Great alternative of getting to Croatia from Budapest this summer: FlixBus resumes services!
This year, 12 coastal towns in Croatia will be accessible by direct bus services from Hungary. FlixBus services will run 5 times a week to Istria and 7 times a week to Dalmatia.
FlixBus services between Budapest and Croatia
As turizmus.com reports, FlixBus has announced that its direct connections between Hungary and the Croatian coast will be available again this year. In the summer timetable, long-distance buses will start on 20 June and run until mid-September to both Istria and the south of the country, connecting a total of 12 coastal cities with Budapest.
Budapest → Istria, Istria → Budapest
The service to Istria will be available 5 times a week, from Wednesday to Sunday, departing from Népliget, Budapest at 23:00, with domestic connections at Kelenföld (23:20) and Siófok (00:45), stops at Rijeka (05:40), Opatija (06:05), Pula (07:40) and finally arriving at the terminus in Rovinj at 08:25.
In the opposite direction, there are also five departures a week, from Thursday to Monday. The buses departing from Rovinj at 21:00 also stop on the return journey at Pula (21:50), Opatija (23:25), Rijeka (23:50), Siófok (04:45) and, on arrival in Budapest, at Kelenföld (06:10) and Népliget (06:30).
Budapest → Split, Split→ Budapest
In addition to the cities of the Istria Peninsula, you can also travel to the southern coast of Croatia with another FlixBus summer service. The bus to Split will be available to the public 7 days a week.
The bus departs from Budapest Népliget at 21:30 and stops at Kelenföld (21:50), Siófok (23:05), the first Croatian stop is Zadar (05: 25), then Biograd na Moru (05:55), Pakoštane (06:05), Pirovac (06:20), Vodice (06:40), Šibenik (07:05), Trogir (08:15), with a final destination in Split at 9:00.
Ticket prices vary dynamically: however, you can buy tickets to Rovinj starting from HUF 11,999 (EUR 31) and to Zadar from HUF 13,999 (EUR 37).
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- Travel to 3 magical cities in Italy from Budapest!
Featured image: depositphotos.com
Hurry up: Tickets to Adria InterCity from Hungary to Croatia selling out!
One of MÁV-START’s most popular overnight services is without a doubt the Adria InterCity which takes tourists to the Croatian coast. It has become so popular in recent years that tickets are running out fast this season: if you still haven’t bought yours, you should hurry up!
Tickets to MÁV’s Adria InterCity selling out fast
This year, two months after the start of pre-sales, nearly 7,000 tickets for MÁV-Start’s Adria InterCity service have already been sold. That is half of last year’s total ticket sales, which was nearly 14,000 tickets.
Adria InterCity trains departing between 18 June and the end of July have a seat occupancy rate of around 90 percent in the couchette section, while the figure is 65 percent for sleeper coaches. In view of the high interest, MÁV-START has decided to add extra couchette coaches from 18 June.
“Our service connecting the Croatian coast with Budapest will run 3 times a week until 30 September with couchette, sleeper and dining car services. Those who would like to travel to the Adriatic by train in the summer can even find discounted tickets for August or September,” MÁV writes.
For longer journeys, taking the train at night is the greenest transport option, with significantly lower emissions than flying. There has also been a steady increase in the number of passengers travelling by night train over longer distances, including the Adria InterCity. The line was voted one of Europe’s 10 most beautiful rail routes by The Guardian in 2022, with nearly 14,000 passengers travelling from Hungary to Split in 2023.
The popularity of the Adria InterCity is unbroken this year, with almost half of last year’s total season ticket sales, some 7,000 tickets, already sold two months after the start of the advance sale,
MÁV writes.
For the first month of the train’s operation, almost all services from Budapest have been sold out. Thus, in response to the high demand, passengers can now buy tickets for an extra couchette carriage from the very first departure. This will increase the number of seats available between 18 June and 14 July.
In addition to the Adria InterCity, MÁV-START will also operate the Retró Istria express train this year. These trains will run daily between Budapest and Koper (Slovenia) and Rijeka (Croatia) from 28 June to 31 August, with seated, couchette and sleeper trains to both destinations.
You arrive directly in the centre of Split with Adria InterCity trains
The Adria InterCity arrives in the centre of Split, in the immediate vicinity of the Old Town and the port. You can sleep most of the 789 kilometres, all the cars are air-conditioned and there are power sockets in the cabins.
The Adria IC departs from the Keleti railway station at 18:45, crosses the southern shore of Lake Balaton, crosses the border and descends to the coast of Split, where it arrives at 9:49 the next day.
The return train from Split departs at 17:54, arriving in Budapest at 9:35 the next day. In addition to Budapest (Keleti railway station and Budapest-Kelenföld), the Adria InterCity can be boarded in Székesfehérvár, Siófok, Fonyód, Balatonszentgyörgy, Nagykanizsa and Gyékényes, and disembarked on the way home.
