Miskolc

Here are the most beautiful Advent and Christmas trams in Hungary

As Christmas approaches, many people are becoming more cheerful and excited about the holidays. Many people buy presents for loved ones or start thinking about decorations. Some people, however, take a moment to enjoy the simpler things in life, like drinking a cup of mulled wine, visiting a Christmas market or hopping on Christmas trams.

What special trams can you take?

Budapest is always a wonderful city, and many people especially love the Christmas tram decorated with LED lights. It gives the city a warm, welcoming, cheerful, and festive winter look. However, other cities, like Miskolc, Debrecen or Szeged, have their own decorated Christmas trams as well.

What is more, there have been police cars decorated with lights in the past. Another interesting decoration in the city could be the festive Christmas stops where people can wait for the vehicles in front of a Christmas décor. But what do these wonderful decorations look like, and when can you hop on a decorated Christmas ride? No worries, we got you covered.

Budapest

In this city, you may be able to take trams 2, 56A, 59, 69, 42, and 50. It is a good idea, however, to check the Christmas tram numbers and the schedule as there may be other trams to take. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36wl6LtIOT0

Szeged

This nice city also has a special tram. Starting from 26 November, passengers can travel on lines 2, 3, 3F, and 4. All you need to do is take trams 105, 204 or 214. Besides the tram, people can take the trolley bus on Friday and at the weekend. You can find it on line 5, looking for numbers 9-153.

Miskolc

The city’s Advent tram was chosen as Europe’s most beautiful tram four times. The tram looks like a gingerbread house on the outside. The decoration, however, is changed every year inside the vehicle. The tram is available to passengers from the first day of Advent until 6 January. You can take the tram on the route from Tiszai Railway Station and Felső-Majláth on tram line 1.

Debrecen

This city will look amazing with its cosy Christmas decorations. Of course, the Light Tram, as it is called, will also be around in the city. The tram will be decorated with lights, and passengers can catch it on line 1 and line 5 starting on 28 November.

 

Orbán: M30 high-speed road connects Miskolc with the city of Košice in Slovakia

kosice miskolc

Achieving central European unity is a precondition for successful rural development in Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said in Tornyosnemeti on Tuesday.

Orbán told the opening ceremony of the M30 high-speed road linking the northeastern Hungarian city of Miskolc with the eastern Slovakian city of Kosice (Kassa) that rural Hungary can only be successful if central European cooperation works.

“What we want is not only flourishing rural life in Hungary but also a strong central Europe which can protect itself against unnatural interventions with consequences that we suffer from even today,” he said.

“In order to fulfil this aim, roads must be built that link different parts of the country, enabling people from the countryside to travel to cities, linking Hungarians with ethnic Hungarians beyond the borders and other people from the region,” he added.

The prime minister said the M30 road which cost 200 billion forints (EUR 547.4m) to build will shorten travel times between Kosice and Miskolc by half an hour.

Orban noted that in 2010 his government had set a goal to link all Hungarian cities with county seat status to the country’s high-speed road network. Another aim was to enable all citizens to access the network within half an hour regardless of where they may live. A third goal was to extend all of the country’s high-speed roads to the border and to link them with the neighbouring countries, he noted.

By now, 87 percent of Hungarians can access the high-speed road network within 30 minutes, compared with just 60 percent in 2010, Orbán said.

Also, a total of nine high-speed roads now extend to the border as against just three in 2010, he said, adding that this number will increase to 11 by 2025.

Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County saw some 700 billion forints’ worth of developments between 2014 and 2020, Orban said, adding that this figure would be dwarfed by the amount of funding the county gets for new developments if ruling Fidesz wins the 2022 general election.

The prime minister called for a new way of thinking when it comes to the development of the country’s road network that focuses on connecting regions that “naturally belong together” instead of planning routes fanning out from Budapest.

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Read alsoBrand-new Danube bridge plans enter next stage

Central Bank’s new proposal to turn Hungarian property market upside-down?!

budapest real estate

If the latest proposal of the Hungarian National Bank (MNB) is accepted, young adults in Hungary will be able to buy their first homes much more easily than before. This can bring significant changes in the Hungarian real estate market, including second-hand and new apartments, as well as property rentals.

The latest proposal of the Hungarian National Bank would like to support young people who would like to buy a home with lower self-sufficiency. Under current rules, young people have to pay a minimum of one-fifth, 20% of the property price to buy the ideal property out of a home loan.

However, according to the latest proposal of MNB, this limit would be reduced to 10% that would halve the current limit.

The acceptance of the proposal would be a great financial advantage for young adults who would be able to purchase their first home much more easily than before. In addition, they can also take advantage of the PIT (Personal Income Tax) exemption, the expected increase in wages, the involvement of parents as debtors or the use of state subsidies.

