Police have broken up a luxury car rebirthing operation in Miskolc, in north-eastern Hungary, an official of the operational police force said on Friday.
The illegal network’s 52-year-old leader has been taken into custody and placed in pre-trial detention, Gabor Nemedi, the head of the department dealing with priority cases, told a press conference.
Police seized 20 stolen vehicles in coordinated raids at the network’s various Miskolc premises last week, nine of which had been taken apart.
Investigators believe the gang scratched off the cars’ vehicle identification numbers, forged the rest of their identifiers and sold the cars to dealerships after putting them back together.
The network comprised seven companies, including a German and a Slovak firm, Nemedi said.
He said
the cars seized during the raid had been stolen in Hungary and western European countries, namely Austria and Germany, adding that the network resold the vehicles in Hungary.
He also revealed that the gang’s leader was known to police and had 3-4 pending criminal investigations against him.
A search of one of the stolen cars yielded five firearms, ammunition and 6.5 kilograms of an illegal substance which was later confirmed to be amphetamine with an estimated street value of 20 million forints (EUR 56,500), Nemedi said. Police also found 10.4 million forints in cash at the suspect’s apartment which he was unable to account for.
Do you know that Hungary was hailed as the world’s most visited tourist destination country in 2002? And we are not exactly surprised. Home of rich cultural traditions, fascinating history, and some of the most spectacular natural sceneries, Hungary has a long list of destinations for your travel bucket list. If you haven’t visited this country, this travel guide is for you.
From classic tourist spots to the exciting newcomer scene, we have selected top things to do in Hungary. Without further ado, here’s how to have fun in Hungary.
Enjoy the summer shore at Lake Balaton
The Lake Balaton in Hungary is a real natural treasure and also one of the best destinations in Hungary. There are lots of activities you can enjoy in this well-known lake from swimming to fishing, and sailing on the lake. There are lots of hotels in the area that offer wine tasting, thermal spas, and water sports activities. And if you want to elevate your experience to the extreme, you can also jump out of a helicopter to get a better view of the lake.
Cave Bath at Miskolc-Tapolca
There are many ways to pamper yourself in Hungary and Cave Bath at Miskolc-Tapolca can give you the absolute relaxation you need.
Here, you’ll have a chance to swim under a cave system filled with 30°C thermal water. The said water has a healing power that can ease your joint diseases and inflammation. The place has also a sauna and steam cabin inside.
The Miskolctapolca cave bath photo: barlangfurdo.hu
Play online casino
You read that right, Hungary is one of the countries with the friendliest regulation on gambling. Land-based casinos have been legal since 1991. If you don’t have time to visit Hungary’s casino, you can also play online casino from Hungaryat the hotel after your long hours of the tour. There are more than 250 gambling sites in the country. Definitely, you’ll find the casino games or sports betting games that will gratify your gambling needs.
Your Hungary vacation wouldn’t be complete without visiting the famous Great Market Hall in Budapest. This is a multi-story neogothic designed building where you can get everything you need. On the ground floor, you’ll find local farmers and traders selling different produce from vegetables to fruits and meats. The upper floors are designed for souvenir shops and cafes. The Great Market Hall is opened every day of the week except Sunday.
Meditate at the Biggest Synagogue
The Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest is the biggest in Europe.
It can host 3,000 people and worshipers. The original synagogue was destroyed by a bomb during World War II. The edifice was restored during the 1990s.
Aside from the worship place, the synagogue also homes a cemetery for those deceased or missing Jew. You’ll also learn a lot about the holocaust at the Hungarian Jewish Museum inside. You can enter Synagogue even if you’re not Jewish, but you have to the admission fee.
Explore Castle Ruins
Hungary has many delightful historic forts and castle that can easily bring you back in time.
Eger Castle is one of the favorite spots in the country.
Tourists can climb over the tower ruins or wander on the garden at the castle ground. There’s also a dungeon and museums inside. On special occasions, historical events are also organized. These usually happen during August and October.
