What are the cities in Hungary. Hungary

The capital of Hungary - Budapest - the famous "pearl of the Danube". A powerful river divides the city in half. The bridge over it was erected only in the nineteenth century. The construction connected the Hungarian capital Buda and the cities of Obuda and Pest.

general information

The capital of Hungary is the main political, commercial, cultural, transport and industrial center of the country. The city is home to approximately two million two hundred thousand people (this is a fifth of all Hungary). In terms of area, Budapest ranks sixth among all EU countries. It is the only city that lies on both sides of the Danube. The two regions, separated by the river, differ significantly from each other in structural terms.

Buda

This part of the city is small in size, ancient, mesmerizing with its beauty. It enchants with cobblestone streets, small colorful houses, a combination of neoclassical and medieval architecture. Buda is built on gentle hills in the western part of the Danube. One of the main attractions - Fortress Hill - a narrow, flat and long hill, located in a ring of perfectly preserved buildings in the Baroque, Renaissance or Gothic style. It is crowned with a magnificent Royal Palace.

Pest

This part of the capital is located on flat lands. Business life is concentrated here. There are many large shopping malls in Pest, built on wide avenues. The Neo-Gothic Parliament Building is the most famous in the city. From a distance it resembles the English Parliament, only without the legendary Big Ben.

Geographical position

The capital of Hungary - Budapest - is located in the low-lying Carpathian basin. It is surrounded by the Alps, Carpathians and South Slavic mountain ranges. The highest point of the city is Yanosha. Its height is 527 meters. According to geotectonic data, the settlement is located in the fault zone. This explains the presence of many thermal springs, thanks to which the city gained fame as a wonderful resort.

A look into the past

The lands on which the capital of Hungary - Budapest is currently located - began to be populated more than a thousand years ago. It has been established that from the third century BC. here lived the tribes of the Celts. Shortly before the onset of our era, the territory became part of the Roman Empire. Hungarians settled in these lands at the end of the ninth century. In the XIII century. Buda received the status of the main city of the country. The ancient capital of Hungary found itself in distress in 1541 after the Turkish takeover. The city gradually fell into decay, the number of its inhabitants decreased. The settlement was liberated in 1686.

The eighteenth century was marked by the beginning of large-scale development. Many new districts have appeared in the capital. The unification of Buda, Obuda and Pest took place in 1873. Seven years later, a new city concept was developed, according to which new highways were laid and a triple boulevard ring was organized near the avenue.

Due to the fighting during the Second World War, the capital was seriously damaged. However, after the end of the war, many buildings were restored.

In 1950, the suburbs were annexed to the central part of the city. This is how Big Budapest was formed. The metro appeared in the capital in the 1960s.

Transport system

The city of Budapest has an extensive public transport network. It includes twenty-nine tram lines, fourteen trolleybus lines and one hundred and eighty bus lines. In addition, it includes a cogwheel railway and three subway lines. Public transport starts at half past four in the morning and ends at eleven in the evening.

Islands

There are seven islands within the capital. These are Chepel, Hayodyari siget, Margit, Palotai, Harosh-siget, Nepsiget and Molnar-siget.

Let us dwell in more detail on Margaret Island. It was named in this way in honor of the daughter of King Bela the Fourth Margarita (in Hungarian her name sounds like "Margit"). The island is 2.5 km long and has an area of ​​0.965 sq. km. Most of this facility is occupied by a park and numerous health facilities. Its territory is equipped with bike paths, a fitness center and other entertainment areas. In the thirteenth century, a Dominican monastery was built on the island. The aforementioned Margarita asceticised in it. Later, Fr. Margit fell into desolation. The period of oblivion ended only in the eighteenth century. A palace was built on the island, and the empty land was planted with beautiful flowers and rare species of trees.

Weather

The climate in the capital is temperate continental. Winters are generally mild and short. In summer, the temperature is high, but the sweltering heat is rare.

"Air gate"

Ferihegy International Airport began operating in 1950. Eleven years after its opening, the length of the runway was increased from 2,500 to 3,010 meters. The airport is equipped with three passenger terminals. In 2011, it was named after F. Liszt.

sights

The capital of Hungary is a very popular tourist destination. There are many beautiful monuments in Budapest, erected both centuries ago and today. The architecture of the city is of particular interest, reflecting all the variety of styles.

Buda palace

It is located in the old part of the city. For the first time this palace became the residence of the king in the thirteenth century, and successfully performed the functions assigned to it for another seven hundred years. It was home to such kings as Lajos the Great, Charles the Third and Matthias the First. Currently, the palace is home to many museums.

Buda maze

The capital of Hungary is famous for another unusual place. This is a natural labyrinth located under the palace described above. There are no other such natural catacombs anywhere on the planet.

The length of the labyrinth is 1 kilometer 200 meters. Its depth is sixteen meters. Fascinating excursions are held on the territory of these catacombs every day (except Saturday and Sunday). The exhibition in the labyrinth covers the history of Hungary from antiquity to the present day. The traditional end of each excursion is a buffet.

Parliament

The Hungarian cities of Pest, Obuda and Buda were united in 1873. Seven years after this significant event, members of the State Assembly decided to build a parliament building. This was supposed to highlight the sovereignty of the Hungarian nation. The winner in the announced competition was the architect I. Steindl. Some ideas of his rivals were implemented in the buildings of the Ethnographic Museum and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Work on the iconic structure began in 1885. Eleven years later, the first meeting of the State Assembly was held within its walls. The construction was completed only in 1906. The building was erected in an eclectic style. In addition, you can see the features of the Renaissance, Neo-Gothic and Baroque.

Heroes Square

This square is one of the main in the capital. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Nearby is the City Park. The Millennium Memorial was erected in the center of the square. It is a composition with the leaders of the seven tribes that founded Hungary in the ninth century, as well as with other prominent historical figures who played an important role in the development of the state.

Freedom Square

This is one of the most imposing squares in the capital. It is surrounded by beautiful buildings - the Hungarian National Bank, the American Embassy and the television center. In the northern part of the square, you can see a monument to Soviet soldiers.

Vaci street

This is the heart of the capital. This street is pedestrianized. It originates from pl. Vörösmarty, runs along the Danube and abuts the square. Feuvam and the picturesque market. There are many shops on Váci, which is why the street is so popular with tourists and local fashionistas. She is known not only for her boutiques. In this area you can see unique architectural monuments. The facades of many buildings are decorated with mosaics and intricate cast-iron decorations. Vaci is called the center of not only shopping, but also entertainment. On a street several hundred meters long, there are elite restaurants and budget cafes, as well as hotels of different levels.

Andrássy Avenue

Its construction began in 1870. Some say that this avenue is somewhat reminiscent of the notorious Champs Elysees. At the end of each summer, it hosts the famous Budapest Parade.

More about the state

Hungary is a country located in the center of Europe. Ten million people live on its territory. The total area is ninety-three thousand square kilometers. Hungary is one hundred and eighth in the world in terms of territory and eighty-ninth in terms of population. The language endowed with the status of the state is Hungarian.

The country consists of twenty administrative-territorial units. She has no outlet to the sea. Hungary on the world map borders on Serbia, Ukraine, Croatia, Romania, Austria and Slovenia.

The prevailing religion is Catholicism. Its adherents are more than fifty percent of the country's inhabitants. At present, Hungary (Budapest is the capital) is considered a country with a dynamically developing economy. Since 1955, she has been a member of NATO.

History of Hungary

Until the beginning of the fourteenth century, the Arpads ruled the country. Then they were replaced by the dynasties of Anjou, Jagiellons, as well as non-dynastic monarchs. In 1687 the state became part of the possessions of the Habsburgs. 1848-1849 marked by a national revolution. Its leader was Lajos Kossuth. The uprising was suppressed only with the help of the Russian expeditionary corps. It was commanded by General Paskevich. Still, in 1867, Franz Joseph made a compromise with the country's elite. The result was the transformation of the Austrian Empire into a two-pronged state. The history of Austria-Hungary entered a new channel. A legislative body was formed in the country - the State Assembly, which consisted of two chambers - Deputies and Peers.

Charles of Austria - the last Hungarian king - ascended the throne in 1916 under the name of Charles the Fourth. His removal from power took place two years later. The ruler died in absolute oblivion in 1922. It is noteworthy that in 2004, at the initiative of the Catholic Church, he was canonized.

The result of the democratic uprisings that swept across the country after the First World War was the collapse of the Austrian monarchy. The following states were formed on its lands: Czechoslovakia, Austria, the Kingdom of Slovenes, Serbs and Croats, as well as Hungary. There are four more independent countries on the world map.

On November 16, 1918, Hungary acquired the status of a people's republic, but it was soon lost. This happened as a result of a monarchical rebellion. 08/06/1919 the republic fell. The monarchy was restored, but the king could not be identified. The head of state was appointed regent Miklos Horthy.

In 1938, Hungary entered into an alliance with Nazi Germany. Thanks to this, the map of the country was replenished with the following territories: Transcarpathia and part of Czechoslovakia. Two years later, Transylvania was also included in the state. After Hungary was occupied by the troops of the anti-Hitler coalition, the regent hastily left the country. The State Assembly was convened in the fall of 1945. In 1946, its representatives adopted a law on the state form. According to this document, Hungary (the map is presented in the article) acquired the status of a republic. Accordingly, the head of the country was henceforth the president, who was elected by the State Assembly.

