Hungary is a kidney shaped country in Central Europe with a rich history spanning a millennium. Budapest is the country’s capital and its political and historic heart. In contrast to its size, the country has the second largest thermal lake in the world (Lake Hévíz), the largest lake in Central Europe (Lake Balaton) and the largest natural grassland in Europe (Hortobágy).
Hungary has the largest synagogue in Europe (Great Synagogue), the largest medicinal bath in Europe (Széchenyi Medicinal Bath), the third largest church in Europe (Esztergom Basilica), the second largest territorial abbey in the world (Pannonhalma Archabbey), the second largest Baroque castle in the world (Gödöll’) and the largest Early Christian Necropolis outside Italy (Pécs). With these unique structures and vivid cultures, who wouldn’t include this country to their must visit wish list?
Hungary has a continental climate that has hot summers and mildly cold snowy winters. Hungarians are the name of the people who live in this country and have a population of just over 10 million people in the land. The country is home to Paul Edros, the great mathematician of all time. Count Ede Laszlo Almasy is Hungarian and had been known as a cartographer, explorer, aviator, double-agent, Iron Cross recipient. He had been locked away in a Russian camp during WWII and he was the inspiration in the film, The English Patient.
When is the best time to go to Hungary?
April – Attend their Spring Festival in Budapest that gives a hearty performance together with orchestral jazz, dance events with film screening.
June – Danube Festival is celebrated on this month, a feast of color, dance and music. You will experience the traditional Hungarian music to be played alongside some spectacular processions.
July – Formula One comes during summer: the Hungarian Grand Prix.
August – The Festival of Folk Arts at Buda Castle, where craftsmen, dancers and musicians are performing at their best.
Where to Go?
Castle District – Situated in Castle Hill is a Royal Palace with top museums and gallery spaces. The most exciting tourist attraction is the cable car going to the top of the hill.
The Hungarian National Gallery – Paintings, medieval stonework, gothic sculpture and baroque art are displayed in this museum all the way from 11th century.
Budapest Zoo – If you have kids, this is the place for them. Set in parkland, the zoo is a home to 2,000 animals such as elephants, rhinos and giraffes.
What to Eat?
You will not complete your experience in Hungary without eating their traditional food. The most well known dish is goulash and the best known ingredient is paprika. Every region has its own food to boast and have its own distinct flavors and aromas. Try these:
Chicken paprika – csirkepaprikás Goulash – gulyás Lecho – lecsó Stuffed cabbage – töltött káposzta Salami – szalámi Sausage – kolbász, hurka Pancakes Stuffed with Meat Stew – Hortobágyi Palacsinta Hungarian Pancake Cake – Rakott Palacsinta Strudel – Rétes Beigli Dobos Cake – Dobos torta Gundel pancakes – Gundel Palacsinta
There is no place like Hungary. Its impact on Europe’s history and development has been recognized worldwide. If you are already decided to go this country, please remember that their climate varies from region to region so plan your travel itinerary well.
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