nature

Expert: Is climate change in Hungary more drastic than elsewhere?

As global warming reshapes climates worldwide, Hungary is witnessing profound changes in its weather patterns and agricultural practices. Due to the climate change in Hungary, once snowy winters are becoming rare, summers are increasingly scorching, and vineyards are transitioning from white to red wine production.

Shifting climate in Hungary

Climate change, driven by global warming, has profoundly altered weather patterns around the world. As Szeretlek Magyarország writes, although a little snow falls each year, briefly turning streets and landscapes white, Hungarian winters are no longer characteristically snowy. Conversely, summers have become increasingly hotter, with record-breaking temperatures becoming the norm.

Remarkably, banana trees have started to grow in the gardens of several homes, a clear indication of the climate change in Hungary. Initially surprising, the sight of these tropical plants has become more common and accepted over the years. Over the last decade, global warming has become a tangible disaster, profoundly affecting daily life. Climate scientist Péter Szabó explains the expectations regarding climate change in Hungary and the adaptations needed.

Will the current heatwave stay?

Hungary has been experiencing the hottest temperatures in Europe, a situation influenced by global warming. This persistent heat is due to warm frontal air trapped above the country, unable to dissipate because of cyclones in Western Europe that push warm air from the south to the north. These cyclones are held at bay by a blocking anticyclone, which causes prolonged heat waves and disrupts the usual west-to-east airflow.

According to the expert, this is not an anomaly we must prepare for annually, but it highlights the broader trend of rising average temperatures, leading to more frequent hot days. Despite Hungary’s traditionally sheltered position within the Carpathian Basin, the temperature rise here has surpassed the global average.

Climate models

In Hungary, climate models run by institutions like HungaroMet and ELTE’s Department of Meteorology are adapted and tested for reliability by comparing their outputs with historical data. Projections indicate that Hungarian winters in the 2040s and 2050s will become significantly milder, with extremely cold temperatures disappearing and the ski season becoming a distant memory. Due to the climate change in Hungary, the growing season will start earlier, potentially leading to more spring frosts, while the decrease in frosty days may allow pathogens to thrive, necessitating the planting of more resistant plant species.

Adapting to the climate change in Hungary

Agriculture is already adapting to climate change in Hungary, shifting from white to red wine production as heat levels rise, with future climates expected to favour Malaga wines. Adaptation may require breeding new grape varieties rather than relocating vineyards. When it comes to human adaption, air conditioning remains essential, especially in densely populated areas like Budapest, where average summer temperatures hover around 30 degrees Celsius. However, the expert warns people not to set the AC below 27 degrees Celsius, as the indoor-outdoor temperature difference has bad effects on the human body.

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July 22, 2024

Gift ideas for marine biologists: navigating the perfect present

Sponsored content

We all have that science nerd obsessed with marine life and how it exists on the face of the earth. Simultaneously, it is difficult to choose a gift for marine biologist friends, as they seek to have gifts that are useful for them.

Marine biologists deal with marine life and how it exists in the deepest and darkest waters of the earth. They engage with various sea animals and other living creatures. It is a fun and risky job. Hence, a sense of appreciation during their birthdays or Christmas gives them great confidence and boosts their work ethic and the risks they take.

Therefore, to solve the issues, you can look below, where we recommend gifts for your marine biologists. These gift ideas will surely make their birthday or Christmas special.

Gift Ideas For Marine Biologists

Here are a few gift ideas to make their day special:

Idea 1: GoPro Hero 8 Black

For any marine biologist, it is necessary to track the behavior of aquatic animals and record it to give them a better life. Therefore, with a GoPro Hero 8, you can help them dive into large oceans and track marine animals. Moreover, the camera is waterproof, enabling you to work comfortably in the oceans or seas. You can take the camera 33 meters beneath the sea and record the behavior of sea animals. Also, with the camera, you can record 4k videos and do slow-mo, which you can keep for Instagram highlights. Hence, it is a good and valuable gift you can give to your marine biologists and make their lives even better.

Idea 2: Sea Turtle Metal Wine Stopper

We all like to have a glass of wine after the end of a long day. This is far more important for marine biologists, as they must deal with various sea animals daily. Even staying underneath the water all the time is tiring. Therefore, you can give them a Sea Turtle Metal Wine Stopper. It’s a fun gift, reminding them of their attachment to the sea and various sea animals.

It is a reusable product made with zinc alloy and is highly sustainable and durable. Moreover, it has brilliant craftsmanship all over it. This will become the center of attraction for the parties and increase the value of the wine people will drink. In addition, the gift will surely make them popular in their marine line of work.

Idea 3: Earth Pak’s Waterproof Dry Bag

As a marine biologist they always have to travel from one place to another frequently, mostly on short notice. Therefore, Earth Pak has brought a waterproof dry bag to keep their essentials protected. Your friend can easily take it underneath the water and keep their items safe.

The gift is a low-cost option, yet it has many utilities that will allow your friend to live safely without any fears and tension. Also, it stays dry even if it comes in contact with water, which helps them to keep their phones and watches safe. Hence, the gift will become their sense of survival and exploration and add value to their lives.

