“Pray for a healthy mind in a healthy body”, the ancient Roman poet Juvenal suggested. The curative powers of these waters were well known in Roman times. Nowadays, Hungary is a centre for health, medical and spa tourism. The country is extremely rich in thermal waters: it has nearly 1,500 hot springs and over 270 different types of mineral and medicinal waters. 80% of its territory has some kind of thermal water underground.

Thermal Baths & Spas
Did you know that there are approximately 1,500 mineral springs utilized in Hungary today? Although the standards are stricter here than elsewhere in the world, the country has over two hundred sources of water with a proven medicinal effect, allowing visitors to benefit from hydrotherapy and various other treatments.

Medical Tourism
“Medicus curat, natura sanat” – The physician treats, nature cures. Come visit us and experience Hungary’s unique medicinal waters and medicinal mud. Discover our mountains and caves suitable for climatic therapy and find out what wonderful healing powers certain gases have. The country’s natural treasures provide for the revitalization of body and soul in an unparallelled way.

Medical treatments
Hungary is outstanding in several ways when it comes to medicine and medical science, which you can experience yourself if you visit the country. The country is at the forefront of diagnostics, dentistry, ophthalmology, orthopedics and plastic surgery. The leading Hungarian institutes provide services at a high level of quality: the physicians and nurses are highly skilled and the offices are technologically fully developed

Dentistry
Hungary is one of the dentistry hubs of Europe. Beyond the capital, Budapest, dental offices in cities along the western border including Sopron, Mosonmagyaróvár and Győr provide foreign guests with high quality services. Patients leave Hungary fully satisfied: they’re serviced by skilled dentists, accommodating teams and offices featuring cutting-edge technology.

Diagnostics
While other countries have long waiting lists, various diagnostics procedures are available quickly and at a favourable price – including the device-based examination of the heart, ultrasound or mammography services.

Orthopedics
The Hungarian orthopedics clinics look back on decades, or sometimes a half century-long history in treating patients with locomotor disorders – in fact, they also perform high-level research activities.

Apart from the quality of medical care, patients can also spend the period of rehabilitation amongst the best conditions, thus allowing visitors to even undergo such complex procedures as mosaicplasty knee surgery and hip surgery.

Highly skilled physiotherapists and masseuses assist recovering patients in renewed surroundings with top quality instruments.

Aesthetics
Hungarian plastic surgeons can only start working after at least 13 years of internship, therefore their preparedness is unquestionable. All the trendiest procedures requiring the latest technical devices are available in Hungary at favourable prices. Accordingly, the services range from skin-tightening and rejuvenating procedures, phototherapy, ultrasound facial rejuvenation, Infini treatment, as well as laser hair removal, weight-loss treatments and traditional plastic surgery procedures.

Infertility
Hungarian health institutions have a good success ratio of helping couples facing infertility. The services include in-vitro fertilization treatments and various forms of artificial insemination as well as gynecologic and male infertility evaluations, hormone determinations, hysteroscopy and hystero contrast sonography examinations.

Ophthalmology
Since the 19th century, Hungarian ophthalmology has provided medical science with a number of renowned experts. The eyelid ptosis and loxophthalmus surgeries of László Blaskovics were considered ground-breaking, whilst later on, Aladár Kettesy invented numerous key surgical procedures and created new ophthalmology devices. In August 2008, Dr. Zoltán Zsolt Nagy performed the first femto laser-assisted cataract surgery in the world.

The treatments begin with the examination of the complaints and various screening tests, followed by the cataract surgery, contact lens implantation, pterygium surgery, fibroma, stye and atheroma removal and can be concluded with double blepharoplasty surgery. It’s also worth visiting the country for cutting-edge corrective eye surgery.

Healing natural resources
Invigorating Water
Did you know that there are approximately 1,500 mineral springs utilized in Hungary today? Although the standards are stricter here than elsewhere in the world, the country has over two hundred sources of water with a proven medicinal effect.

Medicinal Mud
Mud as warm as 36-42 degrees Celsius is used for the packs. The active agents are absorbed through the skin, stimulating nerve endings – thus producing a muscle-relaxing and pain-relieving effect. As opposed to pain reliever medication, the treatment has a long-lasting effect, easing pains and aches for up to several months.

Climb That Mountain
Cool mountain breezes await with lower air pressure, which can facilitate the treatment of heart and circulatory conditions and high blood pressure, and is also recommended for bronchitis and certain metabolic disorders. Kékestető peak in the Mátra Mountains is one of the country’s most renowned high-altitude climatic health resorts.

Take a Deep Breath
Based on therapeutic climatic effects, cave therapy can also yield improvements in the case of various respiratory diseases. Soluble minerals in the water dripping from the ceiling and walls of the caves have an anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant effect when inhaled. There are five certified medicinal caves in Hungary: the Abaliget cave, the István Cave of Lillafüred, the Szemlő-hegy Cave of Budapest, the therapeutic cave of the city hospital in Tapolca and the Béke Cave in Jósvafő.

Up to the waist in gases
A long time ago, after dangling their legs off the edge of a cavity, someone noticed that the injuries on their feet were beginning to heal. The answer lies in carbon dioxide. As a post-volcanic feature, gases are found flowing from certain spots in the world, which have a therapeutic effect in the bloodstream when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Naturally, there’s no need to dangle your legs over a cliff, but rather the gas is administered as a treatment in a controlled environment.

In the Northern Hungarian village of Mátraderecske, medicinal gases with a high carbon dioxide content erupt from a depth of approximately 1,000 metres, recommended for heart and circulatory rehabilitation and also recommended due to its high concentration of radon for arterial diseases and peripheral artery disease tied to diabetes.

Featuring the Taj Mahal and the Grand Canyon, the UNESCO World Heritage list divides sites into those of outstanding cultural and those of outstanding natural value.

The UNESCO World Heritage Programme in brief
UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) World Heritage Programme was established in 1972. The aim of the programme is to register the cultural and natural heritage of humanity – so the countries that are placed on this list must make a commitment to protecting the World Heritage sites in their territory so that later generations can enjoy their unparalleled beauty. Needless to say, being included on the World Heritage List is immensely prestigious – places such as the Grand Canyon National Park, the historic centre of Florence, Machu Picchu and the Great Wall of China are all listed.

Most of them sits in the cultural category. BUDAPEST counts as one, with three specific attractions: the DANUBE PANORAMA, the CASTLE DISTRICT and Andrássy Avenue.

The first refers to both banks, the bridges linking them and the landmarks along them. Certain attractions are cited by name, including the magnificent Neo-Gothic PARLIAMENT and Art Nouveau masterpiece, the Gresham Palace, defining the skyline of Pest, and dramatic hilltop CITADELLA in Buda.

A seat of power since the 1200s, Castle District exudes history, the sprawling former royal palace now housing the HUNGARIAN NATIONAL GALLERY. Nearby, MATTHIAS CHURCH and FISHERMEN’S BASTION were painstakingly created by architect Frigyes Schulek in the late 1800s, the former from medieval plans. Andrássy Avenue is more broadly defined to bring in THE GREAT SYNAGOGUE, with the ornate OPERA HOUSE and magnificently restored Franz Liszt Academy of Music among the landmarks.

In western Hungary, PANNONHALMA ABBEY, founded in 996, still functions as a centre of church and art history, with an arboretum and herb garden, cloisters, an archabbey museum, a gallery and chapel.

In north-east Hungary, designated as a wine region since 1737, TOKAJ’s storied viticulture is another heritage site, 3,000 cellars stretched across an area of eight settlements including Mád and Tokaj itself.

The nearby HORTOBÁGY NATIONAL PARK shows how man and nature can interact in harmony, animal husbandry adapted to the saline pastures and wetlands. In spring and autumn, this habitat attracts breeding and migrating birdlife. Hortobágy is also symbolised by THE NINE-HOLE BRIDGE AND WILDLIFE PARK.

Closer to Budapest, HOLLÓKŐ Ófalu refers to the Old Village, the medieval castle ruins above and the surrounding greenery. This complex of folk architecture comprises 55 buildings and a church.

