Photo gallery

PHOTOS: Rare North Chinese Leopard Presented at Zoo Debrecen

Hungary’s first zoo outside the capital has some great and long-awaited news to share with the birth of a North Chinese leopard cub on November 21, 2023, as the first offspring born to Coolio and Jilin since they were introduced to each other in autumn 2022.

The little one has been thriving in the past couple months with increasing visibility and was found out to be a female during her first ever veterinary examination earlier today. Soon to be named with the help of the public on Zoo Debrecen’s Facebook page, the cub weighing 3100 grams can now be spotted in the afternoons as she gets more and more familiar with the winter environment.

Zoo Debrecen has been a safe haven for North Chinese leopards for two decades, with its late breeding pair, Szépfiú (“Pretty Boy”) and Tschunja, having contributed to the growth of the European zoo population four times. Keepers have some wild stories to tell about leopards like how a female dog ended up becoming a wet nurse to the cub born in 2009. Another fun fact is that Coolio was actually fathered by the very first Debrecen-born North Chinese leopard in Ree Park Safari, Denmark, whose granddaughter now marks a continuation of this genetically valuable bloodline.

Read also:

  • Budapest Zoo ranked among Europe’s best! – Programme Guide HERE
  • BBC: Lost Hungarian vizsla found in England with jaw-dropping new method

North Chinese leopards (Panthera pardus japonensis) are one of the northernmost leopard subspecies, with a considerably larger size and denser fur than their tropical cousins. They primarily feed on larger prey such as wild boar and deer, but occasionally on birds and rodents as well. Except for their breeding season in winter and maternal care for the young, they are solitary and highly territorial. Although they have the largest distribution out of all big cat species spanning from most of Africa to South and East Asia, leopards now face extinction due to habitat fragmentation and poaching, hence their overall Vulnerable status in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List. Certain subspecies are at an even greater risk, with North Chinese leopards having dwindled down to an estimate of little over 300 individuals in the wild while zoos around the globe are home to a total conservation population of now 55 in an attempt to help save them.

Here are more photos:

PHOTOS: Monastery turned into gorgeous hotel and restaurant in Western Hungary

Sopronbánfalva Monastery Hotel and Restaurant

In Sopronbánfalva, part of Sopron in Western Hungary, you enter a special world when you step into the monastery built against the church wall. The former monks’ cells have been converted into 23 en suite hotel rooms with purist furnishings, but with modern facilities. Take a look at these gorgeous hotel rooms!

In the Sopronbánfalva Monastery, ther are several possibilities to relax. According to turizmus.com, if you want to quietly contemplate and meditate, the building’s purist simplicity and pervasive sacrality make it the perfect place to do so. Want to get out of the walls but still not be around people? There are a number of hiking trails in the Lövérek in the Sopron Mountains.

Sopron, a favourite in Hungary

Over the years, Sopronbánfalva has grown into the city of Sopron, but it has retained its rural character. The stairs leading from the centre of the village to the church and monastery are worth a walk: they were built in 1718. The city offers a wealth of tourist attractions, cafés, restaurants and bars. Sopron’s most popular attraction is the Fire Tower, which is also the symbol of the city, says turizmus.com.

fire tower tűztorony sopron
The fire tower (tűztorony) in Sopron. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Pan Peter12

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Short history of the monastery

The Sopronbánfalva monastery stood on its present site even in the Middle Ages; however, few details from that period have survived for posterity. The Pauline fathers lived here until Turkish times. When the invaders marching on Vienna occupied and destroyed the monastery, they moved on to Wiener Neustadt. On their return, they renovated the building. When the Pauline order was dissolved in the 1700s, the former monastery became a garrison hospital.

The church building was purchased in 1827 by the Catholic community of the village. Later, the Carmelite sisters were given the monastery. After the communist regime dissolved the order of nuns, the monastery became a social home and later a mental health institute. After 1993, it stood empty.

Monastery turned into hotel

In 2004, Gábor Kovács bought the building, which opened its doors as a non-profit retreat, education and meditation centre in 2010, after renovation. Part of the complex is open to the public as a museum. The monastery has preserved all its original beauty, and the restored state of the building reflects its late 17th- and early 18th-century Baroque features.

