Wine Regions

• Hungarian Cuisine
  
• Wine Regions
  
• Wine Varieties
  
• Cafe Culture
  
• Restaurant Scene
  

Hungary may not be blessed with towering mountains, but, by way of compensation, the earth’s thin crust allows healing hot water to gush forth almost everywhere you go. The Romans, no strangers to the good life, were the first to take advantage of this naturally occurring phenomenon, and Budapest also offers some of the finest examples of the “Turkish Bath” found anywhere. Today, a couple of contemplative hours in the local baths are part of the daily routine for many Hungarians – particularly those with arthritis, breathing difficulties and muscle pains. And despite their popularity with tourists, taking a dip in the baths remains a uniquely Hungarian experience. On Margitsziget and outside the capital, a number of spa hotels offer a comprehensive range of additional health, fitness and wellness services.

Throughout Hungary’s history, kings, politicians, musicians, authors, architects and artists have created a unique national identity that continues to be nurtured by the latest generation of Hungarians. Once you have got a taste for the country through its breathtaking architecture, galleries and museums, sharing in one of the many cultural and musical festivals is a great way to get to know Hungary past and present. For lovers of opera and classical music, the beautiful State Opera House and countless concert venues all over the country are the perfect stage for Hungary’s top names. We are not short on great literature either, reading up before your visit will make it all the more enjoyable and rewarding.

Musical Hungary

It is no exaggeration to say that the musical landscape would be very different without Hungary’s contribution. Between them, Franz Liszt, Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály revolutionised the performance, composition and teaching of classical music all over the globe.

The abundance of spectacular concert halls and festivals – in Budapest and beyond – provide ample evidence of a glorious musical past, and are a magnificent showcase for Hungary’s top talent, such as Zoltán Kocsis and Andrea Rost. Almost every provincial town boasts at least one orchestra and concert hall – classical concerts and opera performances are popular with people from all walks of life. And throughout the world, dozens of Hungarian musical ensembles and dance troupes play to rapturous receptions.

Driven by rich folk traditions and a wealth of talented musicians, the Hungarian jazz scene is also flourishing. Jazz lovers can’t afford to miss groups such as the Balázs Elemér Group and George Szabados. Sometimes heartbreaking, often frenetic, Roma music is also going strong, Roby Lakatos is one of the biggest names. The region’s rich Jewish heritage is represented by the Di Naye Kapelye. Folk music and its many modern exponents are also growing in popularity. Expect standing room only at concerts by Hungarian-Slovak folk-rockers Ghymes, gypsy-inspired Besh o Drom, Vujicsics  or energetic fiddler Félix Lajkó from the Hungarian enclave in northern Serbia. And Neo and Anima Sound System are just two modern bands taking a fresh approach to age-old folk traditions.

Sweet Dreams in Budapest

Budapest has its fair share of luxury accommodation and, more often than not, it can be found in spectacular buildings and prime locations. The superior hotels, many of which are landmarks in their own right, are listed here.
 
With a little more research, you will also find something to suit the more modest wallet. Pest is full of mid-range hotels and hostels, like the Ibis Hotel in Ráday utca, while in residential Buda, you might even find a family-run panzió. If you wish to stay in an apartment Budarentals offers a wide range of apartments.

The Internet is a great place to book, but read up in a guidebook for impartial recommendations.

Something Slightly Different

Budapest may be a city steeped in history, but there is also plenty still going on today.

Buda Hills
Buda is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of Pest. It is, literally, a breath of fresh air, particularly in the hotter summer months. Take the time to admire the lavish residential villas, follow a nature trail, hire a bike and enjoy the views, explore the stalagmite caves, or just enjoy a meal in a leafy restaurant. The cog-wheel railway, which begins its climb a short walk from Moszkva tér, is an ideal starting point. And the Childrens' Railway is not just for kids, even though it is operated by them. 

Caves
In addition to over 60 thermal springs, Budapest is also a city of caves. The Szemlő-hegy Cave (Pusztaszeri út, open Mon-Sun 10-16, closed Tue) and the Pálvölgyi Stalactite Cave (Szépvölgyi út, open Tue-Sun 10-16:15, closed Mon) are the most spectacular of those open to the public and contain fascinating fossils and attractive crystal formations. Access is limited to some of the caves, but some companies offer tours.

Extreme Sports
Budapest now enjoys a thriving extreme sports scene, including skate and snowboard parks, the Extrém Sziget, Hungaroring Adventure Park, paintball and karting. For team-building exercises, Fun Extreme Canopy operate an obstacle course in Visegrád, to the north of Budapest. 

Watersports
The stretches of the Danube alongside the islands to the north and south are closed to motorised boats, making them ideal for canoeing and rowing. Boats can be hired just by turning up on the Pest side of Hajógyári sziget (Shipyard Island) or along the Római Part, the site of the ancient city of Aquincum. There are also various cable wakeboarding and waterskiing centres in and around the city.

Rent a Bike
The busy streets of Pest are reserved for those with a deathwish, but the Margitsziget and Városliget parks are ideal for a relaxing cycle ride – particularly in the two-person peddle cars that can be hired once you get there. For the more adventurous, the Buda hills above Moszkva tér are a great for touring and off-road exploration. If your legs are not up to the long uphill slog, the Cogwheel railway offers an easy alternative. Bikes can be rented here. 

Vintage Railways
Trainspotters need look no further than the excellent Hungarian Railway Museum website. Not only is the museum a fascinating look back into transport history – it is even possible to fulfil your childhood dream of driving one of the engines yourself – the museum is also a top venue for events and concerts. The website is also a great way to find out about nostalgic train journeys to destinations outside Budapest.

Zoo
Most major cities have their own zoo, but none quite like Budapest's, nestled in Városliget (City Park) just behind Hősők tere. The buildings were designed by ground-breaking architects from the National Romantic School, giving the zoo a slightly surreal atmosphere.

Palace of Wonders
In the beautiful Millenáris Park near Moszkva tér, the Palace of Wonders (Csodák Palotája) is a chance for kids to get their own back for being dragged around the sights and museums. The colourful playground allows them to gain some hands-on experience of science at work, and have a great time doing it.

Shopping
Budapest, like any big city, offers plenty of ways to spend your hard-earned cash. The easiest option is to head for one of the city’s large, American-style malls, such as the West End City Center (behind Nyugati Station on blue line M3 on the metro) or Mammut (near Moszkva tér). For a more traditional shopping experience, take a walk along Váci utca or the nagykörút (Grand Boulevard). If you are looking for antiques, Falk Miksa utca near the Pest bridgehead of Margit híd is the best place to start. The Ecseri út flea market is a great place to pick up an unusual piece of furniture and the city’s market halls are great for picking up some Hungarian delicacies, like suasages, salami, pálinka (fruit brandy) and even lace tablecloths. The Bradt City Guide to Budapest contains an extensive shopping section. 

The Tisza Shoe Shop
Hungarians now wear sports shoes from all the major global companies, but under the Socialist regime, Tisza Shoes were the only recognisable brand on the shelves. Today. the label lives on, Tisza’s stylish collection of retro shoes and clothing are manufactured in Hungary and can be purchased in the Tisza shop, just around the corner from Astoria.

The real railway children

The Times, October 23, 2005
Ronald Gribble on Hungary's Children's Railway

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2008

A Magyar Turizmus Zrt. tevékenységéhez kapcsolódó prezentációk és egyébb hasznos információk az alábbi linkre kattintva olvashatók. 

Budapest Around the Clock

Explore by day, discover by night

In Budapest, every building, every tram ride, every panoramic view, every cosy coffee shop and every night out holds new surprises.

And the liveliest parts of town are not necessarily in the city centre – it is worth taking the time to take a look around. Wherever you go, there is an unmistakable feeling that something out of the ordinary is just around the corner. It may be a nuance of architecture, an interesting statue, a pretty smile, a courting couple, or a group of elderly men putting the world to rights.
 
The city also offers a mouth-watering selection of restaurants and an array of bars and clubs that will leave your head spinning. If you want to treat your partner to something special, Budapest offers luxury accommodation that won't hit your wallet too hard. You can also indulge in a relaxing soak and invigorating massage in one of the city's many spas – the best hangover cure known to man.
 
And you may well need a pick-me-up. Budapest is a city where people are on the move at all hours of the day and night – the call of that last drink is difficult to resist. But Budapest is not all about boozing, there are enough concerts, festivals and events to satisfy even the most committed culture vulture. The Sziget Festival in August, Europe's biggest, wildest and longest party, is not to be missed – there is so much going on that, for a whole week, you'll be wishing you could be in two or three places at once. Once it is all over, you might need to check in to a spa hotel for a week to recover.
 
If you find the time to do some sightseeing, the best place to start is the Citadella on Gellért Hill, or looking down from between the turrets of the famous Fisherman's Bastion in Buda's Castle District. A boat trip, a stroll along the embankment on the Pest side of the Danube or a ride on the number 2 tram is a good way to take in the hills of Buda and the giant Parliament building. Other must-see landmarks include Europe's largest Synagogue, the Szent István Basilica and the Buda Royal Palace – not to mention the Széchenyi Lánchíd (Chain Bridge) and the dramatic statue of St Gellért, perched above Erzsébet híd (Elizabeth Bridge). The long walk down the majestic Andrássy út ends at Hősök tere (Heroes' Square), an extravagant monument to Hungary's key historical figures, and Városliget (City Park), which boasts a host of attractions of its own.
 
One of the most endearing charms of Budapest is that the traffic and noise of downtown Pest quickly make way for leafy parks and forests. Margitsziget (Margaret Island) is a hub for outdoor activities, and the tranquil hills of Buda offer a haven for cyclists and hikers. The surrounding countryside also lends itself to scenic day trips, as well as a range of extreme sports and other exciting outdoor activities.

Breathtaking Budapest

You don't need to be in Budapest long to realise that you never know quite where you stand – and that's not because of the street layout. Everywhere you look, there is evidence of a city that has been brought to its knees – and restored to its former glory – time and time again.

Even today, it is littered with Roman remains, Turkish baths and Gothic and Baroque architecture, as well as elaborate secessionist (Hungary’s take on Art Nouveau) facades. But visiting Budapest is not just about discovering the past, it is also an opportunity to witness a city building its own bright future.
 
The most obvious way to begin exploring Budapest's extraordinary diversity is to view it from the Citadella on Gellért Hill, or from between the turrets of the famous Fisherman's Bastion in Buda's eclectic Castle District. A boat trip, a stroll or a ride on the number 2 tram along the embankment on the Pest side of the Danube is a great way to admire the hills of Buda and the giant Parliament building. Further exploration of the wealth of fascinating architecture in the hustle and bustle of Pest is also a must.
 
Then it's on to the real sightseeing. Must-see landmarks include Europe's largest Synagogue, the Szent István Basilica and the Buda Royal Palace – not to mention the Széchenyi Lánchíd (Chain Bridge) and the dramatic statue of St Gellért, perched above Erzsébet híd (Elizabeth Bridge). The long walk down the majestic Andrássy út ends at Hősök tere (Heroes' Square), an extravagant monument to Hungary's key historical figures, and Városliget (City Park), which boasts a host of attractions of its own.
 
Budapest is not just a city of stunning buildings – many of its museums serve to highlight a history that is proud and unfortunate in equal measure. The imposing National Museum is impossible to miss, and the chilling House of Terror – the building used by both the Nazi and Communist secret police – is impossible to ignore.
 
The city is also packed with clubs, concert venues and festivals for music of every possible genre – and the Sziget Festival in August is Europe's largest and loudest. In addition to providing a springboard for home-grown talent, Budapest can now draw the world's top contemporary artists.
 
And not far from the traffic and noise of downtown Pest, Margitsziget (Margaret Island) is a hub for outdoor activities, and the tranquil hills of Buda are a haven for cyclists, walkers and families. And who could forget the relaxing and healing properties of the city's spas.

Dining Out in Budapest

Today's Budapest is very much a cosmopolitan city, and you can find any type of food from anywhere in the world. Most restaurants offer a mixture of Hungarian and international flavours, but at much more affordable prices than you will find at home. Restaurants are required to display their prices outside their doors, so you always know what to expect before you take the plunge.

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A Region of Resorts

Badacsony
The four wine-growing villages at the foot of the distinctive box-shaped mountain of  Badacsony are pleasant and welcoming, but it is the home-grown wine and views from the forested hillside that attract the crowds. The national park on the flat top of the mountain is well worth exploring and has a number of spectacular lookout posts.
 
Balatonfüred
The elegant town of Balatonfüred, with its Baroque high street, was one of the first tourist towns on Balaton and maintains an air of elegance and superiority even today. The origins of its opulence can partly be traced back to the town's mineral springs ("füred" means "baths") and the town is now home to one of Europe's top heart hospitals. In the 19^th century, Balatonfüred was something of an artists colony famously patronised by Hungarian opera legend Lujza Blaha and famous author and politician Mór Jókai.
 
Hévíz
The spa town is not actually on Balaton, but it is near enough to Keszthely to make it a worthy day trip if the weather turns cold. The water of the exotic Gyógy-tó is warm enough to swim in all year round, even when there is snow on the roofs of the wooden structure that extends over the thermal lake. The town itself is a collection of spa hotels and spa complexes.
 
Keszthely
Keszthely, on the westernmost tip of the lake, is the only town that does not live entirely from tourism, making it worth visiting even in winter, when the lake is frozen and often suitable for walking and skating on. The pedestrian street in the town centre and the Festetics Castle are the main attractions, as well as the beaches and sailing possibilities. If you are in Keszthely, it is worth making the trip to Héviz.
 
Siófok
The party capital of Balaton, Siófok is where the crowds go on July and August weekends, culminating in the public holiday on 20 August. The focal point is the Coca-Cola Beach House where big-name Hungarian bands play to the sun-baked revellers. The promenade along the beach front is a hedonist hotspot with enough bars and restaurants for a small city.
 
Tihany
The rocky peninsula that almost splits Balaton a third of the way along attracts hoards of visitors in the summer season, and the beautiful Abbey Church and the Benedictine Monastery hark back to this small town's early life as a religious centre. However, the wilds of the national park – Hungary's first – is large enough to provide an escape the crowds if necessary. Tihany can be approached by bus from nearby Balatonfüred or by ferry from Siófok, Szántód and Balatonföldvár.
 
Zalakaros
A state-of-the-art bathing complex has recently been created in the village of Zalakaros, 30 kilometres south of Keszthely. Designed for the mass spa tourist market, high-quality relaxation is guaranteed. Nature lovers will also feel at home in the surrounding countryside, where you will find birds, wildlife and even a bison reserve.

Folk Art

While in some places in the world, folk art is confined to a museum, in Hungary it is a living tradition. The spontaneous desire to delight and entertain, passed on from one generation to the next, is reflected in the diverse music, dance, crafts and costumes that can still be found all over the country today. What’s more, folk art is influenced by Serbian, Swabian, Slovakian, Romanian and Romany traditions from the waves of settlers that arrived in the region over the centuries.

Lace and embroidery are typical of Hungary, although techniques and designs vary from village to village. Halas lace, for example, from the Southern Puszta (Great Plain), is unique in its intricacy, and Kalocsa embroidered folk costumes bear an ancient motif commonly incorporated into wall paintings. When it comes to Hungarian pottery, decoration is as important as function – colourful plates often take the place of paintings on walls.

All of these traditional forms of folk art can be found in local markets and cottage workshops throughout Hungary. In addition, the Skanzen open-air village museum just outside Szentendre is a good place to start discovering traditional architecture, and there are several more dotted around the country. Souvenir hunters or antiques enthusiasts in Budapest should head for the Ecseri market, one of several market halls and the row of shops on Falk Miksa utca. 

Jewish Heritage

For centuries, Hungary’s sizeable Jewish population played a key role in its economic, scientific, social and intellectual life. Budapest’s Jewish quarter and the Jewish Museum, situated behind the Great Synagogue, remains the focal point of the local Jewry and is still thriving today. The Summer Festival in late August is the best time to discover local Jewish culture, which is epitomised by traditional ensembles like the Di Naye Kapelye. Many towns outside Budapest also have their own synagogues, most notably Miskolc, Debrecen, Pécs and Szeged. In addition, Sopron’s 14^th century Jewish quarter has been painstakingly excavated to reveal Hungary’s oldest mikvah (ritual bath), a 13^th century prayer house and a women’s synagogue. Fateless, Imre Kertész’s Nobel prize-winning novel, is an accessible and moving account of the persecution of Hungarian Jews during the holocaust. The census of 1941 showed a Jewish population in Hungary of almost ten per cent, almost a million – only 80,000 remain today.

 

For Jewish Heritage tours see www.aviv.hu

Going Green

Considering its relatively small size, Hungary offers outstanding natural diversity, most of which can be discovered within a few hours of Budapest. As much as ten per cent of the country is unspoilt National Park, home to species of plant and wildlife found only in Hungary. The country’s wetlands, rivers and lakes are a haven for birdwatchers and anglers, and the forgiving landscape is ideal for hiking and cycling. More challenging terrain is offered by the rolling hills to the north and along the mountainous wine regions overlooking Lake Balaton.

Wine and Much More

Eger
A renowned wine region, the lively town of Eger also has a proud history, defined by its heroic resistance to the Turks, which is immortalised by Géza Gárdonyi in his classic Eclipse of the Crescent Moon. Legend has it that just 2,000 soldiers defended the formidable castle in 1552, backed ably by the town’s womenfolk, who showered rocks, hot soup and boiling fat on the Turks below. The siege is also reputed to have given the local Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) wine its name. Although the town was eventually captured and ransacked in 1596, after its occupiers were finally expelled in 1687, Eger experienced something of a wine-fuelled revival. The town was rebuilt in the Baroque style. The cathedral is the most dominant building, but the town’s Turkish minaret is also worth a visit and provides striking views.

Hollókő
The strikingly restored black and white houses of the region’s Palóc people, an intriguing ethnic minority whose traditional dress varies from village to village, provide a unique view of Hungarian peasant life. The village has several museums displaying costumes, photographs, pottery, weaving and other arts and crafts.

Szilvásvárad
Nestled in the beautiful Bükk Hills, Szilvásvárad is the home of the celebrated Lipizzaner horses, considered to be the best riding horses in the world, despite their small stature. Not only are they very robust and graceful, they can also be trained to perform elaborate dressage manoeuvres.

Miskolc
Hungary’s third largest city has several interesting churches and synagogues to explore, but the cave baths steal the show a 20-minute ride away on the No. 2 bus. The outdoor complex, a series of atmospheric pools discovered in 1920, is tailor-made for wallowing.

Lillafüred
Twelve kilometres west of Miskolc, the tranquil resort of Lillafüred is best known for its neo-Renaissance palace hotel nestled in a lakeside forest. The village’s two stalactite caves also attract visitors and the surrounding area lends itself to hiking.

Tokaj
Stunningly attractive and quaint it may be, but Tokaj is all about its wine.

The Great Plain

Kecskemét
Best known for its tradition of distilling Barackpálinka (apricot brandy) and as the home of Zoltán Kodály, Kecskemét is also a university town and centre for the arts, and one of the Puszta’s most attractive cities. Largely spared during the Turkish occupation, Kecskemét developed into a religious and cultural melting pot, which is reflected in its eclectic architecture today. The central square alone boasts a former synagogue, the Hungarian-style Art Nouveau Cifra Palace (fittingly, “cifra” is Hungarian for “tawdry” or “ornate”) and the impressive Kecskemét Art Gallery. Just down the M5 motorway to the south east and easily accessible by train, it is also the gateway to the Kiskunság National Park and a great starting point for excursions on horseback.

Kiskunság National Park
Classic Puszta country, the Kiskunság comes complete with traditional shepherds, a rural museum, farm and stables, where csikósok – Hungarian-style cowboys – crack whips and perform bareback stunts in traditional dress. The farmyard animals are not the type you are used to either, grey long-horned cattle and Mangalica pigs are an added attraction. By following one of the marked trails, you can also take in the local wildlife, including water buffalo, that may be hiding in the reedy marshland. 

Szeged
Down by the Serbian border to the south east, the university town of Szeged has a relaxed charm. It originally flourished on the back of the salt trade but was destroyed by the great flood of 1879 and consequently rebuilt in style. The huge square in the city centre, with its even larger cathedral, is the focal point and plays host to the city’s lively summer festival. The city is steeped in history at every turn, but also boasts a recently restored thermal baths --Anna baths-- to rest those tired sightseeing feet. The main square is dominated by the Art Nouveau tower of the City Hall. The monumental Moorish-Art Nouveau New Synagogue is one of the most beautiful Jewish temples of Europe. The majestic atmosphere of its interior is provided by the white-gold-blue ornamentation.

The surrounding area is also famous for its paprika, flora and fauna, inquire at the Tourinform office about bird-watching trips to the Fehér-tó Nature Reserve, horse riding, angling, boating, hiking and cycling.

