students. Many European exchange students come through the EU's Erasmus program. There are quite a lot students from Asia and the Middle East as well, particularly because despite the high standard of education, fees are still considerably lower than in the more developed Western European countries. Those interested should visit Study in Hungary [5] or University of Debrecen [6] websites. Map of Hungarian universities and colleges [dead link] .

Work [ edit ]

It could be very difficult for an individual to seek legal employment in Hungary because of the complexity, cost and time involved. Most foreign workers in Hungary have received their visas and other necessary documents through the company they are employed by. It is hoped, however, that since the joining of Hungary to the EU a reduction will follow in the amount of red tape involved.

Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda are permitted to work in Hungary without the need to obtain a visa for the period of their 90 day visa-free stay. However, this ability to work visa-free does not necessarily extend to other Schengen countries.

Many students, usually on a gap year, work as second language teachers at one of Budapest's many language schools. A qualification is required (ESL/TEFL/TESOL) and experience is preferred.

One option is to teach through the Central European Teaching Program. For a placement fee they will take care of paperwork and set you up in a school in Hungary teaching English on a local salary. Contracts are for one semester or a whole school year. Qualified ESL/EFL teachers can find employment in Hungary at private language schools which offer better rates of pay and without having to pay a placement fee.

See also Work section in Budapest article .

Stay safe [ edit ]

Hungary in general is a very safe country. However, petty crime in particular remains a concern, just like in any other country.

Watch your bags and pockets on public transport. There is a danger of pickpockets . Passports, cash and credit cards are common targets of thieves. Keep items that you do not store in your hotel safe or residence in a safe place, but be aware that pockets, purses and backpacks are especially vulnerable, even if closed. There are also reported cases of people who got their baggage stolen while sleeping on the train.

Generally, Hungary is rather quiet during the night compared to other European countries, and crime to tourists is limited to pickpocketing, and cheating on prices and bills and taxi fares .

Everyone is required to carry their passport and ID card. Not doing so lead to trouble with the police. The police generally accept a colour copy of your passport.

The police force is professional and well trained, but most hardly speak any English.

See the Budapest travel guide for more specific and valuable information about common street scams and tourist traps in Hungary.

Despite the government's controversial rhetoric regarding immigration, most Hungarians are not racist or xenophobic, and Budapest does have a small yet vibrant immigrant community. With that said, you might to to avoid living in rural areas if you are not white.

Driving conditions [ edit ]

The majority of Hungarians drive dangerously and had 739 deaths on the roads in 2010. This is largely due to careless driving habits. Many drivers do not observe the speed limits and you should be extra careful on two-way roads where local drivers pass each other frequently and allow for less space than you may be used to.

Car seats are required for infants. Children under age 12 may not sit in the front seat. Seat belts are mandatory for everyone in the car. You may not turn right on a red light. The police issues tickets for traffic violations and issue on the spot fines. In practice the laws are widely ignored.

Also, Hungarian laws have zero tolerance to drink and drive, and the penalty is a severe fine. It means no alcoholic beverage is allowed to be consumed if driving, no blood alcohol of any level is acceptable. Failure to pay fines may result in your passport getting confiscated, or even a jail term until or unless you pay the fine.

More importantly, the police stops vehicles regularly for document checks. You shouldn't worry when you are stopped because by law, everyone needs to have their identification papers checked.

Hungary has some of the harshest penalties for those involved in a car accident. Involvement in a car accident results in a fine, and maybe a prison sentence from 1 year to 5 years (depending on the aggravating circumstances).

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Food and water is generally safe, even in remote villages. It is safe to drink tap water anywhere, even in remote areas, however, due to the cleaning process the taste of the water can be really unpleasant. Best idea is to try before changing to the bottled water. Bottled waters has a large selection, both the fizzy (blue bottle cap) and still (red/pink bottle cap) water and it is cheap (starts from less than 100 Ft for 1.5 litre). The only notable exception of the drinking water are trains where the tap water is not drinkable and other places where tap water is labeled as such.

It is widely available and good practice to have with you a bottle during hot summer.

Private health care providers are high quality, but limited in scope once outside Budapest. Dentistry is cheaper here than in Western Europe (8000–10,000 Ft for an appointment and x-ray), and physiotherapy also (3000 Ft for a half-hour treatment), but check the price with the provider before you confirm the appointment. Outside Budapest you will likely have to speak basic Hungarian to communicate your needs as few doctors will have any English or German skills.

Public health care is free for qualifying (insured) people, and is of adequate quality in urban areas.

The country has joined the EU, so basic coverage is present for EU citizens, but check before entering the country how far are you insured and what you have to pay for. Do not expect at this time that the local doctor will know the EU rules, prepare to provide info.