As a result, the new economic regulation can also significantly rearrange the Hungarian real estate market.

Besides stimulating the real estate market of second-hand and new apartments, it might have a remarkable impact on the rental market as well.

Firstly, it can reduce the demand for rental apartments if even more people decide to buy an own property. Secondly, it can increase the demand for studio apartments for sale as they represent the entry-level to the real estate market. According to László Balogh, senior financial expert of ingatlan.com, it would revive the market for first-home studio apartments, i.e. homes of 40m2 and less, which were otherwise among the most popular in recent years in terms of demand.

The price of second-hand apartments of this size varies from district to district. The lowest price category is registered in the 20th district (EUR 1654/m2), followed by the 14th district (EUR 2,198/m2). In the 6th, 7th, 11th and 13th districts, the price per square meter is between EUR 2,285-2,725. The most expensive districts are in the Buda Hills. The average prices per square meter in the 2nd and 12th districts are above EUR 2,734. In the case of new homes, we can find even higher prices per square meter with an average of EUR 2,790.

In large rural cities, the level of prices per square meter is much lower. In Győr, a second-hand home is offered for sale for EUR 1,969/m2, in Debrecen for EUR 1,742/m2, in Szeged for EUR 1,307/m2, in Pécs EUR 1,304/m2 and Miskolc for EUR 987/m2.

As the Hungarian news portal Pénzcentrum reports, based on average supply prices, a 35-40m2 second-hand apartment cost EUR 79,300-90,300.

Based on the proposal of MNB, even a tenth of this amount would be enough to apply for a housing loan, for which the monthly repayment of 20-year housing loans would be EUR 454-522.

This does not mean a final solution in all the cases, as the average net income of Hungarian young adults is EUR 667, most of whom cannot afford this amount of monthly repayment.

According to the financial expert, Hungarian young adults can take advantage of other state-subsidized solutions as well in order to purchase their first home. For couples planning to have children, for example, a baby-waiting loan is a good option, by which the monthly repayment can be reduced significantly. In the case of married couples, the credit burden is spread over several incomes. As well as some young adults can realise the purchase with the help of parents, either with direct support or as debtors for the loan. Accordingly, if the proposal comes into effect, it would halve the time it takes to raise a deductible if a young person set aside their full salary for this.

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Read alsoHere are the biggest extremes in Budapest’s new property market!

These are the most mesmerising Ferris wheels in Hungary you must see – PHOTOS

Keszthely Ferris Wheel

During a city walk, it is almost mandatory to experience the Ferris wheel of that city. The Ferris wheel can quickly become a symbol of a city – just think of the London Eye, Europe’s largest Ferris wheel. However, Hungary also abounds in Ferris wheels, which offer stunning views and super images. We will show you the most beautiful Ferris wheels in the country.

Budapest

Of course, the Hungarian capital also has its own Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel in the city centre awaits visitors throughout the week. It is possible to buy a priority ticket, the entire area of the wheel is accessible. At the top of the wheel, we can admire the capital of Hungary from a height of 65 metres.

Siófok

There is a Ferris wheel not only in the capital of Hungary but also in the capital of Lake Balaton. The 50-metre-high, 180-seat building offers a breathtaking view of the “Hungarian Sea”. We can admire the Balaton Uplands or even the Tihany Abbey.

Keszthely

At the other end of Lake Balaton, there is also a Ferris wheel in Keszthely. The building, also 50 metres high, is a popular venue for girls’ requests. On the wheel, which is open Friday-Saturday-Sunday, a 101-year-old aunt was travelling, whose dream came true when she could try this special experience.

Eger

We can find a Ferris wheel not only to the west but also to the east of Budapest. In Eger, on Gárdonyi Géza Square, we can see the panorama of the historic city centre from a height of 30 metres.

Hungary’s most unique national park is 30 years old – PHOTOS, VIDEOS

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Miskolc

Not far from Eger, we can also see a Ferris wheel in Miskolc. Until November 1, not only the Ferris wheel but also an entire mini amusement park will be available.

Vác

Vác Ferris Wheel
Photo: facebook.com/V%C3%81C-EYE-%C3%93ri%C3%A1sker%C3%A9k-105181578476576

North of the Hungarian capital, along the banks of the Danube, we can find a Ferris wheel in the city of Vác. The tourist attraction, which is open every day of the week, can be visited by locals cheaper.

Győr

The 50-metre-high Hungarian-made Ferris wheel offers a unique view of downtown Győr, the Danube, and the church tower.

Szeged

The Ferris wheel in Szeged started on October 1 and will operate in Szeged until January 6. The 144-seat, 33-metre-high Ferris wheel awaits visitors with open cabins, so the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine takes the experience to the next level.

Before your visit, it is worth getting some information, as their availability may vary depending on the opening hours, the virus situation, and the weather. Enjoy the ride!