The FERTŐ LAKE area features a unique landscape of vineyards and diverse wildlife, geologically and historically uniform either side of the Austrian border that now divides it.

Roman Sopianae is today Pécs in southern Hungary, where an Early Christian Necropolis from the fourth century is part of THE CELLA SEPTICHORA VISITOR CENTRE, a popular tourist attraction.

The 1,200 caverns of AGGTELEK straddling the Slovak border include the 26-kilometre Baradla-Domica cave system and Rákóczi Cave No.1, used in the treatment of respiratory illnesses.

Old Village of Hollókő and its surroundings

Hollókő in Nógrád County in Northern Hungary has been a UNESCO World Heritage site. This small village is sought out by tourists from all over the world, as this is currently the only Hungarian settlement whose residents still use the built environment as they did in the past century.

Hollókő is a one-street village, meaning that most houses have their entrances from the main street, with long gardens stretching on to the hills at the back. Even if the furnishings and equipment of turn-of-the-century homes have been modernised somewhat, the original rooms and outbuildings have remained, fulfilling their initial functions to this day.

The legend of village
The story of Hollókő began in the 13th century, when the castle towering above the village was constructed following the Tatar invasion. The first written record of the village itself dates back to the 14th century – telling us that Hollókő already had a church at the time. A romantic legend is also attached to the castle that people still consider to be true, although the castle of Hollókő was in reality most likely built as part of the wave of stone-castle construction across the country following the Mongol invasion. According to the legend, the lord building the castle kidnapped the beautiful wife of the neighbouring squire. However, the girl’s nanny was a witch and was on good terms with the devil, convincing him to turn his sons into ravens, who then stole the stones from the new castle until the woman was finally set free. The stolen stones were then used to build a new castle, which is why the medieval fort was given the name Hollókő, which stands for Ravenstone.

The archetype of Palócz architecture
The village was depopulated during the Turkish occupation, and settled by Palócz petty nobility from Upper Hungary (Felvidék), a fact we also know from medieval documents. The agricultural and natural characteristics of the region did not allow for settlers to live prosperously, on top of which the Palócz social structure is also decidedly ancient, not facilitating social mobility and modernisation. Hollókő, already a town difficult to access, started to lag behind other regions in terms of development over the centuries.

Traditional Palócz architecture made use of wood and straw and, as a result, the village was ravaged by fire on numerous occasions over time. The last and most severe of these fires dates back to 1909 and, in the reconstruction of the village, the residents switched from wood to mud-bricks and from thatched to tiled roofs, building the houses on a stone base. However, the buildings retain traditional Palócz folk architectural forms, meaning that the ‘new’ old village completed in 1911 was a perfect imprint of the atmosphere of the beginning of the century and of traditional Palócz architecture as well.

The living folk culture
When visiting Hollókő, these unique architectural marvels are not the only things to be amazed at: if we arrive at the right time, we may also gain insight into how people in Hungarian villages lived at the onset of the 20th century. As a result of urbanisation, Hungarian ethnic groups in general started to leave behind the folk costumes typical of their region at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. For the Palócz, and in Hollókő in particular, this process only started in the 1960s and then only very gradually. Typically, village residents wouldn’t go to work in larger towns and cities, meaning that they voluntarily preserved their ancient culture. Of course, the village has paved roads, electricity and Internet, but the current 400 mostly pension-age residents still observe their traditions, be they gastronomy, religion or folk art. On the occasion of festivities, for example at Easter, which they consider to be particularly important, even the few young people dress in traditional Palócz attire.

Given its spectacular natural surroundings, Hollókő is ideal for a one-day hike at any time of the year.

Budapest, you’re wonderful – World Heritage sites in the capital of Hungary
Walking in Budapest, we come across impressive buildings and eye-catching spaces. UNESCO has also recognised the city’s beauty: we showcase its World Heritage sites.

Eight natural and cultural assets in Hungary are now included on the list; in the capital, the view of the Banks of the Danube with the Buda Castle District and Andrássy Avenue are World Heritage Sites.

Head to Budapest, your destination: World Heritage Sites
The Hungarian capital is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. What’s more, Budapest has become such a trendy tourist destination that in 2019, it won the prestigious European Best Destination award. That is no coincidence, since the city promises many a wonderful sight: all you have to do is step out into the street, and wherever you look you’ll see a fabulous view on both the Buda and Pest sides of the river.

The first Budapest sight to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 was the view of the Banks of the Danube and THE BUDA CASTLE District. This was joined in 2002 by Andrássy Avenue and its historic surroundings.

The Banks of the Danube
There can be no doubt that the Banks of the Danube in Budapest offer a splendid view, with the iconic bridges crossing the river. The World Heritage Site extends from Margaret Bridge to Liberty Bridge and, on the Buda side, includes the historic complex of the castle district, Gellért Hill with THE STATUE OF LIBERTY AND THE CITADEl, and the popular GELLÉRT BATH. As part of the heritage, the most characteristic buildings on the Pest side of the riverbank include the eclectic and captivating PARLIAMENT, the Neo-Renaissance headquarters of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the Art Nouveau masterpiece of the Gresham Palace and the Pest Vigadó.

The Buda Castle District
The Buda Castle District is worth a special mention, since with its many sights, this destination alone is worth a full day. Once in the centre of the quarter, surrounded by the castle wall, take a look at the 19th-century Neo-Gothic-style MATTHIAS CHURCH and the Neo-Romanesque FISHERMAN’S BASTION; and don’t miss walking through Buda Castle, once home to kings and today housing the National Széchenyi Library, THE NATIONAL GALLERY and the Budapest History Museum. If we were you, we’d also check out the Várkert Bazár, known as the capital’s special jewellery box, where art and nature live together symbiotically. Check out the exhibits here, enjoy a phenomenal dinner or simply admire the magical panorama.

Andrássy Avenue
Andrássy Avenue has also been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List with its magnificent buildings, such as the Opera House designed by the rightly famous architect Miklós Ybl, the Neo-Renaissance Academy of Music or the Art Nouveau Divatcsarnok (Fashion Hall) department store; but it also includes magnificent HŐSÖK TERE (Heroes’ Square) at the end of Andrássy Avenue, flanked by THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS and the Kunsthalle and with the Millennium Monument, where the complete history of Hungary is on display through large-scale works. If you want to enhance your time travel, we recommend a ride on Europe’s first underground railway, handed over by Emperor Franz Joseph in 1896 and gliding under Andrássy Avenue to this day.

No wonder you’re already grabbing your shoes after reading the above to immerse yourself in the beauties of Budapest, but if time allows, be sure to visit the other World Heritage Sites in the country, which are:
– the traditional Palóc Village of Hollókő,
– the contiguous cave system of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst,
– the Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment,
– the Hortobágy National Park,
– the early Christian Necropolis of Pécs,
– the Fertő Cultural Landscape,
– the Tokaj Wine Region.

Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst caves
The cave system, located 236 kilometres from Budapest and crossing the Hungarian-Slovak border, is a uniquely spectacular region of Northern Hungary that has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1995.

The Aggtelek National Park occupies over 20,000 hectares on the Aggtelek Karst, the part of the Gömör–Torna Karst located in Hungary. Roughly 1,200 caverns have been discovered in the area of the Gömör–Torna Karst, of which 273 are in Hungary, within the borders of the Aggtelek National Park. The most famous of these are probably the Baradla-Domica Caverns.

Adventure in ancient times
The longest cave in Hungary and in the temperate zone is the Baradla Cavern, which winds for 25 kilometres, while the 5.6 kilometre part running under Slovakia goes by the name of Domica. Geological data put the beginning of the formation of the cave system at about two million years ago. The water of the streams dug, abraded and dissolved the cavities and caverns and then the lime deposit of the dripping water slowly built the stalactites of varying shapes that fascinate visitors to this day. Like today’s visitors, their shapes inspired the imagination of the explorers who discovered them, which is how they got expressive names like Dragonhead, Tiger, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Columned Chamber or Giants’ Hall. The Concert Hall, with its excellent acoustics and stunning spectacles, hosts classical and popular music concerts to this day.

