Miskolc

Two of Hungary’s favourite retail chains open new stores: here is where and when!

retail chain store pepco

Two of Hungary’s favourite retail chains, Rossmann and Pepco, are set to open new stores this spring, bringing convenience and variety to shoppers in a rapidly developing area of Miskolc. The new locations will offer everything from cosmetics and household goods to clothing and home decor, meeting the growing demand for accessible retail options outside the city center.

Exciting news for residents of Miskolc’s iconic Diósgyőr district! Renowned retail chains Rossmann and Pepco will open new stores on Kiss Ernő Street by late February or early March, creating what could be dubbed a local shopping centre, BOON reports. The development follows significant demand for such outlets in the area.

Photo: depositphotos.com

First of these retail stores in Diósgyőr

While Miskolc already boasts several Rossmann and Pepco locations, Diósgyőr and nearby neighbourhoods like Kilián and Bulgárföld lacked easy access to these retailers. Until now, locals had to travel to the city centre for household essentials, clothing, or beauty products.

The new Rossmann store will offer a wide range of cosmetics, personal care items, and household goods. Meanwhile, Pepco will cater to budget-conscious shoppers with clothing, home accessories, and kitchenware. Residents are particularly excited about Pepco, as no similar store previously operated in the area.

Locals’ concerns about the new stores

Despite the enthusiasm, some locals have raised concerns about traffic management around the new stores, noting challenges with access and parking. Construction on the site began last July, and while job postings for the stores haven’t been announced yet, they are expected in the coming weeks.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Advent light tram sets off in Miskolc with stunning illuminations – Look inside and out here

Miskolc Advent Light Tram Sets Off in Miskolc with Stunning Illuminations (6)

In 2024, the Miskolc Advent Light Tram was launched for the 13th time and has firmly established itself as one of Europe’s most beloved Christmas attractions. Operated by MVK Ltd, this special tram began its festive journey on the first Sunday of Advent, 1 December. With its enchanting decorations, it once again promises passengers a magical experience throughout the festive season.  

Enchanting decorations and experiences

This year, the Advent tram will captivate passengers with its transformation into a fairytale carriage, complete with whimsical characters to enhance the magical atmosphere. Light curtains shine through the windows, rose-shaped embellishments adorn the doors, and hundreds of metres of fluorescent tubes and 3D elements elevate the experience to unforgettable heights. Adding to the festive charm is a spectacular fireplace, surrounded by Christmas decorations and glowing lights, creating a cosy and enchanting ambience.

Advent Light Tram Sets Off in Miskolc with Stunning Illuminations. Photo: MTI
Advent Light Tram Sets Off in Miskolc with Stunning Illuminations. Photo: MTI

Important travel information

The Miskolc Advent Light Tram runs from 1 December 2024 to 6 January 2025. Passengers require a valid ticket, as county and country tickets are not accepted. Below is the timetable for the tram:

  • During the school term: On weekdays, several daily departures operate between Tisza Station and Felső-Majláth.
  • During school holidays and weekends: The schedule is adjusted to ensure the festive experience is accessible to all.
  • Special days: On 24 December, 31 December, and 1 January, the timetable is shortened. The New Year’s Eve schedule will conclude the year in a festive atmosphere.

Highlights in the history of the Advent light tram

The Miskolc Advent Tram first set off in 2012. The Tátra 210 tram was adorned with light curtains and festive stickers on its exterior, while the interior featured tasteful Christmas decorations. The initiative was an instant success in its inaugural year.

According to Szeretlek Magyarország, the tram’s theme and decorations have been refreshed annually, offering a unique Christmas ambience each year. Some notable highlights include:

  • 2013: The tram featured golden-burgundy colours and strings of lights that created an elegant aesthetic.
  • 2017: It won its first international award with its “Enchanted Castle” theme.
  • 2020: The “sweets and candies” theme garnered millions of votes, earning the title of Europe’s most beautiful Advent tram.
  • 2023: The “fairytale forest” theme won the prestigious award for the seventh time. Related article –  Unbelievable triumph: Hungary’s light tram wins for the seventh time

A unique tradition, unforgettable experiences

The Miskolc Advent Light Tram has become a viral sensation, delighting not only locals but also tourists from afar. Its fairytale journey is sure to evoke the festive spirit in all who board it.

It is well worth planning a visit to experience this one-of-a-kind attraction, offering magical and unforgettable moments for passengers of all ages.

