nature

Hungary will see record heat this summer, but the worst is yet to come

dryness drought

Since measurements began in 1901, 2022 was the hottest year in Hungary. And it does not stop here, unfortunately. A strong El Niño is expected this year. El Niño is a climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean that affects weather worldwide. El Niño could lead to a hotter-than-normal summer already this year. However, the bomb is expected to explode in 2024 – and it will not spare Hungary.

El Niño is bringing drought and extreme heat to the globe – and Hungary

Parts of the world will experience a brutal drought. Europe, and Hungary in it, will be hit by heat and stifling humidity. The average temperature of the Earth could rise by well over 1.5 degrees Celsius, 24.hu warns. A “hot summer” is no longer just about sweating more than usual for a few days or weeks. In Hungary, too, heat waves now regularly exceed the level that is healthy for the human body. In fact, the heat is indirectly causing the premature deaths of thousands of people.

And if we look at the statistics, the number of heatwaves is increasing, while summers are also getting hotter overall. For example, 2022 was the hottest in Hungary since records began in 1901.

2023 will be exceptionally hot – but 2024 will be even hotter

Kiderül.hu meteorologist László Molnár also expects an extremely hot summer and believes that 2024 will be even hotter. According to Mr Molnár, The year 2024 could be 1.5-1.7 degrees Celsius warmer than average. The previous record was 1.35 degrees Celsius in 2016.

Europe is expected to have warmer than average temperatures and more wet and humid weather. The summer will end with a stormy August, followed by a mild autumn and a much wetter than usual winter. The same is true for Hungary as well: a humid, hot, stormy summer, followed by a mild, rainy winter with up to 20 percent more rainfall than usual.

In conclusion, László Molnár underlines that we are at the gateway to a historic event. El Niño is expected to be officially “born” within a month, and it will be fast-rising as we start from a higher global baseline temperature.

Scandalous: Birds of prey are slaughtered without end in Hungary

imperial eagle in flight

Many thousands of animals have died a painful death due to illegal, deliberate poisoning in Hungary. The reported cases represent only a fraction of all such crimes. The Criminal Code (Büntető törvénykönyv, Btk. in Hungary) allows imprisonment from one to five years in such cases. However, the most severe punishment so far has been a suspended prison sentence and a fine.

No murderer gets their due punishment in Hungary

More often than not, those who deliberately poison birds of prey in Hungary do not get their due punishment. In mid-April, the staff of the Kiskunság National Park Directorate (Kiskunsági Nemzeti Park Igazgatóság, KNPI) found the carcasses of ten protected birds (common buzzards and Western marsh harriers). The cause of their death was poison in chicken meat. The damage to nature is incalculable, 24.hu writes.

All such and similar acts are criminal offences under the law if the damage to nature conservation exceeds HUF 200,000 (EUR 528.50). According to ornithologist Zoltán Orbán, spokesman of the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society (Magyar Madártani és Természetvédelmi Egyesület, MME), since 2005, there have been 2,482 cases of poisoning of birds and mammals, including 288 eagles under special protection: 128 Imperial Eagles, 156 White-tailed Eagles, 3 Golden Eagles and 1 Lesser spotted Eagle. The conservation damage is approaching HUF half a billion (EUR 1.34 million).

This is just the tip of the iceberg

Even though the MME and KNPI both use poison and cadaver dog units, the above figures are still just the tip of the iceberg, 24.hu reminds us. How many there may be in reality, we cannot even estimate. And if we add to this the deaths of unprotected birds and mammals, from magpies to foxes, dogs and cats, we are talking about many thousands more animals who have died in agony.

The HUF billions in conservation damage is only indicative. For example, the conservation value of an eagle is HUF one million (EUR 2689). Provided that someone kills two birds, they are caught, convicted and ordered to pay HUF two million. Still, the two birds are no more, they no longer breed and the species is one step closer to extinction.

Could the summer season be cancelled? The most popular Hungarian tourist destination is in danger!

tihany balaton

Microplastics and pharmaceutical residues have been found in Lake Balaton. Experts say these particles can potentially cause behavioural and biochemical changes in the environment, putting one of Hungary’s most popular holiday destinations at high risk.