The archaeological finds in the Baradla Cavern and other neighbouring caverns are telling of the fact that these caves were used as a refuge as far back as prehistoric times. Archaeologists have unearthed gold jewellery and fighting equipment from the early Iron Age, as well as tools and earthenware made of stone and animal bone from the New Stone Age, which was 6-7,000 years ago. The cave system includes several other caverns open to the public, such as the Imre Vass Cave, known for its Orange Torrent, the Peace Cave, providing relief to those suffering from respiratory diseases, or the Rákóczi Cave, known for its fabulous underwater lakes. There is also a cave formed by the waters breaking up from the depths and a vertical shaft cave, also known as a sinkhole, carved out by seeping water. One example is the Vecsembükk shaft cave.

Special wildlife
The caves form a unique ecosystem, with the almost sterile air hidden under the surface in the World Heritage Site providing a home for more than 500 cave-dwelling and cave-loving animal species, many of which can only be found here. Guided cave tours of 2.5 or even seven hours leave from Aggtelek or Jósvafő. Near the caverns, there are also marked hiking trails at ground level. Following these will offer you the chance to get to know the flora and fauna of the karst surface, but also get a glimpse into the life of nearby villages and see the hidden, ancient church ruins. A yellow path indicates the 7-kilometer Baradla Educational Trail between Aggtelek and Jósvafő, which can be completed in about three hours, while the Tohonya-Kuriszlán Educational Trail around Jósvafő is about a six-hour walk. Families and groups of children will enjoy the Fürkész (‘scouting’ in Hungarian) Educational Trail marked in orange, while the 12-stop Szádvár Educational Trail around Szögliget will allow you to observe the wildlife of the surrounding forests as well as the ruins of Szádvár Castle. Make sure you don’t miss the Tengerszem (Tarn) Lake and the Aggtelek Lake, while the ruined cloister of the Pauline Order and the early medieval church in Tornaszentandrás also promise an unparalleled experience.

Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its natural environment
A key national memorial site, the Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its surroundings, located near Hungary’s Northern border, also has outstanding significance in terms of global heritage. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.

Since the beginning of history…
Its history stretches back more than a thousand years and legend has it that the triple hill was the birthplace of St. Martin (Bishop of Tours in the 4th century). In Roman times, the area was a key wine-producing region of Pannonia province. The legend also says that this is where the Hungarian conquest ended, and it was on these hills that Árpád, leader of the chieftains, rested after defeating the Moravian emperor Svatopluk. The Benedictine monastery standing here was founded in 996, at the dawn of the Christian Hungarian state, by Grand Prince Géza, whose son, King Saint Stephen, founder of the state, helped the community with additional donations, making it one of the key mementos of the symbolic opening towards the West and Christianity.

Cultural legacy of Benedictine’s
The Abbey of Pannonhalma has functioned as an outstanding spiritual and cultural centre of the country for more than 1,000 years. It was able to hold on to continuity amid stormy periods in Hungarian history, despite the fact that the monks were forced to flee on several occasions during the Turkish occupation and that, during the Age of Enlightenment, Joseph II, son of Maria Theresa, broke up the order. After having reorganised themselves in 1802, they were assigned the key task of education by the Emperor and this continues to this day in the abbey’s boarding school. As part of the decades-long cultural mission of the order, it has now also amassed a rich artistic and scientific collection, with its library holding the largest Benedictine collection in the world and the Archabbey Archives holding the founding charter of THE TIHANY ABBEY from 1055, the first known written text to include words and phrases in Hungarian (or any Finno-Ugric language).

The monastic complex is also outstanding in terms of the history of architecture: it is the only intact remnant of cloistered monastic architecture in the classic Benedictine tradition in Hungary. The Abbey harmoniously integrates numerous outstanding architectural styles from the past millennium – in addition to the oldest sections built in Romanesque style (for instance the cloister and the crypt), it also has a Gothic basilica as well as extensive Baroque and Classicist details.

The monastery, which is currently home to approximately 40 monks, today has a larger vineyard and winery again, with traditions stretching back to Roman times. The monks also produce various herbal extracts and essences, the quality of which is making them increasingly popular. They make yet trappist beer too since it comes from hops, that’s also a kind of herbal extract.

Walk around Central Europe’s largest steppe, the mythical land of Hortobágy
While you are in the vicinity of Hajdúság, visit Hortobágy, where you can relax on the porch of the 300-year-old Hortobágy Inn and take in the enormous grassy steppe, while sampling the shepherds’ traditional dish of slambuc (a combination of pasta, potatoes and bacon).

The picturesque Puszta — the vast, 51,000 hectare grassy steppe that became the country’s first national park in 1973 — has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. The sight of the T-shaped shadoofs and the grey cattle coming to the trough undoubtedly promise lifelong experiences. If you’re brave enough, hop onto a chariot or bike to catch a glimpse of Puszta wildlife: observe a bluethroat from up close, go on a crane watch or gain insight into the life of local horsemen. Speeding through the plain, you can see Przewalsky wild horses and Auroch cattle, but you can also admire the Hortobágy stream, crossed by the famous 167-meter-long Nine-Arched Bridge. The local Máta Stud Farm, considered one of Hungary’s major horse-breeding centres, with its 270 horses, is well worth a visit. You can also watch a 3D film series about the wildlife and natural treasures of the Hortobágy at THE HORTOBÁGY NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTRE. Time your outing for the now traditional ‘bridge fair’, where handicraft artists offer a number of their beautiful wares.

Tradition and folklore at the bridge fair
The once internationally renowned fair is organised annually to this day on the Nine-Arched Bridge, where local handicraft artists offer their wares for sale and a host of folk music and folk dance shows are put on to entertain enthralled tourists.

Autumn crane migration – a special natural event
It’s worth organising your visit in time for the autumn period as this is when the cranes, considered the symbol of the Hortobágy National Park, arrive. Take a weekend tour to observe how thousands of cranes fly in regular formations across the Puszta sky.

The Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)
The early Christian sepulchres were discovered on the southern slopes of the Mecsek mountain range in the north-western part of THE TOWN near Pécs Cathedral. The archaeological site of the 4th century sepulchres has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 30 November 2000.

Sopianae – the Roman settlement on which the town of Pécs was built – was founded in the early 2nd century. In 100 years, it would grow into a thriving city and a significant centre of Christianity.

Chapels and crypts
The complex comprises two sections: the underground part is a crypt where the deceased were placed in brick tombs or in sarcophagi. The tombs were often decorated with biblical scenes and early Christian symbols. The second section is a memorial chapel, erected above the crypt. These two-storey structures served both as burial sites for the nobility and locations for burial ceremonies.

The unearthed sepulchres were originally numbered by the archaeologists for identification using Roman numerals, but some of them got to be known by names, referring to their interior mural paintings.

Discovered in 1782, Burial Chamber No. I – or the Peter & Paul Tomb – is regarded as the best-known early Christian structure in Pannonia, the Roman province in today’s western Hungary. Its northern wall is decorated with a mural depicting the apostles Peter and Paul (hence the name of the chamber) pointing at a Christogram: the symbol of Jesus Christ. The interior of the crypt boasts lavish decorations of biblical scenes and ornamental patterns. Burial Chamber No. II – or the “Wine Pitcher” Chamber – was also discovered in the 18th century, during the construction of an extensive cellar system under Pécs. A niche was built in the northern wall of the chamber, where a wine pitcher and a glass were painted. The walls of the crypt are decorated with geometrical patterns, floral and lattice motifs.

Discovered in 1975, the early Christian Mausoleum was the largest building in the Roman town of Sopianae. It comprises two levels: a chapel on the ground level and a crypt beneath. The murals on the crypt walls depict the fall of Adam and Eve and other early Christian iconography, including a Christogram. The Mausoleum is believed to have been built in the 370s AD.

Built over 1,600 years ago, the early Christian necropolis of Pécs provides a remarkable example of late Roman burial practices and funerary cult. The early Christian sepulchres of Pécs are regarded as the largest single Christian tomb complex outside Italy.

The visitor centre includes the Mausoleum, six two-storey burial chambers and two larger, single-space buildings.

