Hungary’s beloved Hotel Silvanus in Visegrád is set to welcome guests again, following an impressive restoration after a tragic fire earlier this year.
Hungarian hotel in flames
In early 2024, a tragic incident struck Hotel Silvanus in Visegrád, leading to the temporary closure of this beloved Hungarian hotel. A fire broke out, causing significant damage and prompting immediate evacuation measures; fortunately, there were no casualties. This unfortunate event underscored the hotel’s importance as a cherished destination for both locals and tourists, known for its stunning views of the Danube Bend and rich history since its establishment in 1971.
Following extensive renovations and safety upgrades, Hotel Silvanus is set to reopen next year, promising to restore its reputation as a premier spot for relaxation and recreation in the picturesque Visegrád region. The hotel features a variety of amenities, including wellness facilities and family-friendly activities, ensuring that it remains a top choice for visitors seeking a memorable experience amidst Hungary’s natural beauty.
Ongoing restoration and reopening
Sokszínű Vidék reports that Hungary’s iconic Hotel Silvanus has announced it will reopen to the public in February 2025, following a swift restoration process after a significant fire earlier this year. The top floor and roof were extensively damaged in early March, but BMP Plc. launched reconstruction efforts within two weeks of the incident, even before finalising insurance negotiations. Known for their expertise, BMP Plc has enlisted international specialists and prioritised sustainable, modern solutions to restore the hotel while preserving its charm and eco-friendly reputation.
Breathtaking view and enormous popularity
Hotel Silvanus is celebrated as Hungary’s first “green hotel” and was awarded Hotel of the Year in 2018. A favourite among visitors, the hotel was nearly fully booked, hosting an international conference during the weekend of the fire. Located in Visegrád, part of one of Hungary’s most popular tourist regions, this Hungarian hotel is eager to resume offering world-class hospitality to both domestic and international guests in 2025.
After last year’s tour, the original Finnish Santa, Joulupukki, will visit Hungary again. The MikulásGyár “charity festival” in Hungary would like to collect 120 thousand kilos of non-perishable food and distribute 25 thousand gifts to kids. The Finnish Joulupukki will help that project with a 13-day-long tour.
According to index.hu, MikulásGyár is one of Hungary’s greatest charity events and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year between 29 November and 21 December.
“The philosophy of MikulásGyár is based on tolerance, mutual acceptance, solidarity and humanism. Since 2005, MikulásGyár has been operated by private individuals within the framework of a non-profit foundation. We work with around 2,000 volunteers every year, and we are also an outstanding campaign in terms of the number of volunteers”, they write on their official website.
On the 20th anniversary, the Finnish Santa, Joulupukki will tour Hungary for 13 days to meet with Hungarian children and give them presents.
Joulupukki visited 54 locations last year
In 2023, MikulásGyár distributed gifts to more than 8,300 children in 54 locations. Joulupukki met with more than 17 thousand children during his 10-day-long stay while attending 20 events in 10 settlements. He travelled 3,300 kilometres in Hungary during those 10 days.
MikulásGyár hopes that they will be able to make even more children smile.
“In order for as many people as possible to come and donate, we are organising more than 120 concerts, theatre performances, film screenings, and professional talks for visitors, and we are providing an interactive playhouse for children between November 29 and December 21 at one of Budapest’s busiest junctions on approximately 1,500 m2, with beautiful and special installations. Of course, all our events are free, and according to our calculations, we will host about 110,000 visitors”, MikulásGyár writes on their website.
The number of Hungarians living in Austria has increased significantly since 2019, according to the statistics of the Austrian immigration office.
According to 444.hu, in 2019, 79 thousand Hungarians lived in our Western neighbour. In 2024, that number grew to 94.7 thousand. In Burgenland, a former territory of the Kingdom of Hungary and Austria’s Easternmost territory, 40,900 locals were born outside the country. That is 13,6% of the region’s population and is a 22.8% rise compared to 2019.
The biggest foreign group in Burgenland are the Hungarians. Their number is slightly above 8,300. The following group is those born in Germany (4,600), and Romania (4,500). In Vienna, 25 thousand Hungarians live, while their number was only 23 thousand in 2019.
On a national level, the most numerous foreign group in Austria are the Germans (265 thousand). They are followed by those born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Türkiye, Romania, and Serbia.
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Theoretically, as all enclosures are covered with metal, a plane is like a Faraday cage. That means if lightning strikes it, it will not be able to reach the inside. Instead, it will be conducted to the outside. However, a Wizz Air pilot decided not to continue its journey after being hit by lightning twice.
The plane’s lightning defence system damaged
According to index.hu, lightning struck Wizz Air plane carrying passengers from Kutaisi, Georgia, to Prague, Czechia. The pilot decided to turn back to Georgia instead of continuing the journey to the Central European country.
Passengers said they heard two lightning bolts strike the plane and a loud noise on board. Afterwards, the flight attendants announced that the plane’s lightning defence system was damaged, so the aircraft returned to the airport of the Georgian capital.
Wizz Air confirmed passenger reports to index.hu. They said the plane returned to Kutaisi and landed there safely. Afterwards, they started to run the compulsory checkups on the aircraft.
A lightning bolt hitting Wizz Air aircraft filmed
Zsolt Szüle, a pilot trainer, told index.hu that an aluminium layer covers the plane from the outside. In the case of lightning, that remains intact. On the tip of the plane’s nose, a plastic device steers the air while above ground. However, that piece falls if lightning strikes the plane. In that case, the pilot lands as soon as possible.
In June, one of Wizz Air’s London flights was struck by lightning. “The interesting thing is that there was only light and a small sound effect, the plane continued its journey undisturbed. In front of us, a passenger was snorting the whole flight, not even alerted. So it was a little bump, nothing more”, a passenger said while filming the events.