The European Health Insurance Card is required from EU citizens applying for free treatment under this regulation.

Pharmacies are everywhere, you may expect high prices, but good pharmaceutical coverage. Sadly the situation clearly has worsened a lot since early 2010, as many pharmacies can not maintain an adequate reserve of medicines. Another problem might be communicating with the pharmacist as most of them speak only Hungarian. Quite unexpectedly some rusty Latin might come handy. Due to reduced trade between Hungary and andania (as of Dec 2006), some of familiar medications are unavailable—so be prepared to find a substitute in advance.

Respect [ edit ]

General etiquette [ edit ].

Hungarians are generally straightforward communicators. They are quite comfortable with expressing their innermost thoughts and feelings openly, and you can expect them to tell you exactly what they think. Although their directness may come across as blunt, assertive, or even rude to some, it's important to understand that they are not trying to offend or hurt anyone's feelings. They simply believe in being truthful and straightforward in their interactions with others.

Hungarians believe in strong familial values and often live with extended family members who provide both financial and emotional support. Therefore, it is important to show respect for the elderly . Don't use first names unless you've been told to, and compose yourself in a mature fashion around someone older than you. On public transportation, it is obligatory to offer your seat to older people.

Talking loudly is generally considered rude. You will notice how most Hungarians tend to keep their voices down in public places.

When entering a home, shoes should generally be taken off.

Sensitive issues [ edit ]

• The 1956 Revolution continues to be a sensitive subject with many of the Hungarians, and anti-Russian sentiment is high due to the violent suppression of the uprising by the Soviet army. Even if you are the most ardent Russophile in the world, you should avoid saying anything positive about Russia as it could evoke strong feelings among locals.
• You are well advised not to discuss the Treaty of Trianon (1920) at all — the Hungarians can take it surprisingly sensitively.
• Open display of the Communist red star and hammer and sickle symbol, the Nazi swastika and SS symbols, and the Hungarian fascist Arrow Cross, is prohibited by law. Make sure your clothing does not have these symbols on it, even if it's just a joke. You can be fined for it.
• Members of the Gypsy community may find the traditional Hungarian label 'Cigány' (pron. 'tzigan') offensive, preferring to be labeled as Roma.
• As a rural tradition, Hungarians affectionately refer to themselves as "dancing with tears in our eyes" ("sírva vígad a magyar"), as in a bittersweet resignation to the perceived bad luck in their long history. Avoid mocking Hungarian history and Hungarian patriotism.

National issues [ edit ]

Given Hungary's history of enduring turbulent events, the Hungarians exhibit sensitivity towards various historical occurrences. You should avoid discussing or bringing up the following topics as they can quickly unsettle people:

• Hungarian Revolution of 1956 — the Soviets arrested and killed thousands of Hungarians for revolting against the Hungarian People's Republic, leading to the exodus of nearly a quarter of a million Hungarians.
• Anything regarding the Hungarian People's Republic — thousands of Hungarians were arrested, imprisoned, tortured, exiled, and mistreated by the pro-Soviet communist government.
• Hungary's relationship with Russia — although relations have improved since the early 1990s, there is some antipathy and distrust towards Russia in some circles.

Uncommon customs [ edit ]

• It's an old tradition that Hungarians do not clink beer glasses or beer bottles. This is due to the legend that Austrians celebrated the execution of the 13 Hungarian Martyrs in 1849 by clinking their beer glasses, so Hungarians vowed not to clink with beer for 150 years. Obviously this time period has expired, but old habits die hard although less so by younger generations.

Connect [ edit ]

• Broadband Internet access is now widespread in Hungary. It's quite usual to find free Internet access (wifi) in Shopping centers; in Budapest, most cafes and pubs. You'll have wifi access even in small towns. Look for the "wifi" signs, you may have to ask for the access password, however, if you consume, it will be freely given.

Go next [ edit ]

The land border can be crossed to Austria , Slovenia , Croatia , Serbia , Romania , Ukraine and Slovakia .

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Transdanubia

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Home / Transdanubia

Introduction

West of the Danube and east of Austria is the most versatile part of Hungary, the land of some of the biggest attractions the country has to offer. From fine wine through to pretty lakes to timetravel, nothing's impossible here.