Idea 4: Poplife’s Humpback Whale And Baby 3d Pop-Up Card

If you want to see a smile on your marine biologist friend, you can give them Poplife’s Humpback Whale And Baby 3d Pop-Up Card. It is a subtle and cute way of telling your friends how much you care for them. The 3D pop-up makes the card even more special. This will bring a huge smile to their faces and make their day.

You can send the gift on Mother’s Day, anniversaries, and Valentines’ Day. It will make their day special and let them know about your feelings. You can also include a personalized message on the card. It will add your touch to the gift and highlight your efforts.

Idea 5: The Soul Of An Octopus

Lastly, there is only one friend as loyal as the book. Hence, you can gift them The Soul Of An Octopus by Sy Montgomery. The book is all about octopuses and how they differ from those we see in movies and folklore. The best-selling novels will increase your thirst to visit the oceans and seas, especially when you are home.

Moreover, it will show what a special creature Octopus is. You can easily interact with them through the lens of the protagonist as she falls in love with four octopuses. The book will touch your soul and make your friends proud of what they do.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, you can take inspiration from the following ideas and make your marine biologist friend’s day more special. In other words, you can add more value and depth to their lives with your gift. So, go ahead, choose one from above, and gift them.

Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.

July 8, 2024

Camping is becoming increasingly popular in Hungary, but what are the options?

Nearly 700,000 people chose to camp in Hungary last year, and the nearly two million nights they spent were shared equally between domestic and foreign tourists.

Lake Balaton is the most popular destination among campers

Lake Balaton, Holiday, camping — Photo: depositphotos.com

The growing popularity of camping shows that Hungary has excellent potential for this activity, Turizmus reports. Out of more than 270 campsites operating in Hungary in 2023, Hungarian guests were most likely to stay at Lake Balaton, with 8 out of the top 10 campsites being on the lakeshore of the Hungarian Sea. Other popular regions according to Booking include the Danube Bend and Northern Hungary, while Balatonfüred is considered the most popular for foreigners, followed by Hajdúszoboszló and Bük.

Classic, modern and family-friendly campings are also popular

“Hungary has excellent opportunities in this tourism segment as well, as visitors to Hungarian campsites can choose from a wide range of options, from high-quality mobile homes to campervans and caravans to tent pitches,” said László Könnyid, CEO of the Hungarian Tourism Agency.

campsite, camping, kapolcsi sziklák — Photo: FB / Kapolcsi Sziklák

It’s true that there are many different types of campsites on different booking portals. Just by browsing through the most popular campsites on Booking, you can see that the selection is extremely varied.

In Fonyód, for example, Fonyód Camping & Apartman offers waterfront accommodation with its own beach, garden and terrace, while most sites have a classic child-friendly campsite with a playground. In addition to classic campsites, you’ll also find modern, renovated accommodations such as the Kapolcsi Sziklák near Vígándpetend, which has air conditioning, a bathtub, TV and a fully equipped kitchen, as well as a bar on the campsite. Guests can also stay at Geodome tents in the Buborékpark near Szarvaskő, and yurts in Őriszentpéter’s campsite, alongside classic wooden cabins.

The natural environment is the most attractive factor of Hungarian campsites

Femina has compiled a top 6 list of the most beautiful campsites in Hungary, most of them built near natural attractions. The list includes the JUFA Vulkán Camping Resort in Celldömölk, located at the foot of the volcanic Ság Mountain, from where you can access the famous Celli Volcano Thermal Spring, or the Máré Vára Camping, which is located near Máré Vára, in the immediate vicinity of the Eastern-Mecsek Landscape Protection Area in the village of Magyaregregy.

camping, tents — Photo: depositphotos.com

Among the campsites by Lake Balaton, Badacsony Camping in Badacsonytomaj is located directly on the northern shore of the lake. It offers a breathtaking view of the Hungarian Sea, not to mention the permanent bathing facilities with mobile homes and both water and mountain-facing plots available for booking, in addition to tent pitches. The list includes Dieter’s Camping in Tiszafüred, a popular holiday destination too, which is located opposite the beach and thermal baths of Tiszafüred, 50 metres from Lake Tisza.

A campsite in Buda has also been added to the list, where despite the proximity of the capital, fresh air and a beautiful wooded setting await guests in the Zugligeti Niche Camping, with a long-abandoned tram stop, which has been converted into a dining area, giving the campsite a special atmosphere.

Read also:

Discover 5 beautiful lakes in Hungary beyond Balaton and Velence! – Read here
How to get a bargain on this year’s Balaton holiday – Read here

July 4, 2024

Discover 5 beautiful lakes in Hungary beyond Balaton and Velence!

While Lake Balaton is undoubtedly a tourist favourite in Hungary, and Lake Velence is a close second, our country has many more amazing lakes situated in breathtaking environments that you will leave with lifelong memories. This summer, explore five stunning lakes in Hungary that are worth visiting for hiking, swimming, and fishing.