The lightning is believed to have struck the nose of the plane, and some of the massive electrical charge was discharged on the wings. The slow-motion version of the video shows the lightning passing through several points on the right wing:
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The winter schedule at Budapest Airport started today with 9 new flights from easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Air China, Swiss and Vueling. For example, you can travel to Paris-CDG, Toulouse, Liverpool, Genoa, Marrakech, Memmingen, Salerno, and Gran Canaria. Thanks to Vueling, we can travel to Bilbao, Spain, from the Hungarian capital.
The bazaars of Marrakech, the Guggenheim Museum, Parisian romance, the famous Pink City – Budapest Airport’s winter schedule, which comes into effect at the end of October, when the clocks go back, is a sure-fire recipe for winter lethargy. Choose from nine new flights available from Budapest Airport or existing destinations and fill your upcoming winter days with life, bud.hu wrote.
Budapest Airport, part of VINCI Airports, welcomes the winter schedule, which will come into effect on 27 October, with nine new flights. For the lovers of sunny cities with mild winter weather, there are two new Spanish destinations to choose from: Gran Canaria, the third largest and perhaps most popular of the Canary Islands, and Bilbao, a unique blend of modernity and history, will be just a flight away from Budapest in the winter schedule. While Wizz Air offers direct flights to Gran Canaria, Vueling provides direct flights to Bilbao in December.
The range of airlines flying to Paris will be expanded; the 21 flights per week from Air France will be joined by easyJet, with 4 flights per week. Ryanair will open a route to another popular French city, Toulouse; while Paris is a classic favourite, Toulouse is a refreshing new addition to the destination map. The city, located on the banks of the Garonne river, boasts pink houses, one of Europe’s largest Romanesque churches and, for aviation enthusiasts, an Airbus visiting tour. Thanks to the two new flights, the Hungarian capital has seen the biggest increase in connections to France in Europe, up 38%.
There is also a significant increase to Italy, with an even wider offer to 13 Italian cities this winter season, more than to the UK, which has been the top performer so far. The existing flights to Rome, Milan, Naples, Bari, Pisa, Catania, Bologna, Palermo, Venice, Cagliari and Trieste will be joined by two coastal destinations, Genoa and Salerno, courtesy of Wizz Air.
For those looking to explore destinations beyond Europe, Wizz Air’s Marrakech flight is one of the best choices. Nestled at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, this Moroccan city not only offers warmer weather than Hungary, but also bazaars with a distinctive atmosphere and beautiful mosques. The city’s most famous landmarks include the ornate Bahia Palace and Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech’s main square, where you can step right into the heart of local culture.
Wizz Air will also launch a new flight to Memmingen in Germany, a perfect choice for those who prefer a less touristy, but colourful and charming city, while Ryanairwill fly to Warsaw, for those who want to add rich historic walks to their sightseeing.
Of the long-haul flights operated in the summer season, Shanghai Airlines’ Shanghai service will continue to operate daily in the winter season, while Air China will fly to Beijing four times a week from the end of October, offering 25,000 more seats than in the winter of 2023.
“This winter season, there will be even more seats available than last year, and passengers have nine new flights to choose from, offering a choice of destinations for both short city breaks and longer adventures,” said Francois Berisot, the CEO of Budapest Airport. He added: “Budapest’s popularity is growing steadily and spectacularly; we expect many tourists to arrive in Hungary during the winter season. As the operator of Budapest Airport, it is our task to create the conditions for this growth, contributing to the further strengthening of the importance of tourism for the national economy.”
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Shuttle driver confusedplanes at Budapest Airport: hundreds of passengers could not fly
In a recent global survey, U.S. News and World Report ranked 89 countries based on where people after retirement can enjoy the most comfortable lifestyles. With nearly 17,000 responses, the study assessed affordability, tax climate, friendliness, desirability, climate, property rights, and healthcare quality. Switzerland took the top spot once again, while Hungary improved its ranking from 47th to 45th, standing mid-range globally and in the upper-middle among European countries.
Hungary’s position and regional comparison
While Hungary remains in the middle of the list, it holds a solid position among regional peers. Within Central and Eastern Europe, only Croatia and Poland ranked slightly higher, while neighbouring countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Baltic states (Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania) ranked lower, Index reports. This suggests that Hungary provides a competitive retirement experience for those looking at countries in the region.
Affordability and quality of life
One of Hungary’s key advantages lies in its affordability, with living costs considerably lower than those in top-ranked countries. Retirees can find Hungary attractive for this reason, particularly when compared to nations like Switzerland, Portugal, and New Zealand, where the quality of life is excellent but also comes with a high price tag. Survey respondents indicate that while other countries may offer more luxurious retirement options, Hungary is a solid choice for enjoying a comfortable retirement at a reasonable cost.
Appeal to retirees considering Hungary
Hungary’s central location in Europe, cultural diversity, and relatively lower costs make it an appealing choice for both local and international retirees. Although the healthcare system does not match the sophistication of Switzerland, Hungary still offers essential healthcare services that meet basic needs. For retirees looking to explore Europe affordably, Hungary’s positioning makes it a convenient and enjoyable option.
Comparison with top-ranked countries
Switzerland’s attractiveness for retirees largely stems from its advanced healthcare and favourable tax system. New Zealand, ranking second, is becoming increasingly popular as a retirement destination due to its scenic landscapes, welcoming culture, and supportive healthcare services. While life quality is undoubtedly high in the top-ranked countries, living costs are also significantly higher compared to Hungary.
Hungary’s future in the retirement rankings
Hungary’s improved ranking reflects that it’s becoming a more attractive retirement destination, especially for those seeking a moderate cost of living and a pleasant environment. If Hungary focuses on advancing its healthcare system and living standards, it could appeal to even more international retirees. Like other Central and Eastern European countries, Hungary faces the challenge of remaining competitive in the region, offering an appealing lifestyle for retirees.