Mineral water is served in the evening and hot drinks and breakfast in the morning, with a choice of breakfast menus for sleeper passengers, which can also be enjoyed in the dining car. In the dining car, you can pay in forints, euros, by credit card and all SZÉP cards in the territory of Hungary.
Six- and four-berth coaches are available from EUR 49 per person, while single, double and triple sleeper coaches are available from EUR 88 per person. MÁV-START offers special discounts for families, with children’s tickets for children aged 6-15 available from EUR 30.
Passengers travelling in an Adria InterCity sleeping car can also use the Premium Lounge at Keleti railway station, MÁV adds.
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Croatia takes centre stage in 2024: Unveiling Novi Vinodolski – PHOTO REPORT
In the heart of Hungary’s bustling press scene, Daily News Hungary took part in a captivating press conference highlighting Croatia’s tourism marvels, with a special spotlight on the picturesque Novi Vinodolski region. As the stage was set with the folk melodies of a traditional Croatian band from Novi Vinodolski, the air buzzed with anticipation for what was to come.
Journey through Croatia
The first presenter, Ivana Herceg, wove a tale of Croatia‘s rich tapestry, painting vivid landscapes of its diverse regions, gastronomical wonders and captivating tourist sights. The emphasis on accessibility from Hungary, whether by car, through the convenience of electronic toll systems set to debut in 2025, or via the direct flight line by Ryan Air, underscored Croatia’s commitment to welcoming visitors with open arms.
With statistics showcasing Croatia’s booming tourism sector, boasting a remarkable surge in arrivals, guest nights and hotel stays, it was evident that Croatia was on a trajectory of success. The Kvarner, Istria and Zadar regions stood out as tourist magnets, offering iconic destinations like Opatija, Zagreb and the Plitvice Lakes.
Novi Vinodolski: a hidden Mediterranean gem
However, the crown jewel of the conference was undeniably Novi Vinodolski, a town steeped in history and natural beauty, where tradition seamlessly intertwines with modernity. Nestled along the mesmerising coastline, Novi Vinodolski beckons travellers with its mild Mediterranean climate, crystalline waters and a rich hinterland teeming with adventure.
Novi Vinodolski’s allure extends beyond its picturesque old town and stunning beaches. The town’s marinas, Marina Novi and Mitan Marina, offer a haven for seafaring enthusiasts, while its gastronomic scene, highlighted by restaurants like Marengo and Admiral, tantalises taste buds with authentic Croatian flavours.
For adventurous souls, Novi Vinodolski offers an array of outdoor activities, from fishing and diving to cycling and hiking. The network of biking trails weaves through breathtaking landscapes, while hiking trails unveil hidden gems and panoramic vistas, including the scenic Belvederes and celestial labyrinths.
Steeped in cultural and historical heritage, Novi Vinodolski boasts architectural marvels like the Frankopan Castle and Tower Turnac, alongside charming churches and chapels scattered across the riviera. The islet of San Marino, with its Gothic-era church, serves as a romantic backdrop for weddings and soul-stirring moments.
Get into the summer holiday spirit and Novi Vinodolski’s official website HERE!
A feast for the senses
And let’s not forget the gastronomic delights that await in Novi Vinodolski, from top-notch wineries like Pavlomir Winery to delicious seafood and Mediterranean herbs that tantalise the palate. Events like Delights of Novi Vinodolski promise a gastronomic journey like no other, while festivities like FIT4NOVI and the New Year’s Eve celebration add to the town’s vibrant tapestry.
As participants of the press event savoured the flavours of Croatia, from savoury cheeses and creamy truffle spread to succulent Istrian and Andro Budola hams and rich pies filled with Swiss chard, the air was filled with anticipation for the tourism year ahead. With a blend of tradition, innovation and unwavering hospitality, Croatia stands poised for another successful tourism season. Here’s to a year filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories in the breathtaking landscapes of Croatia.
For more travel inspo, have a look at the Instagram page of Novi Vinodolski’s tourist information centre.
Get a glimpse of the press event by checking out our photo gallery below:
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Hungarian man convicted of tax fraud arrested on Croatian island
Croatian authorities using information from Hungarian police have apprehended a Hungarian man convicted of tax fraud totalling nearly 4.5 billion forints (EUR 11.6m) on the island of Vir, the SWAT unit of the national bureau of investigation said on the police website on Monday.
Man convicted of tax fraud arrested
Croatian police apprehended the man in the street during an operation organised at the request of the Hungarian fugitive apprehension unit a few days after a Croatian court decided on his extradition, the statement said.
The man had been sentenced to 6 years in prison by a court in Pécs after a tax office investigation for budget fraud committed in a criminal organisation. He fled and could not be contacted, so a European arrest warrant was issued against him in July 2023.
Police in Mohács received information in April this year that he was in Croatia, involved in renting out property. The Hungarian investigators used the European Network of Fugitive Active Search Teams (ENFAST) to exchange information with their Croatian colleagues and it was established that the man was living with his partner on the island of Vir. He was apprehended on 6 May.