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle, Eger photo: Wikimedia Commons – Thaler Tamás
Feel the chill of House of Terror
There are many museums in Hungary that can easily reflect the past, the House of Terror in Budapest is definitely the quirkiest. The House of Terror is nothing like other museums. It offers exhibitions on the dark period in the country. Inside you’ll find prison cells, photographs, and even videos of those dark times. You’ll also find some equipment that was used for torture, deportations, and genocide.
It is also noteworthy that the building where The House of Terror is standing is where the old barracks of the local Nazi Party, The Arrow Cross. The building was also the headquarters of the much-feared communist called secret police.
Wonder around a Hungarian Open Air Museum
If you are interested in Hungary’s tradition, then the Open Air Museum (Szentendre Szabadtéri Néprajzi Múzeum) is the best place for you. The Hungarian Open Air Museum has eight areas that exhibit life in various areas in the country. Expect to have long walks in the area. You’ll also have a chance to work on stables, barns, blacksmith, and authentic old steam train.
Hungary is a beautiful country and one which is rich in cultural traditions. Ever since its rose to prominence by the end of the 80s, this country is a popular tourist destination for the entire world. Every year, the country is flocked by millions of tourists who add to the economy’s tourism industry in a positive way. The country is a blend of historical and many cultural sites to visit. So if you swoon over history, Hungary is the right spot for you. With so many facilities, it becomes difficult to narrow down the list to just 4. So continue reading about the top 4 things you must do in Hungary:
Visit the Great Market Hall, Budapest
Although there are several markets in Hungary, one in Budapest is the most iconic one to visit. It is located close to the banks of Danube and is a well carved, neogothic building. During the visit, you will come across a vast array of farmers and traders, selling the local produce. However, you will also come across a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, meats and souvenirs on the ground floor. So if you want to buy the ethnic souvenirs from this place, you can get everything from the Great Market Hall.
The Cave Bath is a must-visit attraction for somebody who swoons over calm water. This thermal spa is encrusted in the natural cave system and can only be explored if you want to go swimming there. The water is clean and set at a moderate temperature of 30C. The clean water is rich in minerals and very good for health.
You will be surprised to know, the history of thermal water dates back to the 17th century but only gained popularity after the beginning of the 20th century.
If you’re travelling with a physically challenged person, you can look for restrooms with commodes in them.
Danube River Cruise
For many years, the Danube has been acknowledged as the most famous attraction of Hungary and most European states. So if you are a big fan of cruises, don’t forget to visit different sites of the Danube from a different perspective. Cruising is fun, especially if you’re travelling with family. Whether you choose to set out at night or take the Danube bend, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the city anytime. Once you arrive in Hungary, you can contact boat companies to arrange a cruise trip for you.
Mosque of Pasha Qasim
This beautiful building in Pécs was erected back in the 16th century when the Ottoman Empire was still reigning the country.
Originally it was carved as a mosque, but now it is being used as a Catholic Church. It is acknowledged as one of the most iconic Turkish architectures in the world. Despite the place being used as a Church, many parts of the mosque are inscribed with the verses of the Quran. Visitors are not allowed to flock to the Church during religious ceremonies.
The Tatra 202-type Gingerbread tram of Miskolc successfully retained its title as Europe’s most beautiful Advent tram. The competition started in the middle of December 2019.
Another victory
The competition is organised each year by the Czech MHD86 online portal. Twenty-three cars entered the competition this year. The voting period started in the middle of December 2019, Boonreports.
Miskolc’s Gingerbread tram had a head start, as it has been in the lead since the very first hours. Eventually, Miskolc’s Advent tram won the competition with 52,000 votes. This is the third consecutive year that the Gingerbread tram wins the title of Europe’s most beautiful advent tram.
Miskolc City Transportation Ltd. (MVK) announced this year’s victory on its Facebook page: “We are proud that once again a Hungarian tram is the most beautiful one in Europe. The Gingerbread tram of Miskolc easily won this year’s competition.” The company thanked everyone for voting and also thanked those who helped design and create the magical car.
The Gingerbread tram will be displayed at the Városház Square stop on 5 January. Visitors can take a look at Europe’s most beautiful tram from 6:46 a.m. until 2:35 p.m.