Summary
With two spots gained in the rankings, Hungary finds itself as a mid-tier but solid retirement choice globally. Lower living costs and a friendly environment make it an attractive option, especially within its region. Future enhancements in infrastructure and healthcare could further bolster its appeal, positioning Hungary as a more competitive choice in the international retirement landscape.
Wizz Air, the most environmentally sustainable airline globally*, is delighted to announce the opening of its temporary base in Chisinau, Moldova. Base operations will provide passengers with direct connections to 16 destinations this upcoming winter, including 8 new routes with flights starting on the 16th of December. Tickets are available now on wizzair.com or via the airline’s mobile app, with fares starting from €24.99.
Passengers can once again experience the convenience of non-stop flights between Chisinau and Berlin, Bologna, Brussels Charleroi, Dortmund, Memmingen, Paris Beauvais, and Verona, as well as the new route to Nuremberg. In total, 16 routes to destinations in 9 countries will be available, including existing routes to Abu Dhabi, Budapest, Milan, Venice, Vienna, Rome, London Luton, and Warsaw. With fares as low as €24.99, Wizz Air offers easy and convenient options to visit one’s family and loved ones or enjoy a city break in one of the above exciting and beautiful cities. Including all destinations this winter, Wizz Air will provide over 400,000 seats for passengers in 2024.
Wizz Air is dedicatedto providing excellent service and growing its network to meet the needs of its customers. With the base reopening in Moldova, the airline is adding a new Airbus A320 to Chisinau Airport, which highlights its commitment to the Moldovan market and its ongoing expansion towards achieving an aircraft fleet of 500 aircraft within the next 8 years.
Andras Rado, Head of Communications and Government Affairs at Wizz Air, said: “Wizz Air began its operations in Moldova in 2013, and opened its base in Chisinau in March 2017. During this time, the airline carried almost 4 million passengers.We are thrilled to resume our base operations and add more direct flights connecting Chisinau now with 16 destinations, underscoring our vision of growth. This development will provide nearly 91,000 additional seats, securing 374% capacity growth during the winter season for passengers traveling to and from Chisinau. Wizz Air is dedicated to providing convenient direct travel opportunities and fostering connections between Moldova and the rest of Europe and beyond. As we grow, we are proud to contribute to the Moldovan economy by creating jobs and enhancing connectivity for travellers.”
Mr. Pascaluta Mircea, State Secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, said: “Today’s event is a clear indication that Chisinau Airport is growing and becoming an even more important hub in the region. For our passengers, the new routes opened by Wizz Air mean more opportunities to travel at great prices. In addition, we are increasing connection options between Moldova and top destinations in Europe and helping our diaspora citizens to come home more often.”
Mr. Spoiala Sergiu, General Director, Chisinau International Airport, said: “The reopening of the Wizz Air operational base in Chisinau proves once again that our airport is becoming more and more attractive in the air transport industry. An air base means network expansion, new job opportunities at the local level for aviation and tourism, and the diversification of aeronautical activities, strengthening commercial relations between the Republic of Moldova and the European countries.
We are glad that negotiations with our partner Wizz Air brought successful results, and the reopening of the Wizz Air operational base at the Chisinau International Airport certainly represents an important step for the development of the airport and the area it serves, which
allows us to offer our passengers greater choice, convenience, and affordable travel options, benefiting from extensive network of destinations and quality service.”
ROUTE
DAYS
FARES FROM*
STARTS
Chisinau – Dortmund
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
29.99 EUR
16 December 2024
Chisinau – Memmingen
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
24.99 EUR
16 December 2024
Chisinau – Nuremberg
Thursday, Sunday
24.99 EUR
19 December 2024
Chisinau – Berlin
Tuesday, Saturday
39.99 EUR
17 December 2024
Chisinau – Verona
Monday, Friday
24.99 EUR
16 December 2024
Chisinau – Paris Beauvais
Tuesday, Saturday
24.99 EUR
17 December 2024
Chisinau – Bologna
Wednesday, Sunday
24.99 EUR
18 December 2024
Chisinau -Brussels Charleroi
Thursday, Sunday
24.99 EUR
19 December 2024
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Hungary would need 900 years to reach the purchasing power level of Vienna, Austria’s capital, according to a survey conducted by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office. Among the capitals of the post-Communist Central and Eastern Europen region, Budapest is the second poorest, following Zagreb. Meanwhile, Bucharest developed significantly between 2013 and 2021, preceding even Vienna.
Hungary and Budapest among the poorest in the EU
According to Eurostat’s latest survey, in 2021, the “net primary income per inhabitant was 20,700 purchasing power standard (PPS), up from 19,500 PPS in 2020” in the EU. The wealthiest NUTS 2 (nomenclature of territorial units for statistics) regions are in Germany (Oberbayern being the wealthiest in the EU), France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The poorest are in Eastern Europe, including Hungary’s Northeastern, Croatia’s Eastern regions and several Romanian and Bulgarian territories.
“The use of data in PPS, rather than in euro, takes into account the price level differences between countries. One PPS can buy the same amount of goods and services in each country, regardless of local price differences”, the Eurostat wrote.
According to 24.hu, Budapest’s result in the statistics is disappointing especially if we compare it with Bucharest. Only Zagreb is poorer than Budapest among the post-Communist countries of the region. However, the statistics are not entirely comparable because Slovenia’s and Bulgaria’s capitals are not regions. If they were alone in the statistics without their presumably lower-income surroundings, they would probably score better.
Bucharest’s development is impressive
Budapest’s lagging behind the other capitals is spectacular in the 2013-2021 period. The Hungarian capital could not precede any of the region’s capitals even though the difference between Budapest and Vienna, Warsaw or Bratislava (Pozsony) decreased. However, the enrichment of Sofia (and its region) and Prague was quicker than Budapest’s. Moreover, Bucharest emerged from the last but one position to the top.