 

@bereskepes 🎄🚋 #christmas #foryou #christmastiktok #christmasdecor #miskolc #villamos #winter ♬ eredeti hang – Béresképes – Fotó&Videó

Let’s celebrate Advent together with the Advent Tram Light Miskolc!

Our photo gallery from last year: Hungary’s gorgeous light tram more beautiful than ever – PHOTOS

PHOTOS: Residential building in Miskolc, Hungary collapses after gas explosion

miskolc gas explosion collapse

A suspected gas explosion occurred in a brick-built family home in Miskolc, on Erdő sor, early Wednesday morning, causing the building to collapse. The National Directorate General for Disaster Management reported that firefighters rescued three individuals from the debris and transferred them to hospital for treatment.

miskolc gas explosion collapse
Photo: MTI/Vajda János

The rescue operation was carried out by professional firefighters from Miskolc and the Diósgyőr district, under the coordination of the Disaster Management Operations Service. Five fire engines were dispatched to the scene, and experts from the Disaster Management Operations Center also assisted in the efforts.

According to Zsuzsanna Rinyu, deputy spokesperson for the Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County Disaster Management Directorate, preliminary assessments indicate that a gas explosion was likely the cause of the incident. Due to the nature of the explosion, specialists from the electricity and gas service providers were also called to the site to secure the area and prevent further risks.

Read also:

This is where rent takes the biggest part of the salary in Hungary

budapest_real_estate_building_flat rent autumn_panorama dnh_kató_alpár_

In recent years, rents in Hungary have gone through the roof. This is confirmed by the latest survey, which shows that in some places rent costs almost half of the average salary, while in others it is only a quarter.

In theory, the ideal housing situation would be if rents did not exceed 30% of tenants’ salaries. With this in mind, Ingatlan.com has analysed the rents of more than 14,000 rental properties in different parts of Hungary to find out how much of the average salary is needed to rent an apartment.

Rent situation in Budapest

There are significant differences in housing, no wonder. In the capital, on average 37% of salaries go on rent: the average gross salary was 697,000 forints (1790 euros), compared to 250,000 forints (642 euros) in mid-February.

The capital’s fifth district is particularly expensive, with 44 percent of the average salary: an average rent of 340 thousand forints (EUR 873) for an average salary of 779 thousand forints (EUR 2000). In districts XI and XIII, with the largest supply of rented accommodation, the ratio of rents to gross salaries is 30 and 31 percent respectively. With rents of 250 thousand forints, earnings were 841 thousand forints (EUR 2160) respectively. The cheapest district continues to be the 15th, where the average rent for a rented apartment is 24 percent of the local gross wage.

Rent situation outside Budapest

Székesfehérvár and Debrecen are the most expensive of the duchy towns, but even there the ratio is close to ideal, at 33-33 percent. Debrecen has a rent of HUF 200,000 (EUR 513) and an average salary of HUF 599,000 (EUR 1530), while Székesfehérvár has an average rent of HUF 205,000 and a gross average salary of HUF 620,000.

The ratio is more favorable in Veszprém, Győr and Pécs, where the rent of HUF 150-180 thousand is 26% of the average gross salary of the district, which is HUF 581-694 thousand. In Szolnok, Szekszárd, and Miskolc, one of the big university cities, rents are the cheapest in this comparison, at 18-20 percent. As a rent of 100-120 thousand HUF (EUR 256-310) can be financed from 539-553 thousand HUF gross (ca EUR 1420).

Based on official figures, but…

“If we look at the average rents in Budapest and in the duchies, the capital has the most expensive apartments for rent compared to the average salaries. However, when looking at the wage data for a given district, city or borough, it should be taken into account that although an increasing proportion of tenants are registering for the address, not everyone is doing so, so the latter’s salary data may not or not at all appear in the local earnings data,”

László Balogh, chief economist at ingatlan.com, was quoted as saying in the release.

As we wrote earlier, based on The Economist’s recently coined Carrie Bradshaw index, Budapest emerges as the priciest European city for solo flat rentals, details HERE.

Erasmus program in Hungary saved? Unexpected help from the European Parliament

Graduates at BME University Budapest (Copy)

In Hungary, there are foundation-run and state-run universities. The former ones will not be able to partake in the Erasmus program from this year, provided there is no agreement between the European Commission and the Hungarian government. Among others, the decision concerns Budapest Corvinus University, the University of Debrecen, the University of Szeged, and the Semmelweis University. These institutions are very popular among foreign students.

We collected here the 21 foundation-run universities in Hungary that can be excluded from the Erasmus program. Some of them are extremely popular both among Hungarian and foreign students. For example, at Semmelweis University or the universities of Debrecen and Szeged, thousands of foreign students study to become doctors and engineers. The exclusion of those 21 universities from the European Union’s greatest student exchange program would have a devastating effect on Hungarian higher education.