Western Hungary is rich in medieval churches and monasteries, castles and fortresses, hosting historical and music festivals throughout the year. For a millennium of Hungarian religious and architectural history and a taste of Benedictine wine traditions, head to Pannonhalma Benedictine Arch Abbey. The Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral in P辿cs invites you to architectural time travel, and in the museum of the Benedictine Abbey in Tihany, you'll have a peek into the lives of Hungary's last monarch. To see where our first king (and quite a few after him) was crowned, visit the ancient Crowning Basilica in Sz辿kesfeh辿rv叩r. For baroque elegance, explore the Eszterh叩zy Castle in Fert‘d, the gems of western Hungary Sopron and K‘szeg, or Gy‘r, the city in the intersection of three rivers.

rs辿g, this land of magic is home to natural beauties. Time has stopped here andpeople live in the scattered villages in perfect harmony with nature. rottk‘ Nature Park should be at the top of your agenda as it offers various hiking trails and cultural trips, culinary adventures and sightseeing galore. K‘szeg is the perfect spot to start your exploration in the area. Western Hungary has an abundance of arboretums and botanic gardens too. The 200-year-old S叩rv叩r Botanical Garden is home to 300 tree and shrub species. The centuries old trees of the grove forest around the fishing pond give you a peek into what the area looked like before urbanisation. The other part of the arboretum has trees and shrubs of exotic names and vibrant colours. And if you visit the prehistoric park in V辿rtessz‘l‘s, you won't only meet half-a-million-year-old Samu, one of the first men in Europe, but will see the footsteps of long extinct ancient animals too.

Going south, you'll find the vibrant city of P辿cs that boasted the title European Capital of Culture in 2010. As you feast your eyes on the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, get enchanted by beautiful and exciting buildings of old and new, and get goosebumps in the Early Christian Necropolis, you'll see how P辿cs served as the meeting place for many different cultures through the ages.

Further south you get to the Vill叩ny area, where the beautiful vistas will go down perfectly with the fiery red wines of local winemakers. A glass or two will surely get you in the mood for a truly unique sight (also a World Heritage Site), the Bus坦j叩r叩s in Moh叩cs. Both a farewell to winter and a daylong carnival, the parade of the masked and scary Bus坦s is a must-attend folk party. For more sophisticated entertainment, Kaposv叩r is an ideal option. The annual Chamber Music Festival is where the cr竪me of international classical music flocks to in August, so why would you miss it?

Spa culture is blooming in western Hungary. For proof, visit the largest medical spa resorts of the region in B端kf端rd‘, S叩rv叩r, or Zalakaros, and have a first-hand experience of how the perfect combination of word-class treatments carried out by well-qualified professionals and the profusion of culture within easy reach will leave you healthier, more relaxed and refreshed.

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Hungary has seven regions, one of which is the Central-Transdanubian region occupying 11 117 km2 in the central part of Transdanubia. This is a really diverse region of the country, this is the cradle of the more than thousand years old Hungarian state. The region includes three counties: Fejér, Komárom-Esztergom and Veszprém. The total population was 1,063 million people in 2015.

The geographical characteristic of the region is mostly defined by the Transdanubian mountains but there are also lowland areas. The most important surface waters are the two main lakes: Balaton Velencei-tó and the river Danube. Important railways, roads and highways cross and navigable river segments define the area.

11 percent of the country’s population live in the Central-Transdanubian region, meaning more than 1.1 million people, of which 426 thousand live in Fejér county. The population in the region is decreasing. The main factors behind this are the natural population loss and negative migration (mostly to Western Europe).

Central Transdanubia is basically the third most developed region in Hungary. The middle west part of Hungary is one of the best performing area of the country. Mostly automotive suppliers can be found here, but developed, quality ICT and other companies are also established in the region. The economy is driven by the high amount of the FDI, the main economic sectors are the machinery, food and chemical industry, IT. The economic and the employment system of the region were heavily affected by the economic crisis, but in the past years the economy has recovered from the shock. Now the region has one of the best employment statistics in Hungary and the focus point of the FDI are not just the assembly activities but the R&D&I as well.

More than 80% of the total area of the region is rural area. It’s rural settlement network can be characterized by a high amount of small villages (under 500 inhabitants) in the mountainous part and traditional medium sized agricultural villages on the plain part (south of the region). The two-fold geographical character determines the rural activities as well. The plain part is famous for growing plants (mostly cereals), while the upper part is on livestock breeding. Additionally the rural economy has a strong leg on crafts (wood, stone, textile, leather) and viticulture (8 historical wine regions of 22). The rural character is strengthened by the rural tourism.

Among the three counties forming the region, leading role is played by Fejér county, which produces 40 percent of regional GDP. From the viewpoint of size and population, the county is ranked in the middle of the country scoreboard, but due to its location on the line connecting western areas and on Budapest-Székesfehérvár-Balaton axis it plays economically important role. Industrial activity is decisive in the economic structure of the county.

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