Orfű Lake

Just a few kilometres from Pécs, the Orfű lake system takes advantage of a rich karst water system. The area includes five lakes, with Orfű Lake being the first to be established. This picturesque lake is ideal for swimming and is also popular among anglers, with carp, grass carp, catfish, and pike abundant in its waters, Lelépő writes. The surrounding area is perfect for hiking and cycling, offering well-marked trails through scenic landscapes. Additionally, visitors can enjoy water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Jósvafői Tengerszem

Jósvafői Tengerszem, an artificial lake, was formed in 1942 by damming the Jósva spring from the Baradla Cave, feeding the Jósva stream. Despite its stunning emerald green water in summer, the lake remains icy cold, rarely exceeding 10 degrees Celsius, making it unsuitable for swimming. However, it is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails, making it a must-visit for hikers. The area is also rich in geological and ecological features, offering educational opportunities about karst formations and local flora and fauna.

Szelid Lake

Szelidi Lake, Hungary — Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Civertan

Located near Kalocsa in the Kiskunság region, Szelid Lake is the fifth largest natural lake in Hungary, stretching five kilometres long and up to two hundred meters wide. What makes it unique is its serpentine shape, best appreciated from the air. The lake’s meandering form, reminiscent of a snake, makes it a picturesque and intriguing destination. Besides its unique shape, the lake is surrounded by lush landscapes, making it a perfect spot for nature walks and bird watching.

Vekeri Lake

Situated about ten kilometres east of Debrecen, the Erdőspuszták area, which includes Vekeri Lake, offers various recreational activities such as hiking, cycling, picnicking, and fishing. Last year, the lake dried up due to severe drought, but the recent rainy weather has restored its beauty, making it an attractive spot for visitors again. The lake is also a great place for bird watching, as it attracts various species of waterfowl. Additionally, the surrounding forested areas provide a cool retreat during hot summer days, with plenty of shaded paths and rest areas.

Vadása Lake

A highlight of Őrség and Hegyhátszentjakab, Vadása Lake was created in 1968 using water from the Vadása stream. The name “Vadása” refers to the numerous foxes (vadak) that dug holes along the stream. This lake, fed by twelve streams, is divided into two parts: a larger and a smaller, more secluded one surrounded by dense forest, making it a favourite for fishing enthusiasts with species like carp, grass carp, bream, pike-perch, asp, and crucian carp. The serene environment also makes it an excellent spot for camping, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.

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June 26, 2024

Heat alert in Hungary: Hellish heatwave coming

Summer has started in Hungary and it’s already showing its true colours. Last week, a heat wave was forecast, and we’re marching into it right now. From Wednesday until Saturday midnight, a third-degree heat alert will be in force in the country.

heat wave hungary — From Wednesday until Saturday midnight, a third-degree heat alert will be in force in the country. Photo: MTI/Mónus Márton

Third-degree heat alert from today

A third-degree heat alert will be in effect from Wednesday to Saturday midnight, the National Public Health Centre and the National Directorate General for Disaster Management of the Ministry of Interior said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

According to the decision of the National Chief Medical Officer, the heat alert will be in effect from 0:00 on Wednesday until midnight on Saturday, throughout the country, Telex reports.

People at risk and precautions

The reason given is that the heat is hard even on healthy bodies, but young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with cardiovascular disease are particularly at risk.

The two government agencies urge everyone to drink plenty of water, stay out of the hot sun at midday, use sunscreen and wear a hat or cap.

During the peak of the heat, it is best to be in shade or in a cool, air-conditioned place and avoid strenuous physical work. (Find a list of air-conditioned places in the country with addresses HERE.)

If you’re going to the beach, cool down your heated body before going into the water, and don’t jump into the water with a hot and sweaty body.

If you see children or pets in cars unattended

Drivers could also be affected by the heat.

Do not leave children and pets in parked cars for even a few minutes, as even a car parked in partial shade can get dangerously hot. If you see a child or pet left in a car, call 112 immediately.

In open areas, only light fires in designated fireplaces, unless there is a fire ban in your county. It is not recommended to burn garden waste at this time. When barbecuing or cooking, do not leave the fire unattended.

High temperatures

From Wednesday, temperatures in the south of the country will rise to over 35 degrees Celsius. The highest temperatures may reach 37-38 degrees Celsius in some places.

Thus, HungaroMet has issued a second-degree heat alert for three southern counties (Békés, Csongrád-Csanád, Bács-Kiskun) on Wednesday and five counties (Tolna and Baranya, beside the above mentioned) on Thursday. In these areas, the daily mean temperature is expected to be above 27 degrees Celsius.

As Daily News Hungary wrote last week, this week will see the the first major heatwave of the summer, which means highs could reach 35 degrees for the first time this year.

Precipitation is generally unlikely this week, but a few places could see a quick rain storm.

Beaches at Lake Balaton

lake balaton beach weather sunny — Photo: Helló Magyar

All you want in this heat is to dip yourself into Lake Balaton? Understandable; however, you’d better be prepared for expensive beach tickets. As we reported HERE, some beaches at Lake Balaton saw a 50% increase in entrance ticket prices this summer. Check out our article for beach entrance fees and how they compare to 2023’s Lake Balaton prices.

Read also:

June 19, 2024

Odd sight: Jellyfish appears near popular Hungarian beach – VIDEO

When we think of a typical Hungarian beach, the sight of a jellyfish is definitely not the first thing that would come to our minds. However, an invasive jellyfish species has been recorded at a popular Hungarian beach recently.