Ópusztaszer
In the 9th century, the legendary Ópusztaszer in the village of Szer was the place where the conquering Hungarian tribes gathered to hold the first national assembly and adopt the first laws. The statue of their leader Árpád stands in the National History Memorial Park. The greatest attraction here, visited by hundreds of thousands, is the Feszty Panorama, one of the largest paintings in the world, portraying the 'Entry of Hungarians' into the Carpathian Basin. The panorama, created in 1894, depicting approximately 2000 people on 1760 square metres, gives a special experience of space.

Debrecen
Hungary’s second most populous city retains strong Calvinist roots after local leaders brokered a deal with the Turks to keep the Catholics out. The Déri Museum contains folklore exhibits and some of artist Mihály Munkácsy’s finest work. The best time to visit is during one of the city’s festivals, such as the Spring Festival in late March, the flower carnival on the August 20 public holiday, and the four-day Jazzfesztival in mid September.

Hortobágy National Park
Flat as a Hortobágyi pancake – a local meat-filled, sauce drenched speciality – the local landscape is famed for its low horizons and occasional mirages. Here Hungarian Grey Cattle, stud horses, the spiral horned Racka sheep and buffalo herds graze on the open pastures.  In addition, the Rare Breeds Park showcases the region's unusual domesticated animals and the Szálkahalom Nature Reserve also puts on horse shows and carriage rides for visitors. The area of the Hortobágy National Park became a World Heritage site in 1999.

Lake Tisza
In the middle of the Great Plain, Lake Tisza is the second largest surface of water in the country and is known for its smooth water, huge bays, diverse backwaters and islands, rich fishing and wild stock. 

The Lake is situated on what was a flood-plain, and on the flooded territory of the River Tisza. In between water dams, there are sixteen islands and ten water channels. The shallow water areas, which warm up easily, are suitable for bathing. The deeper parts are idea for water sports such as sailing, water skiing and surfing. Lake Tisza is also the only lake in Europe where you can speed around on a powerboat or jet-ski. Along the riverbank (approximately 50 miles) there are recreation areas, open-air baths, campsites and places to hire equipment.

The bird reserve of the Tiszavalki Basin is a strictly protected area and home to more than a thousand pairs of herons, egrets, night herons and cormorants. River tours start from any of the 15 ports.

Szolnok
History has ridden roughshod over Szolnok, situated along the Tisza River. Everyone from the Mongols to the Germans and Soviets has laid waste to the town, but it maintains a proud. laid-back and arty feel and is home to some of the country's finest Art Nouveau buildings. The Gulyás Festival in early September is the highlight on the Szolnok social calendar.

Kalocsa
This pretty town, 120 kilometres south of the capital, is known as Hungary’s paprika capital and for its traditional flowery embroidery and painting. The neighbouring paprika fields become a spectacular sea of red in early September. Kalocsa is a good stopping off point on the way to the Hajós Pincék. 

Hajós
A bus ride from Kalocsa, this is Bacchus’s dream – an entire village devoted to wine cellars. 1260 of them, to be precise. Best of all, no one actually lives here, so you can make as much noise as you want. The local Swabian population has been fermenting their produce here for centuries, and they celebrate the coming harvest on the weekend nearest May 25.

Baja
The quiet riverside town of Baja, 41 kilometres south of Kalocsa, comes alive in the second Saturday in July, when the locals cook up 2000 cauldrons of fiery fish soup in the huge market square. Expect more of the same during the Autumn festival in September, with theatre, dancing and concerts added to the mix.

Eger-Tokaj Wine Region

Wine enthusiasts will be familiar with the names of Eger, the source of strength-giving Bikavér (Bull's Blood), and the picturesque town of Tokaj, with its world-class dessert wines and down-to-earth rustic atmosphere. For the tee-totallers among us, Eger boasts a historic castle and beautiful Baroque town centre, and both towns are great starting points for walking, cycling or riding tours around wooded hills of the Bükk. The Aggtelek stalagtite caves, the museum village of Hollókő, the castle hotel in Lillafüred, the intact Romanesque abbey of Bélapátfalva and the Miskolc Tapolca cave spa are particular highlights. The Bükk and Aggtelek National Parks are also a Mecca for bird- and butterfly-watchers and nature lovers. For those of an equestrian bent, the Lippizaner horses made famous by the elaborate dressage routines of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna are bred and trained at Szilvásvárad.

Villány-Siklós Wine Region

The beautiful, rolling hills of the Villány-Siklós region produce Hungary’s most prestigious red wines – some of which are more than a match for the biggest French names. Like many of the country’s wine-growing regions, Villány has a history that goes back well over 1,000 years – in fact, references to local wine production have been found here amongst Roman artefacts. The production of red wine, however, was largely started by immigrants from Serbia in the 1700s, who brought with them the Kékfrankos grape variety and new methods of production. Today’s winemakers use indigenous grapes, but have also introduced international red varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Pannonia (Transdanubia)

Hungary is divided in two by the Danube, which flows from north to south. As a result, the Magyars, who arrived from the east, refer to the country's western side as Dunántúl, Hungarian for “beyond the Danube” – which is where the name Transdanubia originates.

Even further back into history, the region was conquered by Roman Emperor Augustus in 35 B.C. A number of today's towns were originally Roman settlements and there is plenty more evidence of their stay in Pannonia, as the province was known.

At least as far as tourism is concerned, the region now has a Balaton-shaped hole in the middle, which actually makes it rather difficult to define. Generally speaking, since the regime change, northern Transdanubia has developed faster than other parts of the country as a result of its proximity to Austria. This is reflected by the rapid development of spa hotels and golf courses, which have attracted foreign investment and holidaymakers in equal measure. High-quality, low-cost dental treatment is also a boom market.

Historically, the areas to the north west were also spared the destruction and economic stagnation brought by the Ottoman Empire. Although the Habsburg monarchy and oppressive feudal economy were by no means popular, a number of impressive baroque castles were built to demonstrate the might of landowners, most notably Eszterházy. The cities of Kőszeg, Sopron, Győr and Tata kept much of their medieval charm and added a generous helping of Baroque splendour. Further east, most towns have their own fortresses, each with a unique tale of brave but ultimately futile resistance. Remarkably, the Benedictine Abbey at Pannonhalma is a survivor from the tenth century, and incorporates plenty of diverse architectural styles to show for it.

To the south of Lake Balaton, the rolling Mecsek Hills are excellent for cycling, hiking or horse-riding, but it is the red wine region of Villány-Siklós that steals the show, with the area around Szekszárd not far behind. The beautiful old town of Pécs, one of Hungary’s liveliest, is an ideal starting point for exploring the area.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) was established on November 16, 1945 to "build peace in the minds of men” with a focus on ethical issues.

With this in mind, UNESCO maintains a list of World Heritage Sites, including forests, mountain ranges, lakes, deserts, individual buildings and entire cities. These sites, all of unique cultural value, are promoted by UNESCO and protected from pollution and overdevelopment. A list of the nine sites that have been assigned by UNESCO in Hungary can be found here.

Spoilt for Choice

Hungary has 22 designated wine regions, and they all have something to interest not just the visiting vinophile, but anyone who appreciates fine scenery and wants to discover Hungary first hand. A visit to top vineyards and cellars can be combined with activities as diverse as hiking, cycling, canoeing, caving, or simply just relaxing in some of the thermal baths for which Hungary is famous. And because Hungary is a fairly small country, you can easily take in several winemaking towns in the course of a week, either by travelling around or making day trips from Budapest.

But where to start? Most people have heard of Tokaj – the toast of pontiffs and tyrants alike, and famously dubbed the “king of wines and the wine of kings” by Louis XIV of France. The historic town of Eger, and its Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) in particular, may also be familiar, but Hungary’s other regions are also producing award-winning wines. Connoisseurs consider the red wines from Szekszárd and Villány in southern Hungary to be the cream of the crop. Many winemakers from these regions have started using international grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, to produce wines that are giving some of top French names a real run for their money.

Around Lake Balaton, you will find the Balatonfelvidék, Balatonfüred-Csopak, Balatonboglár, and Badacsony regions. No visit to Hungary is complete without a visit to Europe’s largest freshwater lake, andit makes sense to visit a couple of wine cellars along the way. Further to the north, the Somló hills and Sopron region also offer opportunities for exploring the local culture, nature and fine wine.

The Eger region is flanked by two more winegrowing destinations of outstanding natural beauty: the Mátraalja region to the west and Bükkalja to the east. All three lie in the foothills of Hungary’s highest mountain ranges, the Mátra and the Bükk hills, making them popular destinations with walkers.

Hungary is incredibly diverse, with a variety of landscapes and cultural attractions that are often better discovered by alternative means of transport, on horseback, by bicycle, on foot or by canoe - or perhaps ruined by a round of golf. And the great thing about these holidays is that they afford you complete flexibility - the journey is the destination.

To the Manor Born

More than 1,500 castles, palaces and manor houses have been built in Hungary down the centuries. Many can be traced back to the influence of King Béla, who initiated an extensive building program after the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. Most of these buildings, including the Buda Royal Palace, have been destroyed and rebuilt many times since, resulting in an intriguing collage of architectural influences. Today, many welcome visitors and some even offer accommodation.

Budapest and the Danube Bend
In addition to the Buda Royal Palace, the towering ruins of Visegrád reflect both the military and strategic significance of this small but ancient town along the banks of the Danube. The imposing fortress was built by King Mátyás at a time when Hungary was flexing its muscles on the international stage. This is further emphasised by the lavish palace in the town below. 

Balaton
Lake Balaton has always been treasured by Hungarians and it is no coincidence that it is surrounded by castles and other fortifications. Some 30 kilometres to the north of Keszthely, the castle of Sümeg dominates the skyline from its vantage point atop its solitary limestone hill. Originally built as a defence against the Mongols, it was the only fortress that didn’t fall to the Turks, but it did finally succumb to the might of the Habsburgs. In the sixteenth century, the town of Nagyvázsony was on the border between Turkish and Habsburg-ruled Hungary. The 90 foot-high castle keep is still intact today and is complemented by the Zichy manor house, which also has its own riding school.

Pannonia
The area of Transdanubia to the north of Lake Balaton was caught in the crossfire for much of the long-drawn-out conflict between the Magyars, the Turks and the Habsburgs. The scores of castle ruins in the region are a lasting legacy of the battles fought out over the centuries. In 1532, 800 soldiers held an army of 60,000 Turks at bay for 25 days at the city walls of the delightful town of Kőszeg on the Austrian border, halting their progress to Vienna. Today, Jurisics Castle and the historic medieval town stage tournaments in the summer months, as well as a Renaissance festival in August. The 250 year-old manor house in nearby Nagycenk was the family home of Count István Széchenyi and the Eszterházy Palace in Fertőd is also open to visitors. Remarkably, the Benedictine Abbey in Pannonhalma, founded in 996, has survived every war in Hungary’s history. It is one of the few medieval cloisters still standing today, although it has had a few makeovers and even functioned briefly as a mosque. Sárvár, with its pentagon-shaped Nádasdy Castle, is also home to a Renaissance mansion decorated with lavish paintings and furnishings, as well as a fine collection of medieval weaponry. What’s more, many of the trees in the arboretum are more than 300 years old and the park houses a modern thermal spa hotel, one of the most popular in Transdanubia.

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Top Attractions

BUDA

Castle Hill
Castle Hill – home to what you might call Buda’s ‘old town’ – has been a cultural and strategic focal point of the city for centuries and was also the site of over 30 sieges. The inevitable damage resulted in several episodes of rebuilding, often re-using stones from the rubble and lending to the district a fascinating mix of architectural styles. The showpieces are the square of Szentháromság tér, the spectacular Mátyás Church and the Buda Royal Palace to the south. In addition, the views over Pest from the Fishermen’s Bastion will take your breath away.

Buda Royal Palace
The enormous building at the southern end of Castle Hill has been the royal palace, in various styles and guises, since the 14^th century. It was rebuilt 400 years later and required major reconstruction work after World War II. It now houses the Budapest History Museum, the Hungarian National Gallery and the National Széchenyi Library. Every September, it plays host to the Budapest International Wine and Champagne Festival, the top event on the wine calendar.

Fishermen’s Bastion
The Halászbástya is often the first stop for tourists visiting Budapest, the fairytale turrets offering an elevated vantage point from which to view the city. The minarets and walls look medieval, but they were actually built in 1902 by Frigyes Schulek to complement Mátyás Church. 

Gellért Hill and the Citadella
Visible from almost everywhere in Budapest, Gellért Hill (hegy), with the impressive Freedom Monument on its peak, is one of the city's memorable landmarks. The 14-metre monument was originally commissioned by Miklós Horthy as a memorial to his son, who died in a wartime air accident. When the Russians arrived, they replaced the propellor that the figure was originally meant to hold aloft with a palm frond to symbolise the country’s liberation from the Nazis. Just beyond the monument is the Citadella, a fortress constructed by the Habsburgs following the 1848–49 War of Independence. It now houses an open-air museum chronicling the history of the hill. The views from Gellért Hill are breathtaking; the summit is best approached along paths leading from opposite the Gellért Hotel and Spa. You can take a look around the Cave Church on your way up. 

THE DANUBE 

Elizabeth Bridge
When first built at the start of the 20th century, Elizabeth Bridge (Erzsébet híd) was the world’s longest single-span chain bridge. Like all Budapest's other Danube bridges, it was destroyed during World War II; unlike the others, though, it was subsequently rebuilt with a completely different design to its predecessor. Today’s reincarnation is in striking white and is watched over by the spectacular statue of St Gellért on the craggy side of Gellért Hill. 

The Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge (Széchenyi lánchíd) was the first permanent link between Buda and Pest and is a fitting monument to István Széchenyi – known as the 'Greatest Hungarian'. The bridge has a British connection too: it was designed by William Tierney Clark and constructed by Adam Clark, after whom the roundabout on the Buda side is named. It is closed to traffic on summer weekends, when it is filled with market stalls selling folklore souvenirs, children's toys and snacks.

Margaret Island

Budapest’s playground, car-free Margaret Island (Margitsziget)
has everything you need to enjoy a relaxing day – including a sports stadium, numerous tennis courts, the huge Palatinus outdoor swimming complex, an open-air theatre, Japanese and Rose gardens, early-medieval ruins, two spa hotels and a delightfully low-key beer garden.

PEST

Parliament
The world's second-largest parliament building – its neo-Gothic design is inspired in part by London’s parliament – is a postcard favourite, particularly when reflected in the River Danube below it. It is equally lavish on the inside, but tourists must be part of an organised sightseeing tour to enter.

St István Basilica
Named after Szent István (St Stephen), founder of the Hungarian Christian state, the basilica towers over the surrounding buildings just a short walk from Deák tér. The square in front of it is a nice place to enjoy a summer concert and sip a coffee or cocktail in one of the nearby cafés or bars. Inside, significant events in Hungarian history – with those featuring St István to the fore – are depicted in an appropriately Christian context.

The Great Synagogue
The Dohány utca Synagogue, between the Deák tér and Astoria metro stations, is the world's second largest (after the one in New York). It is also the focal point of Budapest's thriving Jewish community, which holds an annual festival in and around the impressive building. Behind it, towards what was formerly Budapest's Jewish ghetto, the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park – dedicated to the Swedish businessman who rescued thousands of Hungary's Jews from the holocaust – contains a silver tree whose leaves are inscribed with the names of many of the victims. It is a beautiful tribute to those who lost their lives. The Jewish Museum can also be found here, and the Holocaust Documentation and Memorial Centre is an important and powerful reminder of one of the darkest periods in European history.

Andrássy út
Andrássy út was the late-19th-century brainchild of Count Gyula Andrássy, who was determined that Budapest should have an elegant thoroughfare to emulate Paris's Champs Elysées. The arrow-straight, tree-lined boulevard connects the city centre with Heroes' Square and City Park. Along its length you'll find the stunning State Opera House, Liszt Ferenc tér with the Academy of Music and bustling cafés, the fearsome House of Terror, the KOGart Gallery – and plenty of grand architecture. It's a lovely stroll, but if you want to take the weight off your feet, then board the underground railway (the yellow M1) -- the oldest in continental Europe -- which runs beneath. 

Heroes' Square

The statues on Heroes’ Square are very much a who’s who of Hungarian history (with the notable exception of the unpopular Habsburg monarchy, whose statues were removed and replaced), and its scale and grandeur is an indication of the pride Hungarians have for their country. It is flanked on either side by the almost identical neo-Classical edifices of the Műcsarnok Exhibition Hall and the Museum of Fine Arts. Behind it, the Városliget (City Park) offers a host of attractions of its own, including the fairy-tale Vajdahunyad Castle, the Zoo and the obligatory Széchenyi baths.

Városliget
Budapest’s second favourite park after Margitsziget, the City Park is situated behind and to the right of Hősők tere as you approach from the centre of town. It contains the Széchenyi baths, the Petőfi Csarnok concert venue, the vast Transport Museum, the zoo and several outdoor watering holes.

Vajdahunyad Castle
This fairytale castle was originally constructed from timber and cardboard for the exhibition held in 1896 to mark the thousandth anniversary of the arrival of the Magyars to the Carpathian Basin. Its aim was to give the visitor an insight into Hungary's rich architectural past and it features small-scale reproductions of various buildings around Hungary and, in particular, Transylvania (now Romania). This architectural cocktail was such a success that it was rebuilt from more permanent materials in 1904. In winter, it provides a spectacular backdrop to an ice rink, while in summer, it is surrounded by a lake where pedalos and rowboats can be hired.

Find out more about  the Puszta and Lake Tisza regions! You can download an e-brochure here or visit the regions' websites: The Puszta, Lake Tisza.

North and West of Lake Balaton there are many spa resorts. The oldest and most famous is at Hévíz five miles from Keszthely, featuring Europe's largest thermal lake, the world's second largest. The first spa here was opened in 1795. With a temperature that rarely goes below 85-90 degrees, regardless of the season, Héviz has such voluminous springs feeding it that the entire lake replenishes itself every 24 hours. The therapeutic power of minerals of Lake Héviz is so strong that it is recommended to limit your soaking to 20 minutes at a time. An enclosed causeway leads to the center of the lake where you'll find a palacsinta (crepe) bar, massage, float rental and other services. Stay at a deluxe spa hotel close to the lake or in one of the many apartments or houses that may be rented.

While some spas, such as Hévíz or Sárvár  are close to castles and vineyards, others like Bük Spa are located in areas packed with active vacation opportunities like golf or horseback riding.

After a few days of mud packs, relaxation therapy, massage and soaking, return to Budapest revitalized and rejuvenated - and fly home feeling years younger!

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Press contacts for the Hungarian National Tourist Office

McCluskey International:
Amy Walker +44 208 237 7979
amy@mccluskey.co.uk or

Hungarian National Tourist Office, London
media@gotohungary.co.uk

HNTO, Dublin
patai@visithungary.ie

Read 'Booming Budapest', or 'Destination Danube', the latest feature on Budapest by ITCM magazine or the 16page Budapest feature in CIT (May 2006) magazine.

If you would like to request information the Meetings and Incentives market please visit the website of the Hungarian Convention Bureau or contact us at meetings@gotohungary.co.uk.

Conference hotels in Budapest

Some DMCs:
AIMS International
Blaguss Travel
Budapest Welcome Touristic
Chemol Travel
Contact Tours Kft.
Continental Travel
Event + Incoming Service
Gala Tours Kft.
Liberty Incentives & Congresses Budapest
Malév Air Tours
Microcosmos Travel
Motivation Budapest Travel
Pannonia Congress Service
Pegazus Tours
Special Tours Hungary
Vista Travel

Read the latest travel news bulletin on Hungary and sign-up now if you would like to receive monthly updates of the newest and hottest travel tips. You can also download or request our brochures.

If you have not found the information you have been looking for, or  you would like to send us your comments, please contact us.

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Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue

This site has the remains of monuments such as the Roman city of Aquincum and the Gothic castle of Buda, which have had a considerable influence on the architecture of various periods. It is one of the world's outstanding urban landscapes and illustrates the great periods in the history of the Hungarian capital.

Find out more about  Pannonia! You can download an e-brochure here or visit the region's website: Central Pannonia

Find out more about  Lake Balaton! You can download an e-brochure here or visit the region's official website.

Find out more about Budapest and its surroundings! You can download an e-brochure here or visit the official website of the Budapest Tourism Office. If you are planning a visit to Budapest the Budapest City Guide (5MB pdf) is a must to take with you.

Art Rediscovered

Like many areas of the Hungarian economy, the art market is just beginning to find its feet after 40 years of turmoil. For the last decade and a half, dealers and connoisseurs have been hard at work trawling through the nation's attics and cellars discovering and cataloguing the work of long-forgotten artists. Hungarian art has consistently followed European trends, the majority of well-known artists, including József Rippl-Rónai and Tivadar Csontváry Koszka, spent a great deal of time outside Hungary honing their skills, while staying true to their roots. There is a large number of  artists, such as Victor Vasarely and Mihály Munkácsy, who established themselves outside Hungary. In fact, as result of the political restrictions of the last century, some of these are all but unknown in their home country. 