Therefore, 444.hu wrote that Hungary needed more than 900 years to precede Vienna. Budapest needs “only” 30 years, but it’s important to note that the Austrian capital is Austria’s second poorest NUTS 2 region. Meanwhile, Budapest is Hungary’s wealthiest.
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The minister of culture and innovation said on Friday that he had held consultation talks in Brussels about the relaunch of the Erasmus and Horizon programmes in Hungary because it was an obligation “to raise our voice for the success of Hungarian youth”.
Hankó told the press after a conference he had attended on European models and Hungarian experiences in science and innovation that he had held two meetings during the day that focused on education and employment.
He said he had held talks with Markus Schulte, cabinet chief of Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Commissioner Iliana Ivanova, and Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Mario Nava, and informed them that a bill on renewed Hungarian institutions following a model change had been submitted to parliament.
The bill includes regulations, already sent to the European Commission in November 2023, on conflicts of interest of board members and the one-year cooling off period, as well as the board members’ eligibility for two six-year terms, he said.
The two items not included in the bill concern the removal of rectors and university teachers from the boards, and NGOs making proposals on the selection of board members, he said, adding that “these go against our sovereignty and academic freedom”.
He expressed hope that with the help of the bill, the Hungarian government would achieve the discontinuation of a ban on Hungarian youth in Erasmusand researchers in Horizon.
Hungary, Serbia strategic partners, says Hankó
Hungary and Serbia are strategic allies, on a national level as well as in the areas innovation, science and culture, Balázs Hankó, the culture and innovation minister, said after talks with Serbian innovation minister Jelena Begovic and culture minister Nikola Selakovic in Belgrade on Thursday.
Begovic and Hankó agreed on setting up a Hungarian-Serbian innovation fund to promote university research on healthy living, the green transition and digitalisation. They also said they would strengthen ties between Hungarian and Serbian universities, and cooperate on building a BIO4 Campus in Belgrade “which is in line with Hungary’s science park model” based on joint research between universities, SMEs and corporations, he said.
Hungary and Serbia will also promote cooperation between young teachers and students through the Hungarian Pannonia Programme, Hankó said.
Meanwhile, Hankó and Selakovic agreed to launch a Hungarian-Serbian cultural season next year, showcasing both countries’ traditions in Hungary in the autumn of 2025 and in Serbia in spring 2026, he said.
Hankó also attended the Biotech Future Forum conference on biotechnology and AI, and held a speech on the progress of innovation in Hungary, and on the importance of the ethical use of AI in research.
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In the mayoral election campaign, Dávid Vitézy, an independent candidate backed by the Hungarian Green Party, the opposition LMP, and later PM Orbán’s Fidesz, said the Budapest Transport Company should set up an independent law enforcement body that can guarantee a higher level of safety and security on their public transport vehicles. The new structure will start work in 2025. Here is what we already know about their tasks and authority.
Homeless people on trams, buses
In social media, passengers often complain about the unbearable and abominable circumstances they sometimes face while travelling with BKKpublic transport vehicles. The situation is worse in the suburban and outer district lines where homeless people regularly occupy seats despite not having showered for weeks or using them as a toilet.
Dávid Vitézy, a mayoral candidate in the 9 June elections who slightly lost to Gergely Karácsony with only a couple of hundred votes, submitted a proposal to the first municipal council sitting about setting up a law enforcement body for BKK. Despite arguing about multiple issues, the Municipal Council accepted Vitézy’s proposal unopposed.
Magyar Hang askedAmbrus Kiss, the former deputy mayor of Budapest and the current general director of the Budapest mayoral office, about how the project was advancing. Mr Kiss said the new unit would be an independent body, but integrated under the Budapest law enforcement directorate FÖRI.
Budapest’s public transport will be safer
He added that there were employees whose task was to assure safety and the passengers’ compliance with the travel conditions. BKK’s security service helped them before, and now, the two bodies will be merged, and the number of employees will increase to 50.
Mr Kiss added that they could only decide about a further employee number increase after the 2025 budget is accepted. Furthermore, they would review the new system’s effectiveness because “billions can be spent without being more effective”.
The new law enforcement authority will exclude anybody from travelling unless they comply with the rules. They can also ask for identification documents. However, they will need help from the police if somebody refuses to show them their identification documents or has a weapon.
Integrated service to help drivers
Mr Kiss highlighted the new unit should not be against homeless people because if somebody stinks, is drunk or aggressive, it does not mean they are homeless.
He added that they would create an integrated dispatcher service for BKV, BKK and FÖRI. They plan to place a button in the BudapestGO app which lets the user call the service directly. He hopes that the update will be ready by next March.
Gábor Naszályi, a BKK trade union chairman, said that most problems derived from dodgers instead of homeless people. He said the drivers are not able to argue with all of them and convince them to purchase a ticket or a pass. An electronic monitoring system could help, but that project failed in 2018, under the Fidesz leadership. Therefore, the drivers are looking forward to the new unit.
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As daylight saving time ends in Hungary on 27 October, the clocks will go back by one hour, meaning more light in the morning and less in the evening. But don’t let that dampen your spirits! Budapest’s enchanting Lumina Park has already opened, and Gödöllő’s impressive Light Park is set to open tomorrow.
The magic of lights opened in Budapest
At 3:00 a.m. on 27 October, clocks will be set back by one hour. This change will bring an earlier sunrise and sunset. While the days will feel shorter, there’s a chance to brighten your evenings with a visit to Budapest’s Lumina Park.
“Dazzle your eyes and admire the light sculptures of your favourite fairytale characters and movie heroes”, invites Lumina Parkon Budapest’s iconic Margaret Island, as per its official website. “Our park will be a huge film festival for the whole family! Lumina Park’s spectacular exhibition with over 200 light installations and incredible music will be a lasting memory”, they added.