The land of incomparably delicious wines: the Tokaj Wine Region
Tokaj is a unique example of unparalleled natural gifts, the cooperation of grapes and man. No wonder, then, that this World Heritage wine region gave birth to the ‘wine of kings’.

The History of Tokaj: from Gesta Hungarorum to UNESCO
Today, the Tokaj wine region is internationally famous, but its history begins centuries ago. The earliest mention of Tokaj can be found in Anonymous’ chronicle, Gesta Hungarorum (The Deeds of the Hungarians). The author of this (probably) 12th century work notes that when the conquering Hungarians visited this region, they drank ‘magnum aldumas’, that is, a great blessing. Documents of King Béla IV from 1252 contain a specific allusion to the grapes of Hegyalja, and in 1502, they mention the oldest known vineyard – Hétszőlő – by name. The next turning point in the life of the wine region would be in the 16th century, partly because at the time, they were already producing the famous ASZÚ WINES, and partly because grape and wine experts began to relocate to the region around that time. The first written reference to the Tokaji Aszú wine came soon after, in 1571.

After that, having struggled through a variety of difficulties and obstacles, the development and continued popularity of the world’s first closed wine region – the TOKAJ WINE REGION – was largely unbroken, to the extent that in 2002, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, (UNESCO), added the region to its list of World Heritage sites. This was an extremely significant award, as only sites representing the most exceptional and valuable cultural and natural treasures are ever included on the list. A site’s inclusion is effectively acknowledgement that it bears great significance for all of humanity. And that is certainly true of the Tokaj Wine Region.

Five reasons why you should definitely go to an Aszú wine tasting in Tokaj
Hungary has a well-deserved reputation for excellent wines throughout all of Europe. As the Hungarian saying goes: “no one who loves wine can be evil”. In other words, perhaps there’s no need to find a reason to give excellent wines a taste. Nevertheless, we can certainly provide a few for TOKAJI ASZÚ.

– It is said that King Louis XV called the Aszú wine from Tokaj-Hegyalja the king of wines and the wine of kings.
– Mozart and Goethe also had excellent taste in wines, and were extremely partial to Tokaji Aszú.
– The grapes for this Aszú wine are grown in an environment with entirely unique natural characteristics, and the wine itself is produced in the inimitable atmosphere of centuries-old wine cellars.
– It is one of the most unique sweet wines in the world. We can safely say, with no exaggeration, that it is a miracle of nature.
– Tokaji Aszú is one of the most amazing exemplars of Hungary’s image.

A geography lesson: what’s in a good wine?
Why is the Tokaj wine region so conducive to producing exceptional wines? It’s no secret that beyond the conscientious work of professionals, the unique natural characteristics of the region also contribute to the unparalleled taste.
The Tokaj wine region includes Tokaj and its surrounding 26 settlements. It is located within a triangle drawn in the north-eastern part of Hungary, between Sátor Mountain in Sátoraljaújhely, Sátor Mountain in Abaújszántó, and Kopasz Mountain in Tokaj. 11,149 hectares of the wine region are amenable to producing grapes (currently, 5,813 hectares are actually being utilised for that purpose).

Here are the natural characteristics that make the wonderful Tokaji Aszú possible:
– the wetlands by the Tisza and Bodrog rivers,
– the local climate of the ZEMPLÉN MOUNTAINS, caused by its protected status, which allows for the proliferation of noble rot,
– the noble rot itself, assisted in its growth by the great quantities of water vapour produced in autumn
– the concentration of sugar and other important elements within the grapes, thanks to the autumn sunshine
– and the many colourful vineyards situated on volcanic rock, a result of vigorous volcanic activity 9 million years ago.

In a nutshell, these are the factors promoting the incomparable complexity and exquisite taste of wines from this region. We should, of course, note that there are wines here even for those without much of a sweet tooth: the dry, exceptionally full-bodied wines of the Tokaj wine region are rapidly growing in popularity. The two main varieties of wine in Tokaj are Furmint and Hárslevelű, but Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains (Sárgamuskotály), Kabar, Zéta and Kövérszőlő are also extremely tasty wines produced here.

Amazing tours around the Fertő–Hanság National Park with fascinating fauna
Come to the Fertő–Hanság National Park and have the experience of a lifetime. Bring your hiking boots as well.

The 309 square kilometres of Lake Fertő and the surrounding area are under the protection of the Fertő–Hanság National Park. The park offers early morning guided canoe tours on the steppe lake, with its special fauna and flora. If you are lucky enough, you’ll be able to spot different bird species, such as herons and great crested grebes and some birds of prey, such as western marsh harriers or white-tailed eagles. Those preferring a more laidback tour can sit in a solar boat and admire the land dotted with botanic gardens, marshes, white alkali patches, cuman mounds and hillforts. The sky is not the only sight that you should gaze at: there are 35 species of fish living the salt waters of Lake Fertő. Some good news for anglers: several villages around Lake Fertő offer daily tickets, with which you can visit stocked fish ponds and natural waters.

The place where the wonders of nature are just the blink of an eye away
If you decide to take a tour around the Fertő–Hanság National Park, start from KÓCSAGVÁR, which is one of the largest thatched-roof buildings in Hungary, blending into its surroundings with its organic style. Your next stop should be the Lászlómajor Visitor Centre near Sarród, which was once the centre of the famous Esterházy family estate. The manor was established some 150 years ago, but has been recently renovated and given some new features, such as an interactive exhibition for children and grown-ups about the traditional Hungarian trades that are typical of this region.

Art and culture are the cornerstones of our everyday lives. Diversity, creativity, artistic freedom and dialogue are vital. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts, festivals, book markets – we love them all. Pick your favourite from the most beautiful places and the most interesting events and activities.

Royal castles & aristocratic palaces
Visit Hungary’s amazing castles and palaces. There are 103 castles in Hungary alone, most of which are still open to tourists and visitors. Our castles were built in different styles and at different times, but the view from all of them is unrivalled and is paired with the exciting history that lies within their walls. They are calling to us to take a journey back in time.

BUDA CASTLE has been home to the kings of Hungary since the 13th century. The ‘HUNGARIAN VERSAILLES’ IN FERTŐD is the largest Baroque-style castle in the country. Queen Sissi’s favourite castle was THE ROYAL PALACE IN GÖDÖLLŐ, while FESTETICS PALACE remained in the hands of the family it was named after for 200 years. EGER CASTLE is where one of the most ominous events in Hungarian history took place, while the medieval CITADEL OF VISEGRÁD served as the seat of the king. FÜZÉR CASTLE was built by royal command following the invasion of the Tatars.

Museums & Galleries
A museum is always a perfect place for adults or children alike. The experience will be unparalleled, whether you are visiting a permanent or a special temporary exhibition. Spare some time to admire the buildings and surroundings of the museums and galleries as the architectural value of these buildings is also substantial.

The NATIONAL GALLERY in Buda Castle in Budapest is a very good example, and is home to the largest public collection of fine art in Hungary.

Műcsarnok (Kunsthalle) on HŐSÖK TERE hosts exhibitions of contemporary arts, while the MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS features exhibitions of international and Hungarian artists.

Fans of photography should visit the Robert Capa Contemporary Photography Centre. The Csontváry Museum – a must-see museum in Pécs – showcases the life’s work of the lonely genius of Hungarian painting, while in Szentendre, THE LARGEST OPEN-AIR MUSEUM in the country is not to be missed.

The HOUSE OF TERROR MUSEUM commemorates the victims of dictatorships.

Religious Sights
From churches to cathedrals, synagogues and abbeys – Hungary is home to hundreds of beautiful religious locations and sights. These buildings take visitors back to different ages in history, and carry the marks of events such as the foundation of the Hungarian state, coronations, the Reformation and the era of the Ottoman rule.

SAINT STEPHEN’S BASILICA is one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical sights in the country and is the third-tallest building in Hungary, where visitors can enjoy a wonderful 360° panorama from its lookout tower.

MATTHIAS CHURCH is the gemstone of the Castle District with its snow-white, lacework tower and a roof covered with colourful tiles made by the Zsolnay factory.

