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Fun facts about Hungary that always surprise foreigners
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Our tiny country, although known worldwide, still confuses visitors from abroad. There are a great many cultural differences that give cause for a head scratching when one doesn’t know of these typical Hungarian characteristics. Here are gathered some of the most well-known ones to spare you the confusion:
Hungary is home to the biggest lake of Central Europe
Nearly 80 kilometres long and covering 600 square kilometres, it is known as the Hungarian Sea. Naturally, Lake Balaton is one of the most sought after attractions in Hungary. Not many foreigners would expect a country of this size to have such a large body of water, which is proportionately popular. Those who discover it usually return for one of the many summer festivals hosted here.
We are a thermal superpower
Our small country with more than a thousand natural thermal springs is doubtlessly among the top in the thermal competition. Lake Hévíz is located here, which is not only Europe’s, but the world’s biggest thermal lake. Out of the hundreds (if not thousands) of thermal springs, 118 are found in Budapest. Perhaps this is the reason so many spas have been built in the capital. You can read more about the topic HERE.
Hungarian minds are sharp
Little and smart: Hungary has 13 Nobel Prize winners to be proud of. It’s a number to be reckoned with! Hungarians have had a hand in almost everything from computers to ballpoint pens. Explore the most well-known Hungarian inventions HERE.
Memory of Ferenc Liszt is still highly respected today
Ferenc Liszt, although born in what is now Austria and not Hungary, has considered himself Hungarian. From a tourist’s point of view, it may be queer that we hold him in such high regard that even the capital’s international airport is named after him.
There are loopholes for everything
Abroad, it may not be this common to look for loopholes in everything. This is probably the reason why many foreigners are surprised at the alternative solutions the Hungarian mind can come up with. As the saying goes, if a Hungarian enters a revolving door behind a foreigner, somehow they always come out ahead.
