Nestled in the heart of Europe, Hungary is a country brimming with history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Often referred to as the "land of waters," it is home to the largest thermal water cave system in the world. But there's more to Hungary than just its waters. Hungary's history is as colourful as the intricate patterns found on traditional Hungarian embroidery. It dates back to the time when the fearsome Magyars, the ancestors of modern Hungarians, thundered across the plains of Europe on horseback. Imagine a time of brave warriors and grand castles, which you can still explore today! One of the most famous castles is the Buda Castle in Budapest, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the Danube River.Budapest, the capital city, is often called the "Paris of the East." It's a place where the old and new coexist harmoniously. The city is split by the majestic Danube River into Buda and Pest. In Buda, you find the historic Castle District, while Pest boasts the impressive Parliament Building, one of the largest in the world. Don’t miss the chance to cruise on the Danube, especially at night when the city lights cast a magical glow over the water.Hungarian cuisine is a hearty mix of flavours and traditions. One must-try dish is goulash, a rich stew made with paprika, onions, and chunks of beef. Then there’s lángos, a deep-fried flatbread topped with cheese and garlic sauce, which is absolutely delicious. And for those with a sweet tooth, the dobos torte, a layered sponge cake with chocolate buttercream and caramel topping, is a real treat!Music is a vital part of Hungarian culture. The country has produced many famous composers like Franz Liszt and Béla Bartók, whose works are celebrated around the world. Hungary also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. One of the most exciting is the Sziget Festival, a week-long music and cultural festival held on an island in Budapest, drawing music lovers and artists from all over the globe.Beyond its cities, Hungary's natural landscapes offer adventures galore. Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, is a favourite summer retreat. Whether you’re into swimming, sailing, or just basking in the sun, Lake Balaton has something for everyone. The Hortobágy National Park, part of the Great Hungarian Plain, is another must-see. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its vast open spaces and rich wildlife, including the iconic Hungarian grey cattle.One of Hungary’s most cherished traditions is its thermal baths. Thanks to its geological fortune, the country is dotted with natural hot springs. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest is one of the largest bath complexes in Europe, featuring outdoor and indoor pools. It’s a perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring.Hungarian, the official language, is known for being one of the most difficult languages to learn due to its complex grammar and unique vocabulary. However, Hungarians are warm and welcoming, and many speak English, especially the younger generation. Engaging with locals could lead to discovering hidden gems not found in guidebooks!Hungary's rich folk traditions are alive in its crafts, such as pottery, embroidery, and woodcarving. The town of Hollókő, another UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases traditional Hungarian village life. Here, you can see people dressed in folk costumes, celebrating Easter and other festivals just like their ancestors did.Hungary offers a blend of everything from historical sites and natural beauty to delicious foods and lively music. It’s a place where every turn reveals a piece of history, every meal is a celebration, and every moment is an opportunity for discovery. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Budapest, sailing on Lake Balaton, or soaking in a thermal bath, Hungary promises an unforgettable adventure..Rubik's cube originThe famous Rubik’s Cube was invented by a Hungarian architect, Ernő Rubik, in 1974. Originally called the "Magic Cube," it was designed as a way to teach students about three-dimensional geometry. Spa capital of the worldHungary has more thermal springs than any other country in Europe. Budapest is sometimes called the "City of Baths" for its numerous public baths and spas, which are a significant part of Hungarian culture. A sweet traditionHungary is famous for inventing the dessert wine called Tokaji (pronounced "toe-kai"), often called the "wine of kings, king of wines." It was a favourite in the French Royal court and was believed to have been the preferred wine of Louis XIV.Home of the HoudiniWorld-renowned magician and escape artist Harry Houdini was born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1874. His real name was Erik Weisz, and he moved to the United States at the age of four..Innovative mindsBesides the Rubik's Cube, Hungary is known for its inventors. Hungarian innovations include the ballpoint pen, invented by László Bíró in 1938, and the digital computing machine by János Neumann in the 1940s.Historic vineyardsHungary's history of viticulture dates back to at least Roman times. The country's wine regions offer a variety of grape types, many of which are indigenous and not found in other countries.A nation of water polo championsWater polo is a popular sport in Hungary, and the country has a strong tradition in the sport, having won numerous Olympic medals.The Hungarian alphabetThe Hungarian language has one of the longest alphabets in the world, consisting of 44 letters. Invention of hologramThe hologram, a three-dimensional photographic recording of a light field, was invented by Hungarian physicist Dennis Gabor in 1947, for which he later received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1971.Birthplace of the birosThe ballpoint pen, commonly known as the 'biro' in many parts of the world, was invented by Hungarian journalist László Bíró. He patented his invention in 1938.First country to honour a video gameHungary was the first country to erect a statue of a video game character. A bronze statue of the Assassin’s Creed character, Ezio Auditore, stands in Budapest.