Features of economic development

Hungary (see photo in the article) is a country with a rapidly developing economy. Most of the market transformations in it are almost complete. As for the advantages of the established system, they are as follows: at present, the country is open for foreign investment, an effective taxation system is organized in it, and bureaucratization has been reduced to the minimum possible. In addition, Hungary is distinguished by developed industrial production (this is especially observed in modernized enterprises), declining inflation and fully convertible currency (since 2001). When listing the weaknesses of the current economic system, they first of all mention the gap in internal development, in which the eastern rural areas do not have adequate funding. The difference in incomes of the population is still high. Not enough energy is being produced. Money laundering is not well controlled.

The main partner of the country in foreign trade is Germany, which provides more than twenty-five percent of Hungary's trade.

Army

A significant reduction and reform of the country's armed forces was carried out after the end of the Cold War. Today they are formed from two branches - the Air Force and the Ground Forces. The latter are also known as Honvedseg (Motherland Defenders Corps).

Hungary (Budapest is the country's capital) began to be guided by new standards in the organization of the army and weapons after joining NATO. In 2004, a transition was made from universal conscription to a professional army.

State symbols

The flag of Hungary is a rectangular cloth. It consists of three identical horizontal stripes of red, white and green. The ratio of length to width is 3: 2. Why is the Hungarian flag painted in these colors? This is explained as follows: red is a symbol of the blood of patriots shed in the battles for the country's independence; white - a symbol of the nobility and morality of the Hungarian people; green reflects hope for a prosperous future for the country.

The coat of arms of Hungary is a shield divided into two parts (on the left - red and white stripes, on the right - the patriarchal cross resting on a golden crown, which stands on a green mountain with three peaks). He is crowned with the crown of St. Stefan.

The most remarkable settlements of the country

The map of Hungary with cities, which you can see below, gives an idea of ​​the territorial division of the country. The largest area is near the capital - Budapest, the smallest - near the town of Palzach with its 1114 inhabitants. The largest village, Solymar, is home to ten thousand people, and the smallest only twenty.

Debrecen is called the eastern capital of the country. It regularly hosts a variety of events, including poetry festivals, jazz days, international choir competitions and stunning flower carnivals.

The small Orthodox town of Szentendre is especially popular among museum lovers. It has a special charm thanks to its pretty streets and beautifully decorated houses. An unforgettable experience will be left by the numerous pastry shops, from which the dizzying aroma of fresh pastries can be heard.

Once the city of Vysehrad was the capital of the state. Currently, only ruins remain of it. By a mystical coincidence, only the Tower of Solomon survived, which for a long time was the place of imprisonment of the notorious Count Dracula. The town is located forty kilometers from the capital.

Natural attractions

Hungary (photos are presented in the article) is an incredibly beautiful country. And it is famous not only for its architectural monuments, museums, monuments, etc. There are many natural attractions on its territory. Let's talk about some of them in more detail.

Balaton

This lake is the largest in Central Europe. There are thermal and mineral springs on its coast. The reservoir is navigable; more than twenty species of fish live in it. A special service has been organized to care for the numerous swans living in these places.

National Park on the Balaton Upland

It is located north of about. Balaton. The park was founded in 1997. It features a volcanic landscape. This area is mountainous, where you can see extinct volcanoes, and deserted geysers, and lava outcrops, which are remembered for their bizarre shapes. In the western meadow of Shashdi, you can see a relict plant of the Ice Age - powdery primrose. It is not found anywhere else in Hungary.

Heviz

This thermal lake is located near the town of the same name. Its area is forty seven and a half thousand square kilometers. The water in this lake is rich in ammonium, potassium, calcium, sodium, fluorides, chlorides, iodides, bromides, carbonate peroxide, sulfates, sulfides, metaboric acid and dissolved oxygen. Unsurprisingly, this place is popular with those looking to improve their health.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Many cities in Hungary are famous for their unique sights of particular cultural, historical and architectural value. And not only in the capital there is something to see.

Hollokyo

This village is a one-of-a-kind open-air ethnographic museum. It is noteworthy that people live in it to this day. The entire population of Hollokyo, which is more than four hundred people, is sensitive to the preservation of folk traditions and the way of life of their ancestors. Most of the buildings in the village are adobe houses with ornate carvings on verandas. Local residents are actively engaged in pottery, traditional embroidery, wood carving. A visit to this place leaves an indelible impression, especially among the residents of megalopolises.

Aggtelek caves

They are located in the National Park. The most famous and largest is Baradla. Its length is twenty-six kilometers.

Slovak Karst

This mountain range is located on the border of two states - Slovakia and Hungary. Since 1973, it has been protected as a special form of relief. The surrounding area has the status of a biosphere reserve. The massif consists of limestone and dolomite. It is covered with hornbeam and oak forests.

Conclusion

Hungary is a country with a long and complex history. Its capital, Budapest, has an interesting origin. The main city of the state was formed through the merger of several settlements. The Danube, as if cutting Budapest in half, is a kind of border between the two parts of the capital, contrasting from a historical and geographical point of view. The map of Hungary with cities presented in the article reflects this feature of the city.

Hungary is located in east-central Europe and shares borders with 7 countries: Slovakia in the north, Ukraine in the northeast, Romania in the east, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia in the south and Austria in the west.

The country is divided into 19 provinces (copper).

The capital of Hungary is Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

The largest cities in the country:

• Debrecen;
• Miskolc;
• Seben;
• Gyor.

Capital	Budapest
Population
Population density	107.7 people / km²
	Hungarian Sign Language
Religion	Catholicism, Protestantism
Form of government	parliamentary republic
	Hungarian forint
Timezone
International dialing code
Domain zone on the Internet
Electricity

Climate and weather

The geographical position of the country has a beneficial effect on its weather conditions. Hungary has a comfortable temperate continental climate with mild winters and hot summers. average temperature January - from 0 to -4 ° С, July - +22 ° C... Hungary receives the largest number of sunny days of any country in Europe. In Budapest, the sun shines 85 days a year, of which 69 occur between April and September.

Nature

The variety of landscapes in Hungary is one of the main attractions of the country. Mineral springs, the only thermal lake in Europe and the famous Hungarian steppes attract many tourists from all over the world. The terrain is mostly flat, mountains are found on the border with Slovakia, and in the center of the country is the largest freshwater lake in central Europe - Balaton... Hungarians call it the sea.

sights

Hungary is one of those countries that has everything for an unforgettable vacation. The main thermal spa in Europe is rich not only in its springs, spa resorts and wineries. Many historical and cultural values ​​are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and in museums you can find exhibits from the 9th century. BC.

Of course, during the first visit to this country, it is difficult to appreciate all the sights at once, but the most important ones are simply a must. Among them:

• Budapest is a resort city with an unforgettable atmosphere;
• Lake Balaton is the most visited Hungarian resort;
• the cozy old town of Veszprem;
• Debrecen with its abundance of architectural masterpieces;
• Bukk and his baths;
• the city of Eger in the Baroque style;
• the Tokaj region is the birthplace of the famous Tokaj wine.

Nutrition

Hungary is famous for its national cuisine, amazing Tokay wines and fruit vodka palinka... Numerous cafes and restaurants offer a wide variety of dishes. The most popular recipes among tourists:

• goulash;
• paprikash;
• perkelt;
• numerous types of sausages;
• Debrecen sausages;
• Dobosh cake, etc.

It is noteworthy that many establishments offer menus in Russian and give guests a large portion of treats. However, do not forget to include in the bill tip of 10%.

Accommodation

Hungary has no shortage of hotels. And even in those marked with 2 or 3 stars, the service is provided at a decent level. For those who do not like hotels, we offer campsites(for example, at Lake Balaton) or hostels.

Entertainment and recreation

There are only 8 official holidays in Hungary, among them the usual Christmas, New Year, Easter, Republic Day, etc. However, in terms of the number of festivals and international holidays, this country has no equal. These are various music and folklore festivals, grape harvest festivals, a carnival of flowers, a gathering of shepherds, a sailing holiday and many other events worthy of attention. The resorts regularly host spa parties and various fairs, the major cities boast nightlife, and almost every hotel has tennis courts or a golf course.

Purchases

From Hungary, in addition to the usual magnets and key rings, you can bring world-famous wines "Tokayskoe" and " Bull blood», palinka(fruit vodka), marzipan sweets and of course salami... Colorful handicrafts made by Hungarian craftsmen will also be a pleasant gift.

For shopping, tourists should go to the central market in Budapest or to any shopping center, where during the period of discounts and sales, you can update your wardrobe without harming your wallet.

Transport

Hungary has fairly convenient transport links. In Budapest, the best way to get around is by car (you can rent it) or public transport. It starts at 4:15 am and ends at 11:15 pm. The most convenient way is to buy a weekly pass. Whichever mode of transportation you choose, you should definitely take a ride on the world's longest tram (its length is 53.9 m) and the oldest metro in Europe.

Connection

To stay connected while traveling in Hungary, you can activate roaming from your operator or buy a SIM card from one of the local ones, for example Westel, Pannon, Vodafone, etc. You can also call home from any payphone, having previously bought a card for international calls at the post office or at a kiosk. The average cost per minute is 1 $ ... You can access the Internet in any Internet cafe or using Wi-Fi access points, which are available in all major cities.