The Hungarian government and the European Commission have been negotiating about the Erasmus program for more than a year. The Hungarian government decided to recall government and parliament members from the boards of the foundation-run universities. But, for example, mayors remained members, and the talks did not progress since the summer of 2023.

The European Parliament will rescue Erasmus in Hungary?

Now, help may come from the European Parliament, which has been hostile towards Hungary on many issues. For example, the MEPs’ majority regularly would like to start new rule-of-law measures against Hungary.

The European People’s Party (Fidesz’s former European party) would like to amend a submitted document to enable Hungarian students to take part in the Erasmus and Horizon (the latter is a teacher support program) programs, portfolio.hu wrote.

The EP’s Culture and Education Committee (CULT) gave the green light with the votes of the EPP, ID, ECR and non-aligned Fidesz members. The text asks the European Commission to negotiate with Hungary to help Hungarian students and teachers access the education funds in the Erasmus program.

S&D criticised the manoeuvre and said the EPP began to move to the right before the European parliamentary elections this June. He added that Manfred Weber, the EPP’s leader, protects Orbán, contradicting the interests of his parliamentary group. Orbán was one of the European leaders who successfully prevented Weber from becoming the European Commission’s leader in 2019.

Opposition mayor also helping?

Meanwhile, Tibor Navracsics, the Minister of Regional Development of Hungary, was in Miskolc. The University of Miskolc is also a foundation-run university, but the city’s opposition mayor, Pál Veres, is on the board.

Therefore, Navracsics asked Veres to use his Brussels contacts to prove that foundation-run universities do not involve political discrimination. Mr Veres promised to raise his voice in Brussels on the issue.

Hu-rizont: help or waste of money?

The aforementioned 21 universities will lose membership in the European Union’s Horizon scheme. That is a support program for teachers, for which even the United Kingdom pays extra contribution to remain part. The Hungarian government decided to create a Hungarian scheme to replace that one. Its name is the Hu-rizont programme, and we wrote about it in detail HERE.

The chairman of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), Tamás Freund, said that the newly-created scheme is only for mitigating the damage done by Hungary’s exclusion from the Horizon programme. Former MTA head József Pálinkás, who ran for the opposition PM candidacy in 2022, slammed Hu-rizont. He said it is a “senseless waste of money”. Mr Pálinkás added that a German professor would not include a Hungarian colleague in a scientific project because of the uncertainties concerning the Hungarian universities. A Polish or Romanian colleague will join the project instead, Népszava wrote.

Biggest opposition party calls for excluding government politicians from foundations overseeing universities (UPDATE)

All politicians of the ruling parties should be excluded from the foundations that oversee universities in Hungary, while the assets of those universities should again be put under state control, the spokesman of the opposition Democratic Coalition (DK) said on Tuesday. Balázs Barkóczi reacted to a government announcement of the launch of a programme aimed to boost international research cooperation involving Hungarian universities dubbed HU-rizont.

Barkóczi noted that Hungarian students could not participate in the Erasmus exchange and researchers in the EU’s Horizon programme “because the government has captured universities and privatised them as foundations”.

Launching HU-rizont, “a DIY scheme to replace Horizon” reflects that “the government has accepted that Hungary has been left out of European education and research cooperation programmes,” Barkóczi said.

MEPs of DK will on Tuesday support a position in the European Parliament aimed at calling on the Hungarian government “to abide with the rule of law and implement reforms facilitating Hungary’s participation in the Horizon and Erasmus programmes,” Barkóczi said.

‘Dollar left’ seeking to block Hungarian university students’ study opportunities?

Fidesz MEP Tamas Deutsch said on Tuesday that “Hungarian MEPs of Momentum linked to the dollar left are working to prevent Hungarian university students, researchers and professors from participating in EU student programmes”.

In a video, Deutsch noted that the plenary session of the European Parliament adopted a proposal on the EU’s Erasmus programme that included “an amendment with a shocking content” submitted prior to the vote by Momentum MEPs Katalin Cseh and Anna Donath. “They initiated that Hungarian students should not have access to the EU’s education and scientific programmes,” he said, adding that “Hungarian students and professors have the right to know this”.

The plenary session adopted a report about the implementation of the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 programme and related challenges. It also adopted an amendment submitted by a group of Renew Europe MEPs including Donath, Cseh and France’s Laurence Farreng and Germany’s Moritz Korner. The amendment calls on the Hungarian government to observe the rule of law and basic EU values and to implement reforms required for Hungarian participation in the Erasmus+ schemes.