Jellyfish in the Danube Backwater

24.hu writes that a freshwater jellyfish species, Craspedacusta sowerbii, has been observed in the Danube Backwater in Fadd. This small species, just a few centimetres in diameter, is considered invasive and is believed to originate from China. While they possess microscopic stinging cells containing toxins, these stings pose a threat only to very small organisms.

Why do they appear?

In Hungary, populations of Craspedacusta sowerbii typically thrive in gravel pits and stagnant riverbeds when conditions are ideal. Although the exact reasons for their occurrence are not well understood, the species is known to be sensitive to factors such as water temperature, pH levels and water clarity.

In the vicinity of a popular Hungarian beach

Just a few kilometres from the village of Fadd in the Danube Valley lies the popular holiday resort of Fadd-Dombori, where jellyfish have recently been spotted. This resort, nestled in a picturesque natural setting, offers an ideal location for a peaceful holiday and is worth visiting year-round. In addition, you will not have to worry about the jellyfish at this popular Hungarian beach, as they are only harmful to very small organisms.

The following video of the jellyfish in the Danube freshwater was sent to Teol by a reader:

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June 14, 2024

Appalling: Chinese company fined in Hungary, decision only published after elections

A Chinese company near Debrecen in Hungary has been fined for environmental pollution: however, the decision was only published after the 9 June elections.

Chinese company fined

The Hajdú-Bihar County Government Office published the decision to fine the Chinese car company Halms after a delay of three weeks. The company was fined HUF 1.98 million (EUR 5,012) for violating waste management rules, 24.hu reported.

The company was fined because it secretly discharged polluted water from its site near Debrecen into the Kisgugyori canal. The government office decided on the fine on 22 May but only published the decision after the municipal elections.

In January, the authority carried out an unannounced inspection of the premises of Halms Ltd. The inspectors noticed that an unknown, white-coloured substance was leaking into the Kisgugyori canal, a natural drainage channel in the area. They found that the contaminated water was coming from the Chinese company’s site.

According to the decision, the company was prosecuted and ordered to “remedy the unlawful situation caused by the pollutant leaking into the sewer”.

The company received huge government support

Halms, a Chinese company, invested EUR 43 million in the first phase of the construction of the parts plant, for which the Hungarian government provided around HUF 1.5 billion (EUR 3.8 million) in funding.

Over the past year and a half, civil protests have been launched in Debrecen and the surrounding municipalities over the battery industry investments. Some surveys have suggested that this is adversely affecting support for the Fidesz leadership. Sunday’s municipal elections did not prove this to be the case, with László Papp easily retaining his mayoral seat with almost 50% of the vote.

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June 12, 2024

Sunscreen on! Strong heatwave approaches Hungary

Get ready for a heatwave! Significant warming will start in Hungary from Saturday, with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius next week.

Wednesday and Tuesday

On Wednesday and Thursday, the volatile weather will continue, with showers and rainfall in several places. Some areas might experience thunder, according to the weather forecast of Időkép.

In the west, temperatures will remain below 20 degrees Celsius, while elsewhere between 21 and 27 degrees will be typical. In the east and southeast, higher temperatures are possible.

North-northwest winds may be accompanied by strong gusts in many places, especially in the Transdanubian region.

Summer for the weekend, heatwave for next week

From Friday, no more significant precipitation is expected, and there will be more sunshine.

From Saturday, the flow will turn south over us, bringing warmer air.

Thus, on Sunday we could see temperatures towards 30 Celsius degrees in several places.

The warming will continue next week with the first major heatwave of the summer. That means highs could reach 35 degrees for the first time this year.

Read also:

June 12, 2024

Shocking: Tornado sweeps Hungary – PHOTOS

A tornado touched down near Szombathely. The supercell came from Austria.

Tornado in Szombathely

Időkép just reported that Szombathely has experienced a tornado. This is the second cloud cone observed in Hungary this year.

The tornado was also captured by the webcam of Időkép.

Check out more photos HERE.

Read also:

Earthquake shakes Hungary

June 9, 2024

Earthquake shakes Hungary

The National Directorate General for Disaster Management reported to the Hungarian News Agency (MTI) that an earthquake shook Dunaújváros, in the county of Fejér, on Saturday evening.

Earthquake shook Dunaújváros

According to the authorities, the epicentre of the tremors was about 15 kilometres from the town of about 45,000 inhabitants, with a magnitude of 2.6 on the Richter scale. No reports of damage have been received by the authorities, Portfolio reports.

The Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science (Földfizikai és Űrtudományi Kutatóintézet) detected a weak earthquake of magnitude 2.6 in the Dunaújváros area at half past seven on Saturday evening, just crossing the 2 magnitude mark of the observation threshold of the Hungarian network. The population near the epicentre was reported to have felt the tremor slightly.

Read also:

PHOTOS – Flooding Danube: Water level extremely high in Budapest

Featured image: depositphotos.com

June 9, 2024

VIDEO: Shark in Lake Balaton? – Here’s the logical explanation

Dangerous shark in Lake Balaton or just a lighthearted joke? A TikTok video has recently sparked a frenzy, showing what appears to be a shark emerging from Hungary’s Lake Balaton. The footage has led to wild speculation about the presence of sharks in the popular holiday destination. While freshwater sharks do exist, experts assure that there is absolutely no need to worry about a shark in Lake Balaton. So, what could this mysterious creature actually be?

Shark in Lake Balaton?

As Drive writes, we can enjoy swimming in a lake without worrying thoughts of encountering a shark. However, some sharks have surprisingly adapted to freshwater environments. One such species is the bull shark, known for its aggressive nature and capable of growing up to 3.5 meters long. A recent TikTok video features a shark-like fish swimming around in Lake Balaton. Even the caption under the footage says “shark in Lake Balaton”. We must note that the caption was probably intended as a lighthearted joke. However, some commenters had wild speculations about the creature, believing that it was an actual shark.

@valterfishing Cápa a Balatonban 😳#balaton #horgászat #foryou #nekedbe #fyp ♬ son original – Speedup 💗💸

Zsolt Szári, head of Balaton Fish Management Non-Profit Ltd, says that “for a shark to get to Lake Balaton, not only would it have to travel an unacceptably long distance, but the freshwater would not be very good for its health either”. He concluded, “sharks do not survive in freshwater, so it is completely impossible for any species of shark to appear in Lake Balaton”.

So what is the mysterious animal in the footage?

Therefore, there has to be a logical explanation for the mysterious animal featured in the video. Szári says:

This is not the first time that the Balaton shark has been mentioned, it is as much a myth and legend as the Balaton hake. What you see in the video is probably a hybrid species of carp, weighing 40-50 kilograms and nearly 30 years old. Their body length can reach one and a half metres. Hybrid carp were first introduced into Lake Balaton in the 1960s.

Hamu és Gyémánt writes that these hybrid carps are entirely non-native to Lake Balaton and cannot reproduce there, making them a rare sight. Experts explain that these fish were introduced into the lake through deliberate breeding, and now fishermen are relying on nature and time to take their course. It seems that people can still enjoy their holidays without having to worry about a shark in Lake Balaton.

Read also:

Featured image: depositphotos.com

Please note that the featured image is just an illustration and not from the actual footage mentioned in the article.

June 8, 2024

Budapest Airport will save one of Hungary’s last marshes

Budapest Airport one the last Hungarian marshes

The joint project by the Municipality of Rákosmente and Budapest Airport to save the Merzse marsh has reached an important milestone. The necessary preparatory surveys and environmental impact assessments have been successfully completed, and, in possession of the necessary authority permits, on-site works can start soon to restore the Merzse marsh and the Little Merzse to their former ecological values. Budapest Airport has provided support of 10 million HUF for the project.

One of Budapest’s largest remaining wetlands, the Merzse marsh in district XVII, is threatened with drying out. For years, the Municipality of Rákosmente has been trying to ensure the survival of the marsh, which is home to numerous protected animal and plant species, through habitat reconstruction programs and water replenishment. Last year, Budapest Airport joined this initiative; the company provided support of 10 million HUF to develop a rescue plan that can help preserve Budapest’s most undisturbed wetland, with the reconstruction of ditches to provide water replenishment.

The importance of the Merzse marsh as a habitat is illustrated by the fact that one-third of all European bird species, half of all bird species found in Hungary and 75% of all bird species in Budapest are found in this area, bud.hu wrote.

The ditches leading to the Merzse marsh are currently too deep to allow ground water and rainwater to remain in the marsh bed and provide suitable conditions for wildlife. As part of the landscape rehabilitation program, the ditches will be made shallower and wider, so that water will flow over the barrier layer, into the Merzse marsh bed, rather than under it. This method also goes beyond saving the Merzse Marsh: water retention can provide an effective, long-term solution not only to the restoration of the habitat in Rákosmente, but also to a much wider problem: droughts induced by climate change.

“Budapest Airport pays special attention to the residents living in the vicinity of the airport, and also to supporting good causes. One of these priority projects is saving one of Budapest’s last marshes in district XVIIt, in the immediate vicinity of the airport,” said Katalin Valentínyi, the chief communication and government relations officer of Budapest Airport. She added: “If we don’t act now, this special area will not be known to our children and grandchildren as a marsh, only as a dry, arid area. It is very important to support such important ecological issues as soon as possible, and this demonstrates our commitment to the environment as well.”

“I am very pleased to see the exemplary cooperation between Budapest Airport, Rákosmente and the town of Ecser, thanks to which the permit design documentation for water replenishment to the Merzse marsh has been completed,” emphasized Tamás Horváth, the mayor of Rákosmente, at a press conference on Friday. He added: “Today we have reached a milestone on the road to saving this wetland habitat and rehabilitating its wildlife. I would like to thank Budapest Airport for its contribution and Zsolt Gál, the mayor of Ecser, for his support.”

The necessary preparatory surveys and environmental impact assessments have been successfully completed, so that on-site works can start soon, in possession of the necessary authority permits. As a result of the project, aquatic amphibians, reptiles and birds will be able to return to the marsh, and, if the water is sufficiently deep and durable, fish species typical of this type of habitat will be reintroduced. Examples of protected plant species observed along the Merzse marsh and the Little Merzse include the white helleborine and the common cottongrass, while protected amphibians and reptiles include the agile frog, the European fire-bellied toad, the smooth newt and the European pond turtle. Field surveys in 2023 revealed the presence of aquatic bird species, such as the Western marsh harrier, the marsh warbler, the Eurasian coot and the widely known grey heron. The two highly protected species in the area are the European bee-eater and the Eurasian scops owl.

The works will start in the winter of 2025-2026, given that both flora and fauna are more inactive at this time of year than during the warm months. Animals hide or move to warmer climates during the winter and tree canopies are sparse at this time, which offers technical advantages, in addition to conservation benefits. Experts will designate the routes of construction machinery so that native plant species should remain unaffected, as far as possible.

Read also:

Wizz Air launches new flight to German city, may receive giant fine from Spain – Read more HERE
PHOTOS: Mesmerising Wizz Air plane connects Budapest with Paris, CEO may get historic £100M bonus

June 2, 2024

Here’s how to use the flower of May in your cooking: 4 recipies with elderflower

The elderflower is one of the most significant and beloved flowers of May. It is one of the most common plants in Hungary that you can find almost everywhere in the countryside.

Apart from using its dark purple berry, (which is poisonous in itself) as raw material for medicine manufacturing, its fragrant white flower is also full of vitamins and is a popular ingredient in syrups, jams and lemonade. Its characteristic flavour is associated with childhood memories and summer vacations for many people. We collected some of the most popular ways of preparing it below, so you can get a taste of the summer.

Elderflower lemonade

Elderflower’s sweet flavour goes well with lemon’s sourness in general. One of the most popular ways of using the flower is, not surprisingly, in a lemonade. Served with ice, it is truly a refreshing drink in the summer that will probably soon become one of your favourites.

Ingredients:

5 litre water
400 g sugar
2 lemons
2 tablespoons of citric acid
8-10 elderflower heads

Preparation:

Put all the ingredients into a bowl and leave it for a night to set. Serve with ice.

Elderflower syrup

Another favourite is the elderflower syrup, which you can also season your drinks with (e. g. lemonade, or any alcoholic beverage) for a unique taste. The non-alcoholic version consists of syrup, sparkling water, a few slices of lemon, and ice.

Ingredients:

1 litre water
1000 g sugar
1 lemon
10 elderflower heads
10 g citric acid

Preparation:

To make a syrup, boil the water with the sugar. Cool it down. Pour it into a jar.
Leave it to rest for five days in a cold, dark place.
Close the lid with plastic wrap and put the cap on. Kept in a cold, dark place, it stays fresh for months.

Elderflower fritters

It might seem unusual to deep fry a flower at first, but it absolutely worth a try. Elderflower fritters taste similar to pancakes, but the flowers give this delicious dessert a unique taste. You can dust them with powdered sugar, or drizzle them with honey, but they go really well with any kind of jam or compote like rhubarb or any seasonal fruit. You can also serve them with vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients:

10 elderflower heads
flour
2 eggs
1.5 dl cream
0.5 lemon
1 tbsp powdered sugar
1 vanilla sugar
oil

Preparation:

Wash the flowers carefully, and let the water drip down afterwards.
Beat the eggs with the cream, then mix them with vanilla sugar, powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and lemon peel. Add flour to the mixture until it becomes thick, similar to pancake batter.
Half-fill a saucepan with oil, then heat it. Gently put the elderflower heads (one by one) into the batter, and carefully put them into the oil. Press them down a little, this way the flower head will open up. Turn them around in the oil occasionally and cook them until both sides are golden brown. Drain them on kitchen paper.
Serve it with powdered sugar or with a drizzle of honey. Best when it is still a little bit warm.

Elderflower jelly

Ingredients:

12 elderflower heads
1 lime
1 litre apple juice
40 dkg canning sugar

Preparation:

Mix the apple juice with the juice of the lime. Put the washed flowers into the mixture and put it into the fridge for 24 hours.
The next day, take the flowers out of the juice and squeeze them to get any remaining liquid out. Pour the sugar into the mixture and cook it until it boils, then keep cooking it for another 3-4 minutes.
Pour it into 2,5 dl jars to cool down.

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Source: mindmegette.hu

May 13, 2024

Hungarian opposition DK: Samsung plant danger to nearby towns

A Greenpeace report shows that fetotoxic substances in the wastewater near the Samsung battery plant in Göd near Budapest also threaten nearby towns including Dunakeszi, the environment and climate affairs shadow minister of opposition Democratic Coalition said on Sunday.

Olivio Kocsis-Cake told an online press conference that toxic water had spilled onto arable land near the plant.

In line with a court ruling, the Samsung plant in Göd should have stopped operations a long time ago but “the Orbán government continues to protect the factory with an obvious lie”, he said. The DK politician said that the head of the Prime Minister’s Office attributed at a recent government briefing the factory’s continued operations to postal delivery problems.

DK demands that the government should immediately put a halt to the construction of new battery plants and calls for an investigation by independent experts of the operation of existing plants, he said.

“We must not allow Far Eastern-owned battery plants that neglect Hungarian laws and regulations to contaminate the water reserves for residents, and make their properties lose in value,” he added.

László Szilágyi, the opposition’s mayoral candidate of Göd, said that early this year it was revealed that 88 tonnes of fetotoxic substance had been leaked in the air in two years which “could cause serious problems in the area”. The factory has since received a permit to expand by 43,000 square metres, he said.

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May 12, 2024

5+1 most beautiful caves to discover in Hungary this summer

Hungary is full of hiking trails and national parks that are popular tourist destinations in summer. However, for those who have already explored all traditional travel destinations, something new may be of interest: caving can provide the new experience you are looking for this summer. Read on to discover the most beautiful caves in Hungary!

The Hungarian National Cave Register currently lists 4,131 caves in the country. Although many of them are less than 10 metres long, there are still several significant caves in Hungary. As pointed out by the Ariadne Karst and Cave Research Association, the total length of Hungarian caves exceeds 272 kilometres, with 36 reaching 1 kilometre in length. Of these, the longest Hungarian cave, the Pál Valley Cave, is about 30 km long.

Several lists of the most beautiful, unmissable caves in the country are circulating on the Internet. Szeretlekmagyarorszag.hu, turistamagazin.hu, and hellovidek.hu have all written their own picks for travel. Here, we collected which caves have made it to the top of these lists to make decisions regarding future excursions easier.

1. The Aggtelek Karst cavern systems

Perhaps the country’s most famous stalactite sights, extending into Slovakia as well as Hungary, the cave system has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Formed about 2 million years ago through flowing water eroding the limestone, the Baradla Cave is the most prominent, popular, longest, and most spectacular cavern not only in the region but also in the whole of Hungary with a total length of 25 kilometres.

Baradla Cave 2 — Source: facebook.com/AggtelekiNemzetiParkIgazgatosag

There are several cave tours to choose from, from the 60-minute Aggtelek short tour to the longer 4–5-hour tour. The Aggtelek National Park covers an area of nearly 20,000 hectares so that visitors can explore the surface, too, besides the underground.

2. Csévi Cave, Pilis

Csévi Cave is located in the Pilis Mountains, north of Budapest. The cave is 104 metres long and is open to the public but is under ecological protection. By the light of a head torch, you have to descend a few steep metres, avoiding rubble in the dark, to get through the limestone cave. The narrow clearings in the rim above the cavity offer a beautiful and substantial panorama.

csévi cave entrance — Photo: Wikimedia Commons

3. Körös Cave, Bükk

Another protected area is the Körös Cave, also known as the Körös Hole, located in the Bükk National Park in the southeast of Hungary. It is the highest-altitude cave in Hungary.

It is 42 metres wide and around 8 metres high. In the part of the cavern closer to the entrance, a large horn opens up to the sky, which is a natural source of light during the day and provides access to the area without a torch. The cave is open to the public.

4. Tapolca Lake Cave

Around 14 million years old, the Lake Cave is located below Tapolca, near the northern shore of Lake Balaton. Its total length is 3,280 metres, its depth is 16 metres from the entrance and it is formed by water seeping into the limestone cracks. It has been a protected area since 1982, due to its size and geological, morphological, and hydrological importance.

The Lake Cave of Tapolca 5 — Source: facebook.com/tavasbarlang.latogatokozpont

Most of the chasm is underwater and therefore closed to visitors, but the open parts are accessible by boat. It is the largest system of caves in the world that can be explored by boat. It takes about 1.5 hours to visit the visitor centre, with the boat ride lasting about 15 minutes.

When visiting, be prepared: the temperature inside is 20 Celsius and the relative humidity can be as high as 95-98%!

5. Csodabogyós Cave

The Csodabogyós (Currant) Cave is also located at Lake Balaton, in the Balaton-felvidéki National Park. It is the 9th longest cave in Hungary, spanning 6 kilometres. It takes its name from the thorny shrub that grows abundantly in the area.

The site is predominantly characterised by tight crevice passages, halls, and shafts. During the hike in the cave, in some spots, you can only walk on all fours or might even need to crawl to pass through. As the cave is not illuminated, visitors are provided with a helmet, caving overalls, and a headlamp.

The temperature is +9.5°C no matter the season, and the relative humidity is 100%. Access to the cave is only possible on foot, via a 40-minute walk. The cave hikes are guided, the basic tour takes about 1.5-2 hours, but there are also so-called extreme tours of 3.5-4 hours.

+1. Abaligeti Cave, Mecsek

The Abaligeti Cave is located in southwestern Hungary and is one of the best-known and most popular natural attractions in Mecsek. Its total length is 2000 metres, out of which the 466-metre main branch is accessible through a guided tour.

The cave’s climate, due to the 97% humidity and the anti-inflammatory calcium ions it contains, brings relief to people suffering from respiratory, allergic, and asthmatic diseases.

Next to the cave is the Bat Museum, which gives visitors an insight into the history of bat research, the tools used to study bats, and the main Hungarian habitats and migration routes of bats.