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FM Szijjártó: Hungarians in Croatia have again shown force
Hungarians in Croatia have again shown force so Róbert Jankovics will be the lawmaker with the third biggest legitimacy in Croatia’s parliament, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said on Facebook on Thursday.
Szijjártó congratulated Jankovics, the head of the Democratic Union of Hungarians of Croatia (HMDK), and wished him success in representing Hungarian interests. Parliamentary elections were held in Croatia on 17 April.
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Shocking: foreigners robbed Louis Vuitton store in Budapest, police caught them quickly – VIDEO, PHOTOS
As we reported earlier, foreigners broke into a Louis Vuitton store in the wee hours of Monday morning by smashing one of the shop windows in its entirety. The robbers took a great deal of valuables, but the police swiftly caught them within less than 12 hours. However, what awaited at their hideout left authorities utterly shocked.
Foreign nationals plundered the Louis Vuitton store in Budapest downtown
Earlier, we reported HERE that the Louis Vuitton store, situated at 24 Andrássy Avenue in Budapest (6th district), fell victim to a break-in during the early hours of Monday, approximately at 2:30 a.m. The perpetrators smashed one of the shop windows in its entirety and took a great deal of valuables. Police refrained from disclosing the extent of the incurred damages.
Here is a video of the daring heist, released by the Budapest police:
Remarkably, Budapest police officers needed no more than half a day to identify the perpetrators. Both of them were foreign nationals and were swiftly apprehended. Subsequent police raid uncovered a cache of lavish handbags, sunglasses and belts with a combined worth in the tens of millions of forints, as per police.hu reports.
Both Montenegrin suspects, aged 56, were promptly detained within Budapest’s 7th district on Monday evening. Authorities recovered the majority of the stolen valuables from their apartment.
Have a look at the extensive collection of stolen goods:
Not the first Louis Vuitton store break-in
According to 444.hu, the last eerily similar instance occurred in October 2023, in California. However, the ‘gang’ involved in that incident numbered a staggering 15 individuals. Law enforcement there responded with lightning speed, arriving on the scene within a minute and promptly apprehending the entire group.
Louis Vuitton stands as one of the world’s top luxury brands, esteemed in the same category as such famous and exorbitantly priced fashion, perfume, jewellery and beverage labels as Christian Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Loewe, Stella McCartney, Off-White, Marc Jacobs, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, Hublot, Dom Pérignon and Hennessy
Forbes heralds Bernard Arnault, the French tycoon who owns Louis Vuitton and an array of other luxury marques, as the richest man on the planet. His fortunes have soared to a staggering $233 billion following a notable 10% uptick.
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Exciting News: Hungary’s motorway network expands with two new sections!
According to media reports, two new sections of Hungary’s motorways are set to open soon: the M6 motorway and the new segment of the M44 motorway.
M44
Referring to the Ministry of Construction and Transport, 444.hu reports that the opening of the new section of the M44 between Kecskemét and the Tisza Bridge was initially promised for March, but this did not materialise. Although the ministry completed the technical handover, the procedure for opening the traffic is still ongoing.
M6
The last section of the M6 motorway in southern Transdanubia, the 20 km or so between Bóly and the border, will be opened to traffic in two phases. In early May, the roughly 13 kilometers between Bóly and Villány and the last section between Villány and the border is expected to be completed by the Croats in spring 2025, when the A5 will be finished.
The final section of the M6 motorway in southern Transdanubia, spanning approximately 20 kilometres between Bóly and the border, will be opened to traffic in two phases. In early May, the roughly 13 kilometres between Bóly and Villány will be inaugurated, with the last section between Villány and the border expected to be completed by the Croats in spring 2025, aligning with the completion of the A5.
As we previously covered, the Hungarian motorway extends to the Croatian border, seemingly ending abruptly – PHOTOS
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PM Orbán gets controversial award in Bosnia: Croatians, Bosnians may be outraged – UPDATED
Borjana Kristo, Bosnia’s prime minister, met Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to discuss Bosnia-Herzegovina’s EU integration in Sarajevo in Thursday, the Bosnian government has said on its website.
Kristo highlighted good cooperation between two friendly countries, according to a statement. She welcomed the work of the mixed economic committee, saying there was “room and demand” for expansion of bilateral trade.
The Bosnian prime minister thanked Orbán and the Hungarian diplomacy “for the firm and unconditional support to Sarajevo on its road to Europe”.
At the end of the talks, Kristo highlighted the need to continue good economic cooperation between the two countries.
Hungarian and international press wrote that Orbán would receive “the Order of Republika Srpska during his visit to Bosnia on Thursday and Friday, joining Vladimir Putin in the recipients’ club.” The decoration is the top award of the Republika Srpska, RS, the country’s Serb-dominated entity. The Order of Republika Srbska is an award commemorating the foundation of the RS, so Bosnians and Croatians might be outraged if Orbán accepts it. In 2023, President Putin got it.