The plenary however voted against another amendment submitted by MEPs of Fidesz, the allied ruling Christian Democrats and Romania’s ethnic Hungarian RMDSZ party. The amendment called for “fair, lawful and transparent procedures agreed on with the European Commission that allow Hungarian students, teachers and researchers to fully benefit from the Erasmus+ programme”.

In their statement, the Fidesz MEPs said that “initiated by the dollar left’s MEPs, the EP continues its political blackmail by unlawfully withholding EU funds Hungarian students, researchers and professors are entitled to”.

Read also:

  • Hungarian youth organisation may solve the Erasmus crisis Orbán cannot – Read more HERE
  • After the EU ban: what will happen with the Erasmus program in Hungary? – Details in THIS article

Orbán cabinet calls for cooperation between government and local authorities

Daily News Hungary Logo Új

Cooperation between local governments and regional offices of the central government “must be brought even closer”, Tibor Navracsics, the minister of public administration and regional development, said in Miskolc, in northern Hungary, on Monday.

Navracsics said the cooperation of the two branches “must be seamless” when fresh European Union funds released to Hungary “are put in service of regional development policy”.

Cooperation was already “excellent”, he said, adding that Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén was one of Hungary’s most highly performing counties.

He noted that students and researchers of foundational universities have been excluded from the Erasmus and Horizon Europe programmes. Navracsics said he had asked the politically non-aligned mayor of Miskolc, who sits on the supervisory board of the city’s university, to demonstrate to European decision-makers that foundational universities are independent of party politics, adding that the mayor’s own political independence underpinned the point.

As we wrote two days ago, most Hungarian universities excluded from the EU’s international research support program, details HERE.

Also we wrote earlier, Tempus Foundation to launch HUF 10 bn int’l relations scheme for ‘reform’ unis, details HERE.

Air quality ‘dangerous’ in several parts of Hungary

Air quality in Hungary

Air quality is now “dangerous” in many parts of Hungary, according to the national public health centre (NNGYK).

Air quality is qualified as “dangerous” in the Sajó valley, in Putnok, Kazincbarcika, Sajószentpéter and Miskolc, as well as in Nyíregyháza and Kaposvár, the centre said on Friday.

In Pécs, Szeged, Győr, Tatabánya and Hernádszurdok the air is classified as “unhealthy”, while in Sopron, Ajka, Várpalota, Székesfehérvár, Dunaújváros, Százhalombatta, Budapest, Kecskemét, Salgótarján and Debrecen air quality was recorded as “acceptable”.

Read also:

  • Shocking data came about the year 2023 from the HungaroMet – Read more HERE

Hungarian universities to host 2024 European Universities Games

Hungarian universities to host 2024 European Universities Games

The 2024 European Universities Games (EUG) will be hosted by the University of Debrecen and the University of Miskolc, a culture and innovation ministry official announced on Thursday.

Hosting the games in Hungary is one of the ways the government “is bringing the whirlwind of international life” to Hungarian universities and “shifting international programmes to a higher gear”, Balázs Hankó, the state secretary for higher education, said at the Educatio international education expo in Budapest.

Hankó noted that Hungary aims to have at least one university among the world’s top 100 universities and at least three among the top 100 European higher education institutions by 2030.

Read also:

  • Calvinist university city to be built in Budapest’s heart
  • Financial Times: Corvinus University of Budapest is among the best in Europe – Read more HERE

Unbelievable triumph: Hungary’s light tram wins for the seventh time

light tram miskolc

In a notable achievement, Miskolc’s gorgeous light tram secures yet another win in the global poll conducted on the Czech portal MHD86. 

It set the stage for a magical holiday season

As the first Sunday of Advent unfolded, Miskolc’s Christmas light tram made its much-anticipated appearance, captivating the locals and visitors alike. While the people of Miskolc have always regarded the light tram with admiration, this year’s spectacle has left an indelible mark, with onlookers attesting to its unparalleled fascination.

A European favourite for the seventh time

The praise for Miskolc’s light tram continues to pour in, solidifying its status as Europe’s most beautifully decorated train. MHD86.cz transport magazine, the authoritative voice in such matters, announced Miskolc as the winner for the seventh consecutive time. This triumph speaks volumes about the city’s commitment to creating a holiday masterpiece on wheels.