The DOHÁNY UTCA SYNAGOGUE is the second largest synagogue in the world, while THE CATHEDRAL on Castle Hill in Esztergom is the largest church in Hungary.

The Hungarian declaration of independence was read out by Lajos Kossuth in the REFORMED GREAT CHURCH IN DEBRECEN, and the almost 1,000-year-old BENEDICTINE ABBEY OF PANNONHALMA is a UNESCO World Heritage site. THE BENEDICTINE ABBEY ON THE TIHANY peninsula is a must-see: it’s the jewel of Lake Balaton.

Gül Baba ‘– the father of roses’ – was already an icon when he was alive, and his tomb was built in the 16th century. The Footsteps of the Wonder Rabbis is a pilgrimage that leads us into the Jewish heritage of northern Hungary.

Theatres
All the World’s a stage. Whether you want to see something light, something musical or something more serious, you’ll definitely find what you are looking for. Theatre buildings in Budapest are symbols of the immortality of art and music. The walls of some of these buildings could tell you many a tale about times of sadness and happiness.

The National Theatre, located on the bank of the Danube, is an exceptional sight in a beautiful environment. Standing right next to it is MÜPA, where classical and popular music, jazz, world music, dance, new circus and fine arts take centre stage.

The Renaissance Revival-style building of the HUNGARIAN STATE OPERA often hosts concerts by national and international stars of the opera world.

The National Dance Theatre in Millenáris Park offers visitors a truly unique experience.

Festivals & prestigious events
There are several festivals and events in Budapest and around the country all through the summer. The activities on offer at open-air or tourism festivals include popular music, classical music, jazz, fine arts and gastronomy. And plan your summer by Lake Balaton so that you can take part in the VeszprémFest.

Most of the events of THE JEWISH CULTURAL FESTIVAL are held in the wonderful DOHÁNY UTCA SYNAGOGUE in Budapest.

The Budapest Spring Festival is the largest cultural festival of Hungary, focusing on classical music, opera, jazz, dance, theatre and fine arts.

THE GOURMET FESTIVAL – which is all about gastronomy – is held in May in Millenáris Park, while THE SZIGET FESTIVAL lasts a whole week in August on Óbuda Island, with international stars headlining.

If you visit the BUDAVÁR WINE FESTIVAL, you will have a chance to taste thousands of wines from hundreds of winemakers while admiring the most breathtaking view of Budapest.

The town of Veszprém organises a SERIES OF EVENTS that attracts legendary performers, and while you are so close to Lake Balaton, you should try and catch the BLUE RIBBON YACHT RACE, where competitors take a tour around the lake. The starting point of the Blue Ribbon yacht race is actually the port of Balatonfüred.

Hungary, where colourful folk traditions live on to this day
Hungary has a very rich repository of folk traditions, whose heritage is well worth exploring. We’ll show you all that makes up the country’s fabulous folklore legacy.

Hungary is rich in preserved and living folk traditions, as well as valuable intellectual heritage, which are certainly important parts of the cultural tourist attraction of the countryside. Just to name a few: the Busó festivities, falconry, THE MATYÓ EMBROIDERY or even folk dancing and folk music; but when it comes to DISTILLING PÁLINKA and WINEMAKING, it’s safe to say that they all form part of the country’s authentic image. Let’s take stock of what constitutes the complex world of Hungarian folklore.

Guardians of community folk art: folk houses
The main ‘duty’ of folk houses is to preserve and present local culture of the past, along with the folk art produced by the community; to show the general public the architectural masterpieces of folk culture and to present authentically furnished house interiors, together with the everyday life of a given social stratum. As a result, if you visit the country’s individual folk houses, you can travel back in time from the period following the Austro-Hungarian Compromise (1867) up to the 1950s.

Another way to protect folk monuments is to relocate valuable buildings to open-air ethnographic museums and allow a glimpse into the habits of the peasant way of life.

Jump headfirst into the world of traditional folk building styles: Hungarian open-air ethnographic museums
Open-air museums and village museums are created with the aim of presenting folk building styles and methods through buildings, tools and equipment that fall within the conceptual scope of original ethnographic material. You have plenty of open-air museums to choose from in Hungary if you want to get to know the world of folklore up close.

SZENTENDRE OPEN-AIR ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM
This is Hungary’s largest outdoor collection, often just called the ‘Szentendre skanzen’. Come and see in detail the folk architecture of the country’s characteristic regions, the way of life and the housing culture of village and market town social strata here.

Göcsej Village Museum
This was the first open-air museum in the country and opened in Zalaegerszeg, in 1968. On display are wonderful examples of Göcsej folk construction in a 19th century village setting: farmhouses, a church, a blacksmith’s mill and farm buildings await you.

Folk monument ensemble
You can visit the museum village in Szalafő, which is 8 km from the centre of Őrség in south-west Hungary. The village was built on seven mounds (the local idiom is “szer” for the mound phrase). So you can check out eight distant street rows, stunning open-air village museums, all of which have preserved the old way of life unadulterated.

NATIONAL HERITAGE PARK
In this museum located in Ópusztaszer, you can see – among other things – the ever-so-famous Feszty Panorama, the fabulous 120-metre long and 15-metre tall panoramic painting by Árpád Feszty, which brings to life some imagined scenes of the Hungarian conquest.

HOLLÓKŐ VILLAGE MUSEUM
Gain insight into the life of a three-member family from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Catch a glimpse of the types of furniture, utensils and tools used at the time so you can imagine what the Palóc way of life might have been like then.

Szenna Open-Air Ethnographic Collection
The aim of this collection is to preserve the most beautiful memories of wooden architecture in Somogy – this is the only village museum in the country that was established in a living village.

Sóstó Village Museum
In the largest regional open-air ethnographic museum in Hungary, the truly diverse folk architecture and housing culture of the Nyíregyháza region is on display in a uniform framework.

Vas Museum Village
The village houses erected here present the folk architecture of the whole area of Vas county. This museum in Szombathely also serves as a venue for many fairs and activities, so it’s worth going at a time when you can also catch an exciting event in addition to the display of folklore.

Tihany Open-Air Ethnographic Museum
A multitude of folk architectural monuments in their original location combined with an exhibition await you. Peek inside the house of the fishing guild, the pottery house or even the house of a farmer.

Hungarian intellectual and cultural heritage also recognised by UNESCO
Any mention of true Hungarian heritage is sure to include MATYÓ FOLK ART. This folk art is characterised by floral, space-filling embroidery, which dates back to the end of the 19th century and is used, in the main, on textiles for household use and with decorative functions. The various patterns, such as the famous Matyó rose, also play a major role in other craft activities. This characteristic folk art and costume has become world famous over the years, and has also been added to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Matyó folk art is not the only Hungarian particularity recognised by UNESCO: falconry is also on the organisation’s highly prestigious list – as are the Busó festivities of Mohács, the costumed end-of-winter, GREETING-OF-SPRING, protecting and fertility-conjuring carnival; and the indigo dyeing process, which was the dominant fabric dyeing method used for Hungarian folk costumes and home textiles.

National treasures of the Hungarian Treasure Depository
Several Hungarikums, i.e. Hungarian specialties, exist, and are included on the national list of intangible cultural heritage of the Hungarian Treasure Depository. Examples include, but are not limited to:

the living tradition of lace-sewing in Halas, where the production of this immensely fine lace requires incredibly meticulous freehand work;

‘hen beating’ in Moha, named after the ‘beating of hens’ by young bachelors while collecting egg donations (this is just a symbolic act: the backs of hens are symbolically tapped with a stick to promote fertility);

the tradition of the miller’s cake in Borsodnádasd, where the folk cake is made with a unique, round-plate, scissor-like baking iron

or the world-famous KASSAI VALLEY method of horseback archery, a traditional sporting and leisure activity, in which the archer must be able to make as many accurate shots as possible from the back of a galloping horse.

Do you fancy exploring and experiencing the folk values of Hungary? Discover these unique national values; no matter where you go, a fabulous Hungarikum awaits you everywhere.

Visitors can discover Hungary’s most beautiful sights in various ways: while hiking, walking, on two wheels, relaxing in any thermal baths or visiting museums. Whichever they choose, they will get to come upon a different face of the country each time.