“We have very concrete projects, and we have concrete conversations about how we cooperate and respect the leadership that Orbán has shown,” Dodik said in a post. “He is one of the strongest European leaders now within the European Union and… it is an honour for us,” he added as reported by Balkan Insight.
UPDATE: Orbán pledges continued support to Bosnian Serbs
Bosnia’s Serb community can rely on Hungary’s continued support as “the two nations depend on each other”, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said in Banja Luka where he was presented a state award on Friday.
Orbán received the Order of Merit of the Republika Srpska from Milorad Dodik, the president of the autonomous Serbian Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Orbán said it was an honour to receive the award, “an expression of friendship, trust and mutual optimism for the future”.
Speaking of the European Union, he said the bloc “lacks the recognition that it needs Serbs, that there is no European security and stability, and no healthy European Union without Serbs”.
He called international politics “unfair and demeaning to Serbs” and said he had always stood up for them in international forums.
“While the EU has a lot of problems, there is currently no better international framework for nations to grow stronger,” he said.
During its EU presidency starting on July 1, Orbán said Hungary would appoint a team dedicated to issues connected to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The decision on Bosnia and Serbia’s integration should have been made long ago; that decision was “pushed to the back seat by the fever dream of an enlargement in the East,” he added.
He said Hungary stood by concluding the enlargement procedure in the Western Balkans and then moving on to “the more difficult and complicated eastern issue”.
Orbán also objected to what he called attempts to influence Bosnian issues from abroad. “The procedure could lose momentum and lead to a political crisis, devaluing Europe’s work.” Foreign influence is “bad for everyone, for Europe, the Serbs and Bosnia”, he said.
Hungary sees the Western Balkans as a region “with a great future”, and important investment opportunities in the Republika Srpska, he said.
He praised bilateral ties between the two countries, including financial cooperation and an agricultural support scheme.
In his laudation, Dodik said that the honour, presented on the occasion of the Day of Bosnia’s Serb Republic, was given to the Hungarian prime minister in recognition of his achievements in developing bilateral relations. He highlighted the friendship between the two nations and thanked Orbán for his continued support.
Dodik said they would strive for “expanding cooperation on a personal level” in universities, sports and tourism.
He called Hungary an example in its approach to the family and in preserving a traditional society.
“Europe needs strong leaders such as Viktor Orbán,” he said, and thanked him for “standing up for a fairer world”.
On Thursday, Orbán met Bosnian Prime Minister Borjana Kristo, and the leaders of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country’s other entity. He discusses improving bilateral ties and current European issues with Denis Becirovic, the Bosnian and Zeljko Komsic, the Croatian member of the Federation’s leadership. Kristo thanked Orbán for his “unwavering support to Sarajevo’s EU integration” and called for further economic cooperation.
UPDATE: Hungarian foreign minister says Hungary, Republika Sprska economic ties ‘unhindered by contested political issues’
There are no contested political issues between Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s autonomous Serbian Republic, and so nothing stands in the way of developing economic ties, Hungary’s foreign minister said in Banja Luka on Friday. In his opening speech at a business forum organised by Hungary and the Republika Sprska, Peter Szijjarto said recent years had been “unpredictable” due to consecutive crises.
“In such times, the importance of reliable cooperation grows such as the economic, trade and inter-corporation cooperation between Hungary and the Republika Sprska,” he said.
The 24 Hungarian companies who had 32 representatives attending the forum were working with cutting-edge technology and had “ample references and experience,” Szijjarto said. They could greatly contribute to the economic prosperity and technological development of the Republika Sprska, he added.
The companies represented at the forum were working with cutting-edge technology in water management, sustainable energy production, agriculture and machine manufacturing, Szijjarto said.
Read also:
- Hungary helps Bosnia and Herzegovina become an EU member – Read more HERE
- Hungary-Bosnia will deepen military cooperation
Surprising details emerged about the Chinese police officers serving in Hungary
The Hungarian interior minister shared new details about the powers the Orbán government plans to grant the Chinese police officers serving in Hungary.
Chinese police officers in Hungary
According to 24.hu, Bence Tordai, a lawmaker of Párbeszéd – Dialogue for Hungary, a Hungarian micro party, submitted the relevant questions about the future powers of the Chinese police officers in Hungary. The Hungarian government agreed to invite police officers from China to serve in Hungary in February with China’s national security minister.
Bence Rétvári, the government’s secretary responsible for interior affairs, answered Tordai’s question. He said the Chinese police officers will not have power of action in Hungary. Nor will they have police powers in the country. Furthermore, they must not patrol alone, only with a Hungarian partner.
According to economx.hu, an officer from China cannot demand anybody’s papers. They added that Hungarian police officers regularly serve in Croatia during the summers (helping the Hungarian tourists there). Moreover, Austrian police officers also served at Lake Balaton to help Austrian and German tourists. Austrian police officers came, and Hungarian colleagues went to Croatia after bilateral agreements.
Chinese intervention in Hungary’s grand surveillance program?