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Read alsoBudapest’s Liberty Bridge, with its rich history, turns 125 years old today!

Fall festivals in Hungary you do not want to miss – VIDEO

Hungary, chimney cake, Christmas, market

While many are sad to see long and hot summer days come to an end, the nice weather in the first half of the fall season still allows for some interesting programmes.

We have recently compiled a list of things you can do and places you can visit in Hungary while the weather is still warm. You can read the article HERE. Now we would like to recommend some great fall festivals featuring diverse programmes, interesting films, great music, delicious Hungarian food and wines.

CineFest Miskolc International Film Festival, 10 September – 18 September

Cinefest-Miskolc-festival-Hungary
Photo: video still from 17. CineFest Miskolci Nemzetközi Filmfesztivál (2021) spot

One of the most popular film festivals in Hungary, CineFest Miskolc International Film Festival, awaits filmmakers, professionals, and movie lovers to watch the most outstanding films of the year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the festival was postponed last year, but after this forced break, the 17th CineFest Miskolc International Film Festival has returned with renewed vigour and amazing movies this year.

The organisers continuously strive to keep up with the latest international trends – in 2019, they created a new competition programme for creative feature documentaries named CineDocs − and compile a line-up of truly extraordinary masterpieces of the international cinema and Hungarian classics. The Festival works together with several international organisations, and the International Federation of Film Critics sends a jury of film critics to the Festival.

In order to make the festival accessible to as many people as possible, organisers have introduced a symbolic fee of HUF 400 (~EUR 1,14), but professional programmes and information screenings can still be visited free of charge.

Zsolnay Light Festival (Pécs), 30 September – 3 October

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL6eg4ljTYr/

This year, Hungary’s first and only festival of light awaits visitors with a more diverse programme than ever. From 30 September 30 to 3 October, the whole city of Pécs will be clad in light, the streets will be carpeted with light. The façade of the Cathedral and the Downtown Candlemas Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and two iconic works by the famous Hungarian painter Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka will be brought to life by amazing animated light projections.

After New York, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, and Toronto, the spectacular light art installation of Viktor Vicsek and Limelight will be on display for the first time in Hungary.

The “Talking Heads” installation consists of two heads interacting with each other with the help of 4,000 individually controllable LED lights. The main event of the festival will be the Zsolnay Light Art International Mapping Competition, featuring animated 3D light creations of the most talented Japanese, Spanish, Ecuadorian, and Hungarian artists. Most of the programmes can be visited free of charge.

Wine Days of Mór, 30 September – 3 October

The Wine Days of Mór is one of Hungary’s oldest and largest wine events held on the first weekend of October. The organisers await visitors with delicious Hungarian food, excellent Hungarian wines, and various cultural programmes, such as concerts, pottery demonstrations, and folk fairs.

Chimney Cake Festival in Budapest (City Park), 8 October – 10 October (the official date has not been published yet)

Hungary, chimney cake, Christmas, market
Photo: www.facebook.com/csodasmagyarorszag

The Chimney Cake Festival is one of the most delicious festivals in Budapest, and the season’s sweetest gastronomical event, presenting various techniques of preparing chimney cakes − such as baking the pastry over charcoal or frying it in oil – as well as a wide array of flavour variations and sizes. The purpose of the festival is not only to promote the Hungarian chimney cake (‘kürtőskalács’) but also to present its traditional way of preparation, preserving and promoting Hungarian traditions.

Re-opening date and restrictions of all Hungarian baths

spa-wellness-thermal-bath

The moment everyone was waiting for is finally here in a week: all Hungarian baths will re-open in a couple of days.

Hungary has many exciting opportunities that attract tourists from all over the world. From the beautiful and relatively cheap Budapest to the biggest lake in Central Europe, the country offers many experiences that make it worth visiting. 

Here are 5+1 reasons to visit Hungary

Apart from the price, the monuments, and the people’s hospitality, many are attracted by the endless possibility of spending a wonderful day in Hungary’s spas and thermal baths. 

The question arises: do I need an immunity certificate to enter a bath in Hungary? The answer is yes, at least for now

you do need an immunity certificate to enjoy the warm and refreshing water of a spa or a bath.

In the case of a completely open-air bathing spot with natural water, entry will not be limited to the possession of the plastic card.

So, what is the long-awaited date?

Starting from July 1, all Hungarian baths will get the green light to re-open!

The vice-president of the Association of Baths told the good news to TV channel M1.

This is very good news both for Hungarians and tourists, especially after the extreme heat of the past days in the country. Last year, when these establishments prepared for the summer, they had certain restrictinos to follow and implement. For instance, the otherwise full capacity had to be reduced to its half, making sure there will not be huge crowds. Only outdoor pools could be used and some elements, for example waterfalls, could not function. However, this year, when the first news of re-opening reached the media, there was no such list of restrictions, which suggests, that they do not exist this summer. The most probable reason is the high number of inoculated people, which also caused that Hungary became a “green zone” on many countries’ risk list regarding traveling. 