According to Kiskegyed, this is the third year that Lumina Park has opened its gates at Palatinus Beach on Margaret Island. Over the past two years, more than 350,000 people have visited the park. Here, visitors can encounter famous characters from King Arthur and Robin Hood to King Kong, Darth Vader, and Mr Bean, as well as enter the world of Narnia and meet the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park. The park is designed by the Polish creators Lumina sp. z o. o.
A visit to the mesmerising Lumina Park takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing visitors to experience over 200 light installations. The exhibition will remain open until 2 March and welcomes visitors from sunset until 9:00 p.m.
Entry for children under 2 is free. Reduced tickets are available for children under 18, students, pensioners, disabled individuals, and their carers. Family tickets are also available for two adults and two children, or one adult and three children (under 18). Note that weekend tickets, required for Friday to Sunday, are slightly more expensive than standard tickets. You can find ticket prices HERE.
Gödöllő’s light park opens tomorrow
The Royal Palace of Gödöllő offers a unique light show and exhibition dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria, affectionately known as “Sisi.” Opening on 26 October, the park presents a unique blend of art, history, culture, and modern technology, providing an insight into Sisi’s life, family, and times.
This exhibition will also be open until 2 March and can be visited between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Adult tickets are priced at €8, while discounted tickets are available for €7. A family ticket costs €29. The park’s map can be found HERE.
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According to Dávid Vitézy, a Hungarian public transport expert, former Fidesz mayoral candidate, and member of the Budapest Municipal Assembly, Budapest Airport is the largest EU airport without a direct rail link to its city. However, instead of constructing a railway line, the Hungarian government has decided to improve the existing road connecting Budapest to its international airport.
Getting from Budapest Airport to the city centre
Upon arrival at Budapest Airport, visitors can choose from several options to reach the city centre. The most affordable, if not the most comfortable, option is the 100E airport shuttle bus, which costs HUF 2,200 (EUR 5.5). This shuttle can take you directly to Deák Ferenc Square in the city centre or to Ferihegy train station, where you may switch to a train.
If you opt for the train, you can travel to Nyugati Railway Station, situated near Budapest’s Grand Boulevard, or venture further to rural towns like Szeged, Debrecen, Miskolc, or Nyíregyháza.
Alternatively, you could take a taxi from the airport, offering a more comfortable but considerably pricier ride, estimated at around EUR 30 depending on your destination in the city, according to bud.hu.
Current airport road deemed unacceptable by foreign visitors
A recent government report has acknowledged that the high-speed road linking Budapest Airport to the city requires improvement. The most problematic section lies between the airport’s former Terminal 1 and the Üllői Avenue – Határ Avenue intersection, where the road is only one lane. Pest County Government Office stated that this section does not meet expected service standards, has a high accident risk, and is seen as substandard by international visitors. Consequently, the road requires redevelopment and expansion.
In September, the government office began an environmental authority review process, holding a public hearing. On Thursday, the Orbán administration issued a decree for the road’s redevelopment preparation. János Lázár has been tasked with initiating land acquisition and preparing construction sites. Once the plans are finalised, he will begin the public procurement process and propose a budget to the government.
The planned development will encompass the segment between Market Central (on Budapest’s outskirts) and the Üllői Avenue – Határ Avenue intersection. The aim is to widen the road, enhance green spaces, improve bicycle and pedestrian paths, and create a high-speed route befitting a major city. Importantly, the expansion is designed to avoid increasing suburban traffic along the segment.
According to telex.hu, construction could commence as early as 2026, with the road anticipated to open to traffic by 2030.
During a press conference on 16 October, Gergely Gulyás, the head of the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that only a few properties would need to be nationalised for the project.
Prospects for a direct train connection to Budapest Airport
Dávid Vitézy, who nearly succeeded in his bid for the mayoralty against Gergely Karácsony in June, has argued that the Hungarian government should prioritise establishing a direct train connection to Budapest Airport. In a recent Facebook post, he noted that the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility would provide funding for this project, for which plans and permissions have already been secured.
The relevant funding applications were opened in September, and Vitézy added that all that remains is for the government to submit its application. Should the government approve, a direct train connection could link the airport to Budapest’s city centre (via Nyugati and Köki train stations) and Monor in the opposite direction. Below is a map illustrating the proposed plans:
Vitézy highlighted that Budapest Airport remains the only major EU airport without a direct rail connection to its city and argued that there is no need for an expensive railway line constructed by China.
More details on this project can be found in our dedicated article HERE.
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Corvinus University of Budapest and the Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute have launched a partnership that seeks to establish a joint system for research and startup incubation, the Culture and Innovation Ministry said on Thursday.
The cooperation extends to joint support to grow innovative early-stage businesses, the organisation of joint conferences and academic programmes, and researcher and student exchanges. Artificial intelligence will be one focus of the cooperation between the two institutions.
Corvinus University is hosting the AI Transformation Conference and the Chinese-Hungarian AI Innovation Summit, on Thursday and Friday, in the framework of the cooperation.
The ministry said a “key element” of the government’s innovation strategy is fostering stronger international ties among Hungarian universities and research institutions, both in the West and the East.
The four-year agreement between Corvinus University and the CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute has a budget of EUR 19m. It is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
CUHK-Shenzhen reviews 10 years of achievements
As The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen marks its 10th anniversary, the institution has swiftly risen as a leading educational force in the Chinese mainland, carving a niche with its visionary educational philosophy, robust talent recruitment, interdisciplinary approach, internationalization, and whole-person development, the Chinese university’s official website wrote.
“We benchmarked ourselves against world-class universities from the very beginning, taking on the mission of exploring valuable experiences for the comprehensive reform of higher education in China,” said Professor Xu Yangsheng, CUHK-Shenzhen’s founding president and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
“Establishing an international university in Shenzhen, China’s hub of technological advancement in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, by collaborating with a prestigious Hong Kong university allows us to complement each other’s strengths in talent cultivation, scientific research, and technology transfer, thereby achieving rapid progress,” Xu explained.