Rétvári added that officers from China would be able to help their Hungarian colleagues overcome the language barrier with Chinese nationals. They will also help protect the interests of tourists coming from China to Hungary.
Tordai also asked the government about possible cooperation with the Chinese in establishing the interior ministry’s central surveillance system called “Szitakötő” (dragonfly). The system will be able to detect in seconds any wanted vehicles or persons if they are in the field of vision of any single camera of the system. According to the plans, the Hungarian government aims to set up 35,000 cameras. According to a 2019 article, the costs might reach HUF 40 billion (EUR 100 million). Rétvári said China did not contribute to creating the system.
Secret Chinese police stations in Budapest?
We wrote about a so-called Chinese police service centre operating in Budapest in 2022. NGO Safeguard Defenders found that the government of China established 54 illegal police stations in 21 countries. They call them police service centres, and most of them are in Europe. According to the list, one is in Budapest, and an opposition MP tried to find out more about the venue. Read the story in THIS article.
Read also:
- China, Hungary to conduct joint patrols – Read more HERE
- Appalling? Chinese police officers to soon patrol in Hungary – Details in THIS article
Featured image: depositphotos.com
Hungary’s favourite direct train to the Croatian coast will be back this summer
For many years, MÁV’s night train to the Croatian coast, the Adria InterCity, has been enjoying enormous popularity. In 2022, it was even voted one of Europe’s 10 best rail journeys by The Guardian. The train connecting the Hungarian capital, Budapest, and the sunny Split will depart three times a week this year. Here are the details concerning the direct train.
Growing popularity
According to the MÁV PLC Communications Directorate, despite the pandemic situation, the railway company welcomed 5,500 passengers on board the Adria InterCity in 2021. In 2022, the number of passengers choosing the direct rail journey between Budapest and Split doubled, with 11,900 travellers. It is only natural that this number grew even more in 2023. Last year, more than 13,000 people travelled by train to the sunny Croatian coast.
The Adria InterCity train invites you on a journey to the centre of Split, just a stone’s throw away from the Old Town and the port. The train journey is 789 kilometres, but do not let that scare you! You can sleep, thus your travel will be peaceful and not tiring at all. For even more comfort, all carriages are equipped with AC and the cabins have power sockets. This year, the train will operate between the 18th of June and the 30th of September.
From Budapest to Croatia
The Adria InterCity departs from Budapest every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, and from Split every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The train departs from Keleti Railway Station at 6.45 PM, after the journey along the southern shore of Lake Balaton, it passes the Dinaric Mountains and finally arrives in Split at 9.49 AM. The return train from Split departs at 5.54 PM, arriving in Budapest at 9.35 AM the following day.
The train stops at the following stations: Keleti Railway Station, Kelenföld, Székesfehérvár, Siófok, Fonyód, Balatonszentgyörgy, Nagykanizsa and Gyékényes. This year, MÁV will also operate the Retró Istria express train between Budapest and two Croatian destinations (Koper and Rijeka) daily from 28 June to 31 August.
The pricing
Six- and four-bed sleeper coaches start from EUR 49 per person. Meanwhile, single, double and triple sleeper coaches are available from EUR 88 per person. As per usual, MÁV offers special discounts for families. Children’s tickets for youngsters aged 6-15 years are available from EUR 30. For larger families and friend groups, you can book a private sleeping cabin for 3-6 passengers for about EUR 256. From 15 March, tickets for Adria InterCity services can be purchased at ticket offices and online, on MÁV’s Elvira.
About the coaches
The four- or six-bed sleeper cabins offer an affordable alternative to travel to the Croatian coast. However, for a hotel-like experience, you should choose the one-three bed sleeper cabins. Passengers are welcome to refresh themselves with mineral water in the evening and hot drinks and breakfast in the morning in the dining coach. The coaches’ staff will ensure the comfort and safety of passengers throughout the journey. Additional food and drinks can be purchased from them. You can pay in forints, euros or by credit card. In Hungary, the SZÉP card is accepted too.
Read also:
Hungarian government does not see Russia as a security threat to any NATO member
Croatia and Hungary’s relations are weakest in the field of energy, Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, told Croatian news agency HINA in an interview published on Tuesday.
Szijjártó attended on Monday the inauguration of a local primary school in Petrinja that had been damaged in an earthquake and rebuilt with 8.7 billion forints (EUR 22.5m) of Hungarian government support.
He called the fully rebuilt school “proof of the friendship between Hungary and Croatia and their people”.
In the interview to HINA, Szijjártó said the two countries’ relations were strongest on the protection of the identity and cultural heritage of each other’s national minorities, which he said “could be used as a benchmark in Europe.” At the same time, energy cooperation is the “weakest link” in bilateral ties, he added.
Szijjártó said he understood that regaining ownership of the INA oil company was a key issue for the Croatian government, but “this should not be considered as an issue between the two states”. Talks on this, he said, should be carries out with Hungarian oil and gas company MOL, which is a Hungarian company, but not state-owned.