Hungary is the safest green zone – where can we travel from now on?

Still, we need to be careful, hence the immunity certificate remains a restriction. Unfortunately it is not only in effect for adults, but people under the age of 18 also need to take into account that they can only visit a bath in case a parent has a valid immunity certificate. 
As it was mentioned earlier, open-air bathing spots with natural water do not require an immunity certificate. However, according to the government decree highlighted by termalonline.hu,

if there is an artificial, manually built swimming pool at a beach, it is reagarded as a public bath, thus, we need to have an immunity certificate to enter. 

As coronavirus caused many problems for many economic sectors, thermal baths and spas were not an exception either. Many of them had to let some of their employees go in order to stay in business. Thanks to the government’s financial aid (a 50% wage subsidy), these baths were able to keep about 70-80% of their employees with them, quotes femcafe.hu the words of Imre Kovacsics.

He added that even though these closed baths can only be visited with an immunity certificate, the open-air beaches with natural water do not require the same. As the official association representing all these businesses, they already asked the government and the Association of Hungarian Travel Agencies for this easement to be implemented on the closed baths, as well.

July 1 will be the date when the EU immunity certificate/ EU vaccine passport will come into effect in all the member states of the European Union.

Here are all the details of the EU vaccine passport

Kovacsics also said that parallel to the re-opening, the improvements of baths have not stopped. He highlighted the investments made in Miskolc and Hajdúszoboszló. He also pointed out that in Győr, as part of a project called “Modern cities”, a brand new bath will be built from a 22 billion-forints investment that arrives entirely from the Hungarian government.

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Read alsoBREAKING! Hungary eases travel restrictions, further alleviation to be expected

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Read alsoHungary in the safest green zone – where can we travel from now on?

Number of international students in Hungary up two-thirds since 2013

bme_university_budapest_hungary_kató_alpár_dnh

The number of international students studying in Hungarian higher education institutions has increased by more than two-thirds since 2013 thanks to the government’s strategy aimed at strengthening the international role and relations of Hungarian universities, an official of the innovation and technology ministry said on Wednesday.

The number of international students enrolled at Hungarian universities climbed over 38,000 in the 2019/2020 academic year, close to the 40,000 target for 2023 set by Innovation and Technology Minister László Palkovics in

2014, the ministry cited state secretary Tamás Schanda as saying.

The government’s aim is for Hungarian universities to have a central role in research, development and innovation and to strengthen their relations with businesses and international institutions, Schanda said.

Though the pandemic has brought

the increase in international students studying in Hungary to a halt, the reopening could attract foreign students again,

Schanda said.

About half of foreign students believe a degree earned in Hungary will be more valuable than one awarded in their home countries, he added.

The ministry highlighted the role of the government’s

Stipendium Hungaricum programme,

which awards scholarships to foreign university students, in attracting students to the country.

Hungary to become the new tropical zone of Europe?!

nature-hungary-sun-spring

A recently published climate research has revealed how the number of tropical nights – extremely warm nights exceeding 20°C – will increase in Hungary in the upcoming decades. Let’s see which are the most affected Hungarian cities.

A recently published climate research examined the expected impact of climate change in the Carpathian Basin, including various Hungarian cities. In terms of climate indices, the research focused primarily on the increasing number of so-called tropical nights, referring to those nights when the lowest temperature is above 20°C. The study examined both an optimistic and a pessimistic scenario. 

According to the research results, the number of tropical nights will increase significantly in several Hungarian cities until the end of the century.

As we previously reported, the temperature rose to a record high in Budapest this February. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Hungarian capital is also involved in the increasing number of tropical nights. In the city centre, an average of 13 tropical nights per year was measured between 1981 and 2010, while in the rural outskirts of Budapest, it was only 3. In the period 2021-2050, their number is expected to increase to 20-22 in the city centre, while in the suburbs it might be around 8. The discrepancy can be explained by the fact that in the most densely built-up parts of Budapest, surface temperatures of up to 5°C are higher during the day than in the suburban areas.

As the Hungarian news portal Portfolio reports, by the end of the century, the number of tropical nights per year in Budapest might increase to 54, while in the optimistic version, “only” 29 such nights are likely. The situation can be even more difficult in the most densely populated areas of the capital, where the annual number of tropical nights can exceed 60. Significant growth is also expected in the areas around the city, with 12-31 tropical nights.

Besides Budapest, the number of tropical nights will grow significantly in Pécs, where the current 6 tropical night per year can increase to 21 or even 48 hot nights on a yearly basis. Another drastic change, a tenfold increase, is forecasted in Miskolc, where the current 3 tropical nights per year can range from 14 to 35 until 2050.