About the tram
The Advent-tram of the Hungarian city, Miskolc, has been transporting passengers for eight years. The unique thing about the tram is that every year it gets a brand-new look. In 2018, a blue-coloured frozen castle-look awaited passengers. This year, the tram transformed into a delicious gingerbread house. The tram is decorated with many lights, curtains, and 3D elements. Inside the tram, each piece of furniture of the house is also made out of gingerbread. The middle of the tram is the house’s kitchen, while the two ends of it are the living rooms.
The Advent-tram of the Hungarian city Miskolc (Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County) has been transporting passengers for eight years. The unique thing about the tram is that every year it gets a brand-new look.
The tram is decorated with many lights, curtains and 3D elements. Inside the tram, every furniture of the house is also made out of gingerbread and the house even has its owners inside. The middle of the tram is the house’s kitchen while the two ends of it are living-rooms.
Photo: www.facebook.com/mvkzrt
The tram runs until January 6, 2020 in Miskolc between Tisza Railway Station and Felső-Majláth.
As we reported, in recent years Hungarian breweries have been conjuring up award-winning craft beers. However, what do Hungarians drink on a day-to-day basis at the bar? We look at some of the most popular Hungarian beer brands in the country.
Arany Ászok
Created in 1924 by the Dreher Brewery, this light pilsner is one of the most iconic brands in the country. Its manufacture was stopped in 1948, but resumed in 1989 after the fall of the communist regime. Named after its golden colour, it has a bitter taste and a high carbon dioxide content. Due to its popularity, Arany Ászok is one of the few Hungarian beers that you may be able to find in a store abroad which sells Eastern European products.
Arany Ászok. Source: Wiki Commons
Borsodi
The Borsodi brewery is one of the most popular breweries in Hungary. Founded in North-eastern Hungary near Miskolc and named after the county it is located in, the local population are very proud of their pilsner, which has a slightly grainy taste.
Relative to other breweries, Borsodi was established very recently. The company began operations in the 1970s and since then it has become one of the most recognisable products in the country.
Borsodi. Source: Wiki Commons.
Similarly to Arany Ászok, Borsodi is big enough of a brand to be found outside of Hungary if potential customers are looking in the right place. The brewery also produces the best fruit-tasting beers, with lemon being the most popular one. Borsodi beers can be found on tap in every bar or pub in Hungary. If you are after a stronger lager, the Borsodi Bivaly (Borsodi Buffalo) is the beer for you.
Soproni
Another beer that can be found in all bars on tap is Soproni. The main product of the Sopron brewery, the company was bought by Heineken in 2003. Since its establishment in 1895, the company has become one of the most recognised beer brands in the country.
Soproni. Source: Wiki Commons.
The brewery’s brown beer product – called Soproni Fekete Démon (Soproni Black Demon) – has a really unique taste and a rich flavour. Similarly to Borsodi, the Soproni brewery also offers a range of fruit-flavoured options. They also have a Tankcsapda beer, named after one of the most successful Hungarian rock bands.
Pécsi Szalon
Pécsi Szalon. Source: Wiki Commons.
We saved the best till last. Made by the Pécsi brewery, Szalon beers are very difficult to find in areas far away from Pécs, including in Budapest. However, it is worth the hunt as it has a very rich taste for a lager. The brewery itself was established in 1848 and has created a range of products. One of their best beers is the Szalon Barna (Szalon Brown), a dark German-style beer with an alcohol percentage just below 6%.
Budapest was listed among the best cities to drink craft beer.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, in an interview to the local television of Miskolc, in northern Hungary, said local residents should cooperate if they wish to see investment and development projects in the city.
“Miskolc should try and stay on the winning side,” the prime minister said.
Orbán called on local residents to choose between election candidates based on their personal experience “rather than on my political comments” and vote for able deputies and a suitable mayor.
The prime minister said there was “no need” for him to tour the country before the upcoming municipal elections, adding, however, that he was visiting Miskolc because that city “is a cause of honour”. He voiced support for Zoltán Alakszai, the ruling parties’ candidate for mayor.
Orbán spoke highly of the achievements of Ákos Kriza, Miskolc’s outgoing mayor, who he said “has done a fantastic job”. “
Kriza’s legacy should not be destroyed; let us not allow this city to become an opposition stronghold, and the achievements of previous years devastated by political fights,” he said.