Sights of Budapest
Budapest has managed to preserve its historical atmosphere and special eclectic cityscape, while allowing new places to open one after the other, and continues to be a vibrant metropolis. You will find interesting cultural events in abundance and many excellent entertainment venues in Budapest. Many hidden treasures, the secrets of past times, stories of fortunes rising and falling, and sultry gossip lie there on the street, just waiting to be discovered.

The first of the must-see sights has to be the Parliament building, designed by Imre Steindl in Gothic Revival style. It is the largest building in the country, and a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE.

Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) is a landmark in Budapest, and was built to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the foundation of the Hungarian state, in 1896. The square is surrounded by the statues of 14 prominent figures from Hungarian history, while the archangel Gabriel stands on top of the central column. This statue was awarded the grand prize at the 1900 Paris World’s Fair.

The view from the lookout terraces of the Fisherman’s Bastion in the Buda Castle District is truly one of a kind.

Citadella at the top of Gellért Hill is another Budapest landmark. The view is amazing: you can see Buda Castle, the Parliament building, the bridges over the Danube, the Pest side and the Buda Hills, all from one place.

And of course, you cannot forget the Chain Bridge, which was the first permanent bridge between Buda and Pest over the River Danube.

Castles & Palaces
Discover the treasures of the past. The country’s built heritage, its castles, palaces and historical legacy are unparalleled. Boldogkő Castle is one of the most picturesque castles in Zemplén, and stands on top of Bodókő hill, surrounded by vertical cliffs. The medieval Füzér Castle is one of the seven wonders of Hungary. It sits on a symmetrical peak, on a volcanic cone with steep sides. Esterházy Castle in Fertőd is the largest Baroque palace in Hungary. It was where Joseph Haydn lived and worked, and Empress and Queen Maria Theresa once spent a night here. Buda Castle, with its characteristic dome, stands on top of Buda Castle Hill. At one time it served as a royal residence, and today it is home to two museums and the foremost library in the country. Vajdahunyad Castle was built on the manmade island in City Park Lake that surrounds the building, which can be accessed via four bridges.

Baths
There are plenty of baths and spas both in Budapest and all over the country, for anyone who wants to heal and relax. Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the largest bath complexes in Europe. Many Turkish style bath are in Budapest from the times of the Ottoman rule. Hévíz Lake Bath is the largest warm water lake with medicinal water in Europe. The cave bath in Miskolctapolca is simply an indoor pool created by nature.

Nature
The geography of Hungary is extremely varied: from the Great Plain to Hortobágy, the foothills of the Alps, Lake Balaton, Lake Hévíz (the second-largest thermal lake in the world), the Bükk Mountains and caves, Hungary has it all in the Carpathian Basin. Hortobágy National Park is the real and true ‘Hungarian puszta’, the oldest national park in the country. Lillafüred is one of the highest and the most picturesque parts of Miskolc, and the best mountain holiday resort. You will definitely fall in love with the panorama of Badacsony and Lake Balaton when you sit by the grapevines and admire the view: truly an experience you will never forget. Approaching the lavender fields in full bloom on the Tihany peninsula, while you pass by beautiful rows of grapevines with Lake Balaton in the background, is wonderfully romantic. You can discover most of the unique Tapolca Lake Cave from a boat. Let’s face it: being underground is an extraordinary experience.

Hidden treasures
We are surrounded by natural phenomena or built heritage that needs to be seen and visited. The beauty of the Káli basin, the Egerszalók salt hill or the library of the Cistercian Abbey of Zirc are all unique places. People have long worked and shaped the Megyer‑hegy Tarn, an extraordinary natural wonder near Sárospatak: what you will find here is the amazing union of a former millstone mine and nature itself. The brightly shining limestone cones of the Egerszalók salt hill have been created by the thermal water that breaks through here from the ground. Káli basin and the sea of rocks: amazing peace surrounds you on the wonderful land lying at the foot of the monadnocks in this area. From Köveskál to Mindszentkálla, Kővágóörs – off you go! The Reformed Stone Church in Csaroda is a wonder built in the 13th century, standing in the middle of the village surrounded by the Csaroda stream. The unique library of the Cistercian Abbey in Zirc contains a collection of almost 65,000 books.

Museums
There are many art galleries, museums and world-class works of art to visit, both in Budapest and all over the country. The National Gallery, for example, is home to the largest public collection of fine arts in Hungary. Helikon Castle Museum, the museum of Festetics Palace in Keszthely, has a carriage exhibition where you can see contemporary coaches and sleighs, while the hunting exhibition displays trophies of wild animals collected from five continents. Victor Vasarely was a key figure in op art, kinetic and international geometric abstract art, whose works are displayed in the inspiring exhibition of 20th century artists in the Vasarely Museum. There is also a world-class art centre in historical central Debrecen: the MODEM Modern and Contemporary Arts Centre. The Ludwig Museum, located within the walls of MüPa, is the only contemporary art museum in the country that exhibits international works as well.

Food
Hungary is a land of creative recipes, quality ingredients, and friendly service, providing a vivid fusion of authentic and modern meals. A gastronomic revolution has taken place here in the past few years. New restaurants, bistros and street food places have opened on every corner of the capital city.

There are many beautiful landscapes in Hungary, all are enjoyable to explore. It is worth starting this journey with the high priority tourist regions. We selected ten amazing locations for you, which are full of attractions and are close to each other. Are you ready for the discovery?

Bufapest
It is almost impossible to list everything that is worth doing, seeing or tasting in Budapest, especially because a journey in and around the Hungarian capital will surely lead to personal discoveries as well for each visitor. However, there are a few places that should not be missed.

The Parliament building and Kossuth Square around it constitute an emblematic location in the city. Marvel at the building, enjoy the spectacle of the changing of the guards. If you time it right, you may even get to see the marching band play.

The Széchenyi Lánchíd or Chain Bridge is a marker for centuries of Hungarian history and a symbol of the unified city, just as all the local bridges connecting the Pest and Buda sides of the Danube. The lions at the bases of the bridge are a must-have selfie opportunity.

Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere) is testament to Hungary’s storied past and forms a great expanse that is a constant favorite with visitors and local skateboarders. It is also a seat of culture, embraced by two internationally renowned museums.

Andrássy Avenue runs along a stretch of central Budapest from Heroes’ Square and showcases its many beauties. Go shopping at the boutiques of the many international fashion brands that have set up shop here, not to mention the showrooms for numerous talented young Hungarian designers. Go further to appreciate the elaborate architecture and visit a museum while you’re at it.

The National Theater and its sibling cultural institution Müpa (the Palace of Arts) are perfect examples of how modernity is integrated into Budapest’s rich history and riverside landscape. Relax in the park here or check out a concert by the many world-famous acts that are drawn by the near-perfect acoustics.

The Great Market Hall (Vásárcsarnok) is Budapest’s best-known market hall offering a wide array of fresh produce and meat, as well as local delicacies. This is an unmissable part of your journey and also the spot to pick up some souvenirs and a fine bottle of Hungarian wine.

The Duna Corso in the city-center area of the Danube riverside is a condensed experience of all that this great city has to offer. Fresh air from the river, magnificent buildings, great restaurants and memorable spots for those essential photos.

Pick up your ticket and hop on Tram number 2. Considered one of the best of its kind, it takes you on a scenic tour of the central, majestic section of the city, giving you glimpses of the castle, the bridges spanning the Danube and many other locations that you’ll surely want to check out in more detail later.

Greater Budapest
Those who like picturesque landscapes and enjoy spending time in nature, favour promenades along riverbanks or fancy small streets steeped in history and romantic dinners should discover the direct vicinity of Budapest and the Danube Bend. It is meant for those who enjoy such a rich variety of sights.

Balaton
Central Europe’s largest lake offers unmissable experiences all-year-round. Every summer, the nearly 200 km2 lake warms up easily, with its gradual depth attractive to those wishing to splash around.

Debrecen and surroundings
Thanks to its international airport, the multi-faceted European city of Debrecen is an easily accessible travel destination from all over the world. Don’t hesitate to come and have a look around.