Toxic substances in Lake Balaton

According to the Hungarian Agricultural and Life Sciences University (MATE), microplastics and pharmaceutical residues have been found in Lake Balaton. These polystyrene, polyethylene and contraceptive residues can cause dramatic behavioural and biochemical changes in the flora and fauna of the lake.

Although these are small microplastics, they can trigger acute and chronic effects not only in algae but also in invertebrates and vertebrates, napi.hu reports.

“It is also becoming increasingly clear that contaminants of human origin (e.g. pharmaceutical residues, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and active ingredients of pesticides) may get attached to the surface of microplastics, which may further enhance their toxicity and accumulation in living organisms and the food chain,” the statement reads.

The research team is seeking a grant to continue its work and find a solution to the pressing issue.

The weather is also warming up bringing higher temperatures than in the previous years, which further contributes to fish mortality in Lake Balaton. Large numbers of dead fish have been found lately in the waters.

Shocking price hikes

Not only environmental factors but also price rises can scare tourists away.

According to startlap.hu, the price of the Hungarians’ favourite beach food, lángos, is rising, as are the prices of other beach snacks and beverages, such as beer. Analysts attribute the shocking 30 percent price hike to the skyrocketing energy prices, soaring raw material costs and worsening labour shortages.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Budapest’s first squirrel park has opened and you can visit it for free!

Squirrel park Budapest

A free squirrel and bird park called Mókaliget opened in the 4th district of Budapest. If you are fond of animals, this is a perfect weekend programme for you and your family. 

Budapest’s first squirrel park has opened

Located in the 4th district of Budapest, 1-3 Gyula Ugró St, Mókaliget squirrel and bird park awaits those who love animals. In addition to fat-cheeked, bushy-tailed squirrels, you can also meet rare bird species in the park. The park houses several squirrel and bird feeders and baths, hedgehog houses and even an insect hotel. If you want to spend time in nature while taking snaps of cute animals, you must visit Mókaliget. And best of all, there is free admission.

Squirrel Park
Mükaliget Squirrel and Bird Park. Photo: FB/Mókaliget Újpest

The unique story behind the squirrel and bird park

What makes the squirrel park even more fascinating is its unique story. The place was dreamed up by the Újpest municipality and the animal rescue league, based on Uncle Laci’s original idea, writes magyarorszagom.hu. Uncle Laci used to feed squirrels with nut scraps. He loved to see how much joy it brings to the little children going to school, so he has not stopped his hobby to this day. He even named the squirrels. Unfortunately, however, damage by wild boars hit the area, which was observed with the help of wildlife cameras. Therefore, it was necessary to fence off the area, which we can thank for the current Mókaliget Squirrel and Bird Park.

The animals inhabiting the park

Although the park is located in Budapest, you will be surprised how many animals you can spot when visiting. In the Mókaliget, an information board has been created for visitors about the species that can be seen there, which comes equipped with a QR code. By scanning it with your smartphone, you can get detailed information about the birds from the website of the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Association. You can even bring food to the animals, but make sure that it is the right feed for the squirrels, like nuts. Among others, you can admire birds such as bluetits, jays, robins, great woodpeckers and sparrows.

Mókaliget Squirrel and Bird Park is a great weekend programme for the whole family. While you are wandering in nature, you can listen to the birds singing or watch the squirrels jumping from tree to tree.

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Mayor of EU money-wasting investment Hungarian city threatens to resign

canopy

A canopy walkway was built from EU money on the outskirts of Nyírmártonfalva by cutting down the surrounding forest. The mayor is threatening to press charges because he believes he has been ridiculed.

We reported earlier that a canopy walkway had been built in Hungary with EU funding, but the problem is that the surrounding forest had been cut down. The news station ATV Híradó interviewed the head of the village.

The forest around the promenade is already being prepared, as tree planting has started. But the forester says it will be at least ten years before we see real foliage.

Even so, many people visit Nyírmártonnalva to see for themselves one of Hungary’s most famous EU projects. Forestry consultant Ernő Gabnai said that although canopy can be expected this year, a canopy house of the kind expected for a promenade would take at least 5 years, but up to 10 years.