For comprehensive information on Hungarian art and the best known artists, click here.

Köszöntöm szakmai oldalainkon!

E lapokon megtalálhatja a Magyar Turizmus Zrt. londoni külképvisletének legfontosabb híreit információit, tájékozódhat a közeljövő akcióiról illetve itt elolvashatja marketingtervünket, piaci információinkat, jelentéseinket. Ha rendszeresen szeretne friss tájékoztatást kapni aktualitásainkról, iratkozzon fel hírlevelünkre. Amennyiben valamely kérdésére e lapokon nem talált választ vagy véleményét szeretné elmondani, kérem írjon nekünk.

Üdvözlettel:

Ligeti Ádám
Képviseletvezető

Hungary is a land of festivals, a cultured country with a proud musical heritage, a place of wine production and regional delicacies, and keenly protected folk traditions. Events are hosted throughout the year, featuring performances of song, dance and theatre, demonstrations of folk art or equestrian pageantry, and tables that heave with tasty food and drink. They are times of colour and energy and collective good will. So what events can you look forward to during your holiday at Lake Balaton?

Hungarian Cultural Events in Britain

Experience more from Hungary in Britain, visit the Hungarian Cultural Centre

Hotel Annabella, Balatonfüred

For a romantic, family & outdoors holiday come to Balatonfured – this friendly town on the northern shore of Lake Balaton offers  parks and old trees, harbour, promenade, museums, ‘Csarda’ inn restaurants & endless wine groves.  Come and explore the charming villages dotted around the ‘Hungarian Sea’!!!

Hidden between trees, the Hotel Annabella*** is a pretty holiday hotel  situated directly on  Lake Balaton’s shores. From the hotel’s private beach one has the unforgettable views of the Tihany peninsula, and that of the Lake’s southern shore.
 
Transfer from FlyBalaton airport is easy and only takes about 55 minutes.

Not to be missed!!!
Balatonfured Wine Festival is held annually in mid August.
Open-air concerts and organ conerts in the Lutheran church during July and August
The Anna Ball – Held on 29 July
 
Hotel Annabella***
H-8230 Balatonfüred, Deák F. str. 25.
Tel:+36 /87 889 431 Fax: +36 / 87 889 435
Email: sales.balatonfured@danubiusgroup.com
www.danubiushotels.com/annabella

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Danubius Hotels

The Danubius Hotels Group has 23 hotels in Hungary. The hotels are located in the most popular cities visited by foreign tourists: Budapest, Balatonfüred, Bükfürdő, Győr, Hévíz, Keszthely, Pécs, Sárvár and Sopron. For bookings and further information click here.

How to Spend 48 Hours in Budapest

Tripatlas 6.05.2008.

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Gellért Baths

Of the 40 baths and outdoor pools in Budapest, the Gellért baths, around the back of the famous Gellért Hotel, are the most prominent and elegant. The indoor pool is a firm favourite with photographers and a familiar images of Hungary, consistently upstaging the huge and equally impressive entrance hall. But there is much more to the Gellért than just the Art Nouveau architecture. Slip into the separate men’s and women's warm pools, saunas and steam rooms for Turkish-style relaxation, or enjoy the sunshine and splendour of the outside pools, complete with a wave machine for the kids – and the big kids.

Driving in Hungary

There is a zero tolerance policy with respect to drink driving, if you consume a drop of alcohol, do not get behind the wheel. Outside urban areas, vehicle headlights must be on at all times,  even during the day. The M1, M3, M5 and M7 motorways are toll roads, stickers must be purchased in advance at petrol stations and on-line. A four day pass costs 1170 Ft, a weekly pass 2550 Ft, and a monthly pass 4200 Ft.

Architecture

Despite the damage inflicted on it during the Second World War and the neglect it was subjected to in the second half of the last century, Budapest is perhaps best known for its architecture. From the Roman remains of Aquincum to Art Nouveau extravagance and modern office buildings and sports complexes, evidence of almost every possible style can be found in Budapest and Hungary’s rural towns and villages. In fact, apart from the two museums on either side of Hősők tere, it is difficult to find two identical buildings.
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World-Class Musical Talent

Hungary's top musicians: world class composers, stars  of the world's finest operahouses and celebrity orchestras, performing artists...

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Hungary's Favourite Grapes

Hungarian winemakers are increasingly turning to internationally recognised grape varietals to break into the world market, often with great success. For example, winemakers in southern Hungary, especially in the sunny regions of Villány and Szekszárd, are now producing Cabernet Sauvignons and Pinot Noirs to rival those of any European country. The ever-popular Chardonnay is also grown on about 3,000 hectares of land, notably in the Mátraalja and Balatonboglár regions.

Hungary also has a number of grapes of its own, many of which yield unique wines that will surprise and delight. Most of these are white, reflecting the country’s traditional emphasis on white wine.
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Visa Requirements

Visitors from the European Union with valid passports, as well as Australians and New Zealanders, do not need a visa to enter Hungary. If you require further information, click here.

Restaurants Reviewed

Read reviews of more than 50 restaurants in Budapest, published by Budapest Week online.

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Hotel Helikon, Keszthely

Combine an  Activity Break with a Culture Fun Break at this sport and resort hotel!

The 3* Helikon is situated on the Shores of Lake Balaton with it own private beach in the charming baroque town of Keszthely – capital of the Balaton region.
Located  just 20 minutes away from Fly Balaton airport, it is an ideal location for sport enthusiasts, culture seekers and families .
 
Sporting and entertainment
The private island beach of the hotel offers water sports and entertaining activities:
wind- surfing, kayaking, sailing, canoeing,  paddle boating &  splashing in a mini auqa park.
 
Further sporting facilities: badminton, petanque, billiard, bowling alley, cycling, hot air balloon flight &  boat trips.
 
Two indoor and eight outdoor tennis courts offering lessons for beginners,  the Danubius Premier Fitness Club offers superb fitness and gymnastics to  individuals with  tailor made plans & classes for groups  also: a swimming pool & sauna  …and for pampering – a  beauty salon.

Hotel Helikon***
H-8360 Keszthely, Balatonpart 5.
Tel: +36 83 889 633 Fax: +36 83 889 609
E-mail: helikon.reservation@danubiusgroup.com
www.danubiushotels.com/helikon

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Money

Hungary’s national currency is the forint (Ft), and you will get around 350 forints to a pound (1,000 Ft is roughly equivalent to three pounds). Check the current rate here. By far the most convenient, and by no means most expensive, way to change money is to draw it out at a cash machine using your debit card. ATMs can be found all over Hungary, and there is one at the airport. Most large restaurants and shops accept credit cards.

Day Trips from Budapest

Budapest is a fascinating and vibrant city, but there is plenty more to see in the countryside beyond. The most obvious tours are to the artists’ colony in picturesque Szentendre and the famous Danube Bend, taking in the former religious centres of Esztergom and Visegrád to the North, all of which can be reached by boat. The small town of Gödöllö, just 30 km east of Budapest, is the site of Hungary’s largest Baroque mansion and a great location for a concert and a picnic on the grounds. The HÉV (urban railway) will take you there from Örs Vezér tér.
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Out on the Town

The first thing many British visitors ask is "when do the pubs and bars close?". To a Budapester, this is something of a difficult question, and the answer is often “when the last guest leaves”. As a rule of thumb, smaller cafés and drinking dens close around midnight, while larger music venues tend to go on until at least 2am on weekdays and well into the early hours at the weekend (which usually begins on Thursday). There are also a number of hybrid restaurants that offer live music and turn into clubs in the evenings.
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Eger Wine Region

The wine region around the attractive Baroque town of Eger is often associated with Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), a robust red wine the Turkish invaders believed to have strength-giving properties akin to Asterix’s magic potion. Wine has been made here for over 1,000 years, and a new breed of winemakers is successfully blending traditional techniques with modern methods to put Eger back on the wine map.
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Szekszárd Wine Region

The gently rolling hills of the Szekszárd region can be found in the central part of southern Hungary, just west of the Danube. The red Kékfrankos grape is still by far the most widely planted in the area, although recent years have seen an increase in the acreage of Cabernet and Merlot grapes as growers follow international trends. This is very much red wine country and Szekszárd is the only region outside Eger permitted to use the Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) name.

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Tokaj Wine Region

The world-famous Tokaj-Hegyalja region lies in the foothills of the Zemplén mountains in the far north-east of the country and extends over the Slovakian border. Easily accessible from Budapest by car or train, the picturesque town that gives the region its name is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding winegrowing villages. What’s more, there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses to choose from.
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The Culture of Wine

When the Magyars settled in the Carpathian Basin a thousand years ago, they continued a well-established tradition of winemaking begun by the Celts and Romans. Once the favourite of Roman senators and a host of kings and noblemen, Hungarian wine is enjoying a renaissance that began when the Communist regime collapsed in 1989. Winemakers now employ state-of-the-art production methods but are also committed to maintaining the traditions that once made Hungarian wine famous all over the world. Although production volumes will never compare with countries such as France and Italy, wines from many of Hungary’s 22 wine regions regularly land top prizes at international festivals.

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5-star Hotels in BUDAPEST

Car Hire

All the major international players in the car rental market are present in Hungary. If you are planning to extend your trip to neighbouring countries, make sure you clear it with the hire company, some companies have restrictions on taking rental cars into bordering countries.

COMPANIES

Avis  
Tel.: +36 1 318 4240

Budget Rent a Car 
Tel.: +36 1 214 0420

Europcar Inc. 
Tel.: +36 1 477 1090

National  
Tel.: +36 1 477 1083

Fox Autorent 
Tel.: +36 1 382 9000/9003

Hertz  
Tel.: +36 1 296 0997

Americana Rent-a-Car 
Tel.: +36 1 350 2542

Recentcar 
Tel.: +36 30 474 1826

Tipping

Restaurant prices in Hungary generally do not include a service charge and it is therefore customary to give a tip, generally equivalent to 10-15% of the bill. For all other tipping, follow the guidelines used in the rest of Europe.

Around Budapest

Budapest is a fascinating and vibrant city, but there is plenty more to see in the coutryside. The most obvious tours are to the artists’ colony in picturesque Szentendre and the famous Danube Bend, taking in the former religious centres of Esztergom and Visegrád to the North, all of which can be reached by boat. The small town of Gödöllö, just 30 km east of Budapest, is the site of Hungary’s largest Baroque mansion and a great location for a concert and a picnic on the grounds. The HÉV (urban railway) will take you there from Örs Vezér tér.

Szentendre
The delightful Baroque old town of Szentendre is packed with galleries and museums, as well as a host of homely restaurants and pleasant outdoor cafés. The cobbled streets, secret gardens and attractive townhouses are worth exploring in their own right, and you don't need to venture far up the hillside to find a local vineyard and a spectacular view. A summer festival of concerts and dance performances begins in late June and culminates on Saint Stephen's Day on August 20. The Skanzen open-air museum, 4 kilometres to the west of Szentendre, is Hungary's largest collection of rural architecture and is designed to give visitors a feel for life outside the capital.
 
Visegrád
Your first glimpse of Visegrád as you approach by boat will be the eye-catching ruins of the citadel, perched high above Danube Bend. Making the trek to the summit is a must, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the river below. The small town below, Solomon's Tower and the Royal Palace to the north hark back to Visegrád's hayday before the Mongol invasion and are also worth exploring. The surrounding hills offer panoramic hiking for those with more time and energy, as well as a summer bobsleigh course.
 
Esztergom
Another 25 kilometres up the Danube from Szentendre, Esztergom is famous for its imposing hilltop Basilica and its memorable location on the Danube. The home of Hungarian Catholicism and formally the state capital, the town is steeped in a history stretching back to the days of Saint Stephen. The town maintains a uniquely Hungarian charm that is manifested in a glut of traditional restaurants.
 
Pilis and Börzsöny Highlands
The hills around the Danube to the north of Budapest are a perfect escape from the traffic and noise of Budapest and offer a natural world easily accessible by HÉV for day-trippers looking to stretch their legs. The colours of Autumn enhance the rolling woodlands further and sharp-eyed visitors have a good chance of glimpsing a deer or wild boar.
 
The Royal  Palace in Gödöllő
Just 30 kilometres east of Budapest, the impressive Baroque mansion was the summer residence of Empress Elizabeth (known affectionately as Sissi). Today, it provides a breathtaking backdrop for concerts and opera performances all year round, including the Baroque Palace days in August, the International Harp Festival and the Franz Liszt Piano Festival.

Hotel Karos Spa, Zalakaros

Hotel Karos Spa****^superior in Zalakaros is a premier wellness- leisure- and conference destination in Hungary. The complex is located minutes from the city center. The hotel offers a variety of exceptional accommodations, including spa superior double and family rooms, suites, special rooms for handicapped and allergic guests.
Relax your body and soul at “Apple Spa”, a perfect spa- and health center. A variety of treatments and activities are designed for enhancing your vitality and health. A well of medically certified thermal water is to be found on the property of the hotel. Health- conscious guest are welcome to enjoy the traditional treatment therapy of the Zalakaros spa culture.
Hotel services include: medical examination and consulting, healthy lifestyle consulting, balneo-,hydro-, mechano-, oxygen-,magnetic-,and electro therapy, inhalation, recreational animation, medical gymnastics, special packs, medical foot care- and other therapeutic treatments as prescribed by a physician.

Hotel Karos Spa****^superior
8749 Zalakaros, Alma u. 1.

Tel.: +36 93 542-500 Fax: +36 93 542-501
sales@karos-spa.hu  www.karos-spa.com

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Hotel Marina, Balatonfüred

For an ‘All Inclusive’ Family, Activity & Outdoors holiday come to the Hotel Marina *** in Balatonfured. This friendly town on the northern shore of Lake Balaton offers harbour, promenade, museums, endless vine groves and more. Come and explore the charming villages dotted around the ‘Hungarian Sea’!!!

Stay at the Hotel Marina*** - a quiet family hotel in a beachfront park and with it own private beach on Lake Balaton. All you can eat and drink all day. Ideal for families with children! From 41 Euro per person per night – (The ‘ALL INCLUSIVE’ package is available from end of May till the beginning of September).

Transfer from FlyBalaton airport is easy and only takes about 55 minutes.

Hotel Marina***
H-8230 Balatonfüred, Széchenyi str. 26.
Tel:+36 /87 889 536 Fax: +36 / 87 889 535
Email: marina.reservation@danubiusgroup.com www.danubiushotels.com/marina

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Taxis

Outside the capital, taxi drivers are less prone to unscrupulous pricing and can usually be flagged down on the street without any problems. Ask what the fare will be to the destination before departure. Always check to make sure there is a meter, running in the taxi.

Order Brochures

Would you like to browse through some brochures on Hungary before you go? You can download from the Hungarian National Tourist Office website (www.hungary.com).

Sopron Wine Region

Sopron has long been a popular tourist destination, due in part to its proximity to Austria. In fact, this winemaking region is more or less a continuation of the Austrian Burgenland region, and the types of wines made on either side of the border are fairly similar. The sub-alpine climate makes the area particularly suitable for the production of sweet botrytis wines. Although they may not have the cachet of wines from Tokaj, these dessert wines are worth investigating in their own right.

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4-star Hotels in BUDAPEST

Public Holidays

Hungary is a predominantly Catholic country and Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Easter Monday (but not Good Friday), Whitsun (the Monday following the seventh Sunday after Easter) and All Saint's Day (November 1) are public holidays. Celebrations specific to Hungary fall on March 15 (commemorating the beginning of the 1848 revolution), August 20 (St. Stephen's Day), and October 23 (which marks the outbreak of the 1956 revolution). Mayday (May 1) is also a well-earned day off. These are always celebrated on the day on which they fall, even if that is a weekend. Museums, tourist shops and restaurants are open, except after 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day.

Hajós Pincék (Hajós Cellars)

A bus ride from Kalocsa, this is Bacchus’s dream – Hajós is an entire village devoted to wine cellars. 1260 of them, to be precise. Best of all, no one actually lives here, so you can make as much noise as you want. The local Swabian population has been fermenting their produce here for centuries, and they celebrate the coming harvest on the weekend nearest May 25. 

Castle-Hopping in Pannonia

The following itinerary is for travelers whose special interest is in historical mansions, castles and palaces. There are almost a thousand buildings in present-day Hungary that qualifies as chateaux, castles or mansions and 800 of them are registered as historic monuments, including parks. North West Pannonia is particularly well endowed with castles and manor houses. The following two driving itineraries will take you to some of the most elegant and noteworthy stately homes and palaces.

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Sightseeing Tours

Widely available in Budapest, surrounding areas and other regions. Choose from boat and coach tours presented in a variety of languages. These can be booked upon arrival, directly through the tour company or through the hotel concierge.

Boat Tours 
www.legenda.hu
www.mahartpassnave.hu

Coach Tours 
www.eurama.hu
www.cityrama.hu
www.programcentrum.hu 
www.budatours.hu
www.veterama.hu

Eastern frontier

Guardian, Tuesday December 13, 2005

Following in the hoof-steps of Attila the Hun, Jim Whyte finds himself out on the wild Hungarian Plain, among an elite band of legendary horsemen.

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Hotel Palace, Hévíz

The newly-built, Hotel Palace***^superior Hévíz emerges from the picturesque surroundings of the Hévíz Thermal Lake, which is famous for its magnificent, curative water.
The hotel is situated in the pedestrian street of Hévíz, just 200m from the thermal lake.
With its distinguished look, the building recalls the atmosphere of the early century.  The elegant house, built in romantic style, makes a great impression on the visitor at the very first sight. The hotel has 160 individually furnished rooms and apartments with balcony.
 
Your comfort is ensured by the following services:
 
Hotel spa Montain Crystal: sauna,  relaxation room, pool, whirlpool. 

Restaurant Monarchia: Substantial buffet breakfast, international and Hungarian dishes, drinks, reform kitchen

Cafe Walzer: Cakes, coffee and drink specialities, cocktails

Hotel Palace***^superior Hévíz
8380 Hévíz, Rákóczi u. 1-3.
Phone: +36-83 540 458 Fax: +36-83 540 459
palaceheviz1@axelero.hu www.palace-heviz.hu

Take a Break for Coffee and Cake

In the first half of the twentieth century, if you wanted to track down well-known writers, poets and painters, it made more sense to enquire about their regular coffee house (kávéház) than their actual address. Today, this institution is being revived, Budapest is full of dark corners and grand halls - a haven for idlers and thinkers. Take the time to enjoy a cup of coffee and choose from an extensive array of delicious home-made cakes and pastries. Traditional favourites include the Gerbeaud on Vörösmarty tér, Ruszwurm in the Castle District, the Centrál Kávéház near Ferenciek tere, and the Művész Kávéház opposite the State Opera House. If you have a sweet tooth, you will find it almost impossible to walk past the Sziget Cukrászda opposite the Vígszinház (Comedy Theatre) on Szent István körút or Hauer on Rákóczi út, near Blaha Lújza tér. For something a little more down-to-earth, check out one of the city’s many presszós – Bambi Presszó is the pick of the bunch – like entering a socialist time warp.

Somló Wine Region

The Somló wine region in the north-west of Hungary consists of three hills rising up from the surrounding plains. The largest and most impressive is Somló Hill itself – a solitary volcanic butte rising to a height of 1417 feet. Kis-Somló Hill lies 20 kilometres to the east and Ság is a further eight kilometres north.

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3-star Hotels in BUDAPEST

Interestingly, golf was banned during the Communist era for being an elitist, bourgeois sport, but it is beginning to gain a foothold. Hungary currently has six 18-hole courses, and green fees cost between £15 and £40, making it an affordable golfing destination. But even the most dedicated golfer will find it difficult to resist taking time off from the fairway to take a dip in one of Hungary’s many spas, sample some fine wine, or explore the neighbouring countryside.

Birdland Golf and Country Club
Located in the spa of Bükfürdő, Birdland offers a complete package of services for relaxation junkies. Hopefully, the challenging water hazards – the course incorporates 17 acres of water – will not be too attractive for your ball, but they are certainly irresistible to a wide range of birds. For total luxury, stay at the exclusive SAS Radisson Hotel, just a wayward 6 iron from the 18th hole. The course is also lined with holiday apartments.

Pannonia Golf and Country Club
The Pannonia Golf Club is just 45 minutes outside Budapest near the Etyek wine region and recently scooped the prestigious B.I.D. International Quality award for customer service, quality and business excellence. The modern course is not only immaculately maintained, it also offers all the facilities you would expect, including a pleasant terrace restaurant. The club adds a variety of additional resort activities including riding, tennis, swimming and mountain biking.

Pólus Palace Thermal Golf Club Hotel
The nearest club to Budapest, this 18-hole course is situated in an idyllic nature reserve just outside neighbouring Göd. The outstanding beauty of the site, complete with its views of the Visegrád hills is matched by the five-star luxury of the adjoining hotel, which also offers conference facilities, tennis courts and a riding area, not to mention the thermal spas.

