Plan a trip to Hungary

The name “Hungary,” meaning “Land of the Huns,” is clearly associated with the Huns who invaded Europe – despite the fact that the kingdom of the Huns was destroyed many generations before the arrival of the present inhabitants of Hungary. Other kingdoms have since risen and fallen, and, today, the inhabitants of Hungary are Magyars.

The Magyars adopted the name “Hungary,” which is linked to the memory of Attila, the leader of the Huns who conquered, ruled, and was arrested on these lands in the fifth century. The Magyars arrived in Hungary in the ninth century under the rule of King Arpad, who founded the Magyar state on Hungarian soil in the tenth century. Hungary continued to grow, and different kingdoms were established there. It was ruled by the Turks for about 150 years and was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for a long period of time. Hungary fought all of its neighbors, including Germany, Turkey, Austria, and Russia, and, as a result of losing most of the battles, its territory shrank in size.

Yet, the spirit of freedom remained strong in the Hungarians who are a proud and brave nation. Their desire for independence led to the 1956 armed uprising against the Russians. This famous revolt was suppressed with a force of tanks by the Russians.

Hungary is the land of Chardash dances, gypsy dances, and famous Hungarian wine. Hungary is laughter, the magician Houdini, and a unique language with a unique and special accent.

The area of Hungary is 93,032 square kilometers (approximately 36,000 square miles), and its population is approximately 9.7 million. It is a flat country, with 98% of its land not rising above a height of 400 meters (1312 feet). Half of Hungary’s surface extends along the Great Hungarian Plain (the Magyar Alfold), and it has relatively few mountains. The Bakony Mountains separate the Little Hungarian Plain from the large plain. The third landscape unit in Hungary is the Transdanubian Mountains where the Mecsek Mountain range is located.

Two important rivers flow through Hungary, the Danube and the Tisza. Beyond the Tisza River stretches the Puszta, the Hungarian Steppe, which is a 200-square kilometer (approximately 77 square mile) nature reserve. Until the middle of the 20th century, this entire area was composed of swamps. In order to dry the swamps, the river was shortened from 955 to 579 kilometers (369 to 226 square miles) and countless embankments were poured. At the same time, melting snow caused floods in many areas. A huge water reservoir was created to absorb the water and to irrigate the fields. The Tatra Mountains hug the border between Hungary and Slovakia, extending into Slovakia.

Hungary is a landlocked country endowed with centuries-old history, striking landscapes, and abundant thermal waters. There are about 500 hot mineral water springs in Hungary, the result of volcanic activity in the area. The water is rich in radium and sulfur, excellent medicinal properties, making it perfect for therapeutic thermal treatments. In Budapest alone, there are 123 springs from which 40 million liters (approximately 10.5 million gallons) of mineral water at a temperature between 40 and 76 degrees Celsius (104 to 169 degrees Fahrenheit) flow daily - in addition to about 30 million liters (approximately 8 million gallons) of lukewarm mineral water.

Though Hungary has no access to the sea, it has one beautiful lake, Lake Balaton, which is 78 km (48 miles) long and 15 km (9.3 miles) wide. The average depth of the water is about three meters (approximately 10 feet). The lake and its surrounding quaint towns form a charming resort area. In order to prevent pollution of the lake, sailboats are allowed but motorboats are not.

Hungary's climate is temperate continental, with cold winters and very hot summers. Average annual precipitation is about 600 mm (approximately 24 inches).

Hungary is also home to extravagant medieval castles, diverse architecture, rich culture, and expansive mineral spas. And who can overlook its renowned, traditional cuisine deliciously accented by paprika, the country’s favorite ingredient?

Budapest, the eclectic capital of Hungary, is bisected by the Danube River. Though the city has retained much of its historic character, Budapest is a vibrant metropolis which has something for everyone – from beautiful museums to outstanding restaurants, architectural and religious landmarks to opulent castles, relaxing spas to lively nightlife and famed cultural events.

The House of Parliament in Budapest is one of the city’s must-see attractions. Built in neo-Gothic style, it is the country’s largest building and one of the world’s most outstanding government buildings. The imposing Heroes’ Square, another Budapest landmark, was built to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of Hungary’s founding and is lined with statues of prominent figures in Hungarian history.

Citadella, a fortress atop Gellert Hill, offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding hills and features the famous Hungarian Statue of Liberty. Chain Bridge is a beautiful Budapest icon, the first permanent bridge connecting Buda and Pest – the two sides of the Danube River. Buda Castle is a medieval royal residence which today is a cultural center comprised of the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museums, and the National Szechenyi Library. The nearby Fisherman’s Bastion provides spectacular views of the city’s key attractions.

Budapest also has deep religious roots. St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Dohany Synagogue, both dating back to the mid-19th century, are popular tourist attractions.

Looking for R&R? Visit Budapest’s Szechenyi Thermal Baths, the largest and most well-known in Europe, which feature mineral-rich baths against a backdrop of a majestic neo-Baroque palace. Stroll through the Great Market Hall, the largest indoor market in Budapest, which combines history with the city’s modern urban buzz. And be sure to sample the goulash, the Paprikas Csirke (Chicken Paprikash) with nioki, Esterhazy dessert, the famous Dobos torte, Somloi Galuska (Hungarian Trifle), and other local specialties in the city’s top-notch restaurants.

Just outside Budapest, you’ll find beautiful river towns and striking landscapes in the area known as the Danube Bend. Highlights there include the medieval Visegrad Citadel and Szentendre with its beautiful old town. Also located a day’s trip away from Budapest are the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst, an exceptional group of 712 caves formed by an unusual combination of tropical and glacial climactic effects.

The beautiful baroque city of Eger, located in Northern Hungary, is another popular destination and is famous for its castle, thermal baths, historic buildings, and local red wines like the famous Egri Bikaver. The 18th-century Royal Palace in Godollo, the palace of the beautiful, famous Sisi, Emperor Franz Josef's wife, is Hungary’s largest baroque palace and a well-preserved, central monument of Hungarian palace architecture.

A trip to Hungary wouldn’t be complete without a swim in Lake Heviz, the world’s largest thermal lake. Its rejuvenating waters are warm all year round, and there are spa treatments available in local facilities. While in the area, visit the charming town of Keszthely and the Baroque Festetics Palace.

Ready to experience the culture, beauty, and spice of Hungary – and to be rejuvenated by its naturally pampering springs? RoutePerfect is your address for planning, organizing, and booking your personalized dream vacation to Hungary. Unlike any other company, Routeperfect offers its exclusive popular itineraries written by tourism professionals and experienced travelers to jumpstart your planning, helping you to customize your travel and book your accommodations so that you can experience the country YOUR way.