ATV also contacted the mayor, but he declined to comment. He said that the media had recently insulted and discredited him because of the canopy walkway. He is suing all the media reporting on the matter and does not want to talk to anyone until this is over.

The building cost HUF 60 million. Locals believe that Hungary has ‘become a country of similar investments’.

According to the forester, the advantage of the walkway is that you can watch the trees grow from below and above for years.

“I didn’t go to the village to laugh, but to talk to several locals. They told me about the mayor’s rude and brazen terror, threats and lies. I will come back to this later,” Ákos Hadházy wrote in his post.

The hunter who shot the Swiss wolf in Hungary may get a brutal sentence

Swiss wolf Hungary

Authorities have not yet identified the perpetrator. But the hunter can expect a particularly harsh sentence due to the public outcry.

The wolf wandered hundreds of kilometres from Switzerland to Hungary last year before it was shot near Hidasnémeti by a Hungarian hunter. The animal’s collar was taken down and found by the authorities, who are still searching for the carcass. János Nagy, a secretary of the prime minister’s office and a close co-worker of PM Orbán, reckons that the perpetrator should receive a prison sentence as an example to others.

According to index.hu, authorities launched an investigation into the case after the wolf’s GPS collar was found near Hidasnémeti, in the Hernád River. The wolf wandered more than 1,900 kilometres from Switzerland to Hungary. That was the longest journey ever recorded by a wolf in Europe.

Killed wolf sparks public outcry

The animal passed the cities of Innsbruck, Vienna and Budapest until it reached the Northern Hungarian village close to the Slovakian border. There a hunter shot down the wolf even though the species are protected in Hungary. Based on media reports, the perpetrator destroyed the GPS collar before throwing it into the nearby stream. However, the tracker remained functional.

János Nagy, a secretary of PM Orbán’s office, said that the prosecutors should ask for a prison sentence for the amateur hunter who committed the illegal act. He added that what happened was flagrant environmental damage.

Here is Nagy’s post:

Attila Földvári, the spokesman of the Hungarian hunters’ chamber also condemned the crime. He highlighted that protected predators must not be killed. Mr Földvári said that all hunters’ reputations have been stained now due to this single incident.

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Visit these stunning arboretums near Budapest for free

Buda Arboretum

If you want to enjoy the sight of plants in bloom, there is no better idea than arboretums. Here are some arboretums near Budapest that you can visit for free.

Buda Arboretum – XI. district

Located in the 11th district, the Buda Arboretum is free for everyone. Every season offers something new, but the arboretum is especially worth visiting in spring. Between April 21-23, the Ornamental Plant Exhibition and Fair takes place. On the guided tour, which is very successful every year, you can admire, hear stories and gain knowledge about the Arboretum. There are almost 2,000 woody ornamental plant species and varieties, as well as hundreds of bulbous flowers and almost 250 other perennial ornamental plants. The walk is free for event visitors, you just have to pre-register at ta************@gm***.com.

Buda Arboretum
Buda Arboretum. Photo: FB/Budai Arborétum

Budakalász Chemotaxonomic Botanical Garden

This chemotaxonomy-based plant presentation is not only unique in Hungary, but in the whole world too. The demonstration garden is complemented by a greenhouse collection (Hollandház), where they have planted species that cannot be exhibited in the open field. For example, you can admire the parrot flower (Strelitzia reginae), Cape aloe (Aloe ferox Mill.), and the Tasmanian eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) The garden can be visited by anyone with professional guidance, on weekdays between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, with prior registration. Appointments can be made by calling (26) 340-533/162 or at the following address: la******@gy***.hu.

Budakeszi Herbarium and Dendrological Trail

The Dendrological Trail of the Budakeszi Herbarium is located on the southern border of the Buda Landscape Protection District. The planted area of the arboretum, originally planned for 40 hectares, is 26 hectares. From the list of 1,200 taxa published in 1970, 120 tree species can be seen today. In addition to the trail, you can also visit Lake Nádas, surrounded by willow groves.