European Lakes Golf and Country Club
This club is situated in the town of Hencse in the beautiful surroundings of the Zselic Nature Reserve to the South of Lake Balaton. To add to its charm, the course is not fenced off, so early risers may share the course with the local wildlife. Accommodation is available in the 19th century stately home – which includes a thermal bath – and the course restaurant serves up delicious seafood and fine wine from the Villany-Siklós region to the south under the shelter of huge sycamore trees.

Old Lake Golf Club
Halfway between Budapest and Győr the Old Lake Golf Club is within striking distance of both Bratislava and Vienna and also has its own hotel complex. The course is better suited to the amateur player than its more illustrious, and expensive rivals.

To see a map of all the courses in Hungary, click here. A number of tour operators provide transfers from the airport to your hotel and golf course, as well as excursions to the neighbouring countryside.

Itinerary for Northeastern Hungary

The following itinerary is for travelers whose special interest is in historical mansions, castles and palaces. There are almost a thousand buildings in present-day Hungary that qualifies as chateaux, castles or mansions and 800 of them are registered as historic monuments, including parks. Northern Hungary is particularly well endowed with castles and manor houses. The following two driving itineraries will take you to some of the most elegant and noteworthy stately homes and palaces.
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A Journey to Wine Country

There can be no more delightful an odyssey then to travel from Budapest to the ancient wineyards of Hungary, stopping along the way to taste the food and wine that make Hungary famous.
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Hungarian Inbound Travel Agencies

Hunguest Hotel Helios, Hévíz

The world famous thermal lake of Hévíz with its largest water surface in Europe offers open-air bathe during the whole year. HUNGUEST Hotel Helios***^superior is situated in the middle of a 4,5-ha-large well-kept nature conservation park, 500 m far from the thermal lake. The two buildings of the hotel, Helios ANNA and BENJAMIN are connected each other with a heated corridor and have a unique ambience.The Hotel has its own medical and wellness centre.

HUNGUEST HOTEL HELIOS***^superior
8380-Hévíz, Vörösmarty u. 91.
Tel.: (0036)83-343-109, (0036)83-342-895
Fax: (0036)83-340-525
reserve@hotelhelios.hunguesthotels.hu
www.hotelhelios.hunguesthotels.com

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Hunguest Hotel Panoráma, Hévíz

Hévíz is a spa resort of international fame that developed around Europe's largest hot water lake. The temperature of the lake is 26-28 oC in the winter, so it is possible to bathe in the open air bath through the whole year. The water completely changes every 28 hours. Medical mud covers the entire inside of the lake. The lake - situated 7 km from Balaton - and its surroundings were pronounced a nature conservation area.

Hunguest Hotel Panoráma*** is located in the center of Hévíz, 100 meters from the lake. From the upper stories of the 13-storey building there is a magnificent view over the town and its surroundings.
Our guests can reach the medical section and the thermal bath of the hospital through a heated, covered bridge from the hotel. Medical examinations, medical massage, medical exercises, weight bath, mud pack, balneotherapy, electrotherapy.

Free airport transfer:
In case of booking at least 7 nights, the transfer from Sármellék (Fly Balaton) and Budapest (Ferihegy) airport is free!

Hunguest Hotel Panoráma***
8380 Hévíz, Petőfi S. u. 9.
Tel: + 36 83 341 074
Fax: + 36 83 340 485
reserve@hotelpanorama.hunguesthotels.hu
www.hunguesthotels.hu 

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Hunguest Hotel Pelion, Tapolca

Tapolca, this intimate little town is located in the western part of the Balaton Highlands and rightly famous of its medical cave. Below the hotel there is a karst cave, which is not only a beautiful sight, but also offers a special microclimate and curative treatment.             Hunguest Hotel Pelion**** is situated in the city centre, in a 4-ha-large park, directly above the cave ideal for curing asthma, allergy and other respiratory diseases. We recommend staying in the grotto also for stressed people who want to find harmony and would like to escape from every day’s life. Unique in Europe is the direct connection between our hotel and the grotto.

We have many other medical services and a wide range of Spa and Wellness treatments and sport facilities.

We’ve been given the „Hungarian Tourism Quality Award” indicating the high quality of our services.

Free airport transfer:
In case of booking at least 7 nights, the transfer from Budapest or Vienna airport is free!

Hunguest Hotel Pelion****
8300 Tapolca, Köztársaság tér 10.
Tel:  +  06 87 513 122       Fax:   + 06 87 513 101
E-mail   reserve@hotelpelion.hunguesthotels.hu
Internet   www.hunguesthotels.hu

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Lukács Baths

More functional than the extravagant Szécheny or Gellért baths, the Lukács (near the Buda side of Margit híd) is less frequented by foreign tourists, but no less hot, sweaty and relaxing. The extensive roof terrace is that little bit closer to the sun, the outdoor swimming pool is refreshingly cool and the second interior courtyard offers powerful bubble and jet massage.

Cranley - The independent hotel rating

The world's foremost provider of independent hotel information and ratings. Go and start browsing by clicking here.

Telephone codes

Hungary country code: 36 
Budapest area code: 1 
International pre-dial: 00 + country code + local number 
Domestic long distance pre-dial
06 + area code + local number
Mobile-phone numbers are 9-digit, after dialling 06, the first two numbers depend on the telephone company: 20, 30 or 70.

Budapest Cafés

After a day of intensive sightseeing or soaking in a mineral bath, do as Budapesters do and unwind over strong coffee and sweet cake in an old, cosy café. There were more than 400 coffeehouses in Budapest at the turn of the 20th century, attracting everyone from soldiers and aristocrats to poets and actors, and some of the best are still in business today.
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Marketingterv 2008

This website contains all  the information you need to plan a visit to Hungary. If you are unsure where to start, try our site map and search.

If you need further assistance, would like to request some of our brochures and maps or would like to share with us your thoughts, please feel free to contact the Hungarian National Tourist Office  or call our 24hr  English-language hotline: 00800 36 000 000 (free call from the UK & Ireland)

A Potted History

History is never far from a Hungarian’s mind. Questions about how Hungary has fared in the past – and how it is likely to get on in the future – are usually met with rolling eyes and heavy sighs. Not to put a too fine a point on it, the locals will be quick to assure you that Hungary has been drawing the short straw for most of its 1,000-year existence. But perhaps it’s the legacy of the Mongol hoards, the marauding Turks, the insatiable Habsurgs, the uncompromising Germans, the spirit-crushing Soviets and more than the odd home-grown dictator that have made Hungary the fascinating historical patchwork it is today.

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Lake Balaton Wine Region

Lake Balaton is primarily a summer holiday destination, but the people who come to laze on the beach often overlook the fact that they are surrounded by some excellent winegrowing country. Four wine producing regions share the shores of the lake, Balatonfelvidék (the Balaton uplands), Balatonfüred-Csopak and Badacsony on the hilly north shore, and Balatonboglár to the flatter south.
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5-star Hotels

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Spa HÉVIZ

Thermal Hotel Aqua****
Health-spa facilities, swimming-pool, etc., located 500 ft away from Lake Hévíz.
H-8380 Hévíz, Kossuth Lajos u. 13-15.
Website: www.danubiushotels.com/aqua

Danubius Thermal Héviz**** superior
Modern health-spa facilities, recreation.
H-8380 Hévíz, Kossuth Lajos u.9-11.
Website: www.danubiushotels.com/heviz

NaturMed Carbona****
Spa, recreation. Located in the centre of the town in a huge green park.
H-8380 Hévíz, Attila u. 1.
Website: www.carbona.hu

Rogner Hotel & Spa Lotus Therme****
Wellness and beauty hotel with 224 comfort rooms and exclusive suites.
H-8380 Hévíz, Lótuszvirág u. 1.
Website: www.lotustherme.com

Hortobágy National Park

Hortobágy is one of the largest protected steppes in Europe. Here Hungarian Grey Cattle, stud horses, the spiral horned Racka sheep and buffalo herds graze on the open pastures. The area of the Hortobágy National Park became a World Heritage site in 1999.

The Nine-Arch-Bridge near the village of Hortobágy is the longest road stone bridge in the country. The almost 300 years old typical `Puszta` restaurant Hortobágy Csárda offers original country dishes. The nearby Shepherd Museum shows the life of shepherds, who lived out in the open, in winter and summer. The incomparable flora and fauna, the folk art and the tools used in the crafts that are characteristic of the Hungarian Puszta, are exhibited in the Hortobágy Körszín. Visitors can see grey cattle, buffaloes, goats and mangalica pigs in the Puszta Animal Park, in open-air folds and pens. The many faces of the Puszta are shown in the paintings of the Hortobágy Gallery.

Máta is the home of the famous Hortobágy Stud: the Nonius strain has been bred here for 300 years. From the fishpond keeper's-house visitors can observe the extraordinarily rich water world, while the lookout tower at the Szálkahalom keeper's-house offers a view of the bird life of forests and salt lakes. If you are looking for adventure, make an excursion in a horse-drawn wagon on the endless flat-land.

Hungary's Mediterranean

An Art and Wine Itinerary featuring Southern Transdanubia

Interwoven with intrigue and drama, the tapestry of Hungarian history also glistens with two distinctly civilized pleasures: fine art and great wine.

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Tourinform Offices

Abádszalók
abadszalok@tourinform.hu
http://www.abadszalok.hu/

Baja
baja@tourinform.hu

Békéscsaba
bekescsaba@tourinform.hu

Debrecen
debrecen@tourinform.hu
www.debrecen.hu

Hortobágy
hortobagy@tourinform.hu

Kecskemét
kecskemet@tourinform.hu
www.kecskemet.hu

Ópusztaszer
opusztaszer@tourinform.hu
http://www.opusztaszer.hu/

Szeged -Csongrad county
csongrad-m@tourinform.hu
http://www.csongrad-megye.hu/

Szeged
szeged@tourinform.hu
http://www.szegedportal.hu/
www.szeged.hu
www.szegedvaros.hu

Szolnok
http://www.szolnok.hu/

HEALING SPRINGS AT THE FOOT OF THE GELLERT-HILL

Gellért bath and the marvellous Art Nouveau style hotel built near it are among the symbols of Budapest. Although the building complex designed by architects Ármin Hegedűs, Izidor Stark and Artúr Sebestyén was opened in its present shape only in 1918, the Gellért bath is one of the oldest baths of the town. The spring breaking forth here was first mentioned in 1433.
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This section contains links to airlines offering direct flights to Budapest, hotel booking sites, all major car rental companies based in Budapest,  tour operators offering package tours, opera or concert tickets, and special offers.

Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma

The first Benedictine monks settled here in 996. They went on to convert the Hungarians, to found the country's first school and, in 1055, to write the first document in Hungarian. From the time of its founding, this monastic community has promoted culture throughout central Europe. Its 1,000-year history can be seen in the succession of architectural styles of the monastic buildings (the oldest dating from 1224), which still today house a school and the monastic community.

Wellness ABC

Everything you need to know about spas and wellness treatments from Acupressure to Yomeiho massage.

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Hotels around Budapest

Thermal Hotel Visegrád****superior
Brand new wellness & conference hotel in the pictureque Danube-bend with own spa facilities.

Pólus Palace Thermal Golf Club Hotel***** Göd
Only 20 minutes from downtown, a unique complex waits for those who need recreation, the lovers of sport and the participants of conferences.

Castle Hotel Szirák****
Less than an hour drive from Budapest to the North-East, a real gem of the Forever Resorts holiday chain.

Accommodation in the Eger-Tokaj Wine Region

EGER

Hotel Eger Park***
Downtown in Eger, next to the theatre.

Panoráma Hotel Eger***
Cosy small city hotel in the centre of Eger.

Surroundings of EGER

Shiraz Hotel**** Egerszalók
The hotel is an attractive mixture of luxury, oriental comfort and Mediterranean atmosphere which lends to it a unique, and family-friendly character. Only a mile away from the particular natural Spa of Egerszalók.

Panoráma Wellness Hotel Noszvaj****
Located in the wine growing region of Noszvaj in the Bükk mountains, near Eger.

Hotel Villa Völgy***
The friendly hotel is located in the famous "Szépasszony-valley", the area of the endless row of the wine-cellars.

Castle Hotel Sasvár*****
Luxury, comfort, charm, style and elegance in Parádsasvár, the heart of the Mátra hills.

Erzsébet Királyné Park Hotel*** Parádfürdő
Recently refurbished late 19th century building in the middle of huge park, offering own spa facilities.

Hajnal Hotel*** Mezőkövesd
A supremely well-equipped spa and resort hotel, offering wellness section,  therapy treatments, conference facilitiy.

TOKAJ and surroundings

Gróf Degenfeld Castle Hotel****
The newly refurbished castle is situated in the wine-growing area of Tokaj in Tarcal and a meneber of The Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

MISKOLC and surroundings

Hunguest Hotel Palota***+ Lillafüred
The famous castle hotel is located only few miles away from Miskolc in a fascinating environment on the lakeside of Lake Hámor.

Bástya Wellness Hotel**** Miskolc-Tapolca
The hotel is located within easy walking distance from the unique Cave Baths of Miskolc-Tapolca.

Get your EHIC before you travel!

The E111 form for travellers to Europe is changing to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
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Accommodation in the Pannonia Region

Spa Resort HÉVÍZ

Danubius Thermal Hotel Aqua****
Health-spa facilities, swimming-pool, etc., located 500 ft away from Lake Hévíz.

Danubius Thermal Hotel Héviz**** superior
Modern health-spa facilities, recreation.

NaturMed Carbona****
Spa, recreation. Located in the centre of the town in a large green park. Indoor, outdoor recently expanded spa and wellness facilities .

Rogner Hotel & Spa Lotus Therme****
Wellness and beauty hotel with 224 comfort rooms and exclusive suites.

Hotel Europa Fit****superior
The new spa & wellness resort has an exclusive, mediterranean style building, with 236 air-conditioned rooms.

Hotel Palace***superior
The hotel is situated in the pedestrian street of Hévíz, just 200m from the thermal lake.

Hunguest Hotel Helios***superior
The spa & wellness hotel is situated in the middle of a large nature conversation park, 500m from the thermal lake.

Kolping Hotel**** Spa & Family Resort
The 4-star holiday resort 2kms away from Héviz is ideal for recreational family and wellness holidays offers apartments, double rooms or detached friendly holiday houses.

ZALAKAROS

Hotel Karos Spa****superior
The hotel offers variety of accommodations, including spa superior double and family rooms, suites, special rooms for handicapped.

Mendan Thermal Hotel**** and Aqualand
Modern spa and wellness hotel in the heart of Zalakaros.

Hunguest Hotel Freya***
The hotel is situated in a well maintained park, next to the baths in the centre of the city. The building has a direct connection through a passage with the Gránit Thermal Bath.

Spa Resort SÁRVÁR

Danubius Thermal Hotel Sárvár****
Located close to the Renaissance fort in a large park, but also few minutes only from the new spa-complex.

VitalMed Hotel****
The brand-new wellness hotel opposite the Spa.

Spa BÜK

Radisson SAS Birdland Resort & Spa*****
Golf and wellness spa resort in Western Hungary.

Danubius Thermal & Sport Hotel Bük****
Spa resort in Bükfürdõ, 19 miles from the Austrian border. The town is famous for its excellent thermal water.

Hunguest Hotel Répce Gold****
Newly refurbished wellness hotel.

Hotel Caramell****
The first Holistic Spa- and Wellness hotel in Hungary opened its doors in December 2005.

GYÕR

Hotel Rába***
In the marvellous historic part of Gyõr, next to the pedestrian area of the city centre.

Hotel Klastrom***
The former Carmelite cloister in historical downtown has been transformed into a charming hotel.

PÉCS

Danubius Hotel Palatinus***
This classical hotel building is located in the historic inner-city, opposite Széchenyi square.

Danubius Hotel Patria***
Located in the city-centre, balconies provide a panoramic view of Pécs.

Hunguest Hotel Kikelet*** superior
Located at one of the most scenic spots of the Mecsek Mountains, directly above the downtown area.

SOPRON

Best Western Pannonia M Hotel****
The oldest hotel of the city, with modern services, including wellness facilities.

Bio-Sport Hotel Lövér****
Situated in the most quiet green area, called "Lõvérek", with well-equipped health and beauty center.

Hotel Fagus****
The newest and swankiest luxury hotel in Sopron offering spa and conference facilities.

SZOMBATHELY

Park Hotel Pelikán****
Modern, comfortable hotel with own spa facilities.

SZÉKESFEHÉRVÁR

Novotel Székesfehérvár****
Situated next to the old city, 600 ft from the medieval town centre, the museums and shops.

VESZPRÉM

Hotel Villa Medici****
The hotel is located in a beautiful valley under the famous Viaduct.

Hotel Gizella****
Comfortable hotel, at the feet of the Castle, in the valley.

Oliva Pansion and Restaurant
Perfectly located small pansion with an excellent restaurant and grill terrace with live jazz music during the summer time.

TAPOLCA

Hunguest Hotel Pelion****
Below the hotel there is a karst cave, which is not only a beautiful sight, but also offers a special microclimate and curative treatment. HUNGUEST Hotel Pelion is situated in the city centre, in a 4-ha-large park, directly above the cave ideal for curing respiratory diseases.

Accommodation around Lake Balaton

Spa HÉVÍZ

Thermal Hotel Aqua****
Health-spa facilities, swimming-pool, etc., located 500 ft away from Lake Hévíz.

Danubius Thermal Héviz**** superior
Modern health-spa facilities, recreation.

NaturMed Carbona****
Spa, recreation. Located in the centre of the town in a huge green park.

Rogner Hotel & Spa Lotus Therme****
Wellness and beauty hotel with 224 comfort rooms and exclusive suites. Its current upgrades – including the redesign of its beauty reception and new relaxation facilities – will make it Hévíz's only five-star hotel from January 2007.

Hotel Europa Fit****superior
The new spa & wellness resort has an exclusive, mediterranean building, with 236 air-conditioned rooms.

Hotel Palace*** superior
The hotel can be found in the pedestrian street of Hévíz. The hotel itself recalls the atmosphere of the early century.

SIÓFOK

Hotel Aranypart***
On the shore of Lake Balaton with own beach.

Hotel Azúr****
Wellness and conference hotel, on the southern shore of Lake Balaton.

Best Western Janus Atrium Hotel****
Wellness hotel, situated in the centre.

Residence Conference & Wellness Hotel****
Brand new Wellness complex, comfortable rooms.

Vértes Conference & Wellness Hotel****
Centrally located recently refurbished hotel with own spa facilities few minutes walk from the lakeside.

Hotel Yacht Club***
The hotel is right next to the Lake and offers 28 rooms and 3 well-equipped meeting rooms for more than 100 participants.

BALATONFÜRED

Club Imola Hotel and Meetingcenter***/****
Situated near the main road N°71 and a few minutes walk to the city centre and Lake Balaton.

Hotel Flamingo****
Quality private hotel, situated close to the centre.

Hotel Silver Resort****
Wellness and conference hotel with a port of its own.

Danubius Hotel Marina Hotel***
Located in a park, at the shore of the lake.

Danubius Hotel Annabella***
100 ft from the shore of Lake Balaton, with a beautiful view over the lake and Tihany Peninsula.

TIHANY

Club Tihany****
The Club (Holiday Centre) is situated on the shore of Lake Balaton. Hotel rooms and bungalows for families, wellness, fitness facilities.

KESZTHELY

Danubius Hotel Helikon***
At the Lake shore, with a nice view.

BALATONKENESE

Hotel Marina-Port****
New wellness & conference hotel on the North-East shore of the Balaton. A Yacht Club belongs to the hotel.

BALATONALMÁDI

Ramada Hotel & Resort Lake Balaton
Newly refurbished hotel with panoramic view.

Széchenyi Baths

No visit to Hősők tere (Heroes’ Square) is complete without a wind-down in the Széchenyi baths in the Városliget (City Park). The complex, one of the largest in Europe, boasts the usual network of hot tubs and steam rooms, but the outdoor pools in the enormous neo-Baroque courtyard are the main attraction, and are particularly atmospheric in the winter months. The warmer pool is better suited to a chat, a soak and a game of chess, while the second offers alternate bubble massage and a bizarre aquatic roundabout that brings a smile to faces of all ages. Only committed swimmers, equipped with the obligatory swimming caps, take to the colder water in the central pool.

Museums in Budapest

Budapest is packed with museums and galleries, and there are plenty of temporary exhibitions in the most unlikely of settings, particularly in summer – so keep your eyes peeled. Also note that most museums are closed on Mondays. Entry is often free of charge, particularly with a Budapest Card, but the House of Terror charges 1,200 Ft. For up-to-date information on exhibitions and events, consult www.museum.hu.