Among the most affected Hungarian cities, Nagybecskerek, Siófok, Kecskemét, Szeged, Debrecen, Baja and Békéscsaba are also listed, each of which is expected to have more than 20 tropical nights per year according to the optimistic scenario. However, these Hungarian settlements can even reach 40-50 extremely warm nights per year, considering the pessimistic scenario.

By the end of the century, even the coolest Hungarian settlements – namely Eger and Salgótarján – can expect some tropical nights above 20°C.

In the last decades of the 21st century, 2-10 extremely warm nights are expected in the outskirts of Eger and 5-19 in the city centre, while in the case of Salgótarján, the number of tropical nights may increase to 2-11 and 4-17 on an annual average.

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Read alsoMinister identifies pillars of Hungary’s climate action plan

6 Hungarian cities among the most air-polluted settlements in Europe

In terms of air quality, Hungary has got critical results based on the freshly published ranking of IQ Air, according to which six Hungarian settlements have been listed among the 200 most polluted cities in Europe. But which are these and what is the reason behind it?!

As we previously reported, poor air quality is a recurring problem in Hungary. As a result, certain traffic restrictions are introduced every year to reduce air pollution in major Hungarian settlements. Despite all these efforts, Hungary has received bad news again in terms of air quality. Within the framework of the freshly published ranking of IQ Air – based on 2020 data -, thousands of European settlements were examined, out of which six Hungarian cities got listed among the 200 most polluted cities in Europe.

The worst result was measured in Sajószentpéter, which was placed 62nd in the European ranking.

The Hungarian settlement is preceded by cities in Balkan countries and in Poland, and Milan, Las Palmas, and the Serbian Novi Sad also achieved even worse results. The Hungarian city of Miskolc is also listed among the worst 100, where there was only one month – last June – when the concentration of airborne dust did not exceed the WHO health limit.

The deterioration of the air quality of these settlements can be explained by an increase in the concentration of airborne dust, which is generated by heating.

Therefore, it is no coincidence that Sajószentpéter was only able to meet the health limit set by WHO in the spring and summer periods. The list of the 200 most polluted European cities also includes Kazincbarcika (107th), Szeged (184th), Debrecen (181st), and Nyíregyháza (198th). Budapest is ranked 280th, according to the IQ Air 2020 summary.

Some positive news is that among the examined Hungarian settlements, Balassagyarmat had the best air quality where the annual average concentration of airborne dust was below the WHO limit and did not even exceed it during eight months of the year. Even though the annual average concentration was above the limit in the case of Sarród, Sopron, and Kecskemét, the air quality in these Hungarian settlements also received positive results.

As Hungarian news portal Pénzcentrum reports, considering the pandemic, the quality of air has a significant role: a previous study found that long-term exposure to air pollution could increase the risk of death from coronavirus infection worldwide by 15%. Therefore, we hope that the air quality result of 2020 will improve this year.

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Read alsoShocking! Every fifth to sixth death can be attributed to environmental pollution in Hungary

100kg WWII bomb found at Miskolc construction site – PHOTOS

100kg WWII bomb found at Miskolc construction site

A 100kg Soviet-made WWII bomb was found at a construction site in downtown Miskolc, in northern Hungary, on Wednesday morning, a communications officer of the Hungarian army’s bomb disposal squad told MTI.

Explosives experts established that the bomb had a detonator, which must be defused at the site, Milán Gajdos said.

Local residents, more than 100 people, were evacuated from 32 buildings in an area with a 200 metre radius around the site, he said.

100kg WWII bomb found at Miskolc construction site
Miskolc, Hungary. 100kg WWII bomb found at Miskolc construction site. Photo: MTI

The experts disassembled the explosive device at the site and moved the bomb to a central army base for dismantling, Gajdos said after the operation.

Local residents could afterwards return to their homes, he said.

100kg WWII bomb found at Miskolc construction site
Miskolc, Hungary. 100kg WWII bomb found at Miskolc construction site. Photo: MTI
100kg WWII bomb found at Miskolc construction site
Miskolc, Hungary. 100kg WWII bomb found at Miskolc construction site. Photo: MTI
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Read alsoBudapest was completely bombed during World War II – PHOTO GALLERY

Poor air quality plagues Hungarian cities

rain in debrecen

Air quality has deteriorated in Hungary, mainly in north-eastern Hungarian cities, due to a high concentration of airborne particulates, the National Public Health Centre (NNK) said on Thursday.

The authority declared air quality to be “dangerous” in Putnok and Sajószentpéter, in north-eastern Hungary.

Air quality has deteriorated to unhealthy levels in Kazincbarcika and Miskolc.