Budakeszi Herbarium
Budakeszi Herbarium. Photo: FB/Herbárium és Tanösvény

Mihály Mőcsényi Botanical Garden – Budapest

Thanks to the Liget Budapest Project, one of the most unique plants in the City Park, the Little Botanical Garden, has regained its former glory. One of the specialties of the arboretum is the Kneipp path, which is a thematically designed route where you have to walk barefoot, and you can massage your feet while walking. Orientation is facilitated by the posting of informative boards, with the names of the individual varieties and botanical specialties, with easy-to-understand graphics and descriptions. Around 335 new plants of different varieties (35 thousand pieces) were planted in the garden.

VIDEO: The asphalt blossoms on a charming Budapest street

budapest mester street greening főkert

Mester Street is one of the most atmospheric and popular streets in the Hungarian capital, Budapest. Now, the greening of the street continues. The pavement will be torn up to thin the asphalt and replaced with flowers.

New flower beds and plant containers will be created by breaking up the pavement at the sites selected during the community planning process, says the FŐKERT.

Mester Street is charming as it is, with its huge, intertwining tree-lined street, napi.hu writes. However, there is still a large area of asphalt at ground level. This will be improved this year by a Community Budget project to green Mester Street.

The first phase of the renovation will start on 27 March, with tree maintenance work on the stretch between Haller Street and Bokréta Street. From 1 April onwards, it will continue on the section between Bokréta Street and Ferenc Boulevard.

Traffic restrictions are expected on the affected sections from 27 March.


Afterwards, six sections of Mester Street will be paved with plant containers. These will be planted with perennial plants of different colours, sizes and habitats. A total of 13 different species of plants will be growing and glowing along the street, each in a different season.

The project is independent from, but fully in line with, the major renovation works planned by the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) later on. We wrote about the plans in detail HERE.

Read also:

Nature’s wonders: Budapest’s first squirrel and bird park opens! – PHOTOS, VIDEO

squirrel and bird park újpest budapest

Budapest boasts many wonderful sights. Now there’s a special addition to the list: Budapest’s first squirrel and bird park opened! You can find it on Ugró Gyula Sor, Újpest.

Visitors can meet a variety of bird species and squirrels in the newly opened Mókaliget (“Fun Grove”) in Újpest, Budapest’s 4th district, budapestkornyeke.hu writes.

The special zoo was built by the Állatmentő Liga (Animal Rescue League) in cooperation with the municipality of Újpest. The park will include squirrel and bird feeders, baths, hedgehog hutches and an insect hotel.

Kata Bedő, Deputy Mayor of Újpest, posted the following on her Facebook page:

„I’m proud to announce that in just a few weeks, Mókaliget has been completed – the first squirrel and bird park not only in the district, but also in the capital. The tiny grove has new wooden feeders and waterers, but we’ve also installed insect hotels and hedgehog houses, so that all the tiny inhabitants of the Farkaserdő (Wolf Forest) can find a peaceful haven here, whatever the season. A community space for children and adults gives you the chance to put out some food for the animals or just observe them, all in a safe, idyllic environment.”

The local politician added that the Mókaliget is home to dozens of bird species. Information boards with QR codes have been installed to help you learn about them. After scanning the code, detailed information about the birds can be found on the website of the Magyar Madártani és Természetvédelmi Egyesület (Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society).

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FM Szijjártó is afraid of an ‘unmanageable migration crises’

Hungarian foreign minister peace talks UN

Unless the international community takes global challenges around water seriously, the world could face more international conflicts and unmanageable migration crises, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said, addressing the United Nations 2023 Water Conference in New York on Friday.

Humanity is facing its most complex challenges yet with regards to security, the economy and health, Szijjártó told the conference’s plenary session, according to a foreign ministry statement. Many of these challenges pertain to nature, he said, noting that natural disasters were becoming increasingly common and tended to lead to greater food shortages.

Challenges around water deserve special attention, the minister said, noting that they are the cause of around 70 percent of natural disaster-related deaths. Forecasts show that by 2050, three billion people will be living in areas hit by droughts, 1.6 billion in flood-prone areas and 2.2 billion people will not have access to clean drinking water, Szijjártó warned, noting that a daily 1,000 children die worldwide due to drinking polluted water.

“All these alarming facts and data show very clearly that water will be a real security risk in the future,” Szijjártó said, adding that water-related challenges could also trigger armed conflicts as well as mass migration waves. The minister noted the “enormous efforts” Hungary has had to make over the last seven years to protect its borders from illegal migrants “who usually behave very aggressively and show absolutely no respect to our rules and regulations”.

This is also a matter of sovereignty, he said, arguing that no one had the right to violate Hungary’s borders or infringe on Hungarians’ right to decide whom they want to live together with. The dangers of migration can also be seen within the European Union, which, despite the efforts aimed at integrating migrants, has seen the emergence of parallel societies, a rise in the threat of terrorism and a faster spread of viruses, Szijjártó said.

“So migration is a dangerous phenomenon and must be stopped” by tackling the root causes, he said, adding it was clear that water challenges were among the most severe of those causes.

Hungary is ready to do its share in tackling these root causes, Szijjártó said, noting that the country has developed world-class water management technologies. Hungary has recently launched 800 million euros worth of tied-aid schemes and international development programmes based on its water technologies in countries such as Vietnam, Laos, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kenya, Rwanda, Mali, Cape Verde, Ecuador and Kyrgyzstan, he said.

Szijjártó called on the international community to take the challenges around water seriously, underscoring the importance of monitoring countries’ fulfilment of their commitments in line with the UN’s sustainable development goals. If the world does not take the water-related challenges seriously, more international conflicts will break out and millions will migrate, which will lead to unmanageable migration challenges, Szijjártó said.

“It would be much better to avoid that,” Szijjártó said. “Hungary stands ready to contribute.”

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Spring is here: try these hiking spots around Budapest!

Nyakas-kő

Spring is finally here and the good weather attracts those who want to enjoy the beautiful nature. Here are some hiking spots you can visit in the Budapest agglomeration!

Go hiking in Nyakas-kő, Biatorbágy

Just 21,7 km from Budapest, Biatorbágy offers great hiking spots. One of the most popular places is Nyakas-kő, where every year, hundreds of tourists climb the rocks. The length of the excursion is 1,9 km, and it takes about one hour to finish. However, you can also choose a smaller hiking trail which takes only half an hour to complete. If you climb to the top of Nyakas-kő, you get a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.

Nyakas-kő
Nyakas-kő. Photo: Szijártó Hajnalka @dailynewshungary

Climb the hills of Budaörs

Even closer than Biatorbágy, Budaörs is only 10,9 km away from the Hungarian capital. Here, you have several opportunities if you want to go for a hike. Both the Kálvária-hill and the Kő-hill offer gorgeous views of the city. At the top of Kő-hill, you can find a charming chapel and a cross. As for the diffculty of the climb, it is a short, easy walk, a long staircase leads up to Kő-hegy.

Kő-hill, Budaörs
Kő-hill, Budaörs. Photo: Szijártó Hajnalka @dailynewshungary

Hiking the highest mountain of the Buda Mountains

The Csergezán Pál Lookout, the highest point of the Buda Mountains, at the top of Nagy-Kopasz (559 m), offers a splendid panorama of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, the unique panoramic view includes the entire Buda Mountains. You can spot Pilis, Gerecse, and even the Mátra and Börzsöny mountain ranges are clearly visible.

Waterfall and Castle in Solymár

The largest waterfall in the Buda Mountains can be found in Solymár. In order to get to the waterfall, you have to climb a 4-5 meter high rock staircase. Take a walk in Alsó-Jegenye Valley which is suitable for families and even the elderly can enjoy the comfortable walk. In addition, the Castle of Solymár is also worth visiting. If you want to enter the castle, you have to pay HUF 300 (EUR 0,79) for a normal ticket, and HUF 200 (EUR 0,53) for student or pensioner tickets.

The Castle of Solymár
The Castle of Solymár. Photo: Szijártó Hajnalka @dailynewshungary

Discover the Nagy-Szénás

The Nagy-Szénás nature trail starting from Nagykovácsi is 2.1 km long and can be completed in about 1.5 hours. Nagy-Szénás (550 m) is unique in Hungary because of its amazing panoramic view. The plateau on the mountain is popular among hikers, athletes, and dog walkers. You should definitely not miss the charming town of Nagykovácsi after you finished your hike. You can grab a bite or drink a coffee at the small cafes at the bottom of the hill.

Nagy-Szénás
Nagy-Szénás. Photo: Szijártó Hajnalka @dailynewshungary

Hungary spends a lot of money on flood defence

Flood defence Budapest

Flood defence dykes will be reinforced to a value of 3.9 billion forints (EUR 10.3m) on two tributaries of River Tisza, in northeast Hungary, with the help of Hungarian and European Union funding, the communications company for the project said on Friday.

Dykes along the rivers Kraszna and Batar will be reinforced along a total length of 22 kms, also making the riverside suitable for cycling, the statement said. A lock and mobile pumping station will be rebuilt on the Batar and the programme will also cover the acquisition of equipment required for maintenance and operation, it added. The development is necessary for flood defence on the Upper Tisza.

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PHOTOS: Bucket list destinations to admire the spring blossom in Hungary

almond blossom Budapest Gellért Hill

Spring has finally arrived, bringing balmy temperatures to Hungary. Trees have begun to bud, and flowers are sprouting from the ground thanks to the mild weather. Whether you want to visit tulip fields or admire cherry blossoms, you do not necessarily have to travel to the Netherlands or Japan. In fact, this small country is full of beautiful flower landscapes at this time of year. In this article, we have compiled a few spring destinations that should be on every nature lover’s bucket list.

Blooming almond trees in Budapest

Almond trees are among the very first trees to blossom in Hungary. So it is possible to admire its lovely pale pink flowers as early as the beginning of March. Although almond trees can be found almost anywhere in the country, we think the most perfect location is Gellért Hill in Budapest. There are many almond trees on the hill, but the most popular one can be found on the southern side of the hill, above the Rock Chapel. Its flowers amaze visitors every spring. No wonder it is such a popular spot, as the blooming tree is accompanied by a breathtaking view of the Hungarian capital.

almond blossom Budapest Gellért Hill
Photo: Facebook/Csodálatos Magyarország, Anikó Hatvani
Budapest spring almond tree
Photo: facebook.com/csodahelyek.hu / Maria Mirk

Cherry blossom in Nagykörű

You do not necessarily have to visit Japan to admire the cherry blossom. In Nagykörű, a village by the river Tisza, visitors can enjoy the spectacular scenery in spring.

The church garden of Nagykörű is home to Hungary’s largest collection of cherry trees, covering 200 hectares and more than 100 varieties,

Sokszínű Vidék writes.

Moreover, not only this land but the entire village is rich in cherry trees. After all, the village is called “Hungary’s cherry orchard” for a reason.

Nagykörű cherry blossom
Photo: facebook.com/fairyheArt.pictures

 

Tulip harvest in Kőröshegy

It is not known by many, but in the village of Kőröshegy, near Lake Balaton, tourists are welcomed every spring with a large tulip field. Kőröshegy is mainly known for its lavender fields. However, for a few years now, tulips have been blooming every April next to the lavender fields.

Kőröshegy tulip harvest
Photo: facebook.com/koroshegyilevendulas

A tulip harvest is also organised every year. At this event, visitors can not only admire the flowers but also take them home. This year, the Tulip Harvest will take place from 13 to 23 April.

 

Flowering apricot trees in Boldogkőváralja

Boldogkőváralja also offers a beautiful landscape for anyone who visits the village in spring. In early April, hundreds of apricot trees blossom on the hillsides of the village. However, the region is not only worth mentioning for the apricot blossom. The Boldogkő Castle can be found here, too. According to csodahelyek.hu, it is one of the most beautiful castles in the Zeplén Mountains and, as the legend goes, was once inhabited by fairies.

Boldogkőváralja flowering apricot trees
Photo: facebook.com/mandalahaz
Boldogkő Castle spring
Photo: facebook.com/mandalahaz
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5 thrilling nature trails to explore the untamed beauty of Hungary — PHOTOS

Baradla-tető Aggtelek

The Hungarian landscape is a natural wonderland that offers breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. In this article, we have gathered 5 exciting nature trails in Hungary, each one providing a unique perspective on the country’s natural wonders.

1. Baradla Nature Trail

The Baradla Nature Trail is located in the Aggtelek National Park. The 8.1-kilometre-long trail, consisting of 21 stations, connects the Aggtelek and Jósvafő entrances to the Baradla Cave (the most popular dripstone cave in Hungary). The hike takes about 3 hours. Walking along the trail, hikers can learn about the diverse, unique flora and fauna of the karst landscape.

Baradla-tető Aggtelek
Photo: facebook.com/AggtelekiNemzetiParkIgazgatosag
aggtelek lake nature trail
Photo: facebook.com/AggtelekiNemzetiParkIgazgatosag

2. Fényes Nature Trail in Tata

Known as the “Town of Waters”, Tata once had dozens of springs pouring out crystal clear water. Although these springs largely dried up in the 20th century, in 2001, water began to fill the marshy lands of the region again, and many of the springs have returned. Since 2006, the strict nature reserve has been listed as one of the most valuable wetlands in the world by the Ramsar Convention. The unique 1350-metre-long pile walkway was built in 2015. On this educational trail, numerous information boards help discover the unique fauna and flora of the wetland and the attractions of the region.

Tata Fényes Nature Trail
Photo: facebook.com/tataifenyestanosveny
Tata Fényes Nature Trail
Photo: facebook.com/tataifenyestanosveny

3. Gyada Nature Trail

Situated in Szendehely, it is one of Hungary’s most child-friendly, yet one of the most adventurous nature trails. The 13-station, 6-kilometre-long trail is easy to follow. It is a great hiking destination for families, with playgrounds, large meadows and rest stops. Interestingly, it is also home to one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the country.

gyada nature trail
Photo: instagram.com/kirandulastippek_hu
Gyada trail suspension bridge
Photo: instagram.com/kirandulastippek_hu

4. “Búbos vöcsök” Nature Trail

The educational trail dedicated to the bird life of Kis-Balaton (Little Balaton) is named after the great crested grebe (in Hungarian: búbos vöcsök). The 15-station trail is located on Kányavár Island. The trail is about 2 kilometres long, so families with young children can complete it easily. A unique wooden bridge leads to the island, which is part of the Balaton Uplands National Park. The island has two lookout towers, several resting places and a playground.

Kányavár island nature trail
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Derzsi Elekes Andor
Kányavár island nature trail
Photo: Facebook / Takács Ákos Amatőr Drón és Természetfotók
great crested grebe
Great crested grebe. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Lukasz Lukasik

5. Canopy walkway in Makó

The canopy walkway in Makó takes hikers to a magical realm, where they can experience the world of the tree canopy up close. The walkway itself is at a height of ten metres, but it also features a lookout tower from which hikers can admire the panorama from a height of 18 metres. In addition, there can be found a suspension bridge, and people can also take a break in the shadows of a terrace. This place is also ideal for families with young children. A special feature of the lookout tower is that children (over 6 years old) can use a slide to slide down the tower.

Makó canopy walkway
Photo: facebook.com/lombkoronasetany
makó canopy walkway 02
Photo: facebook.com/lombkoronasetany
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Video: the aurora was visible in Hungary

Aurora nature

An intense geomagnetic storm has hit the Earth recently. This may have caused the aurora to be visible at lower latitudes.

On Sunday evening, there was little cloud cover over the north-northwestern part of Hungary. Thanks to clear skies, the aurora could be seen. The időkép reports that at 11:10 PM several night vision cameras showed pink light dancing over the northern horizon.

This is what the Dance of the Northern Lights looked like from the Pulpit

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: Huge green park to be built in Budapest

Budapest újpest green square

A new 9,000-square-metre public park will be built this year in Újpest, District IV in Budapest. The park will serve as an extension to the main square, which was established in 2010 on the initiative of deputy mayor Dr Norbert Trippon.

The plans

As the park will be a part of the main square, with 9,000 square meters of landscaped green space, this project is considered quite unique in Budapest. The deputy mayor was pleased to share the news with 24.hu:

The 9,000-square-metre public park is an integral continuation of the main square project, which was built in 2010, on my initiative and under my leadership, during my previous term as deputy mayor. I believe that it will be a real curiosity in a metropolitan environment, and will be a regular meeting point for people living here and visiting the city.

Budapest újpest green square
Photo: Print Screen/YouTube

The grassland will cover an area of more than 5,000 square metres. In addition, planting and other multifunctional areas are also included in the plan. As part of this, more than 100 trees will be planted and 770 square metres will be covered with a variety of flowers and other plants.

The park will include several small areas that will serve as community spaces or relaxation spots. Shaded by sun sails, these areas will be equipped with benches, chess tables and drinking fountains.

A greener district

In recent years, Újpest has benefited from a number of projects that have made the district more green and thus more liveable. 24.hu has also reported in detail on recent initiatives in the district, presenting a collection of successful green projects from the last few years.

One such green initiative is the lavender park, inaugurated in 2022, which has gained national recognition. What makes this park so special, besides the abundance of lavender, are the lovely purple benches, the selfie points, the solar-powered street lamps and the wildflower beds.

The local authority’s rainwater harvesting and composting programme is also exceptional. Under this programme, residents in the district can apply for rain barrels and compost bins.

In addition, the local government plants a lot of trees every spring and autumn. Furthermore, in co-operation with local volunteers and several organisations, they have launched a litter-picking campaign.

The huge green park being built this year fits in perfectly with these green projects. Work on the Green Square will start in mid-February, as part of the TÉR-KÖZ project. It is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2023, so that people can enjoy the park already this autumn.

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Here are the localities where the air quality is deteriorating

Air quality due to pollution is deteriorating in several cities and towns in Hungary, the National Centre for Public Health (NNK) said on Wednesday.

Air quality is in the “dangerous” category in Putnok and is considered unhealthy in Ajka, Győr and Sajószentpéter, NNK said in a statement. Air quality was deemed poor in twelve other localities, it added. The current cold and dry weather makes it unlikely that the situation will improve in the coming days, they added. NNK warned that the high concentration of particulate matter in the air can cause eye and respiratory irritation.

HERE you may find a map concerning NNK’s findings. Green is OK, while red is dangerous.

Wizz Air leads the industry: the most sustainable airline

Wizz Air plane Ukraine All You Can Fly

Wizz Air, Europe’s fastest growing and most environmentally sustainable airline globally*, reports that its average carbon emissions for 2022 amounted to 55.2 grams per passenger/km, 15.4 percent lower than in 2021. This represents its lowest ever annual carbon intensity result recorded in one calendar year.

Lowest carbon emissions

Wizz Air operates the lowest carbon emissions per passenger/km amongst all competitor airlines and is committed to further reducing its carbon emissions intensity by 25 percent by 2030. An integral element of Wizz Air’s sustainability strategy is the renewal of its fleet. The airline has been continuously adding new Airbus A321neo aircraft to its fleet and replacing older aircraft, with 34 Airbus A321neo added to the fleet in 2022.

The share of new “neo” technology aircraft within Wizz Air’s fleet is planned to surpass 50 percent by the end of this financial year. Currently, the airline operates a fleet of 177 Airbus aircraft with an average age of 4.6 years, well below the average age of its major competitors, which is around 10 years.

New aircraft

The new Airbus A321neo incorporates the latest technologies in aviation and offers significant environmental benefits, with a nearly 50 percent reduction in noise footprint, a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and 50 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions compared to the previous model. Wizz Air is currently the biggest operator of the Airbus A321neo in Europe and has one of the largest standalone order books globally of over 300 aircraft of this type, which will help the airline reach its sustainability targets.

Sustainable partnerships

In addition to its ambitious fleet renewal programme, Wizz Air is constantly working on fuel efficiency initiatives and improving the related data analytics. The airline has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus to explore the potential for hydrogen-powered aircraft, as well as with OMV to supply sustainable aviation fuel between 2023 and 2030. These partnerships reinforce Wizz Air’s commitment to driving emissions intensity down by the end of the decade.

Johan Eidhagen, Chief People and ESG Officer at Wizz Air, said: “We are proud to offer Wizz Air passengers the most environmentally responsible choice when they choose to fly. We have achieved our industry leading sustainability position by operating the most efficient and modern aircraft and focusing on finding solutions to further reduce our carbon emissions intensity. We are thankful for the hard work from all those within the company who have made it possible to achieve our lowest ever carbon intensity annual result.”

*According to the CAPA – Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence 2022

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