“Our university was founded with a macro-perspective, grasping global development trends, including the demands that international politics, economics and technology impose on regional and national development strategies. We actively respond to the strategic needs of China and the Greater Bay Area,” he added.
Global talent
In a decade, CUHK-Shenzhen has established itself as a magnet for global academic talent. With a firm commitment to attract a top-tier faculty, the university has recruited more than 650 renowned scholars, including six Nobel laureates, more than 40 academicians and 100 national-level experts.
Recently, Elsevier, a global information analytics company, and the Stanford University released the 2024 list of the world’s top 2 percent scientists. CUHK-Shenzhen has 44 scientists making the Lifetime Scientific Impact Ranking and 65 scientists on the Annual Scientific Impact Ranking.
The university’s student body has also attracted attention. Over the past nine years, CUHK-Shenzhen has consistently ranked as one of the top universities in Guangdong province for admissions based on gaokao (the national college entrance exam) results. In most provinces, its minimum scores for liberal arts and sciences fall within the top 1 percent and 2 percent.
Innovation
One of CUHK-Shenzhen’s standout features is its commitment to interdisciplinary education and research.
Xu said that from the beginning, CUHK-Shenzhen conducted in-depth research into disciplinary trends and national and regional needs, focusing its academic planning on emerging and interdisciplinary fields.
“Its flat organizational structure, with no departmental divisions, encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration, increasing both efficiency and creativity,” he added.
To date, CUHK-Shenzhen offers 28 undergraduate programs, focusing on emerging fields such as big data, artificial intelligence, robotics, biomedicine, materials science and energy. By balancing fundamental disciplines with new applied sciences, CUHK-Shenzhen has fostered a unique academic ecosystem where research drives social progress.
Several of the university’s key disciplines, including economics, AI and data science, biomedicine, and materials chemistry, are on par with those at leading global universities. Seven of CUHK-Shenzhen’s disciplines rank in the top 1 percent globally in the Essential Science Indicators database, and its computer science program ranks 10th among domestic universities in CS Rankings.
Internationalization
From its inception, internationalization has been central to CUHK-Shenzhen’s identity. With 150 partnerships with prestigious institutions worldwide, the university has created a vibrant global network, fostering student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives and academic collaborations.
“An international university must not only increase academic exchanges with foreign universities in the traditional sense, but also create a holistic international education system,” Xu added.
To achieve this, CUHK-Shenzhen adopts international teaching systems and quality review mechanisms, incorporating original and internationally recognized textbooks and uses English as the primary language of instruction.
A clear teaching plan, measurable learning outcomes and assessment standards have been established, and an outcomes-based approach is employed to cultivate students’ problem-solving, independent thinking and innovative abilities, Xu said.
The university also enhances its academic exchanges and collaboration with globally renowned institutions, creating international joint innovation platforms and improving mechanisms for faculty exchange and resource sharing.
CUHK-Shenzhen has built a full-cycle innovation ecosystem covering basic research, technical breakthroughs, industrial application, tech financing and talent support.
This includes 95 research institutes and key laboratories, three of which are Nobel Prize labs, focusing on areas such as robotics and AI, big data, bioinformatics, new materials and energy sciences. It has undertaken more than 370 national-level projects and more than 1,000 international projects.
Liberal education
CUHK-Shenzhen inherits CUHK’s 60-year tradition of college-based and whole-person education, establishing seven residential colleges and implementing a four-year liberal education curriculum.
“CUHK-Shenzhen places students at the forefront of its mission,” Xu said. “Residential colleges create a community space that integrates living, learning and socializing. Through various informal cultural and practical activities, students’ education is enriched and their horizons broadened.”
Read also:
Hungarian universities up in the Times Higher Education rankings – read more HERE
A recent study by the UK-based Scrap Car Comparison magazine ranked Hungary as one of the scariest places in the world for drivers, placing it 15th on the list with a ‘scare score’ of 6.52 out of 10.
Scariest places for drivers
The study surveyed 2,000 motorists from 10 different countries—including the UK, USA, and Germany—who were asked to rate how nervous they would feel driving in 49 of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Hungary, alongside Turkey, Greece, and Italy, was highlighted as one of the European nations where overseas drivers feel the most uneasy, Greek Reporter wrote based on Scrap Car Comparison.
Driving in Hungary: What makes it intimidating?
Hungary’s high ranking reflects a variety of challenges that drivers, especially tourists, face. The country’s infrastructure includes a mix of modern highways and more rural roads, where potholes and uneven surfaces can increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, traffic congestion in cities like Budapest, coupled with aggressive driving styles, often makes driving an intimidating experience for foreigners.
Much like its European counterparts Greece and Italy, Hungary is known for its narrow, winding streets, especially in historic areas, which can be difficult to navigate. Tourists who are unfamiliar with local driving norms or road layouts may find themselves particularly nervous in these conditions.
Global driving hazards
While Hungary made it to the top 15, the global ranking was topped by India, which received a ‘scare score’ of 7.15. Countries from Africa and Asia, including Venezuela, Zimbabwe, and Morocco, also ranked among the top five most nerve-wracking places to drive.
Interestingly, the UK and the USA, both known for their complex road systems, ranked lower on the list at 26th and 33rd, respectively. The Netherlands, with its well-maintained roads, scored the lowest on the ‘scare scale,’ making it the country where tourists feel most comfortable driving.
Despite the challenges, Hungary remains a popular destination for tourists, but those planning to drive through the country should be prepared for the unique challenges the roads may present.