Tokaj and Nyíregyháza
Discover the majestic flavours and history of a wild and romantic landscape! The region of Tokaj, Upper Tisza, and Nyírség stretches along three national borders in Hungary’s northeast. This is an undeniably diverse region, where there are attractions and activities for everyone.

Pécs region
The south-western part of the country has everything you need for a great trip. The castle of Siklós, the wines of Villány, the spa in Harkány and Pécs await you with a myriad things to see and experience.

Sopron / Bük & Sárvár region
Sopron and the surrounding area are located in the north-western corner of Hungary, and offer a wide range of exciting activities throughout the year.

Eger region
Take a stroll on the slopes of Szépasszony Valley with its 200 cellars, taste the delicious wines of Eger on Dobó István tér, take a dip in the more than 400-year-old Turkish Bath or discover the hidden treasures of the nearby hills.

Győr and Pannonhalma
Venture into the city of rivers: Győr and the surrounding area a plethora of miracles to be discovered. Hungary’s north-western region is rich in natural treasures and monuments: the city of Győr and Pannonhalma Abbey, as well as the wildlife in Szigetköz are sure to enchant you.

Szeged region
Szeged is a place teeming with old-fashioned cafés and is the centre of Art Nouveau. It’s a place where it feels good to sit on the bank of the River Tisza or discover the region’s myriad wonders.

Gyula region
Put on your walking shoes and take a tour around the Körös rivers. The experience of a lifetime is just around the corner. Gyula and Békéscsaba, two towns just a stone’s throw from the Romanian border, attract visitors and tourists with their unique atmosphere.

Hungary for Explorers
Adventures in the Zemplén Mountains
The tourist trails located in the central section of the Zemplén Mountains – rich in fortresses and castles – occasionally traverse forests that appear untouched by man.

Of these, the most important one is the National Blue Trail, which stretches from the highest point of the Transdanubian region, Írott-kő, to Hollóháza, with a length of no less than 1100 km. It passes several lookout points, from which you should not miss the Nagy-Péter-mennykő and the Kis-Milic. If you get thirsty, you can quench your thirst from the numerous springs in the area.

The Sólyom Crag is a preferred location for rock climbers. From the peak, you might even spot the distant ruins of the Castle of Regéc. If you fancy mountain biking, you are once again on the right track: the Hungarian section of the Eurovelo 11 international cycle route runs through the area. Would you rather sit back comfortably to enjoy the receding countryside? The Pálháza Forest Railway runs along the valley of the Kemence Stream, traversing the most beautiful parts of the nature reserve.

Hungarian Gastro Glossary
Egészségedre! When the Hungarians raise a glass in a toast, they say “to your health”, i.e. may the content of the glass turn into good health for you. Non-Hungarian speakers may not find it easy to pronounce, but Hungarians are always touched by any attempt they make to do so.

NOKEDLI (DUMPLINGS)
This is a distinctive Hungarian pasta made from just flour, eggs and salt and cooked in sparing amounts of water. This is the most popular side dish for that iconic Hungarian culinary delight, paprika chicken, a type of chicken stew.

PÁLINKA
This is a strong alcoholic drink, which is made only in Hungary and only from fruit grown or grape marc produced in Hungary; it has to be fermented and distilled using traditional methods. Every Hungarian will announce with conviction that the best ever pálinka is distilled by one of their relatives. The clearer and fruitier it is, the better the quality of the pálinka.

KÖRÖZÖTT
Curd cheese made from cow’s or even sheep’s milk and mixed with typical Hungarian paprika and ground caraway seeds: this is a favourite at the Hungarian breakfast table or at teatime.

SZALONCUKOR (CHRISTMAS FONDANT)
This is a Hungarian creation: a characteristic sweet, dipped in chocolate and wrapped in tissue paper or colourful foil to hang on the Christmas tree. Nowadays, they are made with all kinds of fillings, but the more traditional ones are filled with marzipan or jelly.

RÉTES (STRUDEL)
Served for dessert, this is a stuffed flaky pastry, which is actually not an original Hungarian recipe, but the Hungarians have commandeered it as their own. Most commonly, the pastry is filled with poppy seeds, sweetened curd cheese, apple or sour cherries, but potentially with any combination of these.

TÚRÓ (CURD CHEESE)
Curd cheese is made from milk and is basically a freshly made cheese, white in colour, with a lumpy, crumbly texture and a sour flavour. Hungarians are enthusiastic consumers of “túró”, be it made from cow’s or sheep’s milk. It finds its way into sweet as well as savoury dishes, onto pasta as a main course with chopped, fried bacon and as an ingredient for desserts.

POGÁCSA
Generally speaking, this is a kind of savoury scone and characteristically served in Hungary as a starter when welcoming guests. It can be made with different additional ingredients such as potato, cheese, butter, curd cheese, cabbage or crackling.

Fisherman’s Bastion
The 140 m facade of the Fisherman’s Bastion in the Buda Castle District offers splendid views of the city and is a great spot for photos of another key attraction, the Parliament.

One of the most outstanding examples of Hungarian eclecticism, the Fisherman’s Bastion is located in District I of Budapest, in the Buda Castle District. The edifice is an important part of the cityscape and has been a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE since 1987. It’s worth taking a walk along its 140 metre long facade to enjoy the stunning view and the chance to take fabulous photos of another important attraction, namely the Parliament.

Hidden archaeological treasures
The original purpose of the Fisherman’s Bastion was defence, as part of THE BUDA CASTLE wall. The bastion was named after the Fishermen’s Town lying beneath and when necessary, the fishermen living here defended the tower. Renovation works started in 1899, based on plans by the architect Frigyes Schulek. The bastion was opened to the public on 9 October 1905. One reason the works took so long was the many major archaeological finds at the site, including Gothic and Renaissance tombstones, as well as the sanctuary of a one-time Dominican church. Frigyes Schulek’s idea was for the three-stage staircase, the northern and southern bastions, the corridors and the southern bastion yard to form the whole of the structure. He designated the former Telegraph Bastion as the northern tower, while he built the southern one himself. The equestrian statue of the first Hungarian King, Saint Stephen, is located in the courtyard. The statue is the work of Alajos Strobl and the foundation is decorated with reliefs that pay homage to outstanding moments of King Stephen’s reign, such as his coronation. The stone towers represent the seven tribe leaders who led the Magyars when they settled in what is now Hungary. The Fisherman’s Bastion was in need of renovation once again after World War II. This time, the works were led by Frigyes Schulek’s son, János Schulek, but it was only delivered many years later, in 2003.

The world-famous panorama
Besides becoming one of Budapest’s most visited tourist attractions over time, the edifice is also a popular filming location: it features, for example, in music videos by two world-famous singers, Ellie Goulding and Selena Gomez. Just a few steps from the Fisherman’s Bastion is MATTHIAS CHURCH, which also functioned as a coronation site. You just have to climb 197 stairs to get to the wreath-shaped balcony of the church tower.

Megyer-hegy Tarn
Among the hiking spots in the Zemplén Mountains, the lake on the 324 metre high, volcanic Megyer‑hegy is one of the most popular. The tarn was previously a millstone mine; its remains are visible to this day. Let’s head for the northeastern corner of Hungary.

As long as you’re in the Tokaj‑Hegyalja region, visit the Megyer-hegy Tarn, near the town of Sárospatak, also known as ‘Athens on the shores of the Bodrog’. Shaped by natural forces and human hands alike over the years, it became a nature reserve in 1997. A millstone mine operated on the volcanic hill from the 15th century until 1907. As rainwater collected in a pit carved into the tuff, it formed a pond, with massive rock walls towering from the waters. Signs of the hard-working miners who lived here for many years are everywhere: their small ‘stone flats’ are still evident today, as are some half-finished millstones. Put on some comfortable hiking boots and make your way up the 324 metre high hill. You will be well rewarded: the rock cauldron rising from the middle of the forest is truly an imposing sight. In 2011, the tarn was chosen as the most beautiful natural wonder in Hungary. Currently, rope bridges and the longest via ferrata in Hungary are also under construction.

