There is so much to experience in Hungary, this small country in the heart of Europe. Despite its size, it has many faces and a very rich, vibrant culture rooted deep in tradition. It intricately combines western influences with a strong national identity and heritage. The people are friendly, warm and proud. They are proud of their traditions and do a lot about keeping them alive.
Culture and Life in Hungary
On the great planes of the Puszta young boys learn to ride and train horses the way their ancestors did. In the mountains of the Matra ancient folk songs get passed down from mother to daughter and countless festivals and cooking competitions are held to celebrate the old ways.
All over the country exhibitions and museums focus on old handicrafts, traditional folk costumes, songs and dances. The festivals have a great atmosphere with live music, excellent food and plenty to drink. The Hungarians certainly know how to party!
Outdoor Adventure for Visitors: Fishing, Hunting, Cycling, Skiing and More
Hungary has the biggest fresh water lake in Europe, Lake Balaton. It is a haven for lovers of water sports and bathing with long beaches and shallow, warm waters. Amongst others wind surfing, water skiing, kayaking and fishing being on offer.
The densely covered slopes of the Matra and Bukk mountain ranges offer plenty of opportunity for walking, cycling and horse riding out on the mountain trails. The forests are vast, the terrain is varied and the views are simply stunning. Many sleepy villages nestled amongst the trees depict the real rural Hungary. The rich wildlife makes it ideal for bird watchers or hunters with game including deer, wild boar, hare and pheasant. The locals still go out into the forests to pick some delicious mushrooms which they prepare in various ways. Many well stocked fishing lakes guarantee a good catch for fisherman with huge catfish being common.
Besides enjoying the natural beauty of the landscape you could try extreme sports such as tandem paragliding, caving, and quad biking or take in the beautiful scenery from a hot air balloon. The highest point is Kekes at 1014 meters with a 178 meter tall TV tower from which you can even see as far as Slovakia on a nice, clear day. In winter there are several skiing parks suitable for beginners or intermediate skiers and snowboarders. They also have skiing schools for children and adults. You can usually expect a couple of meters of snowfall over the winter. During this time it is very popular to take a trip on a horse drawn sleigh through the snow covered forest, a real winter wonderland.
The Hungarian Countryside: Wine, Castles, Outdoor Concerts & Caves
The rolling hills of the north east and south west have been used by wine makers for over one thousand years to produce high quality local wines such as the Bull’s blood of Eger and the Tokaji Aszu. The Tokaji Aszu has been hailed by connoisseurs as the king of wines and the wine of kings. Hundreds of wine cellars are open to the public to taste their wines and get an incite into the traditions of wine making in the 22 wine making regions. You can even create your own cuvee if you like.
The town of Eger in the north east is a cultural paradise with a XVI century castle, a Turkish minaret, the second largest cathedral in the country and beautiful baroque buildings. Hungary also has several dripstone caves with the largest one at Aggtelek reaching across the border into Slovakia. You can take different tours of the cave system and there is even a concert hall in one of the enormous caves where they hold regular events and concerts throughout the year.
Hungry in Hungary?
Traditional Hungarian cuisine is delicious and comes as a refreshing change to the pallet.
Typical dishes are the goulash soup traditionally made over an outdoor fire in a huge pot, the chicken paprika with home-made noodles, different fish soups and mouth watering cakes and sweets made to age old recipes.
The national drink is the very potent and strong snaps called Palinka which is often made at home form a wide variety of fruits. It has to be distilled to at least 37.5% alcoholic value and always made of 100% fruit. There is a wide choice of places to eat out from small guest houses in idyllic villages to large restaurants and hotels offering both traditional Hungarian and international cuisine. The price of eating out is very reasonable and the portions are huge.
Jewel of the Danube: Budapest
Your time in Hungary wouldn’t be complete without seeing Budapest the country’s capital city. The city is also known as the ‘Jewel of the Danube‘ with Pest on the eastern and Buda on the more hilly western side of the river. A cruise down this majestic river is one of the best ways to see most of the major sites such as the Royal Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Citadel with its own Statue of Liberty and many of the beautiful bridges crossing the river. It is easy to get around with numerous modes of transport including buses, trams, underground railway, trolleybuses, bicycles and boats.
The city is very laid back during the day and comes alive at night. In the restaurants gypsy violinists serenade you while you eat a traditional goulash or even sushi! A large number of night clubs and Casinos cater for the more energetic and stay open all through the night. You could do a good round of shopping here too with department stores, shopping centres and individual boutiques and shops at every step. Those interested in fine art and culture can spend days admiring the exhibitions of several museums, the architecture of churches and the largest synagogue in central Europe, the statues of Heroes Square and the performances of the National Opera House and several excellent theatres. Budapest is an interesting mix of old and new, East meets West.
In the capital prices compare with any major city around the world. If you venture a little further you will find Hungary offers great value as well as a great holiday experience.
In Hungary every step is a new adventure. The country awaits you with open arms so go and discover it!
For more information or to book your trip to Hungary today, please visit: www.discoverhungaryltd.co.uk .