A peculiar photo surfaced a few weeks ago from Canada: a distant message to Hungarians from 1956, taken from an American aircraft carrier. On the deck, the crew forms huge letters, and the Yankee sailors come together to create a Hungarian-language inscription: “Isten segítsen” (God help you). What could be the story behind this image, and who is the unknown sailor who initiated the Hungarian message from the deck of the USS Coral Sea? Solidarity, a prayer, a tribute to a revolution left to fend for itself – one of the 200,000 refugees from 1956 donated the 200,000th photo to Fortepan.
Instead of a series of images, this time only a single photograph appears in the Fortepan selection, and notably, this photo is the 200,000th piece in Hungary’s private photo album. The shot was likely taken at the end of 1956 or early 1957, depicting an American aircraft carrier anchored off Naples from a bird’s-eye view. On the USS Coral Sea, sailors stand in a special formation among military planes, spelling out the Hungarian-language message: “Isten segítsen” (God help you).
The Coral Sea was one of the large Midway-class aircraft carriers of the U.S. Navy. Its history spans the Cold War period: it was launched in 1947, the year Hungary was Sovietized, and although it bore the nickname “Ageless Warrior,” it was decommissioned in 1990, the year of the regime change. In the 1950s, it spent most of its time in the Mediterranean, and apart from this image, it had few Hungarian connections.
At the end of October 1956, during the days of the Hungarian Revolution, it was deployed to the Middle East due to another major global event—the Suez Crisis—which partially diverted Western public attention from Hungary to evacuate American citizens from Alexandria and Haifa.
According to recollections, there was also a Hungarian-American sailor serving on the Coral Sea—perhaps as a helmsman. He was likely the one who suggested that the money originally collected as a Christmas gift for the crew be donated to help Hungarian refugees instead. This initiative was signed by everyone on the aircraft carrier, and a total of $7,500 was offered to the fund aiding the refugees.
It is possible that he also proposed that the crew form the huge Hungarian-language message on the deck. However, we do not know the name or story of the Hungarian sailor. If anyone has information about him, we would appreciate it if they wrote to us; perhaps together we can piece together the unknown fragments of this story.
The American foreign policy also sought to capitalise on the striking gesture of solidarity with Hungary, the crushed revolution, and the Hungarian refugees. The aerial photo may have been taken for this reason: copies of the photo were circulated among the Hungarian refugees, and even trips were organised for them to Naples to see the aircraft carrier.
This photograph eventually reached a 13-year-old Hungarian boy. I. Béla Barabás was an eighth-grade student when he left Hungary with his family in December 1956. Béla’s family lived in Tósokberénd, near Ajka, during the revolution. His father previously worked as an agronomist in Rákosi’s era’s major agricultural experiment, focusing on the introduction of cotton cultivation in Középhídvég, Tolna County.
However, he was unwilling to join the party even when persuaded, and when the cotton project failed, he also had to leave, leading the family to move to Veszprém County. During the revolution, the family held a vote: involving the children, they voted on whether to leave or stay. His father and brother voted to leave, while his mother and sister voted to stay in Hungary, so ultimately, Béla’s vote decided the outcome, and he chose the adventure.
Initially, they only made it to Győr, where his mother suffered a nervous breakdown while waiting for their transfer.
“We’re leaving our whole life behind, we don’t even know which country we’re going to, and we don’t speak the language.”
They returned home, but a week later, they set off again towards the Austrian border.
“Everyone brought a small bag; one contained family photos, but we could hardly take anything with us.”
— said I. Béla Barabás, a retired landscape architect from Saskatoon, Canada
In November, it was still easy to cross the border, but by mid-December, when they finally made up their minds, the situation was no longer so simple.
“My father didn’t want to go with a large group, so we set off alone from Sopron. It was seven in the evening, and there was a curfew. Someone offered to help us cross for money. We gave him what we had; I remember he smelled like alcohol. ‘Follow this path; Austria is that way,’ he said, more or less, and then we parted ways. The path ended soon; there was mud and rain, and we walked in the dark until three in the morning. We heard dogs barking, and from a distance, machine guns firing, but after a while, we encountered a border guard who spoke German. We made it across.”
This was the main route for emigration in the last weeks of 1956. By the time the Barabás family made it out, Austria was practically full, and the refugee camps were packed. By then, the background agreement had been established that Austria would only serve as a “first refuge,” and the long-term accommodation would be taken on by other countries.
The 13-year-old Béla’s most vivid memory from their three-day stay in Austria was that he received a pocket knife as a gift—his first personal knife. From Vienna, they were taken by closed train to Rome, where they stayed until May 1957.
There weren’t many Hungarians in Italy yet; the first arrivals caused quite a sensation, and interview crews were everywhere.
It is said that 1956 was the world’s first revolution broadcast live, and among the foreign correspondents bustling in Budapest, there were also Italians.
Indro Montanelli, a star journalist who had covered every front from Abyssinia to World War II, reported with great enthusiasm for the Corriere della Sera about the events, recognising that the fate of the revolution, which was believed to be victorious for a few days at the end of October, was very unstable, as Soviet troops, contrary to their promises, were not withdrawing and were preparing to attack.
“I am already a fairly seasoned war correspondent, and—believe me—I have seen everything. I have never had the feeling that I was encountering heroic tales, except for a few rare individual episodes, and I always thought such things did not exist as a collective phenomenon. I was wrong. They exist. At least in Hungary.”
— he wrote from Budapest.
After the revolution was crushed, there was immense sympathy for Hungarians in Italy. Even the Catholic pontiff—Pope Pius XII—issued three encyclicals during the days of the revolution, welcoming the refugees. “Viva papa, viva papa!” — I. Béla Barabás heard from all around; he himself recalls being welcomed with open arms in Italy. For him as a child, it was primarily a huge adventure. TV cameras, the sea, and once even Puskás Öcsi, who also found his way to Italy, appeared in an open car surrounded by a cheering crowd.
The family was first placed in an evacuated orphanage. Four to five families lived together in one room, but the food was good, and the children enjoyed the experience of regularly receiving tropical fruits. Béla sold some of them for a few lira to Italian kids—the money was spent on movies, where he watched American cowboy films.