Concentrations of particulates are also considered to be too high in other cities and towns nationwide, including in Debrecen, Eger and Nyíregyháza, the authority said.

Vulnerable groups such as children, people suffering from a chronic illness and the elderly are the particular targets of the warning.

budapest_smog_fog_autumn_kató_alpár_daily_news_hungary polluted
Read alsoThe air quality is dangerous in some Hungary cities

The air quality is dangerous in some Hungary cities

budapest_smog_fog_autumn_kató_alpár_daily_news_hungary polluted

Air quality has deteriorated in north-eastern Hungary due to a high concentration of airborne particulates, the National Public Health Centre (NNK) said on Tuesday.

NNK declared air quality to be “dangerous” in Putnok, Sajószentpéter and Kazincbarcika.

Air quality has deteriorated to unhealthy levels in Miskolc, Salgótarján and Ajka.

Concentrations of particulates are also considered to be too high in other cities and towns nationwide, including Budapest, Esztergom, Székesfehérvár, Pécs, Tatabánya, Vác, Várpalota and other towns, NNK said.

Vulnerable groups such as children, people suffering from a chronic illness and the elderly are the particular targets of the warning.

Air quality is expected to improve in Budapest over the next few days, the municipality told MTI.

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Read alsoHungary and Poland among countries with most polluted air

This Hungarian Advent tram to be the most beautiful in Europe

villamos miskolc

In the competition of finding Europe’s most beautiful Advent tram, Miskolc has been winning since the beginnings.

This is the fourth year when the Hungarian city, Miskolc’s Advent tram may win the competition announced by the Czech site MHD86 – 24 reports. Miskolc has been winning all three times with pretty high scores. This year, however, things had got a little bit more interesting as before, since Miskolc got an outstanding Czech challenger.

The Advent tram of Miskolc and Plzen from the Czech Republic have been going neck and neck all through the competition.

The tram of Miskolc was actually about to lose just a couple of days before the end of the competition. Suddenly, Miskolc overcame all the hundred thousand votes it was behind with

and eventually, the Advent tram of Miskolc became Europe’s most beautiful one – for the fourth time.

Let us see the numbers:

Halle (D) – 12 186 votes

Hannover (D) – 12 780 votes

Hiroshima (J) – 13 863 votes

Jaroslav (RUS) – 12 468 votes

Krakow (PL) – 14 838 votes

Miskolc (HUN) – 3 456 784 votes        

Most (CZ) – 13 066 votes

Nizhny Novgorod (RUS) – 12 667 votes

Olomouc (CZ) – 12 900 votes

Osijek (HR) – 12 260 votes

Plzen (CZ) – 3 389 676 votes

Poznan (PL) – 12 834 votes

Prague (CZ) – 16 921 votes

Szczecin (PL) – 12 550 votes

Szeged (HUN) – 47 537 votes

Torun (PL) – 12 312 votes

Zürich (CH) – 100 437 votes

People could vote until 6 pm on 3 January 2021. According to the final numbers, the Advent tram of Plzen received 3 389 676 votes while the tram of Miskolc received 3 456 784. On the other hand, last year Miskolc only received 52 332 votes and still won the competition.

Miskolc however, is not the only Hungarian city to have nicely decorated public transport vehicles as a preparation for Christmas. As you can see, another Hungarian city, Szeged also made it to the list, and the capital Budapest too has every year the iconic light tram running on different tram lines, and celebrating Santa Claus’ day, starting around the 6th  December, people can also travel with Santa’s trolleybus.

The renovation of the castle of Diósgyőr can start – VIDEO

diósgyőr castle

The implementation of the complete reconstruction phase announced long ago has been delayed for some time but, according to the latest government decision, the investment can start next year with more than ten billion forints (€28 million) in state support under the Modern Cities Program, with the missing HUF 1.5 billion.

According to epiteszforum.hu, in a 2018 resolution, the Government provided HUF 10.191 billion (€28 million) to the local government for the full construction of the castle. The tourism development of Diósgyőr Castle, completed in 2014, provoked serious controversy at the time due to questioning its historical authenticity, but it is fair to say that thanks to György Szekér and the design work of Gyula Cséfalvay and Judith Botos, it was preceded by historical and archaeological research. At the time, the construction was carried out along the results of these preliminary studies so that the building could be given additional tourist functions, which could thus become self-sufficient.

diósgyőr castle
Photo: www.youtube.com/borsodihirek

To give just one example, they tried to build the supplemented wall structures with stones of exactly the same porosity and texture as the original stones, only in a slightly different shade that distinguishes the new and old additions. Needless to say, this is one step more advanced than the narrative practice of the 20th century, as the possibility of distinction was seen mainly in modern materials at the time, but we now know that reinforced concrete, for example, is not the right component to coexist with medieval walls.

diosgyőr castle
Photo: www.diosgyorivar.hu

For the time being, there is no information about which office will record the new visual designs presented in the video shown below, which was released in 2017, and whether a design change will be made. The construction of a 19th-century castle with a moat is envisioned for the original historical ruins.