The minister said he had told his Croatian partners on multiple occasions that Hungary understood that this was a problem, but it had to be kept separate from every other aspect of bilateral cooperation. He added that the Croatian government seemed not to be ready for this.
According to MOL, Croatian oil pipeline operator Janaf was charging a “disproportionately high and unfair” transit fee for its services.
Szijjártó said that the situation should not be “ideologised or politicised” because the matter was a technical one. Hungary, he noted, can only buy natural gas from Russia via Ukraine or from Janaf operating the Croatian section of the Adria pipeline.
Janaf does not have the capacities to be able to make up for a potential shutdown of the pipeline delivering oil from Russia, Szijjártó said. He said that if there had been a “real will” to increase the pipeline’s capacity, there would have been progress in the two years since the start of the war in Ukraine, “but nothing has happened”, adding that Budapest was concerned by this.
He pointed out that supply security was a key issue for Hungary, and Janaf had only offered a three-month agreement and raised prices significantly since the start of the war.
As regards European Union enlargement, Szijjártó said the project would remain incomplete until all Western Balkan countries are EU members. Hungary believes the EU needs the Western Balkans more than the other way round, he added.
He said the bloc was suffering from losing its competitiveness, war fatigue and from becoming less relevant in global politics. Enlargement would give the EU “freshness” and new momentum, he said, adding that Hungary will put significant emphasis on speeding up the process during its presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of the year.
Hungary has a vested interest in the stability of the Western Balkans, so the Hungarian government opposes EU sanctions against Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, Szijjártó said. He said European sanctions had never been effective anywhere, so there was no point in sanctioning a democratically elected leader as that “would only make the situation worse”. Instead, Budapest urges dialogue, he said, adding that his discussions with Dodik made it clear that he was committed to a European path for his country.
The minister said the acceleration of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU membership should be used as a “common denominator” that would unite the country’s leaders and nationalities and ease tensions.
Meanwhile, he said Serbia “can join the European Union easily tomorrow”, and as the “biggest and strongest” country in the region, there could be no stability in the Western Balkans without it.
He said Serbia was a proud nation, adding that the “bureaucracy in Brussels” should change its approach to the country, and that instead of “lecturing”, they should communicate “eye to eye”.
He said linking Serbia’s EU membership to the normalisation of ties with Kosovo was unfair to Belgrade, arguing that this was not solely up to Serbia.
Meanwhile, Szijjártó expressed disagreement with recent remarks by certain Western military leaders, citing Denmark’s defence minister as saying that a Russian attack on a NATO country in a few years could not be ruled out.
“Why would they do so? NATO is much stronger than Russia … Why would one attack someone who is much stronger? Why would that make sense for Russia?” Szijjártó said.
“I do not see Russia as a security threat to any NATO member state at all.”
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FM Szijjártó: Naturally, Hungary provides help to neighbours in trouble
It is natural for Hungary to provide help to a neighbouring country when it is in trouble, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Croatia’s Petrinja, addressing the inauguration of a school damaged in an earthquake and rebuilt with HUF 8.7 billion (EUR 22.5 million) of Hungarian government support.
The earthquake hit Croatia on Dec 28-29 in 2020, killing seven people and leaving another 28 injured.
“We laid the cornerstone of the school 18 months ago and pupils could return to the 5,500sqm facility with 20 classrooms last month,” Szijjártó said, adding that the school “provides high-level education to 350 children”.
He called the fully rebuilt school “as proof of the friendship between Hungary and Croatia and their people”.
The foreign minister noted that the Hungarian government had also supported the refurbishment of a school in Topolovac with HUF 60 million and the rebuilding of a church in Sisak with HUF 750 million.
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Night trains from Budapest to European cities and the Adriatic
The night trains commuting between Budapest and major European cities were immensely popular last year.
According to turizmus.com, there are 13 different night trains connecting the Hungarian capital with European cities and capitals, and more than 280 thousand people travelled with them in 2023.
Among other destinations, you can reach Berlin, Zürich, Brassó (Brasov, Kronstadt), Prague and Stuttgart by direct night trains from Budapest. In the summer, you may get on MÁV’s Adriatic night trains commuting between the Hungarian capital and the seashore.
You can buy your ticket to a couchette with 4-6 beds or a sleeping car with 1-3 beds. The latter offers more privacy and intimacy, close to hotel rooms, MÁV writes on their official website. You can feel safe during the journey since you can lock your door and there is a steward on the train.
In the couchettes, food and drink are included. If you feel like it, you can buy more from the stewards. Beds are equipped with pillows, sheets and blankets, but passengers have to make the bed.
Couchettes are coed, but “on some routes, ladies’ compartments are also available”, MÁV wrote. Service included in couchettes contains a welcome package in the evening (still mineral water, chocolate-rum candy) and breakfast (hot drink with sweet or savoury pastry).
In sleeping cars, there are a washbasin, ready-made beds and an extended welcome package (peanuts, apple juice, champagne). For breakfast, you can choose seven components from the menu card. Thus, you can feel almost like you’re in a hotel room.