Under Kriza’s leadership the city has seen job-creating investments, while Miskolc has become “twice as safe” as before, Orbán said. If the mayor of Miskolc “is somebody I can cooperate with we will certainly complete the projects that will make the city not only safe but beautiful”, the prime minister said, adding that the urban development plans were “mostly ready”.
Orbán suggested that local residents should “fight for the city” rather than against the government and vote for a mayor willing to “cooperate with the government in the city’s interest”.
Should a candidate of the opposition Democratic Coalition (DK) win the mayor post, they will “necessarily be an adversary to the government”, Orbán insisted, arguing that DK’s logic was to “fight a large political battle rather than focus on local affairs, developments, or promoting the interests of locals”.
“Each vote counts and the city’s future is in the hands of local residents,” Orbán said.
Japanese vehicle battery manufacturer GS Yuasa inaugurated a 9 billion forint (EUR 26.9m) lithium battery plant in Miskolc, in north-eastern Hungary, on Tuesday.
The Hungarian government supported the investment with a 465 million forint grant, Péter Szijjártó, the foreign affairs and trade minister, said at the ceremony.
He called the automotive sector the “backbone” of the Hungarian economy, noting that it employs some 175,000 people.
The GS Yuasa Corporation’s Hungarian subsidiary was incorporated in 2017. Construction on its 60,000 sqm plant started last March. The investment created 51 jobs.
GS Yuasa Corporation employs some 15,000 workers in 17 countries.
Concerning Hungarian-Japanese economic relations, Szijjártó said Japan was the seventh largest investor in Hungary. He added that there are 160 Japanese businesses in Hungary employing some 34,000 workers.
Bilateral trade turnover exceeded 2.2 billion dollars last year, a 3.3 percent increase over 2017, the minister said.
The European Commission on Wednesday announced 552.6 million euros in funding for the expansion of a motorway connecting Miskolc, in north-east Hungary, with the Slovakian border.
The 60km M30 motorway investment will allow traffic to move faster, improve road safety and reduce congestion, the EC said.
It will also bring closer to fruition the “Via Carpathia” European transport network plan linking the Baltic with the Black and Aegean seas, it added.
“This road connection was long awaited and will directly benefit the one million inhabitants of the Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén area, with faster, safer and more comfortable travel conditions. Ultimately, Hungary and Slovakia will benefit from the positive spillovers of better connectivity in terms of jobs, growth, tourism and trade,” said Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Tibor Navracsics.
Construction of the motorway running between Miskolc and Tornyosnémeti is scheduled to be completed by February 2022.
Oscar-winning British actress Vanessa Redgrave and Italian actor Franco Nero will be the recipients of a special award at this year’s CineFest International Film Festival to be held in Miskolc, in north-eastern Hungary, between September 13 and 21, organisers said on Tuesday.
The renowned couple will be at the festival to accept the Ambassador of European Cinema gong at a ceremony on Sept.19.
The award ceremony will conclude with the screening of two films: Django starring Nero and Julia which earned Redgrave an Academy Award for best supporting actress in 1977.
CineFest established the Ambassador of European Cinema award in 2016 which first went to Oscar-winning French actress Juliette Binoche, said the organisers.
Among the more significant settlements of the countryside, the difference between apartment prices is significantly smaller than between Budapest and the other cities of the country. Based on data from Dunahouse (website), the most expensive city of higher education is Debrecen after the capital.
The difference in price is enormous between Budapest and the rest of the cities: bed-sitting room apartments cost 20-25 million HUF (66667-83334 USD) in Budapest meanwhile the same sort of apartments cost only 12-15 million HUF (40000-50000 USD).
The agglomeration of Budapest profits the most from the high prices of the capital.
Market of the growing town of Dunakeszi Photo: https://www.facebook.com/pg/dunakesziamivarosunk/photos
Based on the statistics of Világgazdaság (news portal), the most popular areas are the Northern and the Southern sectors in the agglomeration of Budapest. The majority of the offers are terraced houses, duplex/semi-detached houses and flats of 100-120 square metres. E.g. many have chosen to move to Szigetszentmiklós, Dunakeszi – this way they became the most populated towns of the region after Érd. Since 2010 the population in each of these two settlements increased by 10000. The number of apartment purchase is 17-18 per 1000 inhabitants – according to Soóki-Tóth Gábor, analysation leader of Otthon Centrum.