Stiff competition and unwavering victory

Competing against twenty-eight trams from eight countries, Miskolc faced stiff competition in the quest for the title. However, the city’s festive tram emerged victorious once again, overshadowing contenders from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Poland, Germany and Croatia. Pilsen, coming in second, and Olomouc securing the third spot, bore witness to Miskolc’s unyielding dominance.

For the seventh time, the Miskolc light tram was voted the most beautiful in Europe!
Thank you to everyone who voted for the Miskolc Advent Tram! We would like to thank our colleagues and everyone who contributed to the dreaming, creation and driving of the Miskolc Advent Tram with the theme of the Fairytale Forest!

wrote Miskolc Municipal Transport Ltd. in a Facebook post, thanking everyone.

Miskolc’s timeless tram legacy

The heart of Miskolc’s tramway is the iconic ČKD Tatra KT8D5 202, adorned with five different car types. This specific model, known as the Miskolc light tram, has been a stalwart in the competition, retaining its dominance over the years. While only a few of these trams remain, they continue to enchant the city with their festive charm.

Unveiling the Fairytale Forest

Ondřej Matěj Hrubeš, the owner of MHD86.cz, revealed that the Miskolc light tram secured a staggering 58 percent of the 20,861 valid votes received during the competition. This widespread support underscores the tram’s popularity and the community’s appreciation for the creative efforts put into its decorations.

A journey through time

The first light tram graced Miskolc in 2012, adorned with modest decorations. Since 2013, tram number 202 has been the canvas for festive creativity. Over the past nine years, it has transformed from red and gold elegance to an enchanting ice palace and, more recently, into a whimsical fairytale forest. The tram, once a gingerbread house, has become a symbol of the city’s evolving holiday spirit.

Miskolc’s Christmas light tram promises to enchant spectators until the Epiphany on 6 January, ensuring that the festive spirit lingers a little longer in the hearts of all who bear witness to this extraordinary holiday spectacle.

Read also:

PHOTOS: Jaw-dropping look-out tower near Mickolc completed

Miskolc Avas look-out tower

The lookout tower of Avas, located on a hill near Miskolc with a breathtaking view, has been completed. The opposition leadership of the Northern Hungarian city switched on the tower’s festive decoration yesterday evening.

According to turizmus.com, Pál Veres, the mayor of Miskolc, switched on the decorative lighting of the Avas lookout tower on Saturday. Inside, you can find an exhibition, films, books and a thematic shop. The program will last until 22 December.

The lookout tower was originally built as a TV station. The spire was renewed in the framework of the “Look-out ReStart” program thanks to EU funds. Work started in March and finished days ago.

Here are some more photos:

Read also:

  • Wizz Air vs Ryanair ‘war’ continues in Italy, emergency landing in Budapest – Read more HERE
  • Half of Budapest to be closed next week due to presidential visit – Details in THIS article

PHOTOS: Hungary’s gorgeous light tram more beautiful than ever

light tram miskolc

The country’s most beautiful Christmas light tram in Miskolc has already dazzled everyone yesterday, on the first Sunday of Advent. The people of Miskolc have always found the light tram beautiful; however, according to those who have already seen it this year, it has never looked this fascinating.

Hungary’s most beautiful light tram

light tram miskolc
The light tram in Miskolc, Hungary on 3 December, 2023. Source: MTI/Vajda János

On the first Sunday of Advent, the magical train of the Miskolc Városi Közlekedési Zrt. (MVK, Miskolc Municipal Transport Plc.) rolled onto the rails for the first time just before 5 PM, Lelépő writes. For the 12th year running, the iconic Miskolc light tram has been enchanting young and old alike.

This year, however, the Miskolc Municipal Transport Plc. has prepared a big surprise for its passengers. A festive train, renewed inside and out, has been dreamed up and realised. According to the people of Miskolc, the tram has never looked so fabulous.

New interior decoration

light tram miskolc
The light tram in Miskolc, Hungary on 3 December, 2023. Source: MTI/Vajda János

Instead of last year’s decorations (the characters from Beauty and the Beast), this year, little forest animals will be waiting for us in the light tram. The festive atmosphere is completed by the tram’s exterior: hundreds of metres of fluorescent tubes, numerous light curtains and 3D elements.

You can travel on the Miskolc Advent Tram until 6 January 2024. You must have a valid ticket, season ticket or travel document to get on the tram.

When is the light tram in Miskolc running?

On working days during the school term:

  • From Tisza station (Tiszai pályaudvar): 10:20, 11:45, 13:15, 14:45, 16:15, 17:35, 18:57.
  • From Felső-Majláth: 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:30, 16:53, 18:15, 19:37.