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Swiss and German cities are the most popular
The overnight journey to Stuttgart is via Vienna and Munich. You can take off in Vienna, Innsbruck and Feldkirch while travelling to Zürich. On the way to Berlin, the train stops in Pozsony (Bratislava) and Dresden. Meanwhile, if you travel to Brassó (Brasov), you can get off in Csíkszereda (Miercurea Ciuc), Gyergyószentmiklós (Gheorgheni) and Sepsiszentgyörgy (Sfântu Gheorghe).
Of course, you are not obliged to sleep during your travel. You can travel sitting in a conventional 2nd class seat, as well.
To Berlin, Stuttgart, Zürich and Brassov, 10 couchettes and 8 sleeping cars commute each day. During summers, 6 sleeping cars travel to Split (Spalato) and 4 to Fiume (Rijeka) in Croatia and Koper in Slovenia.
In 2023, 90 thousand passengers chose to travel on the Budapest-Zürich EuroNight train. The second most popular ride was the Kálmán Imre EuroNight to Stuttgart with 60 thousand passengers. Berlin stands in third place with 50 thousand travellers.
In 2022, The Guardian chose the Budapest-Adriatic train journey as one of Europe’s ten best routes. We wrote about that HERE. Below are some photos:
VIDEO: MÁV operates a special train to the Rijeka Carnival
The Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) will launch its first Rijeka Carnival Express train to Croatia this year.
The train will depart from Budapest at 10.00 p.m. on 10 February 2024 and arrive in Rijeka at 9.00 a.m. the next morning, from where it will return to Hungary at 9.00 p.m? on 11 February 2024.
The Rijeka Carnival has been held since 1910 and has become one of Europe’s most popular events, attracting more than 100,000 visitors to Croatia every year. This year’s event takes place from 17 January to 14 February, with a wide range of activities, including carnival parades, special feasts, balls, concerts and various other forms of entertainment.
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MÁV’s overnight train offers comfortable sleeping and seating arrangements, with breakfast included on both the outbound and return journeys. There is also a buffet on board where passengers can buy snacks and refreshments, as mentioned by turizmus.com.
Tickets for the Rijeka Carnival Express train can be purchased starting from EUR 92.
Hungarian takeover: Croatian four-star hotel under new ownership – PHOTOS
In a significant development in the hospitality industry, Lőrinc Mészáros has recently acquired the four-star Hotel Miramar in Opatija, Croatia. The purchase, announced in December 2022, marks a change in ownership from the previous Austrian proprietor. It is set to take effect in March of the upcoming year.
About Hotel Miramar
Hotel Miramar is a distinguished four-star establishment with an impressive array of amenities across its five buildings. The hotel encompasses a total of 108 rooms. As per information sourced from Booking.com, the hotel offers a range of facilities, including a restaurant and complimentary private parking. Moreover, it has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre too. Although current bookings are temporarily unavailable through the popular platform, the hotel maintains a stellar rating of 9.2 based on previous guest reviews.
Transition of ownership
The official announcement of the change in ownership was made by Kristina Bukovac, the current manager of Hotel Miramar in Opatija. In her statement, she expressed gratitude to the Holleis family, acknowledging their collaborative efforts over the past 19 years. Bukovac confirmed that a new management team would assume control from March. She also assured continuity, mentioning that many existing staff members are expected to retain their roles under the new Hungarian ownership. The current manager will step down, making way for a replacement chosen by the new owners.
Lőrinc Mészáros’ profile
Lőrinc Mészáros is recognised for his involvement in major projects in Croatia, including the Ičići project and the ongoing construction of Rivas Hotels & Resorts. His portfolio extends to a January agreement between Riva’s Hotels & Resorts, a part of the Mészáros Group. This agreement involves collaboration with a vice president of Marriott International. This collaboration aims to operate a luxury hotel in Ičići, Istria, scheduled to open under the Marriott brand by spring 2025. Mészáros emphasised the commitment to upscale tourism and the hotel industry, expressing a clear direction towards luxury offerings.
Expansion beyond Croatia
Highlighting Mészáros Group’s diverse hotel interests, it is worth noting that the Hungarian conglomerate also holds stakes in the hospitality industry in Austria and Montenegro. This recent acquisition in Opatija aligns with their broader strategy. It signals a continued expansion and influence in the European hotel market.
A glimpse into Hotel Miramar’s future under Hungarian ownership
The acquisition of Hotel Miramar in Opatija by Lőrinc Mészáros marks a noteworthy shift in ownership, bringing a touch of Hungarian influence to this Croatian four-star establishment. As the new management team gears up to take charge in March, the transition promises to maintain the high standards set by the previous owners while potentially introducing fresh perspectives to the hotel‘s operations. All in all, the move aligns with Mészáros’ vision for upscale tourism. This is evidenced by his involvement in prestigious projects across Croatia and the broader European landscape.