Before starting our studies in higher education, many factors affect whether it is worth to buy or rent an apartment. It is important to consider whether the student stays in that particular settlement after graduation or not. In the long term, it is worth more to buy our own apartments even if the prices are higher at the beginning.
From the aspect of education it is vital to choose our apartments well
The difference between the monthly rental price and the average square meter price is much less than in the capital, so purchasing an apartment is more profitable in the long-term – based on the press release of Duna House, sent to the editorial staff of Forbes (magazine of business).
In the countryside, the highest prices are in Debrecen – the average square metre price is around 400-450 thousand HUF (1333-1500 USD). The average price was 29 million HUF (96667 USD) in the last quarter of this year. The prices in Győr, Kecskemét, Szombathely and Veszprém are more moderate, between 310-385 thousand HUF (1033-1283 USD) as the average price per square metre.
In these cities, the expected monthly rental price is between 90-130 thousand HUF (300-433 USD).
Among bigger cities of higher education, the conditions of apartment purchase are the most favourable in Miskolc. You can find offers for the price of 200 thousand HUF (667 USD) per square metre; however, the rental cost for apartments is just a bit cheaper than in Nyíregyháza or Szeged.
Danish Academy Award winning director Bille August will be guest of honour at the 16th Cinefest International Film Festival in Miskolc, in northern Hungary, between September 13 and 21.
The festival will offer a competition of 16 new features from across the world, including a Hungarian film, festival director Tibor Bíró told public broadcaster M1 on Wednesday.
The festival programme will also include screenings of 33 short features, as well as film classics and outstanding films from recent international festivals, Biro said.
August is best known for his films Pelle the Conqueror (1987) and The Best Intentions (1991).
On the sidelines of the festival, the international federation of film journalists (FIPRESCI) will hold its annual general assembly meeting in Hungary, for the first time.
“It is highly welcome that there are more and more Hungarian investors in the country, and that while in 2016 German and American companies were the largest investors in Hungary, the Hungarians have come up into second place, and during the first half of this year the most investments were realised by Hungarian enterprises”, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in Miskolc at the inauguration of the new plant constructed by large tool design and manufacturing company Spinto Hungary Limited.
At the inauguration of the new plant, constructed at a cost of almost six billion forints (EUR 18.5 million) by the automotive supplier, which is owned by Hungarian investors, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade said: “The modern industrial revolution is being directed by the automotive industry, it is dictating the pace, while Hungary can state that the automotive industry provides the backbone of the Hungarian economy”.
“During the first six months of 2018, Hungarian-owned companies invested 100 billion forints (EUR 308 million) in the country and created 1500 new jobs. Today, 4.5 million people have jobs, and the GDP has increased by 20 percent compared to 2010”, Mr. Szijjártó said.
The Minister highlighted the fact that with its 8 trillion forint (EUR 24.62bn) production value, the Hungarian automotive industry broke all previous records last year, and momentum has not come to a halt, because this figure already exceeded 4400 billion (EUR 13.55bn) forints during the first six months of this year.
According to Mr. Szijjártó, over 90 percent of the products manufactured by the Hungarian automotive industry go to export, and international competitiveness is also continuously increasing within the sector, which employs over 167 thousand people.
He reminded reporters that BMW has begun construction of its second plant in Kecskemét, Audi will be producing electric motors in Győr, and BMW is building a factory in Debrecen.
The Hungarian Government provided 2.45 billion forints (EUR 7.54 million) in non-returnable funding towards the construction of Spinto Hungary Ltd’s new plant in Miskolc’s southern industrial park.
The new automotive industry machine manufacturing plant provides jobs for 140 people. The company is capable of manufacturing tools exceeding 60 tons. According to Managing Director János Pócs, two-thirds of the plant’s products will go to export. Mr. Pócs also told Hungarian news agency MTI that the company plans to realise 15-20 million euros in turnover by 2020.