During school holidays on working days:

  • From Tisza station (Tiszai pályaudvar): 10:22, 11:45, 13:15, 14:47, 16:17, 17:35, 18:57.
  • From Felső-Majláth: 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:30, 16:57, 18:17, 19:37.

On Saturdays:

  • From Tisza station (Tiszai pályaudvar): 10:20, 11:45, 13:15, 14:45, 16:15, 17:35, 18:57.
  • From Felső-Majláth: 11:00, 12:32, 14:00, 15:30, 16:53, 18:15, 19:37.

On Sundays and public holidays:

  • From Tisza station (Tiszai pályaudvar): 10:20, 11:45, 13:15, 14:45, 16:15, 17:35, 18:57.
  • From Felső-Majláth: 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 15:30, 16:53, 18:15, 19:37.

Read also:

Unexpected turn on Hungary’s rental price market

Budapest real estate

Based on the latest data, rental prices started falling in Hungary but not in Budapest. Yet.

Rental market changes in Hungary

According to index.hu, Otthon Centrum’s latest data shows that rental prices started to fall in the Hungarian municipalities. In Budapest, the pace of price increases slowed down.

In the last three months, the average rental price of brick apartments in Budapest reached HUF 242 thousand (EUR 634.5). That is only 3% higher than in H1 in 2023. Meanwhile, in the cities above 100,000 inhabitants, the average rental price is HUF 168 thousand (EUR 434), which is 1.7% lower than in H1 2023.

Based on the data of Otthon Centrum, Budapest’s downtown is the most expensive. The average rental price reached HUF 359 thousand (EUR 926) there, which is unaffordable for most Hungarians. Meanwhile, in the outer districts, the average rental price is HUF 177 thousand (EUR 456), which is more than half of the Hungarian average net income per person.

Read also:

Demand for small flats strong

In the country, Székesfehérvár, Győr and Pécs are the most expensive, HUF 180 thousand (EUR 458). Szeged, Miskolc and Debrecen are cheaper (HUF 150 thousand, EUR 387). The category of blocks of flats is the cheapest everywhere. You may rent out such a flat in Buda for less than HUF 200,000 (EUR 516).

Demand is the strongest for small, one-room flats. Therefore, the price rise is the most significant in that category. Therefore, Otthon Centrum recommends two-room flats because prices did not go up compared to H1 2023, and there is no significant difference in the nominal prices compared to one-room apartments.

Magyar Nemzet, a government-close daily, believes that the Hungarian property market would start to flourish again only if real wages grew. Pénzcentrum wrote that one sqm of second-hand flats in Budapest decreased from HUF 954 thousand in July (EUR 2,461) to HUF 953 thousand (EUR 2458).

Miskolc international film festival CineFest to open on 1 September

cinefest miskolc

The CineFest international film festival, organised for the 19th time this year, in Miskolc, in northern Hungary, will showcase 17 films including award winners in Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and Karlovy Vary between 1 and 9 September, organisers told MTI on Wednesday.

The festival highlights will include Yorgos Lanthimos’s latest film Poor Things, shot in Hungary, and Barnabás Tóth’s Those Who Remained, nominated for the Academy Awards.

The Goldman Case by Cedric Kahn, Perfect Days, Wim Wenders’s new film, and Slovak-Czech coproduction Victim will also be on the festival’s programme.

The organisers said a detailed programme with screening dates would soon be published, while ticket sales are about to start. Find the official Facebook page of the festival HERE.

Rental season starts in Hungary: these are the cheapest places to rent

Budapest real estate

The university admission threshold scores were announced on Wednesday evening. With this, the high season on the rental market has begun. This will go a long way to boosting an already buoyant market. What do rental prices look like now in the country?

Rental season is starting

Demand for rental apartments has been on the rise since the spring, and this is now being boosted by the run-up to university, Forbes writes. Supply has started to increase significantly in recent weeks, with 300 new properties added to the more than 12,000 available in the last few days, according to the latest analysis by ingatlan.com.

László Balogh, chief economic expert at ingatlan.com, expects demand for low-priced rentals and rooms to become even stronger in the coming weeks. One reason is the general increase in the price of rentals. Another is that students entering the market now are typically looking for cheaper apartments to rent.

Where is the cheapest place to rent?

According to ingatlan.com, the average price of rentals in Budapest is HUF 240,000 (EUR 626.70). For apartments smaller than 40 square metres (flatlets), the average rent is much lower, at HUF 155,000 (EUR 404.74). Among the districts with the largest supply of flatlets, the average is HUF 177,000 (EUR 463.12) and HUF 180,000 (EUR 470.96) in districts 11 and 13, respectively. In districts 17, 20 and 21, apartments are also available for around HUF 100,000 (EUR 261.65).