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Hungarian tourist numbers in Croatia break 2019 record
The number of Hungarian tourists visiting Croatia last year increased by 13 percent to a record 728,000 compared with 2019, the last record year, the Croatian National Tourism Board Office in Hungary said on Wednesday.
The number of guest nights spent by Hungarians in the neighbouring country last year went up by 10 percent to 3.6 million compared with 2019, the office said in a statement.
The increase in the number of Hungarian tourists was 30 percent in the months of February and May, and during the last three months of 2023, which shows that Croatia attracts Hungarians throughout the year for city visits, cultural programmes and active leisure activities, it said.
The most popular destinations included the regions of Kvarner, Istria, Zadar and Split with the cities of Crikvenica, Medulin, Opatija, Porec, Rovinj and Vir.
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German barge sank after bumping into Danube bridge
The German Antonia cargo barge bumped into a Danube bridge and sank near Palánka with more than a thousand tonnes of fertiliser on board.
According to telex.hu, local media outlets said no trace of the fertiliser was found in the Danube after the accident. Authorities managed to take the wreck out from the river, but the Serbian-Croatian border crossing was closed to traffic.
The media did not share the kind of fertiliser the German ship carried. Experts believe it contained ammonia. If that is true, pathogens might proliferate in the region, resulting in the death of fish and other animals in the river.
Here are some photos:
A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon
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Featured image: illustration
These new motorways will be ready in Hungary in 2024
Hungary will build new motorways this year: here is a list of them. However, the length of these newly-built segments will only be 30 kilometres in 2024. The first new segments will be inaugurated at the beginning of the year. They are the last section of the M6 and the last but one segment of the M44 motorways.
According to Világgazdaság, currently, ongoing building projects concern 123 kilometres of motorway. They will finish in the next few years. According to the economy-focused media outlet, in the next few weeks, 20 kilometres of the M6 motorway will be opened to traffic. The completion of M6 will help to travel to Croatia and Serbia more easily from Budapest. Furthermore, a segment of the M44 motorway between Szentkirály and Lakitelek will also be ready. The technical handover happened last December in that section, even though the deadline was months later.
In the second half of the year, the Sopron-Austrian border section of the M85 highway will also be ready. Unfortunately, neither the M6 nor the M85 continues after the border. But it is good news for many people that they reach the Croatian and the Austrian border.
Death road to be replaced by motorway
Hungary’s “death road”, main road nr 4, will also become a motorway on its entire length. Work is in progress on 34.29 kilometres there, between Törökszentmiklós and Kisújszállás. M4 is connecting the Romanian border with Budapest. Traffic is heavy there, especially because of the many trucks and lorries commuting there and shipping goods between the East and the West.
The Törökszentmiklós-Kisújszállás segment costs HUF 133.9 billion (EUR 354 million), and Duna Aszfalt has 36 months to finish it. Therefore, it will be probably ready by 2026 summer. Provided that happens, only a relatively short, 60 kilometres segment connecting Berettyóújfalu and Kisújszállás will remain single-lane.
M49 will provide faster access between the Hungarian Nyíregyháza and Szatmárnémeti (Satu Mare) in Romania. A 45-kilometre-long segment of it in Hungary will connect Nyíregyháza with the Romanian border. Szatmárnémeti is just approximately 10 kilometres away from the border. Work started in Hungary in early 2023. The contractor is Duna Aszfalt. The first section between Nyíregyháza and Ököritófülpös is 28.15 kilometres and will be ready by 2026 autumn. The procurement process for the second stage connecting Ököritófülpös with the border is ongoing. Therefore, the relevant contracts might be signed this summer.
On the M44 motorway, a shorter, 4.6 kilometres long section was ready in December. The building of a longer, 32.2 km section between Szentkirály and Kecskemét started in 2022 by Hódút Ltd. It will be ready by early-2025.
Budapest-Bosnia on motorway
M85 will reach the Austrian border this year. However, the project was more difficult than expected because the consortium of contractors (Dömpet Ltd, Pannon-Doprastav Ltd and Subterra-Raab Ltd) had to build a 780-metre-long tunnel. The original cost was HUF 50 billion (EUR 132 million), which grew by HUF 4.5 billion (EUR 11.9 million) lately. This investment will be ready this autumn.
M6 will connect the Croatian border with Budapest this January, but the Croatian continuation of the road is not ready yet. 4.5 kilometres of it is in Croatia and will be ready by 2025. Then, you can travel on the motorway between Budapest and the Bosnian border.
Motorway length in Hungary became longer than in Austria. In Hungary, you can use 1850 kilometres. In Austria, that is “only” 1749 kilometres.
However, there is a halt in motorway building in Hungary. Between 2019 and 2021, the network extended by 430 kilometres. Between 2022 and 2024, that will be below 150 kilometres. That is probably because of the difficult economic situation in Hungary with high inflation, decreasing consumption and problems with the Hungarian budget.
That is why we cannot be sure when the government-promised M76 (Zalaegerszeg) and M100 projects will start.
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