Fun facts about Hungary that always surprise foreigners

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.

Our goulash is different

The goulash is perhaps our nation’s most iconic dish. Yes, other nations may prepare it also, but in a stew-ish style. Whereas here, in Hungary, it has a reputation of being a soup.

Source: pixabay

Hungarians are addicts

It is a red powder, and we consume it with gusto. It’s called paprika, and it is inseparable from Hungarian cuisine. Actually, it’s such an integral part of it that even when there was a national shortage, Univer still only used 100% Hungarian paprika in its products.

It’s considered improper to toast with beer

In any other country, when one walks down a pedestrian precinct on a summer evening, there is the unmistakable clink of beer pitchers. Not so much in Hungary.

As the story goes, when we lost the 1848-49 war of independence, the Austrians toasted with beer to celebrate the execution of the 13 martyrs of Arad. Out of spite, the Hungarians vowed not to toast with beer for 150 years. Although the time has since passed, the custom has become so ingrained that people still hold themselves to it.

The wine of kings is from Hungary

Among its many treasures, Hungary is hiding even more. Specifically, one of the best wines in the world. A big milestone in the legendary history of Tokaj was when Louis XIV of France declared this typical Hungarian drink “the king of wines, the wine of kings”.

Our equestrian traditions are still alive today

Fun fact: the English word ‘hussar’ draws its meaning from the Hungarian word ‘huszár’. To a foreigner, it may seem strange to hear of a modern country with such a rich equestrian culture. However, Hungarians are rightly proud of their culture, for ever since our ancestors arrived in the Carpathian Basin on horseback, we have kept up with our equestrian heritage.