The average price of a room in the capital is HUF 80,000 (EUR 209.30).

What is the situation in university towns?

Among the largest university towns, Győr has an average rent of HUF 185,000 (EUR 483.93), while flatlets are available for HUF 105,000 (EUR 274.70). The average for rooms is HUF 70,000 (EUR 183.10). Debrecen’s rental market starts the season with an average rent of HUF 170,000 (EUR 444.66). Flatlets are offered at HUF 120,000 (EUR 313.91) and rooms at HUF 60,000 (EUR 156.96).

In Szeged and Pécs, the average rent for apartments smaller than 40 square metres is HUF 100,000 (EUR 261.65) and HUF 97,000 (EUR 253.71), respectively. In these two towns, the price of rooms for rent is HUF 60,000 (EUR 156.95) and HUF 65,000 (EUR 170.06), respectively. The rent for flatlets in Miskolc is at HUF 70,000. The average price for rooms for rent is HUF 50,000.

Miskolc, Hungary completes EUR 5 million industrial park update

miskolc industrial park

The municipal council of Miskolc, in north-eastern Hungary, has completed a HUF 2 billion (EUR 5.1 million) upgrade of its industrial park, the council told MTI on Monday.

The project involved water and road infrastructure and received European Union support and state funding, it said in a statement. At present, 19 companies operate in the 93.5-hectare park located near motorway M30 and the Budapest-Miskolc major rail line.

Miskolc Holding Zrt. has further developed the infrastructure of its industrial park in order to ensure that the county seat remains an attractive destination for investment, the local government of the town told MTI.

The aim of the investment was to create an industrial park with adequate basic infrastructure and good transport links in line with investor needs, Magyar Építők reports.

New giga-investment in Hungary: Bosch announces huge expenditure

bosch miskolc visual plan

Robert Bosch Power Tool, a local unit of German engineering giant Bosch, has announced a HUF 70 billion (EUR 181 million) investment to set up a logistics centre and expand battery and tool manufacturing capacity in Miskolc, in northern Hungary, Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said on Friday.

The government is supporting the investment

The government is supporting the investment with a HUF 10 billion (EUR 25.8 million) grant, he said. Hungary has weathered the past years’ crises well thanks to “one of the most competitive tax systems in the world, which created the most attractive environment to investors in central Europe,” he said.

Despite all difficulties, Hungary’s economy grew by 4.6 percent last year, the number of jobholders was above 4.7 million for six consecutive months, and exports jumped by 19 percent to EUR 142 billion, he said. Meanwhile, investments worth EUR 6.5 billion flowed into Hungary last year, creating high value-added jobs, he said.

Bosch, which employs some 20,000 people in Hungary, has brought hundreds of billions of forints worth of investments to Hungary in the past years. The investments helped improve Hungarian technology, Szijjártó said. Bosch is contributing to the government’s goal to “reindustrialisation and to move from Made in Hungary towards Invented in Hungary,” he added.

German companies are the largest group of investors in Hungary, and bilateral trade between the two countries hit a record EUR 60 billion by November last year, he said.

A huge investment

bosch miskolc visual plan
Bosch, Miskolc, visual plan.

The company will invest more than HUF 54 billion to create a logistics and distribution center in Miskolc to meet the ever-increasing storage and distribution needs, and more than HUF 15.7 billion to expand its production capacity. The Hungarian government will provide a total of around HUF 10.2 billion in post financing non-refundable cash subsidies for the two investments on the basis of an individual government decision (EKD).

Seamless service in the international supply chain network

The aim of the large-scale investment is to create a highly automated warehouse structure in the Miskolc industrial park. The complex, which will cover almost 100,000 square meters, will serve several key logistics functions. The new structure will become one of the leading finished product distribution warehouses within the company’s Power Tools division in the Eastern European region.

The current regional service center performing packaging activities amongst others, which was opened in 2017 and is within the same industrial area as the Miskolc site, will be relocated there as well, and the site will also serve as a finished product and raw material warehouse.

The Miskolc logistics center is part of Bosch’s international supply chain network of around 780 warehouses. Bosch employs 37,000 associates worldwide in procurement and logistics, supplying around 230 plants with parts and raw materials every day. They have a key role to play in ensuring a continuous, sustainable and flexible supply chain throughout the value chain to serve Bosch customers at a high level.