At the event, Mr. Szijjártó also spoke about the fact that a new world order is in development, with companies competing for consumers and for the technologies that will give them a competitive advantage. At the same time, countries are competing to attract foreign investment, and this international competition is becoming increasingly tough.
He also spoke about the fact that digitalisation is a modern industrial revolution that is bringing with it the everyday use of technologies that were previously though impossible. “Hungary must also stand its ground in this competition”, he underlined.
“We have the lowest taxes in Europe, we have the most flexible labour regulations in Europe, and we have reorganised intermediary education according to the German model, creating the conditions for dual training”, he added. The Hungarian economy is achieving success after success, and this is also the success of all Hungarians. At the same time, investments in Hungary on the part of large foreign corporations are providing many jobs to a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises, he pointed out.
During the first six months of this year, the most investments were realised in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County, and “this is proof of the fact that the eastern half of the country is just as competitive as the western half”, the Minister emphasised.
Since its establishment, Jameson CineFest has managed to become one of the most prestigious film events in Central Europe. The Miskolc-based festival is full of potentials, and it attracts not only sponsors but also the leading representatives of local and international film industry.
This year’s entries will be judged by an international jury (lead by Golden Lion Award-winner Krzysztof Zanussi), while the legendary Polish director is also scheduled to teach a masterclass, and accept his Europe Award.
This is the only Hungarian film festival at which FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) awards films, but an international ecumenical jury will be also present at CineFest in the middle of September.
In the long feature program the festival offers Hungarian film premiers, but the American independent film industry will be also strongly represented, as well as the best and most daring European directors who take part in the event.
Big screen, perfect quality and as unbelievable as it is, screenings are still free to attend!
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The festival brings the very best films from Cannes, Venice, and Berlin to the Hungarian town, proving that making a great film is neither technique nor footage-dependant.
The colourful selection of films includes Timur Bekmambetov and Paul Dano’s award winning movie “Wildlife”, Checz animation film “Lajka” and the East German “The Silent Revolution”, among many others. Another much awaited film is László Nemes’s “Sunset” which also debuts at Jameson CineFest.
Along with the competition program several joint events are offered, many of them being popular classics of JCF. The CineClassics series, under the patronage of István Szabó, celebrates its 9th anniversary by presenting Zanussi’s three refurbished masterpieces as well as Péter Tímár’s great comedies, honouring the Central European pioneers of the Hollywood film industry.
The incredibly successful International Film Market of Miskolc will be organized for the 7th time together with several joint events such as roundtable discussions, script related programmes and parties every night between 14-23 September, awaiting all visitor. An unrivalled experience is ahead of you, enjoy it with a glass of fine whiskey in hand at Jameson CineFest!
In the last few years, Hungary and Hungarian movies started to be noticed at award shows, internationally as well – Son of Saul was awarded an Oscar in 2016, for instance. It is probably a lesser-known fact, though, that Hungarians had a huge role in how Hollywood came to be and a lot of the most famous Hollywood stars can be proud of having some degree of Hungarian ancestry. Read more HERE.
Although Miskolc, the seat of the north-eastern Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county was for a long time conceived of as a poor industrial city with a few things to offer to visitors, recent years have seen a steady increase in investments that aim at making it an attractive alternative to other major Hungarian cities, as nlcafe.hu reports. Find out why it is no longer the case, as it was commonly thought for a long time, that there is simply nothing to do in Miskolc.
During the communist era, the city of Miskolc was designated as a centre of the iron industry, which had its toll on its cultural aspects. But data shows that in the last seven years, the number of visitors has steadily increased. Most people arrive form the capital, but others are coming from Ukraine, Slovakia and Romania, too.
Cultural events
Miskolc hosts the Cinefest every September, an international film festival often screening movies that are not shown by regular film theatres. It is also home to the Bartók Plus Opera Festival, which will be held between 8th and 17th June this year, debuting two contemporary operas by an American and an Italian composer as well as a reorchestrated version of the iconic Hungarian rock opera, István, a király (István the King) to honor the 35th anniversary of the piece.