Security

To travel to Hungary, you need a foreign passport with free visa pages and the visa itself. When crossing the border, it is worth remembering that you cannot import dairy and meat products into the country. Valuables must be declared.

The crime rate in Hungary is low and therefore, in order to get only positive impressions from the trip, you must adhere to simple rules: leave a copy of your passport and return ticket at the hotel, do not carry large sums of money with you (it is better to pay with a plastic card) and keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places.

Just in case, it's worth remembering a few useful numbers: 104 - Ambulance, 107 - police, 105 - fire brigade and emergency telephone number - 112 .

You always need to have your passport with you - according to the law, it can be checked at any time.

Business climate

Hungary is a rapidly developing country. A large part of the budget is made up of the profit from the tourism business. Its geographical location and historical heritage have made Hungary attractive to international investors.

Much attention is paid to the development of business ties with neighboring countries. To maintain a positive image, international exhibitions, conferences and business seminars are held.

Real estate

Every foreigner has the right to purchase any real estate and land in Hungary, with the exception of arable land and objects protected by law. Compared to real estate in other EU countries, Hungarian real estate is becoming especially attractive to foreigners. The tax on the purchase of an apartment will be 6%, a on a house or land - 10%... To attract foreign capital, the procedure for registering property in ownership is simplified as much as possible.

As in any country, Hungary has its own unwritten rules and behaviors. For example, the use of Soviet symbols is prohibited, it is not customary to talk loudly, discuss politics and religion.

Before the trip, you should take care of the Russian-Hungarian phrasebook in advance. Even a couple of phrases in Hungarian will make a good impression on the locals, because they are very proud of their unusual and complex language (there are 25 cases in Hungarian).

Visa information

Hungary is a country belonging to the Schengen area. By applying for a tourist visa to Hungary, you will have the tempting opportunity to visit other European countries.

There are several types of visas to Hungary. The easiest way is to get a transit visa. However, having it, you will be obliged to leave the territory of the country within 24 hours. You can get a transit visa by providing a standard package of documents and a visa to the country of final destination. The most popular tourist visa among the guests of Hungary is a short-term tourist visa (about 10-12 days).

Frequent visits to the country, study and business trips will require a long-term multivisa.

I first came to Hungary 4 years ago, and on the very first day she struck me with her simplicity, grace and beauty. Since then, I have been organizing Hungarian vacations every year: I have already traveled all the cities and villages and cannot calm down. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Hungary is a great travel destination. It is located relatively nearby, prices are among the lowest in Europe, a beautiful and diverse capital, many ancient cities, delicious and close to us cuisine, thermal resorts, rivers and lakes, a high level of security.

The main thing is that the country has a wonderful atmosphere: there is no western gloss and eastern sadness. There is an intimate "golden mean": a neat and very pleasant life, to which you always want to return.

Visa and border crossing

You can read more about Hungary's visa laws for Russian travelers in.

Hungarian customs regulations

Duty free import allowed:

• 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco (when traveling by plane); 40 cigarettes, 10 cigars or 50 g of tobacco (when entering by land);
• 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of alcoholic beverages with a strength of up to 22 degrees, 4 liters of wine, 16 liters of beer (over 17 years old);
• goods worth up to 430 € (when crossing the border by plane) or 300 € (when entering by land);
• 1 liter of cologne, 250 ml of eau de toilette and 100 ml of perfume.

It is allowed to import from equipment without duty:

• television,
• video recorder,
• Personal Computer,
• 2 cameras + 10 films,
• narrow-film film camera,
• camcorder + 10 blank videotapes,
• music Center,
• CD-player + 10 CDs,
• portable radio or radio receiver,
• telefax.

Prohibited for import:

• weapon,
• ammunition,
• drugs,
• pornographic products,
• meat and dairy products, except for 2 kg of baby food or food required for medical purposes.

When importing, you need to declare more than 1 million forints (or 3500 euros). Hungarian forints can be imported and exported no more than 350 thousand forints per person. Valuables (additional pieces of equipment, antiques, works of art, items made of gold and silver) must also be declared upon entry.

To import pets into Hungary, you must have a veterinary certificate issued no earlier than 8 days before entry. It must indicate that the animal has been examined, recognized as healthy and there are no objections to its import from the doctors.

How to get there

Hungary does not border on Russia, but it is not so far away. Therefore, you can get to it by different types of transport: plane, train and car.

If you are not in awe of road or rail travel, I can definitely recommend air travel. He wins on all counts:

• more often (flights from Moscow every day),
• cheaper (from 30 euros one way),
• faster (2.5 hours).

Trains run only once a week, are more expensive (from 160 euros one way) and travel time is almost 31 hours.

Moving by car is possible only for experienced and hardy drivers. If you go from Moscow, you will have to spend more than a day behind the wheel.

By plane

This is the easiest and most affordable way to get from Russia to Hungary. There are five international airports in the country:

• Franz Liszt (Budapest),
• Pecs-Pogan (Pecs),
• (G. ),
• Gyor-Per (city),
• Sarmellek (Lake Balaton).

Direct flights from Russia are only possible to the capital of Hungary. Direct flights from Moscow to Budapest are made by:

• Aeroflot (two flights a day from Sheremetyevo),
• Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air (daily flight from Vnukovo).

A seasonal flight from St. Petersburg to is carried out by UTair. You can navigate the prices for flights to Hungary.

I'll tell you about my experience. The last time I flew from Moscow was in August 2016 with the low-cost Wizz Air. A ticket bought in a month cost 30 euros one way. The price is really ridiculous, but keep in mind that it did not include luggage (small hand luggage only) and meals on board. Both can be purchased separately.

Also, electronic check-in is not available on Wizz Air flights from Moscow. Travel time from Moscow to Budapest was 2 hours 30 minutes, the flight was on time. So I can confidently recommend this option.

From the airport to the center of Budapest

Liszt Ferenc Airport is located just 16 km from Budapest. Getting from it to the city center is not difficult:

• Bus. From 3:30 am to 10:59 pm, every 7-8 minutes, bus No. 200E runs between Terminal 2 and the Kőbánya-Kispest metro station (line M3). The fare is 1 euro. The bus runs with all stops, the way to the city takes up to 45 minutes.
• Shuttle. The minibus leaves from the main entrance to the terminals every 20-30 minutes and goes to the center of Budapest without stopping. We need to look for the Airport Shuttle-Minibus counter. The shuttles are very comfortable with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The fare is 10-12 euros.
• Train. Within walking distance from the airport is the Ferihegy railway station, from where trains leave for the Nyugati station (Nyugati, West Station). You won't have to wait long, about 100 electric trains go in the right direction every day from 4 am to 11 pm. The fare is 1 euro. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines on the platforms or from the conductor.
• Taxi. The most expensive and comfortable way of all. You can take a taxi at the airport (Főtaxi) immediately after arrival. Taxi fares are fixed at 1 euro per kilometer. A trip to the center will cost about 20 euros, depending on traffic jams.

By train

You can get to Budapest by train "Moscow - Prague" No. 21/22, which includes a direct carriage to Budapest. Departure from Moscow from Belorussky railway station on Wednesdays, departure from Budapest in the opposite direction is carried out on Thursdays. The journey takes 30 hours and 50 minutes. The minimum cost of an adult one-way ticket is 167 euros.

In Budapest, the train arrives at Keleti Station (East Station). It is the largest railway station in the city. Nearby is the metro station M2 "Keleti pályaudvar".

By car

The distance from Moscow to Budapest is 2040 kilometers. It is possible to overcome them by car, but you will have to spend about 25 hours behind the wheel.

In my opinion, the most logical and shortest way to travel by your own car along the route "Moscow - Budapest" passes through Belarus, Poland and Slovakia. Crossing the Russia / border is rather arbitrary and does not require presentation of documents. But at the border / sometimes you have to stand for several hours.

Undoubtedly, the most popular, well-known and therefore overcrowded border point on the territory of Belarus is (aka "Warsaw Bridge"). I recommend that you cross the border at Domachevo: it is much more comfortable and faster that way. Before entering the border checkpoint, passports will be taken from the driver and all passengers. After a while, they are returned with a completed control card, which must be signed. The passport is stamped about crossing the border by car. Then the customs officers inspect the car, sometimes they ask to open the trunk and bags.

Then it’s the turn of the Polish side. In my experience, it takes longer than the Belarusian one. Polish border guards check the condition of the car, the presence of a fire extinguisher, and ask about the purpose of the trip. If there is an animal in the car, you need to go to the border veterinary point to check the vaccination certificate.

On average, crossing the border / takes an hour or two. But then you are in the Eurozone and you can travel with a feeling of complete freedom, choosing any cities and villages you like to stop.

Tourist regions

The state of Hungary is divided into seven regions, each of which is ready to please travelers in its own way.

• Northern Hungary (Eszak-Magyarorszag)- a region famous for its historical and natural treasures. The main thing here is mountains and rocks. It is in Northern Hungary that the highest point of the country is located - Mount Kekesh (1014 meters). The mountains Cerhat, Matra, Bükk and Zemplen are nearby. I wholeheartedly advise all lovers of mountain ranges and clean air to come to Northern Hungary.
  The main cities are Lillafüred, Hollokö, Szecheny and the capital Miskolc.

• North Alfold (Eszak-Alfold)- this is a grassy steppe, shepherds, herds of cows, horses and sheep, hot sun, national parks, rural holidays, mills. I think that Northern Alföld is suitable for recreation for those who, in addition to attractions, want to see the kind and honest life of the common people on their trips, to reveal the true national soul, to try to understand the character of not only the inhabitants of the capital, but also those who inhabit the hospitable and picturesque hinterland.
  The main cities are Nyiredhaza, Szolnok and the capital.

• South Alfold (Del-Alfold)- the cradle of folklore, folk customs and crafts. Each town and village has its own colorful traditions here, especially embroidery, making ceramics and gingerbread figures. It is here that you can taste real national food, take part in the competition for the best "uhovar" and truly realize the beauty of provincial nostalgic villages.
  The main cities are Baja, Kalocha, Kecskemet, Sarvash and the capital.

• Central Hungary (Kozep-Magyarorszag)- the smallest in area, but the most popular among tourists region. After all, it is here that the beautiful capital of Hungary and many of the most beautiful and rich history places adjacent to it are located. I can recommend a trip to Central Hungary to all lovers of historical and artistic monuments, breathtaking landscapes and folklore traditions.
  The main cities are, Esztergom, Szentendre, Vac, Gödölle and the capital Budapest.

• Central Transdanubia (Kozep-Dunantul)- a region on the right bank of the Danube, north of Lake Balaton. It is here that one of the world's most famous porcelain manufactories "Herend" is located. In general, the region is famous for its archaeological monuments, medieval settlements, mineral springs. So I definitely advise all lovers and connoisseurs of the European historical past to go to the Central Transdanubian region.
  The main cities are Veszprem, Papa, Sumeg and the capital Szekesfehervar.

• West Transdanubia (Nyugat-Dunantul) Is my favorite region of Hungary. It really has everything that the country is so famous for: the ruins of medieval castles, ancient charming churches, numerous healing thermal springs, amazingly beautiful forests and lakes, magnificent palaces.
  The main cities are, Fertod, Sarvar and the capital Gyor.

• South Transdanubia (Del-Dunantul) Is a region south of Lake Balaton. I advise all fans of ancient history to visit it. Here are preserved: Roman tombs, chapels, frescoes, crypts, catacombs, sarcophagi, fortresses. The significance of these monuments can hardly be overestimated.
  The main cities are Pechvarad, Shiklos, Beksard, Kaposvar and the capital Pecs.

Top cities

Many people call Hungary the country of one city. Tourists love Budapest, but rarely travel further and make a big mistake. The capital is really great, but other cities in Hungary are also interesting. Each of them has its own spirit, its own unique attractions, its own history. I highly recommend including in your trip to Hungary visiting different cities and villages. It's really worth it! You can book hotels in the cities of Hungary on Booking - by, you can check prices from different sites. If you prefer the idea of ​​renting a private apartment or apartment -.

• Budapest Is a fantastically interesting and incredibly beautiful city. Stretching on both sides of the Danube River, it combines two completely different worlds: the old Buda with narrow crooked pretty streets of the 14-16 centuries, silence, a fortress, a royal palace and Pest with straight, harmoniously built streets, luxurious churches, lively, cheerful and crowded life. Two such different parts of the city are connected by amazing bridges, each of which is a unique piece of engineering art. It seems to me that Budapest has absolutely everything that travelers value: a good climate, delicious food, many cafes, fantastic beauty of architecture, a river with ferries, parks, a huge variety of shops, distinctive markets. A trip to Hungary is unthinkable without visiting the capital!

• - a picturesque town at the foot of the Bükk mountain range, famous for its beautiful baths and a twelfth century fortress. The baths of Hungary were mostly built by Turkish conquerors, which is why they successfully combine European traditions and oriental flavor. Eger Fortress is one of the best preserved in the country. On its territory there is a museum of medieval torture, which I personally love very much - it is unusual, exciting and not boring at all. Another important detail - an excellent red wine "Egri Bikover" is made in Eger, the name of which translates as "Eger bull's blood". In general, there are many reasons to visit the city. I am convinced that he is really worthy of attention. More specific information about Eger can be obtained.

• Szekesfehervar to this day it is called the city of kings. It was here that for many years coronations, weddings and burials of tsars took place. The main basilica, unfortunately, has not survived. Only its foundation remained. You can see it in the Garden of Ruins. There are many interesting museums in Szekesfehervar: Ethnographic Museum, Puppet Museum, Pharmacy Museum. I recommend this Hungarian city to visit to anyone interested in history and appreciating the rich museum culture.

• Esztergom located just 46 km from Budapest, on the very border with Slovakia. This is a picturesque town on the banks of the Danube with a magnificent cathedral. Its green dome is visible for miles, rising to a height of 72 meters. The temple is also famous for the fact that it contains the world's largest altarpiece, painted on a single piece of canvas. It always seems to me that Esztergom is a place where time seems to have stopped. I strongly advise you to go there for at least one day.

• Is the sunniest city in Hungary. According to official statistics, the sun shines here 300 days a year. Szeged is one of the most popular resorts in Hungary. The two largest thermal springs are located here - the Anna and Dora wells. In addition, Szeged is an interesting ancient city with narrow cobbled streets and beautiful architectural monuments. It is also known all over the world as the birthplace of salami sausage. You can read about Szeged.

• - a wonderful town with two-story medieval houses, red-tiled roofs, green hills, narrow winding streets, Gothic temples and an old fire tower. There are even some ruins of the Roman Empire and the Old Synagogue is one of the oldest in Europe. Walking around the city is incredibly pleasant. There is silence, peace and a real ancient spirit in it. You can learn more about Sopron.

• Szentendre Is a very small town, but very rich in attractions. First of all, it is famous for its two hundred museums. Among them: the marzipan museum, the Margit Kovacs ceramics museum, the wine museum, the museum of the artist Karoi Ferenczi. Szentendre is tacitly called the city of artists. Each house here is decorated in a colorful, original and charming way. I strongly advise you to wander around Szentendre in a relaxed manner, aimlessly, and just gaze at the signs, shop windows and pretty windows.

• Gödöllö- one of the most, in my opinion, interesting cities in Hungary in the immediate vicinity of the capital. It can be reached by train in just half an hour. Gödöllö is famous for its sumptuous Baroque palace, which took a quarter of the nineteenth century to build. For a long time it was the official residence of the imperial court. Walking in the park around the palace is completely free. You will have to pay to enter the palace, but it's worth it. The interior decoration really makes an impression: graceful stucco molding, gilded chandeliers, spacious halls, aristocratic royal chambers. I am sure that a trip to Gödöllö is the perfect one-day tour from Budapest for all fans of exquisite architecture, quiet parks and unhurried townships.

• Pecs- the southern city at the foot of the Mechek mountain. One of the most beautiful places in Hungary. Lovely houses with bright tiles, cozy streets of the old town, a majestic cathedral, numerous lovely cafes, fig gardens, almond trees. It was here that the first university in Hungary was opened. The city does not have any of the sights that have glorified it, but the very atmosphere of a calm, relaxed and very southern city in its energy is valuable, and it is a pleasure to spend a day there.

• Debrecen- one of the largest thermal spas in Hungary and the second largest city after the capital. Debrecen waters treat joints, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, gynecological, neuralgic, dermatological diseases. In 2003, the city opened a modern excellent health bath "Nagyordo" and since then its popularity has increased several times. I recommend Debrecen to visit anyone looking for quality treatment in Hungary. Detailed information about Debrecen can be obtained.

Islands

Hungary is landlocked, but boasts two large river islands: Margaret and Sziget.

• Margaret Island arose naturally many centuries ago right in the middle of the Danube and today is the favorite oasis of silence for the inhabitants of the capital. It is very easy to get to it, it is only half an hour's walk from Buda or from Pest. In addition, trams stop right in front of the island. Margit today is a real landscaped park. There is: a jogging track, a musical fountain, an outdoor pool, bike rental points, a tennis court, slides, swings, a mini-zoo, a Japanese garden. Despite the seeming abundance of entertainment, Margaret is a very calm, green and peaceful place. If you are tired of excursions and city walks and just want to lie down for a day on the lawn on the river bank, Margit will not let you down.

• Sighet- the island is specific. Most often it is empty, but once a year it is filled with young people from all over the world. The fact is that it is here that the music festival of the same name has been held since 1993, which attracts about 400 thousand music lovers annually. The festival program is always interesting and very diverse, almost all genres of contemporary music are represented. Please note that this event is very crowded. A few days before and after the festival, young people actively walk around Budapest. If you are not a fan of large crowds of people, then be sure to check the dates of Sighet (usually in August) and come on vacation in Hungary on other days.

Top attractions

• - the most beautiful building in the capital of Hungary. The local population jokes that the size of the Parliament does not correspond to the size of Hungary, but they are still happy to have such a beautiful Gothic symbol of the country's independence. By its location and architectural style, the building resembles the famous English Palace of Westminster. Parliament is open to the public. Its interior decoration, in my opinion, is no less impressive than the exterior: sculptures, frescoes, paintings made by the best Hungarian creators.

• Lake Balaton- the main thermal resort in Hungary, where the entire population of the country rushes in good weather. An interesting feature of Lake Balaton is its shallow depth, reaching a maximum of three meters. Swimming in the lake is incredibly pleasant, the bottom is sandy, the water temperature on fine days reaches twenty degrees. And there is plenty to do on the shore: you can take surfing lessons, play tennis or minigolf, go horseback riding through the picturesque meadows or go sailing.

• Is a huge health complex of 11 baths and 5 swimming pools. Located in the center of the main city park Varoshliget in the heart of the capital of Hungary. Expect to spend a whole day in Szechenyi. On the territory of the thermal resort there is a Turkish hammam and a Finnish sauna, weight and contrast baths, salt and carbon dioxide pools, a gym and much more. The most famous bathhouse in Hungary was built in the early 20th century in the modern Renaissance style, has been restored several times since then and is now in excellent condition.

• Shoes on the Danube embankment- one of the most, it seems to me, unusual monuments in Hungary. On the banks of the river from the side of Pest, not far from the Parliament, there are cast-iron men's and women's shoes and children's shoes. This is a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. The fact is that before the execution, they took off their shoes from prisoners in order to later sell them on the black market. The memorial was opened in 2005 on the eve of the sixtieth anniversary of the victory in World War II.

• Marzipan museum- one of the most entertaining and fun museums in Hungary. Opened in 1994 and located in the city of Szentendre. The museum displays marzipan paintings and sculptures, marzipan figurines and cakes. For example, I was particularly impressed by the sweet building of the Hungarian Parliament. The museum has a shop and a cafe where you can taste and buy marzipan delights. If you are exploring the sights of Hungary with children, this is a great option to visit.

• Lake Heviz- one of the most popular thermal spas in Hungary. This is the largest warm water lake in Europe with incredibly healthy waters containing calcium, potassium, salts, hydrocarbons. Most importantly, you can swim all year round in Lake Heviz in Hungary. Heviz is surrounded by stunning landscapes, calm, peaceful and very relaxing. At the beginning of the 20th century, the only medical practice in the world was established in Heviz. To this day, treatment in Hungary always includes a visit to a lake that is unique in its healing qualities.

• Great synagogue- the largest synagogue in Europe is located in Hungary, in the very center of Budapest. I never managed to get inside, you need to sign up in advance. But even from the outside it is very impressive: a beautiful 19th century building, built in the Moorish-Byzantine style by the Austrian architect Förster. Be sure to take a walk in the Jewish quarter around the synagogue for authentic Israeli street food, home history and a kosher restaurant.

• Mount Gellert- a hill with a height of 235 meters, from which a beautiful view of the Danube and the entire side of Pest opens up. It is very easy to climb it, using specially laid steps. At the top, you will find the citadel, built during the Hapsburg era, and the majestic Statue of Liberty with a palm twig in its hands. Locals say that she used to hold the propeller away from the plane. Climbing Mount Gellert during an independent excursion in Hungary is definitely worth it: an excellent panoramic view, an old citadel, the Hungarian Statue of Liberty, a good location. But I advise you to choose a cooler day: in the heat, climbing the steps is quite tiring.

• Chain bridge- the first suspension bridge in the capital of Hungary, it is still the most beloved by the locals. The chain bridge is called because of the iron chains that hold the roadway. The bridge, opened in 1849, looks luxurious and monumental. There are lions at each entrance, which tourists do not get tired of photographing, hindering pedestrian traffic.

• - the central landmark of Hungary and one of the largest temples in Europe. The height of the basilica is the same as the height of the dome of the Hungarian Parliament building - 96 meters. But if Parliament is the clearest example of Gothic, then Basilica is a more restrained neoclassicism. I highly recommend going up to the observation deck on one of the bell towers. Two lifts and a spiral staircase lead to it. The view of the city from it is simply fabulous.

• Memento Park- a great option for connoisseurs of Soviet history. It is an open-air museum dedicated to the monumental sculpture of the communist period in Hungary. There are 40 exhibits in the park. During the walk I found statues of Lenin, Marx, Engels, a typical Soviet telephone booth, and even a small cinema.

Weather

The weather in Hungary is similar to ours, with four distinct seasons. It is quite cold in winter (the temperature in January drops to –10 ° C), in summer it is warm (in July, on average, about +25 ° C).

The peculiarity of the country is the very long, warm and pleasant spring and autumn. I recommend planning your trip for this particular time. In addition, hotels in Hungary in the spring-autumn period often offer favorable prices.

Moving around the country

Hungary, in my opinion, is perfectly adapted for traveling around the country. I traveled across the Hungarian expanses on trains, buses, and swam on ferries. Only, perhaps, I did not fly on airplanes. I warmly recommend any method of transportation. Transport in Hungary is clean, comfortable and very punctual.

Aircraft

Hungary is not a very large country and is not rich by European standards, so domestic flights in it are completely undeveloped. There are several regular flights from Budapest to Pecs and the rest are charter flights. The main regional airline is Travel Service Hungary. Ticket prices start from 40 euros.

Locals and travelers alike prefer to use trains and buses: the distances are small, the views are beautiful, the prices are lower.

Trains

Railway transport is well developed in the country. The main carrier is the state-owned company MAV.

The center of the country's railway map is, from it, paths diverge from it to almost all cities in Hungary. So it won't be difficult to get anywhere from the capital. But it is often not very convenient to move between cities, you always need to dock in Budapest.

It makes sense to buy tickets in advance only on holidays and summer weekends. In other cases, you can come to the ticket office at the station right before the train leaves.

Buses

Intercity buses are very popular in Hungary. They are modern, comfortable, punctual, often equipped with free internet.

Buses are slightly more expensive than trains, but often more convenient: routes are laid directly between cities in Hungary, without entering the capital.

There are 28 bus operators in Hungary, united under the Volánbusz brand. The cost of the ticket depends on the distance. You can buy it at the checkout or from the driver.

Ferries

Water transport in Hungary is represented by the steamers Mahart, which run on Lake Balaton, the Danube (Budapesn - Esztergom route) and the Tisza River.

You can use this method of transportation only from May to September.

Automobile

Car rental is very popular in Hungary. The prices for car rental in Hungary can be found. The roads are good, the distances are small, there are more than enough small beautiful towns along the way. Traffic rules are standard.

You can take a car only upon reaching the age of 21 if you have an international license and a driving experience of at least a year. A deposit or credit card must be left as a financial guarantee.

Speed ​​limits in Hungary:

• in cities - 50 km / h,
• outside them - 90 km / h,
• on highways - 120 km / h.

Connection

Hungary is a highly developed country, there are no problems with communication here. You can buy a SIM card in any communication store. To conclude a contract, you need a passport and money (from $ 10).

In Hungary, there are three operators providing mobile and Internet services: Vodafone, Telenor, Magyar Telekom. There is no big difference in the prices for tariffs and the quality of communication.

Free Wi-Fi signal is available in many cafes, restaurants, shopping centers in the capital and major cities of Hungary.

Language and communication

The Hungarian language is rightfully considered one of the most difficult in Europe. For example, if you know one of the Romance languages, you can intuitively understand related, but from the same language group. This trick won't work with Hungarian. He is absolutely unique. Of the thousands of words spoken by the Hungarian, none evokes the slightest association. The subject of the monologue and the mood of its speaker remain a mystery.

There is only one way out - to use English. In the capital of Hungary he is understood very well, in small towns it is quite tolerable. Nevertheless, it is useful to know the most common phrases in Hungarian, if only to please the locals.

10 phrases you need to know:

• Hello - Udvözlöm - Udvözlöm.
• Goodbye - Viszontlátásra - Visontlaataasra.
• Yes - Igen - Egan.
• No - Nem - Nem.
• Sorry - Bocsánat - Bochaanot.
• Thank you - Köszönöm - Köosöonöm.
• Please - Kérem - Keiram.
• How are you? - Hogy vagy? - Go van?
• Okay - Jo - Yoo.
• I don't understand - Nem ertem önt - Nam eeirtam oynt.

Features of the mentality

On the very first day, it seemed to me that the Hungarians are a rather closed and secretive people. Indeed, if you cast a generalized look at passers-by, the impression is rather harsh. There are few open faces, everyone is serious and focused.

If you spend more time in the country, it becomes clear that Hungarians are funny and mischievous people. It is simply not accepted to actively express emotions on the street and in the company of strangers. The Hungarians are also very proud people. Almost all keep their back straight, do not wave their hands, make calm and smooth body movements.

I can also say with confidence that the society is, for the most part, very well educated. It is customary to talk at the table on serious topics: from the latest political news to world classical literature. The attitude towards tourists is excellent: everyone is ready to give directions and come to the rescue.

Food and drink

Hungarian cuisine is very hearty and solid, with a solid rustic flavor. Main ingredients: meat and vegetables (primarily cabbage). Most often, the dishes are stewed, with a sour taste and the addition of the country's most important spice - paprika. The main national drinks of Hungary match the food, serious and strong: fruit moonshine Palinka and forty-degree herbal liqueur Unicum.

I love Hungarian folk fairs very much, they take place in the squares of Budapest almost every weekend. Farmers from all over the country come to the capital to cook simple but delicious local food in giant vats. I advise you not to take several portions at once, they are very large, and one is often enough.

5 dishes worth trying

• Goulash (gulyás)- the pride of Hungary, truly the main dish of the country. This is a cross between a soup and a rich meat stew. Always delicious and nutritious. In translation, goulash means Shepherd's Soup, since it was shepherds who first began to cook it on fires. The ingredients of Hungarian goulash are familiar to us: meat, potatoes, onions, carrots, peppers, tomatoes, herbs. At the end of cooking, Hungarians certainly add paprika and caraway seeds, which give the soup a bright red color and a unique aroma. In tourist restaurants, goulash soup is sometimes served in bread.

• Perkelt- a hearty mixture of coarsely chopped vegetables and meat, stewed with paprika. There are a lot of perkelt variations. What vegetables and meat products the hostess has in the refrigerator, she uses these. One thing is invariable - paprika.

• Paprikash (paprikás)- almost the same as perkelt. The difference is that paprika is mixed with sour cream. The sauce is creamy and thick. In addition, paprikash is prepared only from white meat, most often chicken. Served with dumplings.

• Cabbage rolls (töltött Káposzta)- are very similar to a similar dish in Russian cuisine, but cabbage is always sour, and the same ubiquitous paprika is added to the minced meat.

• Goose liver (libamáj) Is a local delicacy. You can buy it in the form of a canned pâté on the market or order it fried in almost any national restaurant. It is served with nuts, fruits, mushrooms or chestnuts, sprinkled with fruit and berry sauces. I advise you to try the goose liver at the beginning of lunch, when the taste buds are most sensitive.

5 dough products worth trying

In Hungary, they love sweets. Confectionery shops at every step, national cakes are known all over the world. On holidays, whole streets are occupied by racks of cheesecakes and pastries. Savory dough products are also popular, number one among them is langos:

• Langos- the main Hungarian street fast food. This is a large flatbread made from unleavened yeast dough, which is fried in boiling oil right in front of you until it is crispy. Then, at your request, it is rubbed with garlic sauce, poured with sour cream and sprinkled with grated cheese. Hungarians call langos the local pizza and eat it almost daily. Langos is often cooked next to the metro, in squares and central streets. In recent years, Langos restaurants have begun to open, where for double the price they offer to add meat, arugula, mushrooms and hundreds of other ingredients to the cake. The local population ignores such places, and tourists love them very much.

• Retes- Hungarian strudel. Many people like it much more than its Austrian counterpart. And deservedly so. The dough for retesh is very thin and tender, the variety of fillings is huge: cottage cheese, apples, poppy seeds, cherries, nuts.

• TOurtosh kalash (kürtős kalács)- translated from Hungarian means "kalach tube" They cook kurtosh kalash right on the streets, on special wooden devices invented a long time ago. It is a pleasure to watch the ancient process. Traditionally, at the end, the finished product is simply sprinkled with sugar, but there are other interesting options: cinnamon, chocolate, grated almonds, coconut. Especially hot Hungarian kalach is popular during the Christmas season.

• Esterhazy- almond-chocolate cake with cognac. It is very easy to recognize it in a coffee shop: Esterhazy is always covered with a chocolate mesh on top with a white glaze. This is an incomparable dessert that is being tried all over the world, but the original recipe is known only to Hungarian confectioners.

• Dobos- the most favorite cake among Hungarians. It is a six-layer sponge cake with interlayers of mocha and caramel, topped with a hard icing. Delicate amazing dessert created in the 19th century by confectioner Jozsef Dobos. Even if you are just passing through Hungary or a couple of days, try dobos - you will not regret it.

5 drinks worth trying

• Tokay (tokaj)- a magnificent aromatic dessert white wine, the hallmark of Hungarian winemakers. It is made according to a unique ancient recipe of the 12th century from grapes dried in the sun, specially affected by a special fungus. It is a favorite drink of the aristocracy, including Louis XIV, who called Tokaj "King of wines, wine of kings". Tokay always tastes a little spicy, it differs not only in light, but in an amber-golden hue.

• Unicum- herbal liqueur made according to a secret recipe from over 40 Hungarian herbs. It comes in bottles adorned with a black white and red cross label and has a strong and rather unusual taste. This drink is the special pride of the Hungarians. "Unicum" helps with colds and coughs, indigestion, eliminates muscle weakness and lack of appetite.

• Palinka- the famous Hungarian tincture. The most famous varieties are barackpálinka (barackpalinka) made from apricots, körtepálinka (körtepalinka) from pears and szilvapálinka (silvapalinka) from plums.

• Pezhgyo (pezsgő)- Hungarian champagne, always sweet, most often white. It goes well with famous national desserts. In Hungary, everyone drinks alcohol right on the street, so you can walk around the city like a student on a warm evening with champagne and local cakes.

• Beer Is not as popular a drink in Hungary as dessert wine or fruit liqueurs, but nevertheless there are quite a few local varieties and all are delicious. Try Beers Dreher, Borsodi, Shoproni and Arany Ászok on a hot summer day. Light beer in Hungarian világos ("vilagos"), dark - barna ("barna").

Shopping

In my opinion, you shouldn't go on a shopping tour to Hungary on purpose. Prices for clothing and equipment in Russia and Hungary are the same, the assortment is similar.

I can advise you to go to the market or to the grocery supermarket before leaving home. You can find something interesting in them. For example, excellent salami sausage, hundreds of types of paprika, all kinds of marzipan candies, local fruit moonshine Palinka. In my experience, everyone is always happy with such gifts.

Hungarians also love to embroider. There is a large selection of tablecloths, scarves, napkins in the city markets and Vaci street in Budapest. Bargaining in Hungary, no matter how I tried, does not work. Sellers always stand their ground. But they never cheat.

Top cities for shopping

It makes sense to buy gifts in Hungary only in Budapest. Prices there are lower than in the regions, and the variety of goods is higher. Depending on your taste, I can offer three directions for searching for souvenirs: Vaci Street, Central Market Hall and Andrassy Avenue.

• Central market- the most important, oldest and largest covered market in Hungary. Thousands of local residents come here every day to buy fresh meat, milk, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, herbs. The most basic goods occupy the first floor of the building. There is also a second one, where magnets, handicrafts and everything that tourists like so much are sold. There are also several very simple cafes with delicious national food and therefore eternal pandemonium. In short, the Central Market is a magical place where you can walk all day and come back the next. In addition, it is located in a beautiful building of the 19th century. By the way, right from the market starts the Hungarian Arbat - Vatsi Street.

• Vaci street- the main shopping pedestrian street in the country. It is on it that the largest concentration of cafes, restaurants, shops, souvenir shops, barkers. Unlike Andrássy, there are no luxury brands here, only mass and budget brands. Vatsi's atmosphere is exactly the Old Arbat. Only street musicians are missing, they are prohibited here. There is so much traffic, tourists, sellers, goods and passers-by on Vaci that you can often ignore the wonderful houses, carved wooden portals of the first floors, mosaics and cast-iron decorations on buildings. In addition to shopping, I advise you to walk along Vaci in the early morning. It is at this deserted hour that it opens in all its glory.

• Andrássy Avenue- the longest, majestic and luxurious street in the city, which the locals call their "Champs Elysees". Expensive and elegant shops of all prestigious brands are concentrated here. Even if you don't need expensive shopping, it is still worth taking a walk along Andrássy. The main avenue is famous for its pompous architecture from the most famous masters of Europe.

What to bring from this country

Almost all souvenir shops in Hungary have an amazing and mysterious word Hungarikum written on them. Actually, such a word did not exist in nature until recently. In the era of the tourist boom, clever Hungarian sellers invented it to denote everything that is unique and typically Hungarian. I offer several options for Hungaricums that will delight you and your loved ones.

• Paprika- perhaps the most famous Hungaricum. You can buy it as a spicy paste, small dried peppers, or, most commonly, in small, brightly colored cloth bags. Paprika occupies whole ranks in markets and shops. Depicted on tablecloths and dresses. It is simply impossible to return without her from a trip to Hungary. Price from $ 2.

• Salami- world famous raw smoked Hungarian sausage. It was first made in the city of Szegedi in the southeast of the country back in 1869 and is still produced according to the original recipes of the 19th century. The most famous variety is considered "Téliszalámi", or "winter salami". Price from $ 4.

• Herend porcelain- exquisite porcelain products made at the renowned and old Herend factory. You can buy as a gift tea and coffee sets, vases, figurines, interior details, lamps. Everything is quite expensive, but incredibly beautiful. The main thing is to pack well so as not to break anything on the way. Price from 400 $.

• Rubik's Cube- the famous toy was invented in Hungary by the sculptor Erne Rubik, from whose surname it got its name. If you need to choose a gift for children, this is the perfect option.

• Marzipan sweets- In Hungary, they adore marzipan, in ordinary stores you can find wonderful marzipan sweets and chocolates. You can buy a set of marzipan plasticine, marzipan zodiac signs and more. Price from $ 2.

• Products with hand embroidery- in Hungary there is a large selection of tablecloths, napkins and even embroidered bookmarks for books. The main motive is the famous Hungarian paprika. Floral patterns are also common. Price from $ 10.

According to the customs rules of Hungary, it is allowed to export from the country goods, the value of which in forints does not exceed the amount equivalent to 1200 €.

For the export of antiques, works of art, gold and silver items, a special permit is required.

Tax free

In many large stores in Hungary, as elsewhere in the world, you can see the Tax Free badge on the doors. This means that by making purchases for a certain minimum amount, tax can be refunded when leaving the country.

Purchases must be taken out no later than three months from the date of purchase. The minimum purchase amount in Hungary is HUF 45,000 (about $ 220).

To get VAT, when buying goods in Tax Free shops, you need to ask the seller to issue a Tax Free Shopping Check. When departing from Hungary, prior to check-in, you must present a Tax Free receipt at customs with purchase receipts attached to it.

I advise you to put the purchased goods with price tags in one or several separate packages, as the customs officer may require you to show the purchases. At customs, a stamp is put on the Tax Free Shopping Check, after which you are entitled to a refund.

There is a Global Refund ticket office at Budapest Airport, where you can return immediately. The money can also be received at any Global Refund box on the next trip abroad, if the check has not expired. Or upon returning home at an authorized bank. In this case, additional commissions will be charged.

Vacation with children

Hungary is perfect for families with children. If your child has reached school age, then you can safely go on a tour of Hungary with him. The country offers all the favorite entertainment for children: zoo, circus, cable car, wildlife park, water park, children's museums.

Top places for families with children

• Zoo in Budapest- an old (opened in 1865) and very interesting zoo. In addition to hundreds of animal species, on its territory there is an oceanarium, a butterfly house, birds, a variety of plants, a palm pavilion and even a Hungarian village where pets are presented. The zoo is very large, but at the entrance they give out a map, which is easy to navigate.

• Wildlife Park "Budakeszi Vadaspark" Is an area of ​​350 hectares, where animals are kept not in cramped cages, but in spacious enclosures. The park is over thirty years old, and every year the number of its inhabitants is increasing. Now you can find deer, roe deer, wild boars, gray wolves, brown bears and many other animals there. The park is really good, it is spacious and picturesque. In clear weather, it makes sense to climb the observation tower and look at the surroundings.

• Bear Park "Medveotthon"- a completely unique park in the suburbs of Budapest. It is not that big, with an area of ​​only about four hectares. It is home to 39 brown bears. Each of them has its own name and hobbies. Some of the bears have starred in Hungarian cinema. So that the animals can sleep comfortably, 8 artificial caves have been dug for them. You can come to the bear park with your honey and feed its friendly inhabitants. To do this, you will be given a long wooden spoon free of charge.

• Water park "Aquaworld" Is the largest indoor water park in Europe, located on the outskirts of Budapest. It is aimed equally at adults and children of all ages. Kids will be pleased with such water attractions as: Whirlwind, Flying Carpet, Rainbow, Jungle, Mountain Stream, Octopus. There is a separate children's pool with a water temperature of 30 degrees. If you do not have swimming equipment for small children with you, you can buy them in the store right on the territory of the water park.

• Children's Railway (Gyermekvasút) Is a wonderful project by the students of the Technical University of Budapest, implemented shortly after the end of the Second World War. All employees here are children from 10 to 17 years old. To get into such a tempting job, you need to study well and undergo special training. The length of the children's railway is 11 kilometers, which can be covered in 45 minutes. The small trailers offer a magnificent view. The children's railway has 9 stops, at any of which you can get off or go. The most interesting station is Mount Janos, on which there is an observation tower.

• Bear Museum "Macimuzeum"- a cozy and very homely museum located in the tiny village of Rakotsifalva. The history of the museum is simple and beautiful: a resident of the village of Antal Balazh collected a collection of bears with his family all his life and a few years ago, when there were more than one and a half thousand exhibits, he opened a museum on his own. The bears in the museum read books, drink tea, and sleep in their beds. In short, this is a wonderful and magical place in its kindness.

• Toy Museum in Kestehei- a relatively new museum (opened in 2010), but already a favorite of young tourists. It contains one of the largest collection of toys of the 20th century in Europe - ten thousand exhibits. The museum has two parts. For girls: with dolls, dresses, strollers. For boys: with cars, tanks, trains, soldiers, designers.

• Tropicarium Is a very unusual place in the capital of Hungary. On the territory of 3 thousand square meters, there are various aquariums with fish from all over the world and even a piece of tropical forest. There is a shark aquarium, a pool with rays, piranhas, alligators, scorpions, chameleons, rainbow trout. In addition to river and sea inhabitants, marmoset monkeys (the smallest monkeys in the world) and crested partridges live here. The child in the Tropicarium will definitely not get bored.

• Transport Museum- one of the oldest museums in Europe with a similar theme, located in the Varoshliget Park in the capital of Hungary. The transport museum is especially interesting, of course, for boys. Here you can see the very first Danube steamer, old steam locomotives, toy cars of the Soviet era, Peugeot of the 19th century. There are interesting and beautifully made small copies of old city transport. What is important for children is that the museum is interactive. You can put a coin into the machine and the trains will have fun running along the model of the railway.

• Park "Mini-Hungary"- a miniature park in the small town of Kishber, where you can see 22 miniature copies of the most famous places in Hungary. You can take a long look at the masterly made Parliament, the Royal Palace, the Great Synagogue, the Palace of Princes and other sights of Hungary. It is very pleasant that the entrance to the park is completely free.

5 things you definitely shouldn't do

• Trying to understand Hungarian.
• Be afraid of prices, because there are many zeros in the forint.
• Drink a bottle of palinka in one sitting.
• Ignore street food: langos and kurtosh kalash.
• Schedule a visit to the baths for Friday evening.

5 things to do in this country

• Taste all types of local paprika.
• Rejuvenate in one of the famous baths.
• Climb to the Statue of Liberty on Mount Gellert.
• Eat mountains of marzipan candies.
• Spend a peaceful day on the Danube island.

Nearby countries

Hungary is located in the very center of Europe and enjoys an excellent position in terms of travel to neighboring countries.

Budapest is just a stone's throw from other European capitals: in 3 hours you can drive to Bratislava, Vienna and Zagreb, in 4 hours - to Ljubljana and Belgrade, in 5 - to Prague.

It is not very reasonable to cover such distances by plane, it takes more time to go through customs control. So, the most common and convenient options are trains and buses.

The most reliable railway companies are Hungarian MAV and Austrian Railjet. The recognized leader among bus services is Eurolines. Prices for both types of transport start at € 10.

From April to October, pleasure boats leave Budapest for Vienna via Bratislava. The price to Vienna one way is about 79 euros, in both directions - about 99 euros.

Money

Hungary is one of the few EU countries that carefully protects its currency and resists the pressure of the euro. The monetary unit of Hungary to this day is the forint (HUF). The current Hungarian exchange rate for September 2016: 100 HUF = 23.46 RUB (1 USD = 277.89 HUF, 1 EUR = 309.49 HUF).

I advise you to change money on weekdays, banks are often closed on weekends. An exception is the center of Budapest, where exchange offices work around the clock, but at an overpriced rate. Also, I do not recommend making exchange operations at the airport, hotels and with individuals. They almost always offer a disadvantageous rate.

Hungary is a modern European country. You can pay with plastic cards everywhere. As elsewhere in Europe, in terms of conversion, it is more profitable to have a Mastercard with you than a Visa. ATMs in Hungary are literally at every turn.

Brief information about the cities of Hungary

A city (population 55,088) in northwestern Hungary, near the Austrian border. It is a tourist and commercial center with sugar - processing and cotton - textile industries. Hungarian settlers who settled here in the 10-11th century created a city with a fortress. Sopron became the place of coronation of the King of Hungary and Bohemia (later emperor) Ferdinand III and the meeting place of the Hungarian Parliament in 1681. After World War, part of Burgenland was transferred to Austria, but was returned to Hungary after a plebiscite in 1921.

Sopron is one of the oldest cultural centers in Hungary. It houses a university, three 13th century churches and a 15th century palace. Franz Liszt was born in nearby Dobojan.

A city (population 129,356) in northwestern Hungary, near the Slovak border, at the confluence of the Danube and Rab rivers.

Gyor is a road and railway center, a river port, an administrative center, and a leading industrial city, famous especially for its mechanical engineering and textile factories. Manufacturing includes diesel engines, auto parts and furniture. Its location halfway between Budapest and Vienna makes the city an important communication point. The Győr Node was a Roman military outpost named Arabona, which was evacuated in the 4th century AD and later destroyed. The Hungarians built fortifications there in the 9th century, and the city grew around the fortress, which was later (17th century) used as a defensive position against the Turks.

Modern landmarks include a 12th-century cathedral (restored in the 17th century), an episcopal palace, several imposing monuments, and quaint 17th-18th century buildings.

Szombathely

City (population 85,418) in western Hungary, near the Austrian border. An important railway junction where leather goods, agricultural machinery, textiles, and boots are produced.

The city was founded in 48 AD by the Roman emperor Claudius and was called then - Sabaria. In the 5th century Szombathely was destroyed but later rebuilt.

The city has an 18th century cathedral, a 17th century Dominican church, and an episcopal palace with a museum of antiquity. While excavating, the ruins of a triumphal arch and an amphitheater were discovered nearby.

Székesfehérvár City (population 108,990) in west central Hungary. It is a county, administrative and industrial center, with industries producing motorcycles and machine tools, televisions and radios. It is also a market center. Székesfehérvár was destroyed during the Turkish conquest of Hungary (1543-1688) and rebuilt in the 18th century. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese with two palaces, several churches, and a museum. The city was badly damaged during the Second World War.

Kaposvár

A city (population 71,793) in southwestern Hungary, on the Kapos river. Industries include textiles, brick making and agricultural equipment. The town is home to an 18th century church, a 19th century town hall, and the ruins of an old castle.

Pécs

City (population 183,000) in southwestern Hungary, near the Croatian border. County, administrative center and center of the railways. Pecs is the industrial center of Hungary's main coal mining region. The city produces leather goods and pottery. There are extensive vineyards in the Pécs district. It is one of the oldest cities in Hungary. Pecs was the center of a Celtic settlement.

Many German miners and colonists settled here during the 18th century and in 1780 it became a free city. The 11th century cathedral (rebuilt in the 19th century) is the most famous historical formation in the city. The Pecs also houses the Episcopal Palace, the Turkish Minaret, and several churches that used to be mosques.

Miskolc

A city (population 196,449) in northeastern Hungary, on the Sajo River. The second largest city in Hungary and a major industrial center, Miskolc contains large deposits of iron and steel mills, as well as large factories that process food. Numerous limestone caves are used as cellars by local winemakers.

The city of Miskolc is the seat of the Protestant diocese. The old settlement was granted the state of a free city in the 15th century. Frequent invasions (by the Mongols in the 13th century, the Turks in the 16th and 17th centuries, and German imperial forces in the 17th and 18th centuries) have created the history of the city. Industrialization began in the second half of the 19th century. Modern landmarks include a 13th-century castle and a museum. The city also has a law school and a technical university.

Eger

A city (population 61,908) in northeastern Hungary, on the Eger river. It is a commercial center for the production of wines and with factories that process food and tobacco.

The city, destroyed in the 13th century by the Tatars, was rebuilt, fortified, and fixed in 1596 by the Turks, who ruled the city for almost 150 years.

Notable structures in the city include a 16th century minaret, an 18th century palace, a 19th century cathedral, and the ruins of a medieval fortress.

Szolnok
City (population 78,333) in east-central Hungary, at the confluence of the Tisza and Zagyva rivers. It is a river port and a road junction. Manufactured here - furniture, textiles, chemicals, and paper. The city also gained historical importance as a fortress discussed between the Hungarians and the Turks.

Szolnok has a large convent, an engineering college, and an artists' colony, founded in the 19th century. Thermal waters nearby.

Baja
City (population 40,500) in the south of Hungary, on the Danube River. It is a river port, road and railway center, where agricultural products of the region are traded. Industries produce machinery, furniture, and chemicals. The city has a lovely 18th century town hall and some quaint churches.

Nyíregyháza

City (population 88,500) in northeastern Hungary. It is a county, capital city, and market for a vast agricultural area. Light industries include canning, distillation, and food processing. The city, destroyed in the 13th century, was rebuilt in the 18th. Its museum contains gold relics.

Debrecen

A city (population 212,247) in eastern Hungary, the third largest city, the economic and cultural center of the Great Plain, the region of the Tizsa River. It is also the county's capital city, an industrial city that produces agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals, furniture, and pottery. Debrecen has been traditionally known for its livestock fairs and markets, and as a center for agricultural trade.

Under the Turkish conquest of Hungary (16-17th century), Debrecen enjoyed a semi-autonomous state and often served as a refuge for peasants fleeing the Turks. It was also an important trade center, but wars, in the last 17th century, between Christian Europe and the Turks, destroyed the city's economy. Debrecen became the center of Hungarian resistance against Austrian rule in the 19th century, and on April 14, 1849, in a large church in the heart of Debrecen, Kossuth Lajos declared Hungary's independence from Austria.

The economic revival began in the early 20th century.

Gyula

City (population 31,000) in southeastern Hungary, on the White Koros River, near the Romanian border. It is an agricultural center with a beautiful 14th century castle.

Ferenc Erkel, composer of the Hungarian National Anthem, was born in Gyula.

Deprived of an outlet to the sea, it is surrounded on all sides by land borders with other states. The capital of Hungary is a city. Other large Hungarian cities are Debrecen, Miskolc, Szeged, Pecs, Gyor, Nyiregyhaza, Kecskemet, Szekesfehervar. The largest city in the country is its capital - Budapest. The city also has a population of over a million. The rest of the Hungarian cities do not have a population of over a million. Hungary has a population of almost 10 million and is a fairly densely populated country in Europe. Hungary is one of the few countries of the European Union that is not included in the euro circulation zone, but has its own national currency - the forint. The country is located in the same time zone. The difference with universal time is one hour.

Hungary has land borders with, and.

In Hungary, about 20% of the territory is covered by forests. Basically, flat relief prevails on the territory of the country.

Despite the fact that plains prevail in the country, there are several mountain systems and ranges: the Matra massif, the Bükk massif, the Western Carpathians, the Bakony mountains, the Berzhen massif, the Alpokalya massif. The highest point in Hungary is Mount Kekes. The height of this peak is 1014 meters.

Hungary has many well-known and large rivers. The largest of them is the Danube. The length of the Danube through Hungary is 417 km. The Tisza is considered the longest river - its length in the Hungarian territory is 579 km. Other large rivers in Hungary: Zadva (length through Hungary 170 km), Rab (length through Hungary 160 km), Ipel (length through Hungary 145 km), Drava (length through Hungary 143 km), Zala (length through Hungary Hungary 139 km), Körös (length in Hungary 138 km), Shajo (length in Hungary 123 km), Shio (length in Hungary 121 km), Hornad (length in Hungary 118 km). There are also picturesque lakes in Hungary. The largest and most beautiful Hungarian lake is Balaton. It is considered the largest lake in Central Europe. Other large Hungarian lakes are Wadkert, Velence, Selid, Feneketlen, Heviz, Ereg.

Hungary is administratively divided into twenty counties (provinces): Bach-Kishkun, Baranya, Bekesh, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Chongrad, Fejer, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves, Yas-Nagykun-Szolnok, Komarom- Esztergom, Nograd, Pest (Budapest), Somogy, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Tolna, Vash, Veszprem, Zala, Budapest.

Map

Roads

Hungary has an excellent rail network. Hungarian trains run exactly on schedule, from Budapest by train you can reach every corner of the country.

Hungary has at its disposal several high-speed autobahns, which are not inferior in quality to German or Dutch ones. The road network of the country also allows you to get to any settlement.

History

Hungary has a rich history, this state has gone through many historical eras, and there were many states on its territory:

a) the so-called period "Hungary before the Hungarians" - the settlement of Slavic tribes on the territory of modern Hungary, the formation of the state of Great Moravia, the beginning of the migration of Hungarians from the South Urals and the territory of modern Bashkiria (c), the fall of Great Moravia under the onslaught of the arriving Hungarian tribes, (the so-called The era of the conquest of the Great Motherland on the Danube) - up to 955;

b) the Kingdom of Hungary - since 1000, the conversion of the Hungarians to the Catholic faith, attempts to extend their influence to Kievan Rus, the wars with Byzantium, the loss of part of the lands as a result of military conflicts;

c) Hungary under the Mongol-Tatar yoke (since 1241) - the Mongol-Tatars raids on the Danube steppes, the seizure of cities, the capture of the population into the Golden Horde and slavery;

d) the strengthening of the Hungarian kingdom after the departure of the Mongol-Tatars (since 1300) - the expansion of territories from the Baltic to the Black Sea, the seizure of the Italian principalities and the annexation of their territories to the Hungarian crown, the capture of Serbia, the wars with the Czech Hussites), the attempts of the Austrian Empire to annex Hungary;

e) Hungary in the composition - since 1526 - forcible Islamization of the Hungarian population, simultaneous wars with the Austrian Empire, loss of independence, division of Hungary into two parts: the western part - became part of the Ottoman Empire, the eastern part - into the Habsburg Empire (Austrian Empire);

f) Hungary is completely part of the Austrian Empire - the reconquest by the Austrians of the western Hungarian lands seized by the Turks - since 1687;

g) Hungary as a part of Austria-Hungary - since 1867 - participation in the First World War, defeat in the war, disintegration of Austria-Hungary into Austria and Hungary;

h) Hungarian People's Republic (since 1919) - the fall of royal power, a republican form of government;

i) Hungarian Soviet Republic (since 1919) - the rule of the communists, the seizure of part of Hungary by Romania, the occupation of the country by Romania, the fall of the communist regime, a military coup led by Admiral Horthy;

j) Horthy Hungary (1920 - 1944) - rapprochement and entry into an alliance with, the war against on the side of Nazi Germany, the liberation of Hungary from the Nazis;

k) Hungarian People's Republic (1949 - 1989) - the establishment of a socialist system in the country;

l) Modern Hungary - the fall of the communist regime (1989), economic reforms, accession to NATO and the European Union.

Minerals

Hungary is not rich in minerals, but has a small amount of its own strategic energy resources. Most of the energy carriers are imported from other countries, more from Russia. Oil is produced in small quantities, more than two thirds of the required demand is imported from other countries. There are also deposits of coal and natural gas in Hungary, but they also do not meet the country's full demand for these energy resources.

Other minerals in Hungary are mined bauxite, brown coal, iron ore, manganese ore, lead, zinc. Molybdenum, tin, lead, uranium, limestone, building sand, quartzite, perilla, refractory clay, kaolin, bentonite, volcanic glass, perlite, dolomite, talc.

Climate

Hungary is one of the sunniest countries in Central Europe. Here the number of sunny days per year significantly exceeds the number of cloudy days. Hungary's climate is temperate continental. The winters are mild here, snow falls frequently, but there are no severe frosts in the country. In the mountainous part of the country, winters are more severe. Lots of snowfalls and blizzards. Summers in the flat part of the country are quite hot, sometimes dry. In the mountainous regions, the summers are cooler, with frequent rains and thunderstorms.