For the children, it was essentially a golden life. Plenty of free time, roaming around Rome unsupervised, and new impressions of adult life: peeking at couples making out in tiny Fiat 500s; witnessing the public humiliation of three Hungarian women who resorted to prostitution being shaved bald in the refugee camp—all while an Italian nun tried to teach them the language, primarily through prayers.
After three months in the overcrowded orphanage, the Barabás family moved to much better conditions, an old Roman palazzo. Although he remembers it as the Hungarian embassy, it was probably the Falconieri Palace on the banks of the Tiber, where the Collegium Hungaricum once operated.
The Hungarian political police left the building during the days of the revolution, which made it available, and with the help of the Papal Hungarian Church Institute, Hungarian refugees were placed there; it became a temporary home for many Hungarian university students and professors. Béla’s mother got a job in the kitchen, allowing the family to move into the 16th-century palace, and Béla was able to peel potatoes in the kitchen alongside Vera Pásztor, the famous dancer from the Budapest Opera House.
All of this was a transitional period before the Hungarian refugees moved on to their final host country from Italy. In the meantime, they tried to make the most of their time, so there was great enthusiasm when they received an invitation to Naples from the Americans.
One day, his father came home with a photo of the ship, announcing that a Hungarian was the helmsman, and that they had offered a free bus trip to the port of Naples. Only adults could go, but everyone was very excited about the opportunity to see something special. Everyone was surprised that the helmsman was able to convince the sailors to write: “Isten segítsen.” This was received with great gratitude by the people.
This grassroots initiative was one of many spontaneous gestures of solidarity that manifested throughout the Western world regarding the Hungarian Revolution during those weeks. The message in the photographs that could be reproduced also fit well into the political narrative of the time, which greatly sought to support those who fled, trying to help the Hungarian refugees as much as possible.
Not only were the days filled with opportunities for the young Béla to venture to the seaside, but he also got to know the American soldiers stationed in Italy, whom he described with a childlike candour as “the biggest cowboys.” Many had come to Europe through the Marshall Plan and decided to stay for several years. They spoke a bit of Hungarian, and Béla quickly learned to mix and match various expressions—he had also started learning English.
Finally, in May 1957, Béla and his family received their residence permits in Canada, and after a long journey, they moved to Saskatoon. He attended the local school, where he faced difficulties at first; however, he quickly adjusted and became fluent in English.
I. Béla Barabás still keeps the first pocket knife he received as a child in his family, and he was able to recreate the history of the photo from the aircraft carrier with the help of old newspapers. Today, he writes articles in English about the 1956 revolution and Hungarian history, sharing the story of solidarity that became a global symbol during those difficult months.
Author: Ádám Kolozsi
The Weekly Fortepan blog is a professional collaboration with the Capa Centre. The original article can be found HERE.
There is a consensus among European city leaders that cities should have more direct access to EU funding, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony said in a video on Facebook on Tuesday, on the sidelines of a meeting of the European Parliament and Eurocities, an urban lobby organisation.
Karácsony advocates for direct access to EU funding
Mayors and MEPs have discussed ways to allow cities greater direct access to EU funding, and “guarantees that governments, first and foremost that of Hungary but of other countries too, are trying to dismantle to strip cities of their funding.”
Despite the differences between their cities, the mayors agreed that “partnership should be taken seriously at the distribution of EU funding, and cities, councillors and local communities should be heard,” Karácsonysaid.
In the case of Budapest, such partnership “is a matter of life and death,” he said.
Benedek Jávor, Budapest’s representative in Brussels, said the European Commission was drafting the next seven-year budget, adding that it was of paramount importance that cities’ interests were integrated into the European financial system.
MEPs of the opposition Tisza Party abstained in a European parliamentary vote on a proposal to set up a Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, and on a new loan to Ukraine, the party told MTI in a statement on Tuesday.
Tisza Party abstains
The party firmly condemns Russian aggression against Ukraine and is convinced that it is the aggressor’s duty to pay for the damage caused and that the Ukrainian people must be given help, the statement said. The delegation abstained because of provisions on the purchase and delivery of weapons, it said. It said that “it wasn’t an easy decision at all,” citing as a reason “a lack of unambiguous indications regarding the use of revenues from frozen Russian assets”.
The party also proposed allocating more funding for the rebuilding of Ukraine, the statement said. Tisza said it had informed in advance the EPP about its decision. At its plenary session in Strasbourg, the EP adopted the decision to set up the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and Macro-Financial Assistance for the country.
A two-day international neo-Nazi music festival was held at the Petőfi Sándor Cultural Center in Csömör on 11 and 12 October, after the venue was rented under the pretence of hosting a private birthday party. According to AntifaInfo Budapest, the organisers attempted to keep the event’s location hidden, but it was later identified through photos shared by one of the performers, an Italian musician.
Neo-Nazi festival disguised as birthday party
The director of the cultural centre, László Szeltner, told HVGthat they had no prior knowledge of the true nature of the event. The venue had been rented for a private birthday party, and it wasn’t until later in the day that Szeltner became aware that “guests with unusual appearances” had arrived. He immediately notified the local government and police.
Despite the unsettling discovery, the authorities allowed the event to continue as planned, but it took place behind closed doors under heightened police and civil guard presence.
Szeltner emphasised that no incidents occurred during the gathering.
Looking ahead, Szeltner assured that the centre would take stronger precautions to prevent similar events from happening in the future.
This incident bears resemblance to another far-right gathering in Hungary last year. In 2023, a supposed martial arts event in Csókakő was revealed to be a far-right meeting, attracting hundreds of extremists from across Europe. The local mayor had requested the organisers cancel the event due to its neo-Nazi nature, but the organisers denied the accusations and proceeded with the event as planned.