Things to do in the city
Traditional tourist sights include the Almássy Mansion built in the second half of the 18th century Reformed Church in the inner city from the same period, Ottó Herman Museum, and the castle of Diósgyőr. But those looking for more lighthearted fun can opt for the bobsleigh run, the Adventure Park with its 26 courses, or the zoo with its nearly 150 species.
The Castle of Diósgyőr, Miskolc. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Glanthor
The Almássy Mansion in Miskolc. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Szalax
The Reformed Church in Miskolc. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Szalax
Recent years saw the development of high-quality restaurants. The famous Anyukám Mondta (My Mom Told About It) bistro of the nearby town Encs recently opened up its local Pizza-Kávé-Világbéke (Pizza-Coffee-World Peace), but the Zip brewery and Desszertem (My Dessert) are also representatives of local new-wave gastronomy. Helynekem is a stronghold of the music scene.
The gems outside Miskolc
The most famous and characteristic attractions are to be found on the outskirts of Miskolc. Take the cute monorail train (which has been described as the most beautiful monorail route of Hungary) to Lillafüred with its waterfall, caves, and wonderful Palotaszálló (Palace Hotel).
Lillafüred from afar. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Rodrigo
The Palace Hotel in Lillafüred. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Tero Vilkesalo
A waterfall in Lillafüred. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Szalax
A cave in Lillafüred. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Vaclav
And do not miss the famous Cave Bath at Miskolctapolca with its beneficial thermal water, which has operated since 1959.
The Cave Bath at Miskoltapolca. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Midmar Nonprofit Kft
The Cave Bath at Miskoltapolca. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Midmar Nonprofit Kft
The Cave Bath at Miskoltapolca. Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Midmar Nonprofit Kft
Miskolc lies in one of the most wonderful areas of Hungary where there are not only natural beauties but also other attractions in the city. However, surprisingly few tourists travel to the biggest city of North Hungary, maybe because it is so far from other big cities. Magyarorszagom.hu reasons why you should visit this fantastic place.
Miskolc Pass
This card helps visitors to make the best out of their stay and visit as many sights as possible on a budget. Miskolc Pass cards can be purchased online and at multiple locations in Miskolc for 24, 48, 72, and 120 hours as well.
Photos: Wiki Commons
Cave Bath (Barlangfürdő)
The Cave Bath at Miskolctapolca is a must for everyone visiting Miskolc for any reason. Even though there are many thermal baths in Hungary, the unique Cave Bath will definitely be fantastic. When the weather is nice, visitors can swim outdoors, what is more, there is also a playground for children. With Miskolc Pass, you can enter the bath for free. It is available for one entry and the entire day.
Photos: Wiki Commons by Natalia Semenova
Lillafüred
Not far from Miskolc, you can find a lovely small town called Lillafüred. It is hard to list all the wonders Lillafüred can offer: there are a 20 metres tall waterfall and a beautiful lake. Additionally, there is the mesmerising Hunguest Hotel Palota (Lillafüredi Palotaszálló) on the shore.
Photo: www.facebook.com/LillafürediLibegőpark
Photo: Facebook.com/ILillafured
National Forest Railway in Lillafüred
Closeby to the National Forest Railway in Lillafüred (Lillafüredi Állami Erdei Vasút) one can admire the natural beauties of the area. Furthermore, it is a perfect programme for relaxing and spending some time away from the busy city. With the Miskolc Pass, you can enjoy this fairy tale journey with a return ticket for free. The train operates on a daily basis during the summer season and every weekend offseason. If you prefer driving by car and also aim for an adventure, we offer you one of the most challenging drives in Hungary in the Bükk National Park.
Photo: Wiki Commons by Szalax
Photos: Wiki Commons by Szalax
Castle of Diósgyőr
Those interested in history will be delighted because there is also a castle in Miskolc. The Castle of Diósgyőr was built in the 12th century and was renovated recently. There are guided tours in the castle. Furthermore, visitors can enjoy various programmes during the summer season. The Miskolc Pass makes the entry possible for free here as well as in six museums in Miskolc.