In February this year, the investment started with a loss of one and a half billion forints, and then the Public Procurement Supervision Department of the Prime Minister’s Office stated that the implementation of the project was this way endangered, so no statement of support was issued. However, yesterday’s issue of the Magyar Közlöny contains a resolution according to which six billion will be granted this year and then another four billion forints in 2022 within the framework of the Modern Cities Program. One and a half billion forints is covered by the local government, so it seems that the complete construction of the castle can finally be realised.

diósgyőri castle
Photo: www.diosgyorivar.hu

This is how Hungary greeted this year’s Advent! – PHOTOS

Advent Christmas Szentendre

In extraordinary situations, special solutions are needed in order to find joy in everyday life even in the most difficult times, like the recent pandemic situation. Even though this year’s Christmas cannot be celebrated as intimately as usual, still, there are some kind initiatives that bring about the solemnity of Christmas in several Hungarian cities.

Budapest

The country’s Christmas tree shines in decorative lighting on Kossuth Square in Budapest. This year, the silver pine that became the Christmas tree of the Country was cut down in Székesfehérvár. As the Hungarian news portal Hirado.hu reports, the owner called it a great honour that the tree that previously stood in front of their house has become the Christmas tree of Hungary. The 15-metre-high silver pine with a 70-80-centimetre trunk that was planted forty years ago now serves to the delight of the whole country.

Christmas tree ofHungary Kossuth Square
Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
Budapest Christmas tree Advent
Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán

As we have previously reported, Budapest’s iconic light tram is back on track this year as well. Do not miss the amazing photos HERE!

Miskolc

The management of the city of Miskolc prepared a really special Christmas surprise for its residents so that this year’s unusual holiday would literally be covered in a special Christmas light.

The Avasi Lookout Tower is transformed into the largest Christmas tree in the country – almost half of the 72-metre-high TV tower was covered with light strings.

Advent Miskolc Christmas tree
Photo: MTI/Vajda János

As the Hungarian news portal Minap reports, a total of 35 light strings, each 30 metres long, bundled on steel wires, are installed on the lookout tower, providing a real Christmas atmosphere to one of the most famous symbols of Miskolc with more than a thousand coloured LED bulbs.

Debrecen

Meanwhile, Debrecen also welcomes Advent with a special flood of light. Besides the solemn Christmas décor in the downtown, the light tram of Debrecen has also started its journey this week in Hungary’s second-largest city.

Advent Debrecen Christmas
Photo: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt
Debrecen Advent Christmas
Photo: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt
Christmas Debrecen Advent
Photo: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt
Advent Light tram Debrecen
Photo: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt
Geresdlak

From the first day of Advent to the Epiphany, we can admire the gingerbread mini-village of Geresdlak that has been a tradition in the settlement for more than 10 years. The gingerbread village is the miniature replica of Geresdlak, including its houses, the church with a marrying couple at the gate, the trees, the fences, the cows in the paddock, and the football field with players kicking the ball.

In 2016, the 110 gingerbread house was made using 45 kg of flour, 20 kg of sugar, 7 kg of honey, 100 eggs, cinnamon, margarine, and baking soda, and it has been constantly expanding since then. This year, an additional event has been added to the miniature that unfortunately could not be held due to the coronavirus pandemic: the Steam Dumpling Festival, reported by Csodálatos Magyarország.

The gingerbread village can be visited free of charge by anyone up to the Epiphany after registration in advance; however, a maximum of 9 people can stay at the exhibition at a time.

Szentendre

Szentendre also tries to bring some joy to its inhabitants with spectacular solemn lighting.

Advent Christmas Szentendre
Photo: MTI/Mohai Balázs
Szentendre Christmas Advent
Photo: MTI/Mohai Balázs
Gyöngyös

Just like every year during the Advent period, the main square of Gyöngyös is also covered in wonderful Christmas lights.

Gyöngyös Christmas Advent
Photo: MTI/Komka Péter
Gyöngyös Advent Christmas
Photo: MTI/Komka Péter
Pécs

MTI also published photos of the illuminated Christmas tree on Széchenyi Square in Pécs on the first Sunday of Advent.

Advent Christmas Pécs
Photo: MTI/Sóki Tamás
Pécs Advent Christmas
Photo: MTI/Sóki Tamás
Győr

The decorative Christmas lighting in Győr also provides a breathtaking view. This is what it looks like:

Advent Győr Christmas
Photo: MTI/Krizsán Csaba
Győr Advent Christmas
Photo: MTI/Krizsán Csaba

Despite the fact that the forthcoming Christmas will be different, we should not lose the hope that we can find some pleasant moments this year as well. In order to do so, let us give you some tips on how you can create the Christmas atmosphere at home.