Capacity expansion for further optimised user experience

In 2018, the Miskolc plant became the European battery manufacturing competence center of the Bosch Power Tools division in Europe, based on its high-standard technological infrastructure, its special expertise, and its high production volume. The newly announced investment to increase capacity will drive the development and production of new batteries, cordless power and garden tools, boosting innovation.

china hungary flag
Read alsoChinese CATL plant in Debrecen receives another important regulatory approval for giga investment

PHOTOS: Hungary’s most popular cave bath reopens

Cave bath of Miskolctapolca

The board directors of Miskolc Holding Ltd. decided on the basis of the business plan of Miskolc Spas Ltd. The mayor announced the good news in a Facebook post. The spa has been closed since 9 January for overdue maintenance work, so visitors who spend their leisure time visiting the spa will be delighted.

Accoring to Index.hu, based on the business plan of the Miskolc Spas Ltd., the Miskolc Holding Municipal Asset Management Company will decide at its meeting on 19 January whether the Miskolctapolca Cave Bath will reopen its doors.

Cave bath of Miskolctapolca
Photo: facebook.com/barlangfurdo.hu

Although the closing of Hungary’s most popular cave bath is unfortunate, it does not come as a surprise. On 3 October, it was decided to close the facility due to an energy emergency. From 10 to 28 October 2022, the cave bath had to close due to the energy crisis.

As we wrote in December 2022, according to the current decision, the facility remained open until 8 January. During the closure, the renovation works that began in the fall would be completed according to plans.

Miskolctapolca Cave Baths: in the need of a new business plan

The latest agreement was that the municipality would contribute to the running costs for the period until 8 January from the urban protection fund. Additionally, local entrepreneurs have pledged HUF 20-25 million (EUR 50,500-63,200). Despite this, the municipality contributed HUF 42 million (EUR 106,180) to the running of the spa, and the entrepreneurs contributed HUF 19 million (EUR 48,000) less than promised: only HUF 6 million (EUR 15,150).

Cave bath of Miskolctapolca
Photo: facebook.com/barlangfurdo.hu

Pál Veres, Mayor of Miskolc, regarding the closure of the Cave Baths on 8 January 2023, indicated that the annual maintenance of the Cave Baths Ltd. is expected to last until the end of January. Miskolc Spas Ltd. has been assigned the task of developing a business plan for the Cave Baths using the currently known energy prices.

According to Boon.hu, Pál Veres announced that

“the municipality will still have the opportunity after the decision of the board directors on 19 January to change the decision by mobilising his own resources.”

Miskolctapolca Cave Baths play an important role in the whole country’s tourism; it is one of Europe’s famous spa complex. The cave bath is not only important to tourists but also to the city, as the Cave bath of Miskolctapolca is one of the main attractions of Miskolc and the region.

Cave bath of Miskolctapolca
The cave bath of Miskolctapolca. Photo: facebook.com/barlangfurdo.hu

The decision was made

According to Index.hu, the board directors of Miskolc Holding Ltd. decided on the basis of the business plan of Miskolc Spas Ltd. The mayor announced not only one, but two good news in his Facebook post.

“The good news is that the board discussed and approved the proposal for the continued operation of the Cave Baths. This means that from 26 January – after the completion of the annual maintenance – the famous European spa will continue to welcome guests. Also, by the end of spring, our major project to renovate the Miskolcapolca Ancient Park will be completed, which will make the surroundings of the Cave Baths even more beautiful.”

In his post, the mayor asked the people of Miskolc and those interested to use these complexes if they can. Despite the economic situation, they are trying to maintain the usual high standards. They will even discuss energy improvements that will ensure the long-term economic operation of the city’s major tourist attraction.

wizz air hungary
Read alsoWill Hungary-based Wizz Air be acquired?

PHOTOS, VIDEOS: Advent tram of a Hungarian city chosen Europe’s most beautiful

Advent tram Miskolc

That is consecutively the sixth time that Miskolc’s advent tram has been chosen as Europe’s most beautiful.

The good news was announced by the public transport company of the Hungarian municipality today afternoon on Facebook. The tram won for the sixth time on a popular vote initiated by a Czech website, MHD86. The title means that the advent tram of Miskolc preceded the Christmas trams of some illustrious European cities in Belgium, Czechia, Slovakia, Austria, Poland, Germany and Croatia. HERE you may check out the final result. We can tell you in advance that the silver medal went to Plzen, while the Czech capital, Prague, was awarded third place.

The advent tram in Miskolc after a snowfall:

Here are some additional photos:

And here are two videos of the tram: