nature

Perfect picnic spots in Budapest part II

Having a picnic in a charming park is always a good idea. Whether you plan a lovely afternoon in the green outdoors with your friends or family, we have collected some great spots in Budapest for you.

Read the first part of our collection of best picnic spots in Budapest HERE.

Kopaszi-gát (Kopaszi Dam)

The Kopaszi Dam, originally created for flood protection purposes, is now used for different occasions. Several cafés and restaurants await guests for a cold drink in the summer. In addition, the park serves as a perfect place to have a picnic in. While you are eating, you can admire the Lágymányos Bay and enjoy this peaceful spot in the lively Hungarian capital.

Normafa – the capital’s best-known hiking spot

Normafa is mostly known of its hiking trails. Hundreds of tourists visit this hill and have a biking or hiking adventure every year. However, the wide meadow is also ideal for a nice picnic. It is also worth choosing this picnic spot for its breathtaking view of the entire city. Moreover, nature lovers can climb up to the Erzsébet lookout tower to enjoy some even more stunning vistas.

Normafa Park. Photo: FB/Normafa Park

Gellért Hill – Philosophers’ Garden

Gellért Hill is another example of a scenic picnic spot. Gellért Hill is a beloved tourist attraction in Budapest, therefore, it can get busy. However, in the Philosophers’ Garden, you will find a little peace to chow down on tasty food and soak up some sun in the greenery. The specialty of the place is the group of 8 bronze and granite sculptures inaugurated in 2001, which is the work of Nándor Wagner, a sculptor who lived in Japan. The Garden of Philosophers depicts the harmonious coexistence of five intellectual trends. The group of artwork includes statues of Jesus Christ, Buddha, Lao-Tse, Abraham and Ehnanton arranged in a circle.

Tabán

Tabán is a picturesque historic spot, tucked away in Budapest’s 1st district. It was once an independent settlement, then it first became a part of Buda and finally Budapest. While wandering around the cobblestone streets, you may wonder what it was like living here back in the days when Tabán used to be a separate city. Picnic is a must in this lovely spot, you can surely find a quiet corner on the meadow to enjoy some delicious bites while marvelling at the view.

Vérmező

Although the name of this park translates to “field of blood”, this is a charming place which provides a perfect opportunity for a picnic. Located west from Buda Castle, Vérmező is a great spot for those who seek peace and quiet or want to do some sports outdoors. If you are looking for a spacious picnic spot in Buda, this is the right place for you.

July 28, 2023

Traditional Hungarian houses would give us a calmer life?

Skanzen Szentendre traditional Hungarian houses

Can you imagine a plastic-free home? In traditional Hungarian houses, there was no plastic. The decoration was more minimalistic and life seemed calmer in such an environment.

As egy.hu reported, traditional Hungarian homes have a calm and uncomplicated atmosphere that is charming to many people. Nowadays, we may feel that something is missing. So how is this magic created?

Closeness to nature

By looking inside old Hungarian farmhouses, it feels as if you were still in nature. The outside and the inside seem to have not been marginalised. The walls do not close off one world or delimit another. They just connect the two worlds in a sound harmony. The sown beds of a kiln-roofed house are like bird nests resting on a tree branch. You just know that whoever lives in this home loves nature and considers it home as well. One cherishes the outside world as much as the insides of one’s home. Egy.hu describes:

When the human eye glances over the mud-plastered, whitewashed interior walls, or the huge “Blessed Virgin” tree, the pillar supporting the master beam, carved straight with an axe, or the harmonious colours and patterns of the weavings and embroideries, it suddenly feels like a complete sense of security.

This is a loving environment where nothing can go wrong. The world that many times feels evil and overwhelming becomes beautiful and harmonic.

Never alone

Our ancestors never experienced the loneliness of modern man. Who has animals is never alone, right? Traditional Hungarian houses were not only surrounded by pets like cats and dogs but birds and wild animals as well. Among the lush bushes and trees, the wild animals were living their lives in complete harmony with humankind. The unwritten agreement between animals and man symbolises loyalty, love and fidelity. These values are the basis of harmony.

The magic of the traditional Hungarian houses

Nowadays, we all have practical devices that save us effort and time on a daily basis. However, we may wonder if it’s really worth it. We don’t have more happiness in our lives by using these devices. Our ancestors were perfectly content without them. By using these modern devices, we lose touch with nature. Our homes may be comfortable, secure and harmonic, but nothing compares to traditional Hungarian houses. The magic lies in the simplicity that cannot be recreated in today’s artificially minimalistic homes. We rely on many service providers to secure our sense of comfort. People have lost connection with their houses too. The fact that we buy mass-produced furniture and not hand-made pieces takes away the magic. The human effort in creating the furniture and devices would ensure a special bond between the users and the objects back in the days. If you feel a void in your life, you might want to seek this traditional connection.

July 27, 2023

Hungary’s Lake Balaton will no longer be the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe?

As we all know, Lake Balaton is Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake. However, the water of the Hungarian Sea is going through a significant change due to human intervention. Lake Balaton is getting saltier and saltier which is a danger to its wildlife.

VEOL asked an expert to answer questions surrounding the changes in Lake Balaton’s water composition. Lajos Vörös, a member of the Balaton Limnological Research Institute, talked about the lake’s future. He said:

Up until the middle of the last century, Lake Balaton was the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, but that has changed. The water of Lake Balaton is no longer fresh water but is now also called “fresh-salty transitional water” in the local terminology.

According to the internationally accepted classification, the upper limit of total salinity in freshwater is 500 milligrams per litre. Lake Balaton was under this limit until the mid-twentieth century. Today, the salinity of the lake is around 700mg/litre.

Why is the water so soft and silky?

According to Lajos Vörös, the water of Lake Balaton is slightly alkaline, which makes it soft and silky. On the pH scale, water with a pH of 7 is neutral, however, the “Hungarian Sea” has a pH level of 8.5. The expert says:

The waters in our area and in our rocky shelf have three main mineral components: calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. Calcium and bicarbonate dissolve from limestone, and magnesium from dolomite. The waters flowing into the lake contain a lot of carbon dioxide.

As the water settles in the bed of Lake Balaton, the dissolved carbon dioxide slowly equilibrates with that in the air. Calcium carbonate (limestone) forms because of chemical reactions. Therefore, calcium might be the dominant element in the inflowing water, but magnesium is the dominant element in the water of Lake Balaton.

Human impact on the freshwater

The ecologist also said that the composition of the water has been researched since 1927. From this data, we can learn that humans had a shocking impact on the freshwater of Lake Balaton. The amount of table salt in the water has increased fivefold in the last half-century. The water of the Hungarian Sea is therefore becoming saltier, and in fifty years’ time, bathers will even feel this change. For now, the saltiness does not take away from the enjoyment value.

Table salt is used for de-icing the roads in winter, as well as coastal constructions. Thus, it easily ends up in the waters of Lake Balaton. In addition, potash fertiliser used in agriculture and treated household wastewater also end up in the lake. Due to the more intensive de-icing with salt in Northern countries, this phenomenon is also present elsewhere.

Will this affect the wildlife?

According to Lajos Vörös, wildlife is already struggling. Fortunately, nature can adapt so the lake’s wildlife will not be extinct. The expert also added:

There are living things in all kinds of water. Water purity is a human concept. The amount of algae in the water depends on the amount of phosphate and nitrate ions, of which a lot is desirable in a fishpond, but the same can be unpleasant, even exclusionary, in water used for bathing. Wastewater must be treated to prevent nitrogen and phosphorus from entering the lake so that the water is clearer and cleaner.

The Hungarian government has been actively fighting algae since the seventies and eighties. Due to the construction of a wastewater treatment network, the amount of phosphate coming to Lake Balaton is much lower.

July 24, 2023

20 Dutch families move to a tiny Hungarian village: what do they know?

In a tiny village in Nógrád County, Hungary, 20 Dutch families have purchased houses. According to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH), the number of foreigners living in Nógrád County has been steadily increasing since 2017. Still, the county has the lowest number of foreigners in the country. Some of them are there for work, some have settled there permanently. What does Legénd have that other settlements do not?

Ten Dutch families live in Legénd, another ten have holiday homes

Tamás Tunkel, the mayor of Legénd, told nool.hu that there are currently about ten Dutch families living in the village, and another ten have holiday homes. Mr Tunkel pointed out that there is a mistaken theory that they are fleeing their homeland because of climatic problems caused by rising sea levels in the Netherlands. However, he says, reality is quite different.

Mr Tunkel told nool.hu:

I have already asked the Dutch here about this theory, and they have rejected it outright. However, it is important to know that 17 million people in the Netherlands live in an area smaller than half the size of Hungary, in extremely intensive conditions.

Easier to own property in Hungary than in the Netherlands

He added that soaring house prices are not helping the situation of the Dutch in their homeland. While in Legénd, they can buy a complete house, with a plot of 1,500 square metres, in The Hague, for example, they cannot do it for the same amount. He explained that it is much more difficult to own property in the Netherlands.

The mayor said that the Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. Meanwhile, in Legénd, people enjoy being close to nature. They can take a walk in the forest without meeting anyone. They like the calm, quiet and free life in the countryside, he said.

Based on the nool.hu article, 24.hu writes that the mayor had previously wanted to set up a Dutch cultural municipality in Legénd together with the Embassy of the Netherlands. However, there was no demand from the Dutch residents.

July 17, 2023

Budapest is one of the best picnic spots in Europe – discover the loveliest places in the city

The international shopping platform Ubuy looked at the three most popular picnic spots in each European capital and ranked them based on a number of factors. Budapest came third thanks to its three gorgeous parks.

Budapest among the best picnic spots

According to the international shopping platform Ubuy, these are the best picnic spots in Europe. The ranking criteria included, for example, Tripadvisor and Google Reviews scores and the number of posts, mentions and views on Instagram and TikTok. Combining all of these, the rankings were compiled, with London coming top with 78.6 out of 81 points, courtesy of St James’ Park, Regent’s Park and Hyde Park, which is particularly popular on TikTok. Second place went to Berlin, with Treptower Park, Mauerpark and Templehofer Park as its three top parks.

Budapest came in third, with 76 out of 81 points, not far behind the two other cities on the podium. The most popular parks in the survey are Margaret Island, City Park (Városliget) and Millenáris.

The 10 best picnic spots in Europe according to Ubuy:

London, England
Berlin, Germany
Budapest, Hungary
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ankara, Turkey
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Brussels, Belgium
Dublin, Ireland
Cardiff, Wales
Kisinyov, Moldova

Margaret Island

The 2.8-kilometre-long Margaret Island, stretching between Margaret Bridge and Árpád Bridge, is one of Budapest’s most scenic parks. It makes the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some green serenity. Locals often come here in their free time to read a book under the shadow of the trees, admire the Japanese garden or wander around the ruins of the Dominican convent. The three-kilometre-long island is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a popular spot among friends and families.

City park (Városliget)

City Park is one of the most famous and most visited parts of Budapest. It covers a total area of 100 hectares, almost half of which is parkland, making it an idyllic spot for picnickers. Once you are done nibbling au naturel, you can explore some nearby tourist attractions such as the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, Heroes’ Square or the Vajdahunyad Castle. In addition, you might want to have a look at the spectacular new Museum of Ethnography and the House of Music.

Budapest City Park — Photo: facebook.com/miligetunk

Picnic at the Millenáris Park

Millenáris is the capital’s most prestigious and unique scientific-cultural community space. It can be found a few-minute walk away from Széll Kálmán Square, Széna Square or Mechwart Liget (Mechwart Grove). This park is always full of youngsters hanging out with their pals, families enjoying some quality time with their children and elderly couples walking hand in hand among the greenery. You will definitely want to come back for more.

If you decide to venture out of the capital for a day or two, be sure to check out this newly opened adventure park in Debrecen.

VIDEO, PHOTO: this is how the violent storm ravished Hungary

Temperatures in Hungary dropped 15 degrees Celsius on Thursday morning as a massive storm hit the country. The freak weather event left behind damage and disruptions in its wake, in many places.

A red alert was issued by the National Metrological Service in Hungary, lasting until 9 AM. The storm that moved across the country on Thursday morning caused damage in many places.

An orange alert has been still in force in the southeast and eastern regions of Hungary.

“Yesterday, the heat was still raging, temperatures of 35-37 degrees were not uncommon, but now the long-anticipated refreshment has arrived, with temperatures of 18-20 degrees in most parts of the country – with the exception of the southeastern regions”, says Időkép.

This is how the storm devastated Sopron:

More videos and pictures of the storm

July 13, 2023

Water shortages, restrictions may come to 15 settlements near Budapest

Residential drinking water supply organiser DMRV Ltd announced this morning that due to the heat alarm and the increased drinking water consumption, they ask several localities to cut down their consumption.

According to the company’s statement, the following villages are included on the list: Budakalász, Csobánka, Leányfalu, Nagykovácsi, Pilisborosjenő, Pilisszántó, Pilisszentiván, Pilisszentkereszt, Pilisszentlászló, Pilisvörösvár, Pomáz, Solymár, Szentendre, Tahitótfalu, and Üröm, 24.hu wrote. All of them are in the western suburban area of Budapest.

DMRV Ltd reassured residents that there is no drinking water shortage, but the measure is needed to maintain an undisturbed drinking water supply in the area.

In the case of a first-degree water restriction measure, it is forbidden to water gardens and parks between 6 AM and 11 PM. Furthermore, authorities cannot clean the pavements, roads, and residents cannot refill their pools or operate an automated irrigation system. That measure concerns only Szentendre and Pomáz at the moment. However, it may happen that it will be introduced in Leányfalu, Pilisvörösvár, Solymár, Csobánka and Pilisszentiván.

July 12, 2023

Wizz Air and other airlines face serious allegations of deceiving customers

Airlines are accused of greenwashing by consumer organisations from 18 countries. They have jointly complained about what they say are misleading and false claims that people are being misled into believing that flying can be made greener. Among others, the Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air and Irish low-cost airline Ryanair, also popular in Hungary, have been faced with the allegations.

BEUC (the European Consumer Organisation) and 22 member associations from 18 countries are lodging a complaint with the European Commission and the national network of consumer protection authorities (CPC) against misleading climate claims made by 17 European airlines, napi.hu reports.

Wizz Air also investigated

Wizz Air plane Ukraine — Photo: facebook.com/wizzair

The following 17 airlines have been investigated and are being called on to end the misleading practice: Air Baltic, Air Dolomiti, Air France, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Finnair, KLM, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Ryanair, SAS, SWISS, TAP, Volotea, Vueling, Wizz Air.

They are calling for a Europe-wide investigation into the issue and for the airlines concerned, and the industry as a whole, to stop making claims that give consumers the impression that aviation is sustainable.

“This is simply not true, as aviation is not sustainable and will not be in the foreseeable future,”

BEUC said.

Even if you pay a ‘green fare’, aviation will not be sustainable

Where airlines have suggested to consumers to pay extra “green” charges based on such misleading claims, consumer protection authorities should require airlines to reimburse consumers.

“Whether you pay a ‘green fare’ or not, your flight will still emit climate-harmful gases. Technological solutions to decarbonise aviation won’t become a massive-scale reality any time soon, so depicting flying as a sustainable mode of transport is pure greenwashing. At a time when many want to travel more sustainably, airlines should urgently stop offering consumers a fake peace of mind,” cityam.com quotes Ursula Pachl, the BEUC’s deputy director general, as saying.

Flight between Cluj-Napoca and Budapest cancelled

As we reported earlier today, the Romanian airline AirConnect has cancelled its flight between Cluj-Napoca and the Hungarian capital. Read details HERE.

June 23, 2023

VIDEO: The cutest on the Hungarian internet right now: a beaver having a bath!

The beaver was filmed on the shore of Tata’s Old Lake (Öreg-tó).

The rodent was filmed on the shore of Tata’s Old Lake (Öreg-tó) washing itself “in a way that puts humans to shame”, player.hu reported. At least that is what a “layperson” would think.

According to those in the know, however, on the contrary, the thoroughness is all about making his fur waterproof, which he smears with the secretions of his two salivary glands around his anus, player.hu explains.

Watch the adorable (or is it?) video below!

June 14, 2023

Mouse-sized hornets in Hungary? Watch out for these deadly beasts

After being present in the USA and France, Asian giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia) might appear in Hungary as well. These creatures are the size of a mouse and have deadly stings.

Bors reported that Asian giant hornets might appear in Hungary. Nature lovers are warned about keeping a distance from all kinds of wasps. Hornets set their nests in trees, mostly rotten pine roots. Thus, be careful when touching trees. These hornets only attack when they feel in danger. When they do attack, they strike in groups.

Asian Giant Hornets in Other Countries

These vicious insects prefer temperate and tropical climates. Asian giant hornets are native to East Asia, South Asia and Mainland Asia. In 2019, there were reports of seeing Asian giant hornets in North America as well. More and more nests were found in the following two years, which created panic among citizens. Wasps can be dangerous, but this species is the biggest and the deadliest of all. However, there has not been a record of Asian giant hornets in Nothern America since 2022. Not so long ago, these insects were seen in France as well.

How Do These Creatures Travel?

Unlike some other species, Asian giant hornets are not migrating due to climate change. Or at least it is not the main cause. The answer is the global economy. Shipment inadvertently spread these invasive species. If fertile females get to a different location it is just a question of time and conditions how much further they will spread in the given country. Queens can exceed 50 mm (2 in), while workers are around 40 mm (1 3/5 in).

Why Are They So Dangerous?

Asian giant hornets might consume fruits from time to time, but they are predators. They can even take down a European mantis (Mantis religiosa). These insects mean the most danger to the bee population. They are also dangerous for humans, as their stings can cause deadly allergic reactions. Specialists who study this species must wear protective suits to approach them. The spokesman of Birdlife Hungary (MME), Zoltán Orbán says:

“Earlier, I saw an educational film about the Asian giant hornet. The people who made the film were dressed in a suit similar to a space suit, and yet one of them was in deadly danger because when he crouched down, he did not realise that there was a wasp in the crook of his knee. The insect attacked immediately when it was crushed. This person was taken to hospital right away.”

Do They Mean a Danger in Hungary?

According to József Sár, an entomologist, these insects are not present in Hungary yet. There has been much fake news about their presence in Hungary, as European hornets are easily mistaken for Asian giant hornets. Although, it is highly possible that these creatures will appear in Hungary as well. Therefore, it is better to look out for them and keep a distance from wasps in general. You can read about other stingy beasts in Hungary HERE.

June 12, 2023

PHOTOS, VIDEOS: Tornado in Budapest, settlements washed away by heavy rain

By Tuesday evening, a wave of thunderstorms reached the region of Budapest. On Aranyhegy in Óbuda, at around 8:15 PM, a non-mesocyclonic tornado formed from one of the thunderstorm clouds. Meanwhile, there was heavy rainfall in several other settlements in Hungary, with minor flooding in several places.

Időkép shared a spectacular photo of the tornado in Budapest:

A brutal video was also published by Időkép from Kéty in Tolna county. In Kéty, like in many parts of the country, very heavy rainfall occurred yesterday. The settlement was so badly hit by the thunderstorm that agricultural measurements show that 40-45 mm of rain fell in the area in half an hour, Telex reports.

Below are some additional pictures and videos of the heavy rainfalls and storms all over Hungary:

June 7, 2023

Just in: Magnitude 5 earthquake felt in several Hungarian cities

On 6 June 2023, at 7:26 PM local time, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 was first estimated to have occurred in Romania, 16 km from Arad, according to the official Facebook page of the ELKH FI Kövesligethy Radó Seismological Observatory.

As they wrote in the post, they received reports from Békéscsaba, Gyula, Kisdombegyház, Szeged, Kecskemét and Budapest. This suggests that it was felt quite widely by the population, Pénzcentrum writes.

They added that no damage has been reported so far. You can view the post of the ELKH FI Kövesligethy Radó Seismological Observatory below:

June 6, 2023

Holidaymakers’ nightmares are back, but what can we do about it?

This week, mosquitoes are being eradicated on 85,000 hectares, according to the National Directorate General for Disaster Management (OKF), which is responsible for the implementation of the mosquito control programme.

Hungary started fumigation

In the recent period, the tidal surge on rivers in the west and central parts of the country has brought about a massive mosquito boom. Their breeding is also aided by the rise in temperatures, so they can be present in large numbers on the water banks.

The Hungarian National Directorate General for Disaster Management has begun pest control spraying country-wide, including in the capital. There will even be aerial chemical treatments in some counties.

What can we do about it?

The OKF points out that the public can do a lot to reduce mosquito damage. Emptying and covering water containers and barrels around the house is a great first step.

Mosquitoes are considered a harmful pest as they also spread various diseases. It is important to pay attention to prevention. If you have a garden make it birdproof and you can also keep mosquitoes away with certain plants that repel the uninvited bugs.

The natural fragrance of basil, rosemary, lavender, sage and lemongrass effectively deters mosquitoes. The most basic protection is, of course, to install mosquito nets. According to greendex.hu, you can also avoid bites by using different essential oils.

Once the damage is done though, you can apply aloe vera, ice or peppermint to the itchy bite. Avoid scratching the sting at all costs, as it can become infected.

May 30, 2023

Houses, hotels will be built at Lake Fertő?

Green LMP will put questions to Construction and Transport Minister János Lázár about a hotel and leisure site construction project at Lake Fertő, a protected area in north-western Hungary, a board member of the party said on Saturday.

Mária Szendefy told an online press conference that the planned project was terminated last summer “due to the economic crisis and burdens put on the central budget by the war in Ukraine”. “We learnt with shock later that the government office of Győr-Moson-Sopron County has issued afterwards a permit for the construction of an even larger investment that includes more apartment houses and hotels” than originally planned, she said. The lake is situated in the Fertő-Hanság National Park, one of the largest habitats of birds in the Carpathian Basin, where large swamps and reed hinders bathing or sailing, Szendefy said.

LMP considers the planned investment unnecessary, harmful to the environment and a waste of taxpayers’ money, she said. The party wants to know from the minister whether the termination of the project is still in effect, what state resources are available for it and whether he will not consider it his personal responsibility “to save one of Hungary’s largest wetlands from the barbaric concrete lobby”.

May 28, 2023

A Hungarian climber disappeared on Mount Everest

Hungarian climber Szilárd Suhajda vanished without a trace on Mount Everest. He left Camp 4 on his own two days ago, and none of the members of the expedition team has seen him ever since.

Missing Hungarian climber

Szilárd Suhajda set off for the 8,848-metre summit of Mount Everest in Nepal at 9 PM local time on Tuesday evening. At the time of publishing our story, the Hungarian climber has been missing for 45 hours. To make matters worse, he’s out there without emergency oxygen or personal Sherpa support, so he has to carry his equipment and cope with the elements entirely alone.

His beacon last showed his position on Wednesday evening. At that time, Suhajda was at the Hillary Staircase at an altitude of 8,795 metres. “Although it’s only 50 metres from the summit, it could take several hours to reach the highest peak,” said László Pintér, head of communications at the Hungarian Mountaineering and Sport Climbing Federation.

An expert told hvg.hu that Suhajda’s fellow climbers may have failed to notice him because his headlamp was broken. On Wednesday, the Hungarian mountaineer was still in contact with his staff at home. He said he was feeling determined and mentioned the great weather conditions.

Help is on the way

Suhajda had previously asked two Sherpas to move up from Camp 3 to Camp 4, where the Hungarian climber was scheduled to return. According to László Pintér, this is not a rescue mission, they are just waiting for Suhajda with fluids.

According to M4 Sport, the two Sherpas have already reached Camp 4. Here, they will conduct a search at the site. If there is still no sight of the Hungarian climber, they will stay up and alert in case he arrives to the camp throughout the night from the summit region.

In addition to Suhajda, a group of 12 climbers, including four Sherpas, set off to the summit of Mount Everest on the very same route as the Hungarian adventurer.

“During his Lhoce climb last year, he didn’t give a sign of life for two entire days, nor did he contact us when he reached the summit, even though he knew that we were on edge following his movement, based on the tracker. We assume that at this moment he must be slowly descending down the mountain as we can’t see his tracking data. We have no information on why the tracker is not working, but it’s best not to come up with scenarios too quickly,” writes László Pintér.

May 25, 2023

PHOTOS: Unprecedented tornado hit Hungary

For the first time this year, a tornado ravaged Hungary on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Időkép, the twister was seen late Wednesday afternoon near the village of Kétegyháza, in the southeastern tip of Hungary.

This is the first time Hungary has had a landfalling cloud cone in 2023, while a smaller vortex that has not yet touched down was already formed 28 times.

Attila Tomka spotted the tornado near the Orthodox cemetery in Kétegyháza. “I took a snap with my phone at five times magnification but it dissipated in a few seconds,” Tomka recalled the rare natural phenomenon.

Not only in Kétegyháza, but also in Pusztaottlaka, a settlement further west, the tornado was visible for a short while.

May 25, 2023

Revolutionary Google innovation available in Hungary!

Google is extending its flood warning platform to Hungary, among 60 countries. This was reported by the company’s press office on Tuesday, 23 May.

According to the announcement, Google has long been working to use artificial intelligence to tackle the climate crisis. As part of the effort, it is expanding its flood prediction capabilities to 80 countries, Index reports.

The service will expand to 60 new countries in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, South and Central America, including Hungary.

Governments, aid agencies and individuals in these regions can now access critical information up to seven days in advance, which is 48 hours earlier than last year. Thanks to Flood Hub, they can prepare for floods and adapt to changing conditions.

The interface displays forecasts of floods in an area of 460 million people, showing when and where they will occur, according to the statement, MTI reports.

May 24, 2023

New Budapest district will look stunning – PHOTO

budapest 11th district budapart visual plan

Budafoki Road in Disctric 11 in Budapest and its surroundings will be redeveloped in the next phase of BudaPart. The project was voted the world’s best neighbourhood development in 2022. Now, the developer shared a visual plan on how the district will look when it is complete – and it’s mesmerising.

The 11th district in Budapest is being renewed

Budafoki Road and its surroundings will be renovated in the next phase of BudaPart. The project of the developer, Property Market, will include a number of utility and transport infrastructure improvements in several phases. This will make the public spaces of the capital’s 11th district more orderly and modern, Szeretlek Magyarország reports.

The next phase of the works on Budafoki Road will start on 15 May. During the construction works, the developer will build utilities, roadworks, safe cycle lanes, traffic lights and greenery on Budafoki út between Dombóvári Street and Hauszmann Alajos Street. It will also start the greening of Budafoki Road.

Traffic restrictions to be expected during the works

During the reconstruction works, which start on 15 May 2023 and are expected to be completed on 17 August 2023, traffic will be subject to scheduled and periodic, non-full-cross-section traffic diversions, lane closures, speed restrictions and changes to pedestrian traffic on the section between Budafoki Road, Dombóvári Street and Hauszmann Alajos Street.

Road traffic will be uninterrupted, but the works will lead to increased travel times. The investor asks for the patience of road users in order to deliver a modern and long-lasting infrastructure, Szeretlek Magyarország writes.

Here’s what to expect from BudaPart

BudaPart, next to the Kopaszi Dam, is the world’s best neighbourhood development. The “15-minute city” concept is already well established, offering downtown features. However, the next phases of the development will further expand the opportunities for residents, workers and leisure visitors.

BudaPart will include a kindergarten, restaurants and retail units, and from mid-summer a four-star hotel, while the green and park area will be further expanded. The regenerated section will also include safe cycle and bus lanes, and the greening of Budafoki Road will begin, with more than 50 trees added by the end of the project.

May 15, 2023