Air quality worsens in Hungarian cities

fog pécs

Air quality has deteriorated across Hungary due to a high concentration of airborne particulates, the National Public Health Centre (NNK) said on Tuesday.

NNK declared air quality to be “dangerous” in Putnok, in northeast Hungary.

Air quality has deteriorated to unhealthy levels in several towns and cities nationwide, including Kazincbarcika, Miskolc, Pécs and Várpalota, NNK said on Tuesday.

Concentrations of particulates are also considered to be too high in the cities of Budapest, Székesfehérvár, Veszprém, Győr, Sopron and other towns, NNK said.

NNK advised vulnerable groups such as children, people suffering from a chronic illness and the elderly in those cities to spend less time outdoors as no improvement in air quality is likely over the next few days.

As we wrote before, 13 thousand people die in Hungary because of the polluted air, which is as harmful as smoking. Hungary is currently fourth on the list of those countries that have the worst air quality in the European Union. More details HERE.

budapest_real_estate_building_flat rent autumn_panorama dnh_kató_alpár_
Read alsoBudapest has the worst air quality in Europe after the epidemic

WOW! A bear walked on the streets in a Hungarian city – VIDEO

bear

A camera recorded in Miskolc how a brown bear walked on the tram rails on Sunday at dawn. The devices belong to the local government’s security body. 

Based on the videos, the bear visited a lot of streets between 0:30 and 0:49 am. Security guards immediately called the police, and the local government asked for the help of the Bükk National Park and their experts, 24 reported.

The video below shows the running bear in Miskolc for a couple of seconds.

https://www.facebook.com/100001643777550/videos/3726747050723384/

A couple of days before, locals found some bear footprints in Lyukóvölgy, a suburb of the North-East-Hungarian city on the muddy soil. Furthermore, on the fence of a house, they found some of the bear’s fur. The local government asked the police and members of the militia to draw the attention of the locals to how dangerous a bear can be for human lives.

The experts of the national park said that everybody should avoid any encounter with a bear, even if they are still bear cubs, because their mother could be around somewhere, and such situations can be deadly for any of us. Therefore, everybody going on a trip to a forest should stick to the tourist routes. Moreover, nobody should do so before dawn or after dark, and we should make as much noise as possible to warn the bears nearby. Finally, if we meet a bear, we should not try to run away or attack it because it is stronger and faster than us. If it approaches us, we should not provoke it, and we should not move too fast, either.

Mask wearing restrictions introduced in Budapest and Miskolc

Based on the decision of Budapest Municipality, inspectors of public transport can impose a fine of EUR 22 (~HUF 8,000) if someone does not wear a mask properly at the designated areas. In addition to the Hungarian capital, restrictions have also been introduced in the countryside.
As the Hungarian news portal Portfolio reports – on Tuesday, Budapest Operational Staff and the Hungarian Medical Chamber consulted on the prevention and the necessary measures to slow down the spread of the epidemic.
Within the framework of the meeting, the following decisions have been made:
  • Budapest Municipality increases the test capacity in social institutions, homeless care and elderly care institutions;
  • orders mandatory mask-wearing in markets, cultural institutions, museums, libraries, archives, cinemas, theatres, the Capital City Cultural Center, and in the closed premises of Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden;
  • orders that from now on passengers who do not wear a mask properly on public transport vehicles may be fined with EUR 22 (~HUF 8,000) and can be taken off the vehicles.
According to Xinhua, the reason for the latest tightening of rules is that by the second half of the summer mask compliance had decreased, with only 85-odd per cent of public transport passengers covering their mouth and nose. Compliance was close to 100 per cent in May, according to the authorities.
 
The City Council recalled that the authorities mandated the use of face masks on public transport on April 27.
 
In Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, the number of registered new coronavirus cases increased from 230 to 256 for today. As the Hungarian news portal Napi.hu reports – in Miskolc, discipline for wearing a mask has improved in customer service and public transport; however, some people still wear the protective gear inappropriately in stores and shops.
In order to enhance preventative measures, further restrictions have been introduced in the county seat.
The Mayor of Miskolc ordered a ban on visiting three municipally maintained nursing homes and care homes. In addition to the mandatory mask-wearing and hand disinfection, fever will be measured from now at the local government customer service. It will be required to wear a mask at cultural and sporting events held indoors, as well as at the city’s markets. In public transport – except for children under the age of six – everyone must cover the nose and mouth; otherwise, passengers can be taken off the vehicles. From September, drivers will also be required to wear a mask to set an example for passengers. Local vehicles are disinfected continuously and cleaned, and more vehicles might be launched during peak hours to avoid the crowds.
 
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