As long as you’re visiting the World Heritage sites of Tokaj‑Hegyalja, it would be worth taking a little detour to the tarn on Megyer-hegy, the hill rising above the ancient town of Sárospatak, affectionately known as ‘Athens on the shores of the Bodrog’. The long, uphill hike is well worth the effort: the mere sight of the rock cauldron bursting forth from the forest is enough to give one chills. The sight is both beautiful and terrifying, a testament to the shared power of natural forces and human hands.

A tarn carved in tuff
Filled with rainwater, the lake presents a gorgeous sight in all seasons. It is surrounded by vertical rocks, 70 metres tall in some places. Its maximum depth is 6.5 metres. The tarn is a true testament to the shared power of natural forces and human hands, and in 1997, it became an official nature reserve. It operated as a millstone mine from the 15th century to 1907, as the Megyer-hegy is made of rhyolitic tuff, which was permeated by silicic acid solutions during the hill’s post-volcanic activity. As a result, the tuff hardened, the quartz particles inside giving it excellent characteristics for polishing and milling. The miners carved small dwellings in the rock for themselves, which are still there today, along with a few half-finished millstones.

The tarn is accessible via several different hiking trails. Whether you’re arriving from the vineyards of Tokaj‑Hegyalja or the village of Botkő, you would do well to put on a pair of comfortable hiking boots.In addition to the longest via ferrata in the country, rope bridges and a bicycle path, a lookout tower is also under construction at the tarn’s highest point. A showroom is also planned, displaying the history of millstone manufacturing in the 15th-17th century to visitors. Currently, the water-filled rock cauldron is visible from the edge of the mine and can be viewed from behind safety railings. Visitors can also walk all the way to the edge of the lake – that is, inside the old mine – through a narrow passage that was originally used to transport rocks from the mine.

A tarn near the romantic wine region
If you’re up for an all-day hike, you should definitely try the Malomkő (Millstone) tourist path. This is a 4-5 hour hike from Sárospatak, starting off from the school garden of the Reformed College. Its total length is approximately 12 kilometres. The environmental educational trail includes 17 stations. Among others, it passes by the lovely little Swabian village of Hercegkút, the Megyer-hegy Tarn, Király-hegy, the geyser cone at Nagy-Bot rock, the historical wine cellar systems of Gomboshegy and Kőporos, and also presents the natural and artificial flora present in the region. The tour concludes at the castle garden of Rákóczi Castle in Sárospatak, where you can admire an ancient Japanese pagoda tree, the trademark species of the region.

Tokaj Wine Region
The major wine region is comprised of Tokaj and the surrounding 26 settlements. Its natural boundaries are Sátor Mountain, Kopasz Mountain, and the Tisza and Bodrog rivers. This area is considered a separate wine region of its own, due to a number of unique features: one being the local climate, which is very conducive to noble rot, and the other being the wet marshlands near the rivers. The vineyards are located on exceptionally colourful volcanic rock formations, at a height of approximately 100-300 metres above sea level.

It is said that Louis XV called the Aszú wine from Tokaj-Hegyalja the king of wines and the wine of kings, but Mozart and Goethe were also supposed to have been extremely partial to it.

In other words, you should certainly not consider your trip complete until you have tasted a glass of Furmint or Aszú immersed in the unique atmosphere of the centuries-old cellars, perhaps while listening to the stories of a winemaker hailing from TOKAJ, MÁD or Erdőbénye.

TOKAJI ASZÚ is one of the most unique sweet wines in the world, a true miracle of nature. Its production requires the proliferation of noble rot, which in turn is made possible by the formation of water vapour in the autumn. Another important factor is the autumn sunshine, which allows for the concentration of sugar and other important elements within the grapes, giving the wine its unique character. During the harvest, the individual valuable Aszú grapes are collected separately, then soaked in a suitable proportion of stum or base wine of the same vintage. After the fermentation and pressing, several years of aging gives birth to the incomparable taste of Aszú wine.

The region has remained unique in this regard for centuries, due to its rich geological history, the many types of rock and soil present in the area, its precise geographical location, the vicinity of several hundred formerly active volcanos and the beneficial microclimate in the area, as well as the varied cellar systems in the nearby vineyards and settlements. It is the interplay of all of these factors that made the wine of Tokaj – especially Tokaji Aszú – world-renowned, and helped these extremely rich, dry wines grow in popularity. The two main varieties of wine in Tokaj are Furmint and Hárslevelű, but Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains (Sárgamuskotály), Kabar, Zéta and Kövérszőlő are some other varieties of grapes that are also used in wine production. In addition to wine production, Tokaj also has rich traditions relating to the cooper’s profession.

The sessile oak in the ZEMPLÉN MOUNTAINS is excellent raw material for barrels, making ‘Zemplén oak’ a mainstay of the international wine world. Erdőbénye, also known as the ‘Valley of the Coopers’ is well known for nurturing and keeping alive the traditions of the craft. In 2002, UNESCO added the region to its list of WORLD HERITAGE SITES, as the Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape.

Take a dip in Lake Hévíz, the world’s largest thermal lake.
Do you crave some refreshing, revitalising or relaxing bathing? Do you feel your joints would benefit from some natural medicinal therapy? Do you also want to throw in a beautiful environment, a magical turquoise lake, with multi-coloured water-lilies and green trees? Then go to Hévíz!

Lake Hévíz is located alongside the Northern slope of Mount Keszthely, in the centre of the town of Hévíz. Did you know that it is the largest biologically active natural thermal lake in the world? If this does not make Lake Hévíz special enough in your eyes, here are a few more facts. Thanks to constant movement, the temperature of the water is pleasant throughout the year, allowing you to bathe in any season. The water temperature is 23-25°C in the winter, and can climb as high as 36-38°C in the summer. The way the water flows from left to right as well as from the bottom upwards provides a massage of sorts for those sitting in it. In winter, the condensed steam forms a cap over the lake surface, creating a natural inhalatorium. This ‘cap’ prevents water from cooling down, rejuvenating exhausted vocal cords when inhaled. The lake developed in the same period as Lake Balaton, with its current source welling up 20-22,000 years ago. (In the geological past, Ancient Hévíz welled higher than its current location.) The lake was already used by the Ancient Romans. Several water-lily types inhabit the lake: the European white water lily is indigenous to the area, while the purple lily was brought from India 100 years ago. Thanks to an abundant water supply, the water of the 4.4 ha lake – with a depth of 38 m – is fully replaced every three days. Water quality is continuously controlled through measurements and specially trained divers.

The healing effects of Lake Hévíz
The water of the lake has a very special composition, containing sulphur, calcium, magnesium and hydrogen carbonate. It is extremely rich in minerals and, as such, is very effective in treating numerous illnesses – to truly combine treatment and relaxation. It is mainly used for the following health problems: rheumatic musculoskeletal disorders, degenerative and chronic joint diseases, osteoporosis, post-op treatment for musculoskeletal surgeries, post-op treatment for slipped disc, nervous system-related complaints arising for mechanical reasons, chronic gynaecological illnesses, chronic back pain, various skin disorders (such as psoriasis).
It is important, however, to remember that you shouldn’t spend more than 30 minutes at a time in the water.

If healing is not your primary objective, Lake Hévíz is still an ideal choice as in addition to refreshing or relaxing bathing options, it also provides various wellness services of Western European standards. Indulge yourself with (among other things) an underwater jet massage, the medicinal mud pool, the salt cave or a steam bath – essentially whatever you desire. In addition to relaxing, the area has countless active programmes on offer: exquisite hiking trails, Segway opportunities, horse-riding and unforgettable gastro experiences.

An unparalleled aquatic experience
It’s only fair that we tell you in advance: if you crave the ‘traditional’ beach experience, Lake Hévíz is not what you’re looking for, as the atmosphere here is special and very unique with unparalleled natural properties. If you are more the type for traditional beaches, Lake Balaton is only 6 km from Hévíz. If you’re already in the region, make sure you visit the wonderful BAROQUE-STYLE FESTETICS PALACE, the third-largest in the country, to get a taste of the opulent lifestyle of noblemen, or visit THE BENEDICTINE ABBEY OF TIHANY and immerse yourself in living history.