The House of Terror
For the much of the last century, 60 Andrássy út was an address that struck fear into the hearts of Hungarians. First, it became the headquarters Arrow Cross regime in 1944, before being taken over by the Communist secret police until the short-lived 1956 revolution. The building has now been converted into a highly stylised museum, incorporating the cellars – and even the instruments – used to torture prisoners. It is designed as much to remind visitors of the horrors of the totalitarianism as it is to educate. We recommend that you give yourself plenty of time, read up on the background before you go, or check out the museum’s excellent website. Open: Tue-Fri 10-18 (last admission 16.30); Sat-Sun 10-19.30 (last admission 18)

Museum of Fine Arts
The museum to the right of Hősők tere boasts a fine collection of art from all over Europe. The names speak for themselves: El Greco, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, Monet, Manet and Cezanne. And there's much more, including an Egyptian section and some Greek and Roman remains. Open: Tue-Sun: 10-17.30 (closed Monday)

Statue Park
This is an out-of-town cemetery for Hungary's former symbols of repressive Communist ideology, the statues of Marx, Engels, Lenin and other socialist heroes force fed to the Hungarian people. Like the House of Terror, it is a stark reminder of the “Big Brother” Hungarians lived with for four decades.The Stature Park is accessible via public transport and a direct bus from Deák tér. Open: Daily from 10 am till sunset. 

Hungarian National Gallery
Occupying three wings of the Buda Royal Palace, the National Gallery contains around 100,000 works of art from the 11^th century onwards, including architectural remains, carvings, reliefs and paintings. Open: Tue-Sun 10-18 (closed Monday)

Hungarian National Museum
It may be a cliché, but the National Museum really is impossible to miss. A short walk along Múzeum körút from the Kálvin tér metro station, its Roman columns loom up on your right. The artwork and artefacts on the inside are equally impressive, and include Szent István's coronation cloak and huge frescoes and wall friezes. Open: Tue-Sun 10-18 (closed Monday)

Ludwig Museum
Relocated to the newly built Palace of Arts, the Ludwig Museum  was Hungary’s first international showcase for contemporary art, including some late Picassos and examples of American pop art, as well as collections of work from the former Eastern Bloc. Open: Tue-Sun 10-20 (closed Monday), every last Sat. of the month: 10-22

Museum of Ethnography
A celebration of Hungarian folklore just opposite the Parliament. Features a variety of temporary exhibitions of artwork, photography, clothing and jewellery (visit their website for up-to-date information). Even if ethnography is not your thing, the building itself is well worth a visit.Open: Tue-Sun 10-18 (closed Monday)

Museum of Applied Arts
The Museum of Applied Arts, the grand building with the green tiled roof you see as you enter the city from the airport, contains a wide range of textiles, ceramics and furniture handed down through the centuries. More than anything, it is worth visiting for its breathtaking interiors. Open: Open: Tue-Sun 10-18 (closed Monday)

Műcsarnok Exhibition Hall
To the left of Hősök tere, the Műcsarnok is Budapest’s premier showcase for contemporary art. Check the website for information on the latest events and exhibitions.

The Holocaust Documentation and Memorial Centre
Intended not just as a museum and memorial, the Holocaust Documentation and Memorial Centre is also a forum for discussion and an attempt to promote acceptance of the holocaust as part of Hungarian, as well as German history. An estimated 600,000 Hungarians, the majority Jews and Roma, were killed towards the end of the Second World War in Auschwitz and by Hungarian Arrow Cross troopers. 

The Jewish Museum
Tucked in behind the Great Synagogue and in the house where Theodore Herzl, the father of the Zionist movement, was born, the Jewish Museum contains a wealth of photography and artefacts documenting Budapest's proud Jewish heritage. Even after the devastation of the holocaust,  Budapest has the largest Jewish population of any city in Eastern Europe. 

KOGart
KOGart is an Andrássy út mansion dedicated to art and pleasure. Regular exhibitions, events and concerts are just part of the story, the building also boasts an excellent restaurant and coffee house.

Uránia mozi
Small cinemas in Hungary are being upstaged by large and impersonal multiplexes and Hollywood blockbusters, but some bastions of small-scale, arty filmmaking remain. The Uránia cinema is the perfect antidote to bright lights and popcorn, even if you don't catch a film, drop in for a coffee.

Hollókő

Hollókő hides among the undulations of the Cserhát hills about 100 km from Budapest in a picturesque setting. The history of the village goes back to the 13th century, when after the Mongol invasion the castle was built on Szár hill. The name (holló=raven, kő=stone) perhaps, comes from the legend in which the lord of a castle stole a pretty maiden, whose nurse was a witch. The nurse made a pact with the devil to rescue the girl. The devil’s minions, disguised as ravens, took the stones of the castle away and the castle of Hollókő was built on top of the rock here. It is well worth walking up to the ruins; there is an exhibition of the remains of weapons found here, cannonballs and rock carvings. And from here there is a beautiful view over the surrounding, protected area, which is a part of the Bükk National Park.

Wine and Palinka

Bull’s Blood
The Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) blend, exclusive to the Eger and Szekszárd regions, is the best-known of all Hungarian wines. Legend has it that the name originates from the unsuccessful siege of Eger by the Turks in 1552, when the heavily outnumbered Hungarians had nothing to drink but red wine. This proved to be to their advantage, their red stained beards and wild eyes terrified the Turks, who thought they had been drinking Bull’s Blood.

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4-star Hotels
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Internet

There are Internet cafés all over Budapest and a growing number of hotels and cafés offer WiFi access for laptop users. For a comprehensive listing, with maps, visit http://hotspotter.hu/en  Faxes can be sent from major post offices and hotels.

Hortobágy National Park

The cultural landscape of the Hortobágy Puszta consists of a vast area of plains and wetlands in eastern Hungary. Traditional forms of land use, such as the grazing of domestic animals, have been present in this pastoral society for more than two millennia.

BUDAPEST CONGRESS & WORLD TRADE CENTRE – Refurbished and Renamed

The Budapest Congress & World Trade Centre has undergone an 8 million Euro refurbishment project, which was completed this October.  The centre, a member of the Accor Convention Network, is the largest conference space in Hungary, and its upgraded facilities are designed to meet the requirements of international conferences, assemblies and summits. 

In 2005, for the first time, the UK has become the largest meetings and incentive market for Hungary, creating increased demand for conference facilities in Budapest. 2005 will see an estimated 80,000 meetings and incentive visitors to Hungary from the UK (approximately 20% of all British travellers to Hungary).
 
Previously known as the Budapest Congress Centre, the property has been granted the title of World Trade Centre, drawing attention to its status as an international meeting point.  The main conference room, the Patria Hall, holds up to 1,800 delegates, and a further 18 small and medium-sized rooms can be adapted to suit any conference requirements.  There is also a 900m² exhibition space connected to the Patria Hall. 
 
The contemporary, dynamic design incorporates cutting-edge developments in the form of the latest audio-visual facilities, stage equipment and lighting technology.  The in-house catering department offers high quality banqueting for groups of any size.
 
Zoltan Kiraly, Marketing Director of Accor Pannonia Hotels, says, “The Accor Convention Network already counts well-known properties such as Dubai and Bucharest as part of the World Trade Centre network, so the experience gained from creating and running these projects will be fully employed in the development of the Budapest centre.  We have calculated a flexible pricing system, and are in a position to offer everything under one roof in order to create consistently efficient and smooth-running events.”
 
The Business Travel Show will be hosted in the newly refurbished Congress & World Trade Centre from 22^nd-24^th November 05.
 
For further details on the Budapest Congress & World Trade Centre, see http://www.bcwtc.hu/

Rudas Baths

The Rudas, near the Buda bridgehead of Erzsébet híd, is a men-only baths (although the outdoor pool is open to both sexes) built by the Turkish Pasha of Buda in the 16th century. Its soothing turquoise octagonal pool makes it all the more relaxing – and helps you come to terms with wearing nothing but a skimpy apron. Open Monday to Friday 06-20, Saturday and Sunday 06-13.

3-star Hotels
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Tourinform Hotline

Non-stop hotline: 00800 36 000 000 (free call from the UK)
Comprehensive information on accommodation, restaurants, sight-seeing tours and events in Hungary!

Tourinform Call Center: 438-8080 (from Budapest), (06-1) 438-8080 (from other locations in Hungary). Information available every day between 8 a.m - 8 p.m.
hungary@tourinform.hu
http://www.hungary.com
http://www.tourinform.hu

The Helikon Library of Keszthely

Keszthely, this age-old western capital of the Balaton region, offers a wide variety of sights worth visiting. Number one among these is undoubtedly the magnificent stately home of the Festetics family, a mansion rather well preserved by Hungarian standards, the pomp and beauty of which, together with its rich collection and varied cultural programmes of the summer season attract many tourists resting around the lake and in nearby Hévíz. It is here, at the fourth largest stately home in Hungary, that we find a veritable treasure house of books, the Helikon Library, the only collection owned by the Hungarian aristocracy to survive intact. This is the next feature in our ongoing series presenting Hungary's great libraries. 

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Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs

In the 4th century, a remarkable series of decorated tombs were constructed in the cemetery of the Roman provincial town of Sopianae (modern Pécs). These are important both structurally and architecturally, since they were built as underground burial chambers with memorial chapels above the ground. The tombs are important also in artistic terms, since they are richly decorated with murals of outstanding quality depicting Christian themes.

Bed&Breakfasts in Budapest

Danubius Thermal Hotel, Hévíz

Located 8 miles from Fly Balaton airport, in the heart of Hévíz and  only 500 meters away from the world famous thermal water lake – Lake Heviz, the elegant Danubius Thermal Hotel Hévíz **** ^Superior is awaiting guests with 210 air-conditioned rooms as well as a wide range of services. The hotel’s own health spa offers pampering, well-being and traditional therapeutic treatments  which utilise the natural thermal water of Lake  Hévíz & its invalueable mineral-rich mud.  Aroma-bath, wellness hydromassage baths with light therapy, Far Eastern therapies: qi-gong, yoga, autogen training are also on offer.

Danubius Thermal Hotel Hévíz **** ^Superior
H-8380 Hévíz, Kossuth L. u. 9 –11.
Tel.: 00 36 83 889 403    Fax: 00 36 83 889 402
E-mail: thermalheviz.reservation@danubiusgroup.com
www.danubiushotels.com/heviz
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Goulash Backlash

The Guardian, September 4, 2004 

It's all change on the menus of eastern Europe. James Wallman finds Budapest a tasty option.

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Birdwatching

Hungary is rapidly developing into one of Europe's most popular birdwatching destinations. The secret of its success, both with humans and birds, is the diversity of unspoilt terrain, including large expanses of water and marshland and its position on the migratory flightpath.

For much, much more information, check out the Birding Hungary website or visit Ecotours, Hungary's number one incoming operator for birding.

Fertő/Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape

The Fertö/Neusiedler Lake area has been the meeting place of different cultures for eight millennia. This is graphically demonstrated by its varied landscape, the result of an evolutionary symbiosis between human activity and the physical environment. The remarkable rural architecture of the villages surrounding the lake and several 18th- and 19th-century palaces adds to the area's considerable cultural interest.

Holidays from the Specialists

The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) offers an unrivalled collection of quality holidays from award-winning specialist independent tour operators.

Grand and Thermal Hotel Margitsziget

Nestled in the greenery of Margitsziget, the Grand is less expensive and better to look at, but all the spas and services are in the Thermal. Fortunately, both buildings are connected by an underground heated corridor. Attractions include indoor and outdoor pools, a sun terrace, a whirlpool, a Jacuzzi, a thermal bath, a sauna, a steam room, an aroma cabin and a solarium. Fitness trainers and masseurs are on hand, and an exhaustive range of relaxation, health and dental treatments are also available. Visitors are also welcome from the street.

Danubius Grand Hotel Margitsziget**** superior
Classical building on magnificent Margaret Island next to the Thermal Hotel.

Danubius Thermal Hotel Margitsziget**** superior
One of Europe's top Health Spas. On the North end of the magnificent Margaret Island.

Palatinus

More of a playground than a spa, Palatinus is where Budapesters go to cool off in the height of summer. Expect to find young and old frolicking, sunbathing, eating ice-cream and drinking beer in this huge outdoor complex on Margitsziget.

Fly and Bus

A new service has been launched to compliment the huge expansion of flights to Budapest Airport: you can order a package that will take you to selected destinations all over Hungary. For more details click here.

Read up on Hungary

One of the best and most intimate ways to learn about a country is by exploring its literature. Hungary has its fair share of renowned authors at home, but few of its classics can be found on the bookshelves of the world. This is a shame, Hungarian history offers plenty of fascinating subject matter and the Magyar mentality makes for writing that is in turns amusing and poignant.

Fateless (Sorstalanság), Imre Kertész
Perhaps Hungary's best known novel, Fateless shot to prominence when Kertész was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. The book is written from the naïve yet reflective perspective of a fourteen year old Jewish boy first observing the disappearance of friends and relatives and then experiencing the horrors of the Holocaust first hand. The shocking, first-person account has since been adapted into a film.
 
The Paul Street Boys (Pál utcai fiúk), Ferenc Molnár
A cult children's book with endearing charm for older readers, PUF is the tale of a group of children spending holidays playing in an empty plot of land. When a rival, older gang lays claim to their playground, the plot takes a heartbreaking twist, but a theme of comradeship, bravery and selflessness is present throughout. The book is not available online, but English translations can be found in most Budapest bookshops.

Embers (A gyertyák csonkig égnek), Sándor Márai
Originally published in 1942, Embers enjoyed brief success before World War II came to Hungary, but was not published again until 1990, after the fall of Communism. It has since been translated into Italian, German and English to great critical acclaim. The book is one of the few to explore the close bond of male friendship and plays out against the background of Hungary's economic boom in the last years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. An adaptation will soon be hitting London's West End.
 
Fall of the Crescent Moon (Egri csillagok), Géza Gárdonyi
The legendary tale of Eger's resistance to the Turkish invasion the mid-16^th century was magnificently captured by Gárdonyi and remains compulsory and arresting reading for Hungarian children even today. The ultimate patriotic book, Fall of the Crescent Moon is a story of fierce loyalty, heroic leadership and victory against all odds.
 
Under the Frog, Tibor Fisher
Written by one of Britain's favourite authors, but one who has Hungarian parents and an unmistakably Hungarian name, Under the Frog chronicles the run-up to the 1956 revolution through the eyes of a young basketball player. Gyuri's sporting prowess allows him to travel the country and live a relatively privileged and fancy-free life. He collects some amusing and memorable anecdotes along the way, but ultimately decides to flee his oppressed homeland.
 
The Ballad of the Whiskey Robber, Julian Rubinstein
This is the side-splitting English adaptation of the long-running, uniquely Hungarian saga of Attila Ambrus, the professional ice hockey player turned bank robber and national comic hero. Not only does Rubinstein – an American journalist – recount one of the world's most bizarre true stories, he also captures the chaotic economic and political zeitgeist of post-Communist Hungary. If rumours are to be believed, a film starring Johnny Depp is also in the pipeline.

Budapest Now and Then, Imre Móra
Imre Móra, a former lawyer with a piercing sense of humour, has compiled a comprehensive collection of anecdotes that shed light on some of the quirkier aspects of Budapest life as it is today. As interesting for fresh-faced visitors as it is for long-term residents, Budapest Now and Then is like a guided tour given by a close friend.
 
Budapest 1900, John Lukács
A historical essay exploring Hungary's golden age in cultural, economic and political terms and an analysis of the events leading up to World War I. Brilliantly written and highly perceptive, Budapest 1900 provides a rich understanding of the Hungarian capital's economic and cultural zenith, and adds fascinating historical context to any visit.

A Real Mouthful

Hungarian cuisine is known all over the world, but there is much more to our cooking than goulash soup and a generous sprinkling of paprika. Down the centuries, Hungary’s top chefs and a legion of committed grandmothers have drawn influences from Turkish, Slavic, French, Italian, Austrian and German cooking. As a result, Hungarian cooking is actually quite difficult to define. But there are some ever-present ingredients, including tejföl (sour cream), túró (curd, often, but not always sweetened), szalonna (smoked bacon or pork fat), cumin, caraway seeds, garlic, sauerkraut, and of course paprika. Unmissable specialities include goose liver, kolbász (spicy sausage), salami, palacsinta (pancakes, both sweet and savoury) and paprikás csirke (paprika chicken).

In many families, soup is an essential starter, and with good reason. Finding a bad soup is quite a challenge and, surprising though it may sound, even sour cherry soup makes for a refreshing summer appetizer. Main courses are usually generous and generally meaty, and vegetarian options are often limited. Most menus do offer fish, including local fogas (perch), and some soups, főzelék (vegetable stew), tészta (pasta, often with potato, cabbage or curd) and pancakes are also vegetarian. Whatever you do, don't miss out on dessert, particularly if it is Somlói galuska – a sponge, chocolate, rum and cream delight.

We do have one word of warning: Salad usually means pickled vegetables, green salad is a recent addition to the menu, and does not take centre stage in traditional Hungarian cuisine. But what many Magyars miss out on when it comes to vegetables, they make up for by eating plenty of fresh (and often organically grown) fruit, particularly melons, berries, cherries, peaches, apricots and tomatoes. It is worth avoiding the supermarkets and going to a local grocer – or a market or market hall – for something home-grown to snack on.

Train Travel

Budapest's location at the heart of Hungary and Central Europe makes it an easy destination, and a great starting point for exploration by train. The Hungarian state railway company is called MÁV. Fares are generally calculated by the kilometre and train type (the InterCity trains are much more comfortable, but it is compulsory to reserve a seat for a small surcharge), allowing you relative flexibility. Remember to allow time to purchase a ticket before you board the train. Budapest has three main stations, Déli (South), Nyugati (West) and  Keleti (East), originally named according to the direction the trains are heading in, rather than their location.

The following international rail passes are valid in Hungary: INTER RAIL, BIJ, EURO DOMINO, RES, CITY-STAR.

Domestic timetables and fares or call +36 1 371 9449 (from abroad)/ 06 40 49 49 49 (in Hungary)

International timetables and fares. 

Bike Transportation on the train  
All Intercity lines have at least one train each day which transports bicycles. The cost of this service is 25% of the fare. Groups of over five people are required to notify MÁV seven days before travelling. 

Nostalgia Trains  
Nostalgia Train excursions to different destinations are available. 
Website: http://www.mavnosztalgia.hu/eindex.htm

Cruising the Danube and Lake Balaton

Budapest can be experienced in a number of ways, but a boat ride along the Danube is one of the most relaxing. Two companies (www.legenda.hu and www.mahartpassnave.hu) offer city cruises, as well as regular rides to tourist attractions outside Budapest, such as Szentendre, Visegrad and Esztergom between April and October. Further upstream, Bratislava and Vienna can also be visited by hydrofoil between early April and early November. Voyage time: from Vienna to Budapest 5 hours, from Budapest to Vienna 6 hours. There are a number of routes operating on Lake Balaton in the summer, including car ferry crossings.

Coach Services

EUROLINES  
Standard coach services are available to/from cities of more than 20 countries of Europe. In Budapest, international and domestic coaches depart from Népliget Bus Terminal. Other domestic terminals: Etele tér (Buda side) and Forgách utca (Árpád bridge, Pest side) 

EUROLINES Pass  
Provides the independent traveler with unlimited deluxe coach service for 30-60 days valid to 18 major European cities, including Budapest. Special rates for youth and senior citizens.

EUROLINES PASS ticket offices
Népliget Bus Station (Budapest, IX. Üllõi út 131.), and VOLÁNBUSZ Travel Office (Budapest, V. Erzsébet tér Phone: 318-2122)

Coach information in Budapest (domestic and international): Phone: (+36-1) 219-8080

Information on international and domestic services: (+36-1) 382-0888 (Monday - Sunday, 06 - 21 h.)
For timetables please check the Volánbusz's website (the Hungarian National Coach Company).

All Hungarian towns and villages are accessible by coach. Information about coach services and advance booking:

- To south-western Hungary: Budapest, coach terminal at Etele Square, phone: 485-2100, Monday - Sunday: from 06 a.m. to 09 p.m.

- To northern and north-central Hungary: Budapest, Népliget Coach Terminal, phone: 485-2100, Monday - Sunday: from 06 a.m. to 09 p.m.

- To eastern Hungary: Budapest, Népstadion Coach Station, phone: 485-2100, Monday - Sunday: from 06 a.m. to 09 p.m.

- To the Danube Bend: Budapest, Árpád Bridge Coach Terminal, phone: 329-1450

Hungarian survival guide

Hungarian has very little in common with neighbouring languages, save a smattering of words left behind by the Turks and Austrians, and a handful of Slavic phrases. You may not pick up much of the language during your stay, but learning the basics will certainly help you get around.
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Guidebooks on Hungary

This site is not designed to be a fully comprehensive guide, after all, once you arrive in Hungary, you will not be able to consult the Internet on every street corner. That’s why you need a guidebook that that suits the way you travel – take a peek inside before you buy. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing a guidebook:
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Budapest on Foot

Once you understand the basic concept of Budapest, it is fairly easy to navigate. The river Danube separates the two sides of the city, the residential Buda Hills to the west and the flat metropolis of Pest to the east. Deák tér is the city centre, and this is the point at which the capital's three metro (underground) lines converge. Váci utca, the main pedestrian shopping street, runs parallel to the Danube and is also nearby. The city’s radial streets, Bajcsy Zsilinszky út, Andrássy út, Rákóczi út and Űllői út, extend from the crossroads of Deák tér, Astoria and Kálvin tér to the South. If you walk far enough in any direction, you emerge on the nagykörút (often referred to as the Grand Boulevard), which is easily recognised by the continuous procession of 4 and 6 trams.

Public Transport

One of the last real throwbacks to the Communist era, Budapest’s public transport system really was built for the people. It remains comprehensive and efficient – if a little ragged around the edges. It is a fast, convenient and inexpensive way to get to know the city – and, generally speaking, the metro, buses and trams run so regularly that you will never need to consult the timetable. 

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Taxis

Although prices, particularly in Budapest, are on the increase, taxi travel remains relatively inexpensive. However, there are more than enough unscrupulous drivers about and hailing a cab on the street is often taken as a signal for drivers to charge whatever they please. However strange it may seem, the best way of ensuring you get a fair price is to phone for a cab from a reputable company. Once ordered, the taxi will generally arrive within ten minutes, depending on your location and the time of day. The most foreigner-friendly cab companies (with dispatch centre staff who speak English) are listed below:

Tele5: Taxi 06 1 355 5555
Taxi4: 06 1 444 4444
Radio Taxi: 06 1 377 7777
Fő Taxi: 06 1 222 2222
City Taxi: 06 1 211 1111
Budataxi: 06 1 233 3333
6x6 Taxi: 06 1 266 6666

Budapest Card

The Budapest Card is the cheapest and easiest way to see Budapest. It includes unlimited public transport, reduced or free entry to museums, spas and sports facilities, as well as discounts at restaurants and city tours. You also receive a comprehensive booklet. Full list of the services is available by clicking here. Each Card is valid for one adult and one child up to 14 years of age. And at just 6,500 Ft for 48 hours and 8,000 Ft for 72 hours, it's a snip (a three-day tourist pass for public transport costs 3,400 Ft alone).

Budapest by Boat

The city can be explored in a number of ways, but a boat ride along the Danube is by far the most relaxing. Two companies (www.legenda.hu and http://www.mahartpassnave.hu/) offer city cruises, as well as regular rides to tourist attractions outside Budapest, such as Szentendre, Visegrád and Esztergom. Bratislava and Vienna can also be visited by hydrofoil.

Walking

Hungary may be a small and easy to get around, but it has 13,000 kilometres of marked trails through forests, plains and hills for walkers to explore. The best walking is to be found in the highlands to the north, which have been shaped largely by volcanic activity.  As well as providing a close-up view of Hungary's diverse flora and fauna, many of these paths were used by the Romans and Turks, and many routes are marked by ancient forts and traditional villages. For a comprehensive guide to walking in Hungary, order a copy of Walking in Hungary, published by Cicerone before you arrive. The guide not only plots your course, it also provides fascinating historical and geological information, as well as details of the sights you will encounter along the way. 

The worldwide phenomenon of geocaching is also taking hold in Hungary. The concept is simple, and all you need is an Internet connection at home, a GPS (Global Satellite Positioning) system and a detailed map. The first step is to visit an online geocaching community and find the coordinates of a “cache” – a box hidden by another geocacher, who will usually post a brief description of the site. Once you have located the cache, you can help yourself to its contents, as long as you leave something there in return. You are also asked to leave a note on the website on your return.

Budapest and the Danube Bend
The Visegrád and Pilis hills lie between Budapest and Esztergom and were formed by volcanic activity and craggy limestone respectively, making them popular with climbers. This topography also provides spectacular views, especially when you throw in the Danube Bend for good measure. The area was originally settled by the Romans and some of the trails can be traced back to their heyday. The Börzsöny hills further north are also prime hiking territory. 

Balaton
The hills to the north of Balaton, most notably the volcanic plateau of Badacsony, make great walking country, and the views of the lake below are nothing short of spectacular. The hillsides are also famous for their vineyards, and there is always somewhere to stop off for a refreshing glass of fröcs (wine spritzer). The woodland Bakony range lies further to the north and is also worth exploring.

Pannonia (Transdanubia)
Transdanubia, split down the middle by Lake Balaton, offers very contrasting terrain. Trails through the Mecsek hills, near the town of Pécs some 140 kilometres south of Budapest, follow deep valleys and long spurs inhabited by beech and oak. The Vértes hills in the north of the region provide a comprehensive cross-section of Hungarian topography, including boggy fields, dry valleys, wooded hills and rocky outcrops. 

The Northern Uplands
Enthusiastic Hungarian hikers will inevitably head to the Mátra, Bükk and Zemplén hills in the north east of the country.The Bükk plateau, the oldest range in Hungary, begins at the famous vineyards of Eger and extends as far as Miskolc, dipping into wooded valleys as it goes. The area is famous for its intriguing Beehive Stones, eroded ryolite columns more than ten metres high, and its caves, castles and peasant Palóc villages.The 40 kilometre ridge of the Mátra was formed by a chain of volcanoes that erupted some 13 million years ago. Kékes is Hungary’s highest point and is one of very few mountains used for skiing, but it is more suitable for peering over the border into Slovakia to the north and towards the Great Plain to the south. Best of all, the entire range is easily accessible from Budapest’s Népstadion bus station. 
The Zemplén range between the vineyards of Tokaj on the Slovakian border is an altogether more challenging prospect, partly because it is not easily accessible. This is real rural Hungary, rolling countryside filled with welcoming villages. In contrast to its tranquillity today, the area's reserves of gold, silver and copper lent it a strategic importance in the middle ages. As a result, a number of fortresses and castle ruins are still standing and the Zemplén is home to a number of ethnic minorities.

Lake Balaton

The Times, April 10, 2004

Adam LeBor visits central Europe's largest inland body of water in Hungary

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Trip to Pécs

The Times April 10, 2004

Adam Lebor's guide to Hungary
If you make one trip outside Budapest, make sure it’s to Pécs.

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Heaven is a direct line to God

The Times, October 23, 2004

Ronald Gribble finds himself in paradise as he notches up 2,500 miles on a train buffs’ dream trip around Central Europe

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Camaraderie and goulash

The Times, October 23, 2004

Jill Crawshaw enters into the spirit of Magyar tradition aboard the Royal Hungarian Express, where imperial indulgence meets communist chic.

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Let's Get Ruined

The Guardian, August 20, 2005

Each summer, bars and clubs spring up in the crumbling courtyards of Budapest, burst with energy for a few brief months and then disappear. Martin Mevius reports

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From bar to bath

Guardian, January 12, 2005

Nick Hall finds hidden nightspots, thermal spas, and solemn reminders of the communist era as he visits Budapest

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Nostalgia trip

The Guardian
October 23, 2004

Ben Mallalieu boards the teak-panelled Royal Hungarian Express for a three-day tour of one of Europe's strangest countries

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Short, sharp break

The Guardian, July 20, 2004

Lounging in Budapest's bath houses is certainly a relaxing way to spend the weekend, but be prepared for an unusual charm offensive, says Simon Busch

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Forint Affairs

The Guardian, May 22, 2004

Few cities offer the history and culture - or fun - of Budapest. Oliver Bennett visits one of Europe's favourite destinations

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My Kind of Town

Telegraph, Aug 20, 2005
Author Bob Dent has lived in the 'Pearl of the Danube' since 1986

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Carriages made in heaven

Telegraph, November 23, 2004

John Graham Hart puts aside his fears about trainspotters to journey around Hungary in civilised comfort.

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Photo Credits

The publisher has made every effort to trace copyright holders, but if any have been overlooked, the publisher will be pleased to make the necessary accreditations at the first opportunity.
Inquiries: media@gotohungary.co.uk

Where the cakes are big and the baths are hot

The Observer, May 30, 2004

Putting the memories of a bawdy bath house encounter behind him, Tim Moore returns to Budapest and finds the only thing to fear in the pool is defeat by a bearded chess player

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A Place to Stay

Hungary now offers places to stay for all tastes and budgets, all over the country. Visitors should have no problem finding somewhere to stay, even in peak season.

Hotels
Hotels are graded according to the familiar star system, but there are significant variations in quality and price within categories, and rates also vary according to location and season. Breakfast is usually, but not always, included in the price. Budapest's top hotels are listed on this site in their own accommodation section.

Pensions
Pensions, often small, family-run affairs, offer an excellent alternative to larger hotels, particularly outside Budapest, where they are ever increasing in number. The definition of a panzió is fairly loose, some even include camping facilities and bungalows. The local Tourinform office will help you make a reservation. 

Private rooms
Lodging in private rooms is generally very cheap (around £10 for a double), and tourist areas are littered with “Zimmer frei” and “szoba kiadó” signs. At Lake Balaton, whole houses and apartments are often available to rent at very reasonable rates. To find a room, either visit the local Tourinform office, or just ring the doorbell of a house with a sign hanging outside. 

Village tourism
This is a boom sector in Hungary, particularly in more remote parts of the country. The Hungarian equivalent of the French gîte offers a unique opportunity to stay with a Hungarian family and immerse yourself in the rural way of life. A night’s stay in a double room will set you back around £10, but you will have to pay extra for food. For more information, contact the Hungarian Federation of Rural Tourism, who also have an excellent website.

Youth hostels
For the cheapest accommodation, track down one of Hungary’s many youth hostels (ifjúsági szálló). A bed in a dorm costs around £5 a night, but in some cases, you will need to be a member of your national youth hostel association. Most student dormitories welcome visitors during the summer holidays. It is possible to make bookings through tourist agencies, but it is often enough to just turn up at the college building (kollégium). 

Campsites
Camping is very popular around Lake Balaton, but there are plenty of campsites to be found elsewhere, look out for signs marked kemping. Standards vary, but the better sites provide sporting facilities, and some are in attractive wooded locations.

Who's Who

Reading this site, you will come across a number of names from Hungarian history. And as you walk the streets of Budapest and other Hungarian towns and villages, you will see the same names of famous kings, statesmen and artists cropping up again and again, written, as they are below, with the surname preceding the Christian name.

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Lake Balaton

Hungary's number one summer retreat, Lake Balaton offers 170 kilometres of shoreline dotted with family resorts on the southern shore and welcoming vineyards to the north. Every summer, thousands of Hungarians flock to the silky smooth green water, but there is much more of interest to see and do than just laze around on the beach.

The shapely volcanic hills on the north shore are famous for both their refreshing white wines and their breathtaking views. The plethora of hillside restaurants and pretty spots to enjoy a chilled glass of wine or fröccs (white wine spritzer) make it ideal for a mixture of exploration and relaxation.

Of the many unusually contoured mountains, the tabletop Badacsony is the most eye-catching. A visit to the Tihany peninsula, containing Hungary's oldest national park and the picturesque Abbey Church is also essential.

The flatter southern shore is more renowned for its hedonist summer capital Siófok. Its large beaches and shallow water are ideal for paddling, ball games, food, drink and watersports. Each waterfront settlement has its own unique character, from the bustling student town of Keszthely on the western tip to the elegant spa resort of Balatonfüred on the north shore.

In addition to traditional beach activities, the curative thermal lake at Hévíz is warm enough in any weather, and the beautiful surrounding countryside lends itself to horseriding tours. Kis Balaton (Little Balaton) to the west of Keszthely is one of Europe's top wetland nature reserves and a favourite spot for birdwatchers.

Perhaps the best way to discover the region's natural diversity and variety of towns and resorts is along the cycle path that circumnavigates the lake.

Fishing

Sport fishing, particularly for record-breaking carp, is increasing in popularity in Hungary thanks to efficient management and well-stocked lakes and rivers, prevalent in the Carpathian Basin. The top destination is Lake Tisza, followed by Lake Fertő on the Austrian border, of course, Lake Balaton. The banks of the Danube and River Tisza are also brimming with great fishing spots.

The Association of Hungarian Anglers has an excellent website, also containing important information on fishing permits.

For fishing tours to Hungary, visit the website of Angling International.

Hunting

Each year, more and more hunters from abroad come to Hungary for the world-class trophies, the long tradition of hunting, the unspoilt natural environment and the high-quality game management.

There is game, especially red deer, to be found in the hills of Pilis and Buda on the outskirts of Budapest. A large number of deer inhabits the central Danube area, and in the southern flatlands, hares, partridges and particularly pheasant are also in abundance. The oak, beech and pine forests of the Bakony hills to the north of Lake Balaton contain every native species of large game, as well as deer and roe deer. There is also excellent wild boar hunting in Gerecse. Western Transdanubia, and the counties of Zala, Somogy and Tolna, with their wet climate and segmented, rolling terrain, are home to Hungary's famous red deer. The king of all game in these parts, the moufflon, an introduced wild ram, can be found in the foothills of the Alps and in the Keszthely hills.

For more details see www.hunniavad.hu or www.dianahunts.hu

The moniker Puszta (meaning Land of Desolation), which covers the eastern half of Hungary, stuck after the region was ravaged during the Turkish occupation and laid bare by systematic deforestation. Today, the Great Plain is Hungary's agricultural heartland and home to hundreds of small villages and rustic farms. It is also famous for its equestrian culture, ever since their arrival in Europe from the Steppes in the late ninth century, the Magyars have been known for their legendary horsemanship. The whip-cracking cowboy (csikós) lifestyle still lives on in the Puszta and today's visitors are traditionally treated to impressive bareback horse shows – and given the opportunity to saddle up themselves. The vast national parks of Hortobágy and Kiskunság are home to several rare species of wildlife, and some unusual indigenous domesticated animals. The Puszta also lies on the main migratory routes of cranes, geese and wading birds, as well as being the most westerly example of the flora and fauna normally found in the Eurasian Steppes. For water babies, the River Tisza and adjoining lake offers excellent fishing, swimming and canoeing. The region's rustic nature and forgiving landscape makes it a great place for exploration by bicycle.

In addition to its natural diversity, the region has its fair share of historical cities, and Kecskemét gives ample Art Nouveau evidence of a prosperous past. Debrecen is the country's second largest city and is an important sporting venue hosting a variety of international events, as well as Hungary's premier jazz festival. In the south east, the Szeged Summer Festival is a popular celebration of diverse performing arts – all against the formidable backdrop of the city's huge neo-Romanesque church. The beautiful wine cellars of Hajós, an entire village dedicated exclusively to high-grade intoxication, the traditional Fish Soup Festival in Baja and the Szolnok Gulyás Festival are unmissable food and drink highlights.

Debrecen

Grand Hotel Aranybika****
Classical Art Nouveau building, located in the heart of Debrecen, close to the Great Reformed Church.
H-4025 Debrecen, Piac u. 11-15.
Website: www.civishotels.hu

Aquaticum Thermal and Wellness Hotel Debrecen****
The newest wellness complex in the huge park, Nagyerdõ.
4032 Debrecen, Nagyerdei park 1.
Website: www.aquaticum.hu or www.hotels.hu/termal_debrecen

BÜK-BÜKFÜRDÕ
Radisson SAS Birdland Resort & Spa*****
Golf and wellness spa resort in Western Hungary.
H-9740 Bükfürdõ Golf út 4.
Website: www.radissonsas.com or www.buk.radissonsas.com

Danubius Thermal & Sport Hotel Bük****
Spa resort in Bükfürdõ, 19 miles from the Austrian border. The town is famous for its excellent thermal water.
H-9740 Bükfürdõ, Thermal krt. 27.
Website: www.danubiushotels.com/buk

GYÕR
Hotel Rába***
In the marvellous historic part of Gyõr, next to the pedestrian area of the city centre.
H-9021 Gyõr, Árpád u. 4.
Website: www.danubiushotels.com/raba

Hotel Klastrom***
The former Carmelite cloister in historical downtown has been transformed into a charming hotel.
H- 9021 Gyõr, Zechmeister u. 1.
Website: www.klastrom.hu

PÉCS
Hotel Palatinus***
This classical hotel building is located in the historic inner-city, opposite Széchenyi square.
H-7621 Pécs, Király u. 5.
Website: www.danubiushotels.com/palatinus

Hotel Patria***
Located in the city-centre, balconies provide a panoramic view of Pécs.
H-7621 Pécs, Rákóczi út 3.
Website: www.danubiushotels.com/patria

Hunguest Hotel Kikelet*** superior
Located at one of the most scenic spots of the Mecsek Mountains, directly above the downtown area.
H-7635 Pécs, Károlyi Mihály u. 1.
Website: www.hunguesthotels.hu

SÁRVÁR
Danubius Thermal Hotel Sárvár****
Located in the middle of a botanical garden. Full service spa hotel.
H-9600 Sárvár, Rákóczi u. 1.
Website: www.danubiushotels.com/sarvar

SOPRON
Best Western Pannonia M Hotel****
The oldest hotel of the city, with modern services, including wellness facilities.
H-9400 Sopron, Várkerület 75.
Website: www.pannoniahotel.com

Bio-Sport Hotel Lövér****
Situated in the most quiet green area, called "Lõvérek", with well-equipped health and beauty center.
H-9400 Sopron, Várisi út 4.
Website: www.danubiushotels.com/lover

SZOMBATHELY
Park Hotel Pelikán****
Modern, comfortable facilities.
H-9700 Szombathely, Deák F. u. 5.
Website: www.hotelpelikan.hu

SZÉKESFEHÉRVÁR
Novotel Székesfehérvár****
Situated next to the old city, 600 ft from the medieval town centre, the museums and shops.
H-8000 Székesfehérvár, Ady Endre utca 19-21.
Website: www.novotel-szekesfehervar.hu

Aggtelek National Park

This spectacular system of caves extends for 22 kilometres and contains the world’s tallest stalagmite and even a concert hall. Dazzling rock and crystal formations, with names that include Dragon’s Head, Tiger, Mother in Law’s Tongue and the Hall of Giants – as well as dozens of  underground lakes and winding passages – can be explored as part of a number of guided tours. Experienced cavers also come to Aggtelek in search of new adventures. Above ground, there is also plenty to see, including rich plant life, spectacular rocky outcrops, traditional village life and several gothic and medieval churches.

Airlines serving Hungary from the UK & Ireland

Hungary's national carrier is Malév  and operates two daily flights to Budapest from Gatwick and daily flight from Dublin. British Airways flies from Heathrow. Budget airlines have also landed in Hungary, easyjet takes off from Gatwick, Luton, Wizzair from Luton and Jet2  from Manchester. Ryanair has three weekly flights from Stansted to lake Balaton and to Budapest from Dublin, Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool and East Midlands. Aer Lingus has daily flight to Budapest from Dublin and three weekly flight from Belfast.

BALATONFÜRED

Club Imola Hotel and Meetingcenter****
Situated near the main road N°71 and a few minutes walk to the city centre and Lake Balaton.
H-8230 Balatonfüred, Petõfi u. 22.
Website: www.hotels.hu/clubimola

Hotel Flamingo****
Situated close to the beach.
H-8230 Balatonfüred, Széchenyi út 16.
Website: www.flamingohotel.hu

Hotel Marina Hotel***
Located in a park, at the shore of the lake.
H-8230 Balatonfüred, Széchenyi út 26.
Website: www.danubiushotels.com/marina

Hotel Annabella***
100 ft from the shore of Lake Balaton, with a beautiful view over the lake and Tihany Peninsula.
H-8230 Balatonfüred, Deák Ferenc u.25.
Website: www.danubiushotels.com/annabella

Hotels in Bük

Radisson SAS Birdland Resort & Spa*****
Golf and wellness spa resort in Western Hungary.
www.radissonsas.com or www.buk.radissonsas.com

Danubius Thermal & Sport Hotel Bük****
Spa resort in Bükfürdõ, 19 miles from the Austrian border. The town is famous for its excellent thermal water.
www.danubiushotels.com/buk

BUDGET Accommodations
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Tata
The compact town of Tata, a convenient and worthwhile stop-off on the road from Budapest to Győr, centres around Öreg-tó (Old Lake) and its attendant moated castle, riding school and mill. For centuries, the town was inhabited by Bavarians and Swabians and the lingua franca was German, but the town does have its own English garden.

Győr
Győr’s location halfway between Vienna and Budapest makes it an intriguing blend of east and west. A you enter the town, industrial estates and residential tower blocks make way for a flourishing baroque town. All of the city’s sights, most of them architectural, are within a short walk through pleasant pedestrian streets. The town is an ideal launchpad for a visit to the Benedictine Abbey at Pannonhalma.

Sopron
The Austrian border town of Sopron is a treasure trove of listed buildings and monuments, due, in no small part, to a lack of destructive interference from the Turks. The symbol of the city, and of the local beer Soproni Ászok, is the firewatch tower, built to give warning of a blaze anywhere in the city. Today, it is a great place to admire the glory of Sopron – and the surrounding wine country - from above. In summer, the Cave Theatre in the Fertőrákos limestone quarry to the north makes a strange and enchanting concert venue.

Kőszeg
One of the highlights of the region, if not the whole of Hungary, Kőszeg has an impressive history of military brawn to go with its good looks. The sleepy town, just three kilometres from the Austrian border, is credited with saving Vienna from the wrath of Süleiman the Magnificent in 1532. But the medieval castle, named after the victorious leader Miklós Jurisics, is just one of many memorable sights, including a plethora of churches and a former synagogue. Walkers will also discover a number of attractive villages in the surrounding countryside and the luxury Birdland Golf and Country Club in Bük is not far away.

Pécs
This arty student town lies at the foot of the Mecsek Hills in the south of Hungary has no shortage of impressive architecture and an mind-boggling variety of museums and art galleries. The synagogue, renovated in 1980 in memory of the large Jewish population that was all but wiped out in the holocaust, is one of Pécs’s most memorable and haunting buildings. Must-see sights also include the Csontváry, the Vasarely and the Zsolnay museums. Pécs is also in one of Hungary's wine-growing heartlands – it is no surprise that the elixirs of Villány and Szekszárd are served up in the town’s many lively bars and restaurants.

SZEGED

Hotel Tisza***
Elegant classical building, preserving its historical turn of the century atmosphere, next to Széchenyi Square.
H-6720 Szeged, Wesselényi u. 6.
Website: www.tiszahotel.hu or www.hotels.hu/tisza_szeged

Novotel Szeged****
Situated on the bank of Tisza River, just a 10 minute walk from the city centre.
H-6721 Szeged, Maros u. 1.
Website: www.novotel-szeged.hu

Kiskunság National Park

Classic Puszta country, the Kiskunság comes complete with traditional shepherds, a rural museum, farm and stables, where csikósok – Hungarian-style cowboys – crack whips and perform bareback stunts in traditional dress. The farmyard animals are not the type you are used to either, grey long-horned cattle and Mangalica pigs are an added attraction. By following one of the marked trails, you can also take in the local wildlife, including water buffalo, that may be hiding in the reedy marshland. 

KESZTHELY

Danubius Hotel Helikon***
At the Lake shore, with a nice view.
H-8360 Keszthely, Balatonpart 5.
Website: www.danubiushotels.com/helikon

Hotel Kakadu****
Offers hotel-service with guesthouse-prices, close to Lake Balaton.
H- 8360 Keszthely, Pázmány Péter u. 14.
Website: www.castrum-group.hu

SIÓFOK

Hotel Aranypart***
On the shore of Lake Balaton.
H-8600 Siófok, Beszédes József sétány 82.
Website: www.hotels.hu/aranypart or www.aranypart.hu

Hotel Azúr****
Wellness and conference hotel, on the southern shore of Lake Balaton.
H-8600 Siófok, Vitorlás u. 11.
Website: www.hotelazur.hu

Best Western Janus Atrium Hotel****
Wellness hotel, situated in the centre.
H-8600 Siófok, Fõ u. 93-95.
Website: www.janushotel.hu

Residence Conference & Wellness Hotel****
Wellness Complex, comfortable rooms.
H-8600, Erkel F. u. 49.
Website: www.hotel-residence.hu

TIHANY

Club Tihany****
The Club (Holiday Centre) is situated on the shore of Lake Balaton. Hotel rooms and bungalows for families, wellness, fitness facilities.
H-8237 Tihany, Rév u. 3.
Website: www.clubtihany.hu

Wet and Wonderful

The often scorching temperatures in summer increase the draw of the water and there are plenty of ways to get wet in Hungary. The most obvious port of call is Lake Balaton, but the Tisza and Rába rivers are also ideal for picturesque water tours and the branches of the Danube closed off to motorised boats make for a pleasant excursion from the heat of Budapest.

Balaton
Motorboats and jetskis are not permitted on Lake Balaton, making it a paradise for wind-powered vessels. Although the breeze can be a little hit and miss, the lake is a popular venue for races. Because Balaton is relatively shallow, generally less than three metres deep, it is not only ideal for paddling and ball games, but also a great breeding ground for budding wind- and kitesurfers, the southern shore is a particular favourite. The resorts of Siófok and Balatonfüred have cable waterskiing and wakeboarding on the beach. 

Budapest
The stretches of the Danube alongside the islands to the north and south are closed to motorised boats, making them ideal for canoeing and rowing. It is even possible to paddle all the way up to Szentendre – although you will need a rest and a good meal when you get there. Boats can be hired just by turning up on the Pest side of Hajógyári sziget (Shipyard Island) or along the Római Part, the site of the ancient city of Aquincum. There are also various cable wakeboarding and waterskiing centres in and around the city.

Puszta (Great Plain)
The river Tisza winds its way though the Puszta, drifting past Tokaj, Szolnok and Szeged and stopping off at the Tisza tó (Lake Tisza) along the way. The river is hugely popular with kajak tours and the lake is an idyllic spot for sailing or rowing – a far cry from the crowded beaches of Balaton in peak season. Cartographia has published a map entitled Tisza River from Szeged to Tokaj, a great companion for rowers as well as cyclists. 

Pannonia (Transdanubia)
Much like the larger Tisza river, the Rába, which enters Hungary at Szentgothárd on the Austrian border, is a favourite with groups of touring Hungarians, who row downstream by day and camp and drink by night. The river is fairly narrow at first but drifts along at a pleasant pace down to Sárvár and eventually Győr.

Two-wheel Tours

Hungary is a relatively flat country, making it ideal for cyclists of all standards. Almost all regions of the country can be explored by bicycle – although combining wine tasting with cycling is definitely not recommended. Tourinform offices will provide you with a cycling map featuring twelve recommended routes, as well as information on hotels and guesthouses along the way. Cycling Around Hungary, published by Frigoria, provides much more comprehensive information, including hire and repair shops, as well as some 100 suggested routes.

Budapest
The hills of Buda may be steep, but they are a great way of burning off all those hearty meals enjoyed in downtown Budapest. The views from the various peaks are well worth the effort, and, don’t worry, there is ample opportunity for refuelling along the way. If you cycle north to the Danube Bend, via Margitsziget and the Hajógyári sziget (Shipyard Island) it won’t just be the effort of pedalling that will take your breath away.

Balaton
One of the best ways to take in the sights and sounds of Lake Balaton is along the recently completed cycle path. The breathtaking views come thick and fast, and there is always somewhere to unsaddle for a drink, a swim, a meal and a good night’s rest. Outside July and August, accommodation is also very easy to find, leaving you free to explore to your heart's content, and stop off wherever you please.
Recomended bike tours

Bicycles can be rented from Balatonfüred, Kossuth utca 32,
3,000 Ft/day or 2,000 Ft/half day.

Northern Uplands
The hills and forests of the Northern Uplands offer more challenging cycling and are better suited to mountain bikers. The region is strewn with small villages and ruined castles to reward the more adventurous, and there are plenty of exciting off-road trails in the Mátra and Zemplén hills.

Puszta (Great Plain)
The Great Plain, as its name suggests, is very forgiving for cyclists, and is filled with rustic charm and unspoilt nature, as well as its fair share of quirky sights and traditions. The sheer size of this quintessentially Hungarian region makes it rather daunting, but a copy of Cycling Around Hungary will help you find the route to suit your interests and ambitions.

Bicycles can be transported by train within Hungary for a small surcharge on routes marked by a bicycle icon on the timetable. Bicycle carriages are also indicated by a similar icon, and bikes can also be transported in the spaces at the ends of each carriage. A request should be make for the transport of large numbers of bicycles at least one week prior to departure.

Saddle Up

The seven Magyar tribes that settled in the Carpathian basin quickly established a reputation for themselves as able horsemen. This tradition lives on, particularly in the Hortobágy National Park in the Puszta, where bareback horse shows are an essential part of any visit. Hungary’s relatively flat countryside, and particularly its network of wetlands and rivers, is ideal for riding tours. The country is full of riding schools and many hotels and country clubs, such as the Pannonia Golf and Country Club and the Pólus Palace Thermal Golf Club Hotel, offer riding facilities.

For full information on riding facilities or tours see the website of Hungarian Equestrian Tourism Association.

Concert and Opera Ticket Sales

InterTicket Hungary  Phone: (36-1) 266-0000   Website: www.interticket.com V.I.P. Arts Manager and Production Office (Festivals, Gala Concerts) E-mail: viparts@viparts.hu  Website: www.viparts.hu

Jegymester  Phone in Budapest: (36-1) 302-3333  E-mail: info@jegymester.hu  Website: www.jegymester.hu

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What's Stopping You?

Wherever you find yourself in Hungary, it is always worth exploring what is on.  There are plenty of events: local festivals, cooking competitions and the like in the countryside, the towns organise music festivities in town halls, churches and palaces and cosmopolitan Budapest has two opera houses, two major concert halls, international exhibitions, jazz clubs.
For Budapest information see budapestinfo.hu or
budapestpanorama.com

A new programme magazine has just been launched aimed at keeping visitors up to speed with all the capital's cultural highlights. CalendArt is a twice-yearly publication that features information on the most exciting exhibitions and music/dance events taking place over the coming six months. 

For countrywide information please contact the local Tourinform offices or hungary.com

For events at Lake Balaton see balaton-tourism.hu

The freephone number 00800 36 000 000 also provides up to date information.

Hajduszoboszlo Spa

Hajdúszoboszló is a watering place with a Mediterranean atmosphere and has been a popular destination for tourists looking for recuperation, relaxation and entertainment for more than seven decades. The town has a worldwide reputation as the “Mecca of rheumatism patients”.
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TRADITIONAL AND RENEWAL

THE BUILDING OF THE CORINTHIA GRAND HOTEL ROYAL ON THE GRAND BOULEVARD OF PEST

One of the jewels of the Budapest Grand Boulevard, the former Grand Hotel Royal, has reopened as the Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal, following major renovation and reconstruction. This went way beyond the original plans and has restored it to its former glory. This magnificent five star hotel, which awaits sophisticated guests with its modern quality services and facilities, has again taken its place as one of the pillars of Hungary's quality tourism industry-just as it did when it was inaugurated in 1896. Sadly, it was closed in 1991 by its then owner, HungarHotels. A symbol of Budapest's phenomenal development at the turn of the last century, it was purchased by the predecessor to the State Property Agency, to be sold later. The tender for its purchase in 1997 was won by a consortium registered in Malta, called Corinthia, which commissioned the major renovation work.

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Welcome!

If you need general information about the facts and figures of tourism in Hungary in 2004, you can download our latest brochure here.
The travel trade contact at the Hungarian National Tourist Office is trade@gotohungary.co.uk.

If you would like to request information the Meetings and Incentives market please visit the website of the Hungarian Convention Bureau or contact us at meetings@gotohungary.co.uk.

Click here if you are a member of the media and would like to contact us.

Tokaj Historic Wine Region Cultural Landscape

The cultural landscape of Tokaj graphically demonstrates the long tradition of wine production in this region of low hills and river valleys. The intricate pattern of vineyards, farms, villages and small towns, with their historic networks of deep wine cellars, illustrates every facet of the production of the famous Tokaj wines, the quality and management of which have been strictly regulated for nearly three centuries.

Europe’s Last Wetland Marshes

Since the regulation and draining of many of Europe’s waterways and flood plains, large numbers of migrating birds have no place to breed and feed. Hungary’s Duna-Dráva, Duna-Ipoly and Körös-Maros national parks are among the last unspoilt havens for bird life of this kind. In addition, Maros-Körös, enclosed by the Körös, Maros and Tisza rivers, is home to the Great Bustard, a globally threatened species. The Great Bustard Protection Centre in Dévabánya is instrumental in maintaining the population of the bird, currently estimated at just over 1,000 individuals. It is financed largely by donations from visitors.

Balaton Upland National Park

The area to the north of Lake Balaton is memorable for its spectacular volcanic mountains and breathtaking views of the water below. The Balaton Uplands National Park, established in 1997 and extending from the Tihany peninsula to Kis-Balaton (Little Balaton) to the West, is also a Mecca not only for Hungarian nature lovers, but also for international visitors. Attractions of particular interest include the volcanic geysers near Tihany and the rich birdlife of Kis-Balaton.

Be a Hungarian Chef for a Day

Yes, you too can don a toque and apron and learn to how to make the perfect goulash!
As part of its wide-ranging programme of presenting the best in local food and wine at Budapest's Great Market Hall, Bridge Tours has hired a local chef to teach visitors the fine art of Hungarian cuisine. Guests in small work groups learn how to prepare a main dish and garnish on the spot. Each light, enjoyable session on the
first floor by the Fakanál restaurant lasts about 90 minutes and is
conducted in English. Sessions (£17 in Hungarian forints in cash) start at 10am (arrive by 9.45) except on public holidays and days when the Market Hall (IX.Fövám tér) is closed. Participants can take advantage of the 30-minute baking time to make a shopping tour of the riverside market, beautifully restored to its 19th-century glory in 1994.

Would you like to learn more about  the Eger and Tokaj region? You can download an e-brochure here or visit the the region's website.

Bükk National Park

The Bükk National Park to the northwest of Budapest is Hungary’s highest mountain range. The central area is 97 per cent wooded and boasts rich plant and animal life, including a variety of rare butterflies and insects. Some 90 species of migratory birds visit the park every year, among them several endangered species that only nest in the forest and cliff walls. Some of the many hundreds of caves and hollows in the range’s karst system (at Szeleta and Istállós-kő and the Suba Hole and Balla Cave, for example) are of great scientific interest as primitive archaeological remains. The narrow-gauge trains puffing their way through the forest and villages nestling in the hills will leave you spellbound and the wooded hillsides are ideal for walking and cycling.

 

 

Copyright © 2005

HNTO either owns the intellectual property rights in the underlying HTML, text, audio clips, video clips and other content that is made available to you on this web site, or has the right to use such content. Permission is hereby granted to persons to view the material on this web site and, to the extent necessary in order to lawfully access and use the services available on this web site for personal use, to electronically copy, archive and to print in hard copy, portions of this web site. You may not copy, reproduce, republish, upload, post, transmit, modify, re-sell or distribute in any manner, the material on the Site, including text, graphics, code and/or software without the prior written permission of HNTO.

Mission Statement of the Hungarian National Tourist Office

The Hungarian National Tourist Office aims to contribute to the marketing of the country’s tourism supply and thereby increase the revenues from both domestic and incoming tourism in Hungary. In doing so, the HNTO supports the creation and maintenance of new jobs in the Hungarian economy, contributes to the balanced growth of Hungarian GDP and has a positive impact on the current account of the country’s balance of payments.

Objectives
·        Build and improve the image of Hungary as a tourist destination, promote her popularity both internally and internationally;
·        Support the development of regional co-operation in the area of tourism marketing;
·        Carry out promotional and PR activities both in Hungary and abroad;
·        Provide market information to help specify the directions of product development;
·        Provide tourist information to domestic and foreign tourists staying in Hungary, to potential travellers, decision-makers, as well as to domestic and foreign travel trade professionals;
·        Provide unbiased assistance to marketing the Hungarian tourism offer domestically and abroad.

For more options search our list of 137 UK tour operators offering package holidays to Hungary.

Tour operators offering Birdwatching tours to Hungary.

www.hungarianbirdwatching.com

www.ecotours.hu

www.hungarianbirdtours.com

Free airport transfer

Book your room on-line and get your transfer from the airport to your hotel in Budapest for free!  Click here for more information.

2005 January-February

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Bull's Blood

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Accommodation in the Puszta&Lake Tisza Region

DEBRECEN

Grand Hotel Aranybika****
Classical Art Nouveau building, located in the heart of Debrecen, close to the Great Reformed Church.

Aquaticum Thermal and Wellness Hotel Debrecen****
The newest wellness complex in the huge park, Nagyerdõ.

Hotel Lycium ****
Debrecen's newest four-star hotel is situated in the heart of the city, behind the Great Church right next to the modern Kölcsey Centre - a new conference and event venue.

HAJDÚSZOBOSZLÓ

Silver Hotel****
Central located wellness hotel with own spa facilities.

Hunguest Hotel Aqua-Sol****
Newly refurbished spa hotel in the heart of the city.

SZEGED

Hotel Tisza***
Elegant classical building, preserving its historical turn of the century atmosphere, next to Széchenyi Square.

Novotel Szeged****
Situated on the bank of Tisza River, just a 10 minute walk from the city centre.

GYULA

Hunguest Hotel Erkel***
The hotel built together with the sixteen-pool castle bath is situated in the castle garden near a brick castle.

Bed and Breakfast

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2005 April

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Budapest: Rising Star

Spa hotels in Pannonia

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A hónap küldőországa: Nagy-Britannia

Magyarország EU-csatlakozása és az olcsó légi összeköttetések megteremtése hazánk és Nagy-Britannia között nemcsak a fizikai, hanem a pszichológiai határokat is ledöntötte a brit beutazó turizmusban – mondta Szűcs Balázs, a Magyar Turizmus Rt. londoni külképviseletének vezetője az MT Rt. “A hónap küldőországa” című rendezvénysorozatának idei utolsó, Nagy-Britanniát górcső alá vevő prezentációján. A külképviselő többek között elmondta: a briteknek ma már több mint 60 százaléka internetezik, így információszerzési módszereik és a turisztikai értékesítési csatornák jelentősen átalakultak az utóbbi időben. Trend az is, hogy a britek egyre kevésbé szeretik a nehezen megközelíthető repülőtereket, ezért érdemes több itthoni és brit repteret bekapcsolni a két ország közötti közlekedésbe. A britek érdeklődése a jövőben valószínűleg megnő a spa termékek, a környezettudatos programok és az önellátó – nem csak tengerparti – üdülések iránt, ezért érdemes ezekre a kínálati elemekre is fókuszálni. A Magyar Turizmus Rt. stratégiai termékei a brit piacon jelenleg a következők: Budapest, balatoni üdülések, MICE, kultúra és örökség, természetközeli és aktív, valamint egészség-gyógyászat-spa termékek. Prezentáció letöltése.

Kiss Kornélia, a MT Rt. Piac- és Termékelemzési Irodájának kutatási igazgatója arról tájékoztatta a jelenlévőket, hogy a brit látogatók, vendégek és vendégéjszakák száma 2004-ben több mint 50 százalékkal nőtt az előző évhez képest, és ez a növekedés folytatódott 2005 első tíz hónapjában, aminek eredményeként Nagy-Britannia hazánk második legjelentősebb küldőországa lett. Tavaly a brit vendégek 93 százaléka vett igénybe szállodai szolgáltatást, és a regisztrált brit vendégéjszakák kb. 90 százalékát a Budapest-Közép-Dunavidék régióban töltötték el. Prezentáció letöltése.

A Malév képviseletében Tarjányi Eszter többek között azt mondta el a prezentáción, hogy a légitársaság a londoni vonalon az év végéig bevezeti az e-ticketinget, valamint, hogy tapasztalataik szerint ügyfeleik nem a legalacsonyabb árakat, hanem a jó ár-érték arányt keresik.

Akcióterv

Böngésszen folyamatosan frissített, egyszerűen kereshető, könnyű áttekintést biztosító aciótervünkben, melyen keresztül áttekintheti a Magyar Turizmus Zrt. tevékenységét és az egyes akciókhoz való csatlakozás lehetőségét.

Amennyiben a konkrét akciókkal kapcsolatban kérdése van, csatlakozni szeretne, vagy pusztán információra van szüksége, kérjük vegye fel közvetlenül a kapcsolatot az akciótervben megjelölt szervezeti egységgel.

A Marketingterv és az Akcióterv a Társaság tulajdona. Mindennemű módosítás, változtatás csak a Magyar Turizmus Zrt. előzetes, írásos engedélyével lehetséges. A Marketingtervben és az Akciótervben foglaltakkal kapcsolatos mindennemű változtatás jogát a Magyar Turizmus Zrt. fenntartja.

Magyarország prezentáció

Az alábbi, angolul íródott és Magyarországról szóló prezentációt Ön is felhasználhatja - főleg, amennyiben ez az Ön vállalkozását elősegíti.
Hozzájárulásunkat adjuk ahhoz, hogy Ön a prezentációt saját gondolataival kiegészítheti, abba új részeket illeszthet.
Egyben szeretnénk tájékoztatni, hogy ez a prezentáció első abból a sorozatból, melyet folymatosan, különféle témákban tervezünk oldalainkon megjelentetni. Ezért is bízunk abban, hogy hamarosan ismét üdvözölhetjük Önt oldalainkon. Örülünk, hogy segíthettünk.

Magyar Turizmus Rt.

Hungary (5,2 MB)

Image Gallery

By the help of the search engine, you can browse among 1100 pictures grouped by several categories in order to make your reports, articles, web sites, publications, posters, advertisements on Hungary more colourful with attractive photos. The Photo Gallery aims to strengthen the tourist image of the amazingly versatile Hungary, promote the country, as well as show its traditions, culture, natural beauty and last but not least its rich tourist opportunities.
The pictures may not be used in advertisements, publications, printed and electronic media promoting other countries.
Our pictures may be downloaded in low resolution (72 dpi) free of charge and may be used freely subject to displaying their source: The Photo Archive of the Hungarian National Tourist Office.
The pictures may be ordered in A5 or A4 or A3 size (300 dpi) on-line. The pictures ordered shall be delivered by post on an electronic data carrier (CD or DVD disk) along with the related invoice.
You must register for the site if you wish to download the pictures or place an order.
If you do not have your own user name and password, please register.
Please, read the terms and conditions of use and the current  Photo Price List carefully before use start to download or order the pictures.
The Hungarian National Tourist Office shall warrant that the pictures in the Photo Gallery do not infringe any rights.

Further information: fotovid@hungarytourism.hu

Food

Feeling hungry? Well you’ll find no shortage of spots to fill your face, from open-fronted eateries by the beach to traditional inns nestled in the hills.
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Tokaji Aszu

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Hungary in Schengen - new rules at Ferihegy Airport from 30th March 2008

As of this date, passengers traveling within the Schengen zone will no longer be subject to border controls. The strict inspection of travel documents will remain in place for non-Schengen passengers
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Ez ez teszt cikk nl-hez

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Siofok

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Marketingterv 2006

1. Piacelemzés
Az Egyesült Királyság gazdasága –Európa egyik legjobbjaként— évek óta folyamatos stabilitást mutat. A GDP növekedése 3.5% körül várható, a bérek átlagosan 4.5%-kal nőttek 2005-ben. Az infláció 2% körüli, a brit valuta őrzi stabilitását az euróval és a dollárral szemben is.  Az idei, rekord évnek számít a brit kiutazási forgalom tekintetében, e kedvező trend várhatóan jövőre is folytatódik. 

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New Congress Centre in Budapest

The Hunguesthotels Europa Congress Center will be launched in the first quarter of 2006 in the second district of the capital. The conference and meeting venue will be embedded between the Hotel Europa and Hotel Rege. The Congress Center will be equipped with state-of-the-art 21st century technology and high-tech facilitiesm neeting all the requirements of our time. With a total floorspace of 7.000 m², the new project and both hotels will compose a whole new unit. 90 of the 260 available rooms can be found int he four-star Aparthotel Europa, 170 of them are located in the three-star Hotel Rege. A great advantage of the new unit will be the direct accessibility of the conference facilities through an enclosed glass bridge – connecting both hotels – without even having to leave the building. The fully air-conditioned center will have nine rooms on two levels with a net floorspace area of 2650 m², four of which can be divided into different sections with connecting doors. The plenary room hosts 470 in theatre style and its inner height of 7.45 m will also capacitate it for the most various exhibitions and shows.

Conference hotels in Budapest

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Szakmai szervezetek:

Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO)
Association of National Tourist Office Representatives (ANTOR)
Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA)
Truly Independent Professional Travel Organisation (TIPTO)
World Tourism Organisation (WTO)
visitBritain

Szaklapok, napilapok:

Travel Weekly
Travel Bulletin
Travel Trade Gazette (TTG)
Conference and Incentive Travel (CIT)
MIT, the meetings and events industry portal (meetpie.com)
Incentive Travel and Corporate Meetings (ITCM)
Best of The Times and The Sunday Times
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Kiállítások, vásárok:

World Travel Market (WTM)
Confex
Holiday and Travel Show Manchester and Glasgow
Destinations, The Holiday and Travel Show, London
Earls Court Exhibition Centre
Excel London, The International Exhibition and Conference Centre

Statisztikák:

National Statistics

MICE szervezetek

International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
Incentive Travel and Meetings Association (ITMA)
Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
The Society of Incentive and Travel Executives (SITE)
Hungarian Convention Bureau (HCB)

Az Egyesült Királyságba akkreditált magyar külképviseletek

Embassy of the Republic of Hungary
Hungarian Trade Commission
Hungarian Cultural Centre

Magyarországra akkreditált brit külképviseletek

British Embassy in Budapest
British Commercial Council in Hungary

 

Newsletter, February-March 2006

February-March 2006
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February-March 2006

Prepare for a big, big welcome at Hungary’s favourite summertime retreat! Lake Balaton – central Europe’s largest lake – offers 200km of shoreline, silky green water and a host of activities for young and old. Whether you’re after thrills and spills or gentle strolls, here you can enjoy life at your own pace. With volcanic hills and vineyards on the northern shore, friendly resorts to the south, and waterfront towns full of character all around, the beauty of Balaton is in its breathtaking diversity. Travelling with the kids? Well the lake is perfect for family holidays, with safe beaches, shallow water and plenty to keep you entertained. Fancy a pampering? Why not head for one of the local spa towns and a warming wallow in the thermal waters of Hévíz or Zalakaros? There’s an embarrassment of riches for lovers of the great outdoors; take to the water for some sailing, windsurfing or fishing, or strike out into the national park for some horse-riding, cycling or birdwatching. And culture vultures can soak in the elegant ambience of Keszthely, visit Tihany’s abbey church or just settle at a pretty hillside restaurant for some fine food and a bottle of the region’s famous wine.

Balaton is a place of many faces. So what are you waiting for? With direct flights from the UK taking just two hours, memories to cherish are but a short hop away.

Looking for a child-friendly destination with something for all the family? Lake Balaton is the perfect spot, offering a plethora of fun-packed activities to keep the kids busy and opportunities for the grown-ups to relax. With an average depth of just two—three metres, the summertime water is warm as toast, and the gently sloping beaches of the southern shore represent a reassuringly safe playground.

This is a youngsters’ paradise. While the toddlers paddle and splash in the shallow water, the older children can shoot down waterslides, take to a pedalo, try their luck at fishing, join a game of volleyball or have a bash at wakeboarding, windsurfing or other watersports. Siófok is the liveliest spot. Away from the lake’s edge, water-babies might head for the massive aqua-park at Zalaegerszeg, complete with wave machines and a 300m-long artificial river, or for the more sedate pleasures to be enjoyed at the family-friendly spas of Zalakaros and Kehidakustány. At Tapolca, you can even go for a boat ride on a subterranean cave lake!

There is a host of options for those who’d prefer to keep their feet dry, too. The varied landscape and bounteous wildlife provide a beautiful backdrop during a horse-riding tour or a day’s cycling. The Kápolnapuszta Reserve in the Balaton Uplands National Park is home to the traditional Hungarian buffalo – first brought over by ancient Asiatic tribes – and plays a vital role in the survival of the species. At Keszthely, the girls can wander around the Doll Museum while the boys revel in more bloodthirsty attractions at the Torture Museum. Alternatively, how about exploring the castles at Nagyvázsony, Sümeg or Szigliget, before watching displays of jousting and archery, and guzzling a medieval banquet?

All this comes at a price to suit the tightest of budgets. There is an abundance of affordable accommodation, from all-inclusive hotel packages to self-catering villas and apartments. Furthermore, with low-cost Ryanair flights from London to Balaton taking just two hours, you’ll waste no time in getting your holiday started!

Cycling

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Four recommended cycling routes

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Lake Balaton is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors who crave stunning scenery and fresh air in their lungs. Watersports enthusiasts revel in the superb opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding and rowing; motorboats are prohibited, so you won’t find yourself swamped by wash. Less-energetic visitors laze on the beaches, hire fishing rods and go in pursuit of the pike perch – a delicacy found only here – or take a turn around the lake aboard a sightseeing boat. Golfers are well catered for at the European Lakes Golf and Country Club in Hencse and at the Birdland Spa and Golf Resort in Bük, both of which boast beautifully manicured courses.

Countless marked trails circumnavigate the lake and lead hikers, cyclists and horse-riders to some of the region’s natural treasures. The northern shore is characterised by volcanic hills that harbour some spectacular rock formations. The 400m-high Badacsony Hill is a particular favourite, its slopes littered with cellars promising tasty refreshment and its flat-topped summit offering views to die for. The peninsula of Tihany was formed of ancient volcanoes, and its geyser cones and crater lakes provide wonderful terrain for walkers and anglers alike. Alternatively you could head for some of the lookout points in the forested Keszthely hill range or for the Lóczy Cave above Balatonfüred, its limestone-layered walls resembling stacks of toast.

The Balaton Uplands National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife. Kis (‘Small’) Balaton is one of Europe’s top wetland nature reserves, and supports birdlife including the great white egret, large numbers of nesting greylag geese and all species of European heron. You can admire a herd of traditional Hungarian buffalo at the Kápolnapuszta Reserve, while the Salföld Nature Conservation Site showcases other ancient indigenous breeds and hosts breathtaking horse shows. This truly is nature’s playground!

Lake Balaton is not only about sunbathing and watersports – it also offers many more-sophisticated pleasures. Keszthely – the historical town lying just 20km from FlyBalaton Airport – is the region’s cultural capital. It boasts noble architecture, some excellent museums and one of the country’s finest palaces, where you can enjoy summer concerts in a mirrored ballroom. Elsewhere you’ll find rugged fortresses at Nagyvázsony, Sümeg and Szigliget, a grand abbey church at the pinnacle of the Tihany peninsula, the legacies of leading 19th-century artists at Balatonfüred, the echoes of medieval aristocracy at Veszprém, a romantic cave lake in Tapolca and delicate pieces of internationally renowned porcelain at Herend.

Furthermore, there’s plenty for the wine buff or the gourmand. Take a trawl through the atmospheric cellars that stud the volcanic hills of the northern shore and sample some wonderfully refreshing white wines, before choosing a hillside restaurant in which to indulge in freshly caught Balaton fish and breathtaking views. Those truly in the know time their visit to coincide with one of the region’s many colourful festivals, when you can get a taste of traditional music, dance, crafts – and yet more food and drink! Whether you’re a culture vulture or a bon viveur, Balaton has it covered.

Are you young and after some fun? Look no further, for Lake Balaton is where Hungary’s youth comes out to play – a magnet for sun-worshippers, night owls and watersports nuts. The main action takes place at Siófok on the southern shore, a lively resort that stretches for a full 15km along the waterfront. Its beaches not only provide space to chill out beneath a blue sky, but also offer a range of activities to get the adrenaline pumping. You can try wakeboarding, sailing, windsurfing, volleyball, bungee-jumping…the list goes on and on!

Nor is there any drop in excitement when evening falls. As the sun goes down, the party crowd emerge and gather in the colourful bars and restaurants to enjoy a beer and a chat. And if you still have energy to burn, head for one of the many nightclubs that host themed parties, live music and big-name DJs. With accommodation galore – from well-maintained campsites to five-star hotels – you’ll find no other place so committed to ensuring its visitors have the time of their lives!

Tapolca

The pretty little town of Tapolca lies 10km from Balaton’s northern shoreline.

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Herend

The diminutive Herend, 15km west of Veszprém, certainly punches well above its weight.
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Getting to Lake Balaton is child’s play. The lake lies less than two hours to the southwest of Budapest, and is readily reached by road or by train from Budapest Déli railway station. From 4 May 2006 things will be easier still when budget airline Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) launches direct flights to Balaton from London Stansted. There will be three services a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) to FlyBalaton Airport, which is just 20km from Keszthely.
 
Once you are at the lake, regular bus and train services link the local towns and villages, while for most months of the year – apart from winter, when the water is frozen – ferries offer a quick and atmospheric way of reaching the other side. Alternatively, you could hire a car and enjoy the freedom of going when and where you choose! 

Riding at lake Balaton

These days, there are fewer and fewer places in the world where you can ride for pleasure in complete freedom and safety. Thankfully, Hungary is still one of these places. The country's thousand-year history and culture is inextricably linked to all things equestrian. For tourists, the main attraction is the almost limitless opportunity for exploration – vast areas are largely free of noisy main roads and fencing. The climate and terrain are also ideally suited to riding, and Hungary boasts a number of unique and distinguished breeds.
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Balatonfured

Balatonfüred, on the northern shore, is a noble resort that came to prominence in the early 1700s when a spa was established harnessing the health-giving properties of its sulphurous springs. In the 19th century it was the favourite retreat of the age’s leading poets, artists and politicians, and it continues to carry an elegant air. Its lakeside promenade is lined with acacias, and takes you past fishermen sitting on rocky outcrops and a park filled with lime trees planted by famous figures of the past.
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Horse-riding

In the 9^th century AD, Hungarian tribes arrived in the Carpathian Basin from the Asian steppes on horseback, and equestrianism remains in the blood of the country’s people.
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National Tourism Development Strategy (2005-13)

Downoald and read the National Tourism Development Strategy (2005-13) from here.

Veszprém

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Wildlife

The Balaton Region reveals nature in all its glory...

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Thanks to Rogner Hotel& Spa Lotus Therme for providing five images on the spa& wellness and activity holidays section.

Slide show on Hungary

1956 Revolution

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Hungarian National Tourist Office
46 Eaton Place
London SW1X 8AL

Tel.: +44 20 7823 1055 /221

Fax: +44 20 7823 1459
trade@gotohungary.co.uk

Egyre jobban ismerik Magyarországot a britek

2006-ban Magyarország minden korábbinál aktívabban volt jelen a brit médiában és a köztudatban, és egyre árnyaltabb is a Magyarországról kialakuló kép.
 
A Magyar Turizmus Zrt idén 22 magyarországi tanulmányutat szervezett a brit újságírók részére. Ennek nyomán több tekintélyes és komoly példányszámú lap, továbbá rádió és televízió foglalkozott Magyarországgal. (Guardian, Independent, Telegraph, Times, Daily Mail, és több internetes honlap is). A leginkább közismert gasztronómiai témákon túl a lovasturizmus, a wellness és a kulturális turizmus is felkeltette a brit újságírók érdeklődését, és beszámoltak az új szállodákról és gyógyfürdőkről is. (Az Independent pedig az utazási szakújságíróknak hirdetett hagyományos pályázata fődíjaként idént magyarországi utazást ajándékozott a nyertesnek, aki a helyszínen szerzett benyomásait ismét az Independentben teszi majd közzé…)
 
A 22 tanulmányút nyomán született élménybeszámolók közül érdemes kiemelni a Travel Channel Budapestről szóló összeállítását, melyet 2x6 percben vetítettek mintegy 15 alkalommal a hét és fél millió brit háztartásban fogható csatornán.
Komoly érdeklődést keltett a Ryanair balatoni járatindítása is, és a Balaton mint lehetséges turistacélpont mellett a térséget máris a külföldön második otthont kereső britek figyelmébe ajánlják a brit szakújságírók.
Kiemelkedően népszerű volt az Austrian Airlines-zal közösen Pécsre szervezett tanulmányút is, amely az eddig a brit piacon kevéssé ismert dél-dunántúli várost és régiót a kultúra szerelmesei számára tette igen vonzóvá. 
 
Magyarország történelmére hívta fel a figyelmet az 1956-os évforduló kapcsán több új könyv és újságcikk is. Egész estés összeálítást szentelt Magyarországnak ez alkalomból a BBC rádió hármas csatornája, és egyórás dokumentumműsort sugárzott a Radio 4, a BBC legtekintélyesebb csatornája is. Ezek elkészítésében a Turizmus Zrt londoni munkatársai is aktívan közreműködtek.
Végül az év végéhez közeledve egyre többször bukkan fel Budapest a karácsonyi vásárlást népszerűsítő összeállításokban, mint lehetséges karácsonyi-szilveszteri célpont. Több népszerű folyóirat is budapesti látogatásra ösztönzi olvasóit a Budapest Winter Invasion akciót népszerűsítve.

Spa towns

Hungary is afloat on a rich reservoir of thermal water that breaks the surface through thousands of springs, and the Balaton region has more than its fair share of them. If you’re feeling stressed, have nagging aches or just fancy a lick of luxury to your bathing, this is the place to be. Furthermore, you don't need to come in summer – spa holidays can be taken all year round, and make a wonderfully different winter break. As well as enjoying a warming soak, you can also take advantage of a wide range of cheaply priced health and beauty treatments – from massages and mudpacks to physiotherapy and dental work. Put yourself in the hands of the qualified experts, and allow them to soothe your body and mind.

The spa town of Hévíz is nestled on the world’s second-largest thermal lake. The lake is open all year – the mineral-rich water rarely drops below 26ºC in temperature – and in winter you can wallow snugly as the steam rises from the surface. The thermal centres at Kehidakustány and Zalakaros are also open whatever the season, and are suitable for the whole family. Parents can indulge in treatments while the kids splash about in the ‘fun bath’. Zalakaros is recommended for the relief of arthritis thanks to a combination of medicinal baths and generations of expertise.

All these thermal complexes are well provided with spa hotels offering ‘wellness’ packages, and you’ll also find such hotels at Siófok, Balatonfüred, Bük and Tapolca – the latter perched above a deep cave whose humid air has long been known to alleviate asthma. So why not treat yourself? For a few pounds, you can feel a million dollars – and bathe away those winter blues!

From and to FlyBalaton Airport

BusExpress is a quick, safe, quality and guaranteed cheap transfer service. The company fixed the prices so that they would be available for everyone. It connects Hévíz, Keszthely and Zalakaros with FlyBalaton, Sármellék.

Fly-Car is the exclusive transfer partner of FlyBalaton airport of Sármellék that connects Hévíz, Keszthely,Siófok and Budapest with FlyBalaton, Sármellék.

Hungarian Tourism Quality Award

The new Hungarian Tourism Quality Award programme was launched two years ago. It aims to help tourists chosing the best hotels and restaurants all over the country. The Q brand is a guarantee for the highest standards, thus these premises provide maximum guests’ satisfaction and meet all the authorities’ requirements.
For the winners click 'read more'.

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Dance of the Vampires - musical, Budapest

1 - 27 January, 5 June - 27 July, 27 December - 27 January

Two vampire researchers - Professor Abronisius, a scientist, and his young assistant Alfred - travel to Transylvania to make certain the existence of vampires and defeat them. Many humorous and adventurous stories come alive as they reach their destination, the castle of Count Krolock, where they find themselves at the Vampires' Ball. The excellent music of Jim Steinman follows the story of the film by Polanski faithfully and is a harsh dig at rabid pseudo-science. More information

To and from the airport

Budapest Ferihegy Airport has two terminals roughly 16 kilometres from the city - MALÉV Hungarian Airlines flights use Ferihegy Terminal 2A, with all other traditional airlines flying into and departing from Terminal 2B. Most low cost carriers use Terminal 1.

Public Transport
Buses (service No. 200) run from the Kõbánya-Kispest terminus, metro line 3, to/from Ferihegy Terminals 1 and 2, every 15 minutes during the day.

Train
Passengers can easily reach Ferihegy Terminal 1 from the Western Railway Station in Budapest. On weekdays 51 at weekends 38 trains ease the travelling from the city centre to the airport within less than half an hour for 300 HUF.There are 60 trains on weekdays and 45 at weekends from the airport to the city centre. For the map and the timetable click here.

BusExpress is a quick, safe, quality and guaranteed cheap transfer service. The company fixed the prices so that they would be available for everyone. It connects the Lake Balaton region, Hévíz, Keszthely with Budapest, Ferihegy Airport.

Taxi
The journey takes between half an hour and an hour by car. The official contractor of the Budapest Airport is the Zóna Taxi, you can order a cab at their desk in the airport for fixed, reasonable prices. Or if you order a cab by phone, most companies offer a fixed price of around 4,000 Ft, often depending on whether your destination is on the Pest or Buda side of the river. Otherwise, the journey can cost 6,000 Ft or more. However nowadays it is rare but still be aware that there is a risk of being overcharged by unscrupulous drivers if you simply hail a taxi. Where possible, always telephone to order a cab and agree a fare for the journey.

Airport Minibus
If you are travelling on your own, it is cheaper to use the Airport Minibus service, which has a desk at the airport. For 2,990 Ft for a single and 4,990 Ft for a return, they will deliver you anywhere in Budapest, and pick you up again when you leave. They recommend that you reserve your return journey 24 hours in advance (+36 1 296 8555)

Download an audio tourist guide for MP3 players for free!

For more information and pricelist please log onto: http://magicguide.hu/p.php?p=gotohungary&ny=EN

Recipes

Try some Hungarian recipes for yourself!
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Budapest Art Fair 2008

Antique and contemporary – all that is art at the same time and place…

Budapest Art Fair, the antique and contemporary exhibition, the most significant domestic event of arts, looking back to a period of 15 years during which it gradually became a cultural event on the international scene too, renewed last year in terms of both its name and profile, will be organized in the Art Hall between 20 and 23 November 2008.
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From Ireland - Christmas Market with The Travel Broker

http://www.travelbroker.ie/Budapestchristmasmarkets.asp

Will I need an adapter to charge my phone?

Yes, Hungary uses the Continental standard two-pin plug, you can purchase an adapter at the airport upon departure from the UK.

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