Abaliget, cave, Hungary — Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Kopoltra

For other travel tips for the Summer, check out these articles:

May 12, 2024

Scandalous: Fetus-harming chemicals found in water near Hungarian battery plant

contaminated water illustration battery plant

A fetus-damaging NMP solvent, which is also used for battery production, was found in the municipal sewage system of the Samsung battery plant in Göd, Greenpeace informed, following a response letter from the Duna Menti Regionális Vízmű Plc. (Danube Inshore Regional Waterworks).

Samsung battery plant in Göd violates regulations – again

samsung factory hungary plant göd — Samsung plant in Göd, Hungary. Photo: lanterv.hu

In February, the environmental organisation took samples of water from a large spillage of NMP solvents on the land near the Samsung battery plant in Göd. However, it was not known at the time whether the spill was communal or industrial wastewater, Népszava writes.

Laboratory analysis of the samples revealed the presence of a significant amount of NMP solvent, 200 micrograms per litre, and Greenpeace has submitted a data request to the authorities.

The authorities have not sent a substantive response to date, but the Duna Menti Regionális Vízmű Plc. sent Greenpeace the following:

“On 21 February 2024, a blockage occurred in the Göd public sewerage network […], which carries social wastewater from the Göd factory, caused by sewage pollutants of unknown origin. As a result of the blockage, urban wastewater of municipal origin was discharged at the ‘Bócsa roundabout’ in Göd, which also leaked into the field area adjacent to the roundabout. There was no pipe breakage during the incident in question.”

Simon Gergely, Greenpeace Hungary’s chemical expert, said that they demand that the authority investigate this case, take legal action against the pollution, launch an investigation into whether this pollution continues and take immediate steps to prevent similar irregular releases from happening in the future.

Greenpeace has also launched a national petition. They demand the following:

The authorities should take strict and effective action to guarantee the pollution-free operation of battery plants in our country.
Develop a strategic environmental assessment showing the environmental impacts of battery industry plants.
As long as these conditions are not met, no new battery installations should be allowed in our country, nor should existing ones be expanded.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

May 12, 2024

Magnetic storm: Delays at Liszt Ferenc International Airport? Here is Budapest Airport’s response

Budapest Airport cancelled flight airspace fee

The series of solar flares since Wednesday will be followed by an unusually strong magnetic solar storm around 6 PM on Friday evening. The solar storm could affect Earth’s electrical and communications networks and satellites orbiting the planet. Will this result in delays or changes at Budapest Airport? Here is the company’s answer.

According to Világgazdaság, today will see a phenomenon that has not been seen for 20 years. Since Wednesday, there have been several solar flares, which could be followed by a solar storm of unprecedented intensity. The phenomenon is a G4, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which has issued a high alert for the solar storm. The last time it occurred was in January 2005. The agency also said the magnetic storm could affect the entire Earth.

Will this affect Budapest Airport flights?

Solar flares and storms will not affect traffic at Liszt Ferenc International Airport, flights will continue to operate as scheduled. Thus, no significant negative effects on traffic as a whole are expected at the airport on Friday.

According to Budapest Airport, aircraft are equipped with multiple protection and alternative navigation and communication systems, allowing safe operation even if a satellite signal is temporarily unavailable due to the magnetic storm.

“Overall, solar flares and solar storms do not affect traffic at Liszt Ferenc International Airport. Flights will continue to operate according to schedule, so we do not expect any significant negative effects on traffic as a whole,” Budapest Airport replied to Világgazdaság’s question.

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May 10, 2024

PHOTOS: New leisure venue opens in the heart of Budapest

Budapest’s newest community space is opening very soon: are you planning to visit this new green space?

New pop-up park in Budapest

On Friday 17 May, the Hungarian capital’s newest community space, the City Hall Pop-up Park (Városháza Pop-up Park), will open its doors.

The City Hall Courtyard, which until recently was a car park, has been completely renovated. It is awaiting visitors with permanent catering facilities, periodic and thematic programmes, workshops, concerts and, during the European Football Championship, a joint cheering section throughout the summer, Travelo reports.

The opening weekend will include a dance performance, stand-up, a literary programme and a workshop, while on Saturday 18 May, the City Hall Pop-up Park will pay tribute to DJ Palotai with a huge party, reads the Budapest City Hall Facebook event.

Detailed programme of the opening weekend

Friday, 17 May:

17:00 – gate opening
17:00 – 17:15 – Opening speech by the Mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony
18:00 – 19:00 – Pure Lust DJ set
19:00 – 19:30 – Performance of Willany Leó Improvisation Dance Theatre
19:30 – 20:30 – Pure Lust DJ set
20:30 – 21:00 – Budapest stand-up
21:00 – 22:00 – Pure Lust DJ set

Saturday, 18 May:

11:00 – 12:30 – Free to read! (Olvasni szabad!) Literary programme
13:30 – 14:30 – “City walk” in the renewed park, interesting facts about the City Hall and its surroundings
15:30 – 17:00 – Let’s develop the park together! (Fejlesszük közösen a parkot!) – workshop with Újirány
18:00 – 22:00 – DJ Palotai tribute evening

Sunday, 19 May:

11:00 – 20:00 – Playing in the sand together in the city’s newest giant sandpit
14:00 – 15:00 – “City walk” in the renewed park, interesting facts about the City Hall and its surroundings

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May 8, 2024