Even though this national park lies a little bit further from Miskolc, it is definitely worth a visit. This is the home for hundreds of caves out of which visitors can explore many. The Miskolc Pass is accepted here as well. However, you will need to pay an entrance fee, but you will get a discount for having the Miskolc Pass.
Photo: www.facebook.com/AggtelekiNemzetiPark
Featured image: www.facebook.com/LillafürediLibegőpark
Hungary’s Debrecen and Miskolc have won the bid to host the European Universities Games (EUG) in 2024, the European University Sports Association (EUSA) announced on Friday.
The Games represent the largest European multisport student event with European university teams as participants.
As EUSA’s press release said, the second day of the European University Sports Association (EUSA) events in Madrid was dedicated to the General Assembly. The Assembly took some important decision and we are happy to announce that European family of University Sport is richer for one more member and we know who will organize the next two editions of the European Universities Games.
EUSA President Mr Adam Roczek opened the second day of EUSA General Assembly, welcoming all the guests and representatives of 37 member countries present and gave the word to our distinguished guests and hosts.
The two Hungarian cities have won the bid ahead of Lodz to host the Games in a year when Hungary will hold the rotating presidency of the EU in the second half, the Hungarian university sports federation (MEFS) said in a statement.
Hailing EUSA’s decision as a huge success, deputy state secretary Péter Sárfalvi said the Games will be Hungary’s largest ever multisport event with about 6,000 athletes participating.
Japanese battery manufacturing specialist GS Yuasa is constructing its first factory in Europe in Miskolc’s southern industrial park; the foundation stone of the new facility, which will be completed by 2019, was laid on Wednesday.
At the ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó told reporters: “The Government is assisting the 8.8 billion forint (EUR 28 million) project with non-returnable funding of 465 million forints; the new plant will employ over fifty people”.
“The 170 Japanese companies operating in Hungary employ some 25 thousand people, and Japan is the third largest investor in Hungary from outside Europe”, he added.
The Minister spoke about the fact that this latest investment is also proof that the world’s automotive industry is undergoing a revolutionary transformation, in view of the fact that electromobility, self-driven cars and environmentally friendly technologies are no longer the future, but the present. “The automotive industry revolution is happening before our very eyes; many important and significant investments have arrived in Hungary and will continue to do so”, he said.
“Nobody disputes the fact that during the traditional era of the automotive industry Hungary grew to become one of the bastions of European car manufacturing; last year the performance of the automotive industry broke all previous national economic records exceeding 8 trillion forints (EUR 25.6 bn), with 175 thousand people employed within the sector, the competitiveness of which is indicated by the fact that 92 percent of automotive industry products are exported”, he explained.
Mr. Szijjártó told the press that the Czech Republic and Germany had also been in competition for the Japanese company’s investment.
“The batteries produced here, which apply innovative technologies, will ensure that we are also a determining part of the new automotive industry era; most of the products manufactured in Miskolc will be sold abroad to Europe’s largest and strongest car manufacturers”, he stated.
President and CEO of GS Yuasa Osama Murao explained that in the first phase a 60 thousand square metre (650 thousand square foot) production hall will be constructed, which can later be expanded into a 140 thousand square metre facility. The plant in Miskolc will produce Lithium batteries of the kind also used in electric and hybrid cars. Miskolc will be the only location outside Japan where such batteries are manufactured, he added.
With relation to Miskolc, the location chosen by the company for the plant, the company director said the city has a well-organised infrastructure, the local professionals are well-trained, and the city also supported the development project. The climate change that has been occurring in recent years has necessitated the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, and this has also posed new challenges for the automotive industry, he explained.
Japanese Ambassador to Hungary H.E. Kuni Sato, the region’s Member of Parliament Katalin Csöbör and Mayor of Miskolc Ákos Kriza all praised the significance of the investment and spoke about the fact that this too indicates that Miskolc is the region’s most rapidly developing centre of industry.
GS Yuasa Corporation, which manufactures various batteries, chargers and other electric equipment employs some 15 thousand people in 17 countries and realised 3 billion dollars in turnover during the business year ending in March 2017.
The Kyoto-based company’s Hungarian subsidiary, GS Yuasa Hungary Limited, was registered on 30 October 2017.
