10 facts about Hungary that amaze every tourist visiting the country

Although Hungary is becoming more and more well-known all around the world, as Magyarorszagom.hu reports, there are still several facts about the country that are less spoken of among foreign people. Cultural differences might lead to funny situations and misunderstandings, so it is good to be aware of some information before you visit Hungary. Let’s check out some important facts.

What comes first to your mind when speaking about Hungary? Is it the Hungarian gastronomy unique in the world, or Lake Balaton with its fabulous beaches? Or is it the mentality of Hungarians? In the following, some of these unique facts are gathered about Hungary that might help you if you visit the country for the first time.

1. Hungary gives home to the biggest lake of Central Europe

Lake Balaton, or as Hungarians call it “the Hungarian Sea” is around 80 km long and 600 square meters wide. Not many foreigners would think that such a small country possesses such an enormous lake. However, whoever gets to know the place with its unique beaches, will undoubtedly be mesmerised by its natural beauty and atmosphere.

2. Hungary, the thermal water power

As far as the world ranking of thermal waters is concerned, Hungary certainly has a place among the TOP countries. It possesses more than 1,000 natural thermal water springs, and it takes pride in Lake Hévíz which is not only the largest thermal lake of Europe but that of the world, as well. Out of the 1,000 springs, 118 thermal waters are found in Budapest which also explains why there are so many baths located in the capital.

3. Exceptional Hungarian Nobel-awarded inventors

Hungary is a small country with many geniuses. Altogether 13 Hungarians were awarded the Nobel-prize among whom probably the most well-known are Albert Szent-Györgyi, the discoverer of vitamin C, and Imre Kertész, the 1st Hungarian author receiving the award.

4. The memory of Ferenc Liszt is still cherished

The musical composer Ferenc Liszt was born in Doborján, which was a small Hungarian village. The memory of the much-respected composer is so much cherished, that for the 200th anniversary of his birth in 2011, the Budapest Ferihegy Airport was named Liszt Ferenc International Airport.

5. There is always a loophole according to the Hungarian logic

It is not so widespread around the world to solve problems by trying to find a loophole in the situation, but this is actually how Hungarians deal with many difficulties. We like finding simpler alternatives to everything. We have our own notion: “mindig van kiskapu” (translates to “there is always a little gate”). Supposedly, if a Hungarian goes through a revolving door behind a foreigner, somehow the Hungarian will always be the first entering the building 🙂