During the renovation, the monastic cells were preserved and converted into rooms. A total of 12 renovated rooms on the floor of the monastery open onto the cloisters.

sopronbánfalva monastery hotel restaurant2
Sopronbánfalva Monastery Hotel and Restaurant. Source: Facebook/Sopronbánfalvi Kolostor Hotel és Étterem

One of the most impressive rooms on the ground floor is the refectory or dining room. This is where the Monastery Restaurant, which is served by the building’s own kitchen, was installed during the renovation. Guests can dine here, but anyone can visit the restaurant by reservation and choose from the menu.

The monastery’s simple, harmonious communal spaces provide an ideal atmosphere for creative meetings, workshops, leadership training and spiritual programmes, as well as exclusive family events.

PHOTOS, VIDEOS: “Scythian” Hungarian group wanted to ‘take over’ Hungary

Scythian Hungarian group wanted to 'take over' Hungary

The National Bureau of Investigations (NNI) on Tuesday uncovered a group suspected of plotting to overthrow the constitutional order of Hungary and disarm the police and armed forces, the NNI said on the official website police.hu.

The authorities launched an investigation last November when the group posted a video on a public media website announcing the establishment of a “Scythian Hungary group” and the arming of militias. They said they would arrest “all incumbent and former members of government” and “disarm the police and turn the armed forces”.

NNI cooperated with the TEK counter-terrorism unit in the sweep conducted in Veszprem, Pest, Zala and Bács-Kiskun Counties, involving 150 police officers in 10 locations.

Read also:

  • The most crime-ridden areas of Hungary – Read more HERE
  • Hate crime in Novi Sad: ‘Hungarian bastard, you should be killed’ – Details in THIS article

Police have questioned eight people as suspects and subsequently detained three men, a 53-year-old, a 68-year-old and an 88-year-old. They also seized guns and documents which contained statements denying the legitimacy of the Republic of Hungary, as well as IDs and other papers issued in the name of Scythian Hungary.

Here are the videos:

PHOTOS: This is what old Budapest looked like at sunset

Budapest old

Animatiqua creative studio has published a spectacular series of images. These imaginative images of old Budapest show the Hungarian capital in a way never seen before.

“As the sun sets over the Danube and the city lights blend into the twilight, the real magic of Budapest comes to life,” Animatiqua Studio says of its new series of photographs.

The gallery of images created with artificial intelligence shows a strange atmosphere, a nostalgic Budapest.

“Remember when the old trams used to jingle on the boulevard? Those old, rusty, yet reliable trains that have been criss-crossing the city for decades, whisking their passengers from one historic point to another. These trams were not just means of transport, they were time capsules that took us back to the beginning of the last century. Old Budapest was much more than just a city. It was a sense of life, a spirit of an era that the rush of the modern age is struggling to catch up with. Walking through the walls of old buildings, standing on the banks of the Danube or sitting in an old café, you can feel the nostalgic charm of the past,” says the studio.

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PHOTOS: Stunning castle of Buda Castle District to take on its final appearance soon

buda castle district red cross headquarters renovation

The Buda Castle District (Budavári Palotanegyed) is one of the many gems of the country, loved by citizens and tourists alike. However, its buildings are not very new: they often need renovations and restorations. The Red Cross headquarters (Vöröskereszt-székház) is no exception. The exterior of the new Red Cross headquarters will take its original form this year, and the building will serve as an office.

History of the Red Cross headquarters

The Red Cross Society bought the building complex in the Buda Castle District at 1-2 Dísz Square in 1900. The magnificent headquarters was designed by two important architects of the time, Alajos Hauszmann and Dezső Hültl, the National Hauszmann Programme wrote on its Facebook page.

Standing on the southeast corner of the square, the palace was an integral part of the Castle District’s skyline until the end of World War II. Although it could have been salvaged after the war and despite the wartime shelling, politicians at the time decided to demolish it completely in 1946. For decades, a neglected lot stood in its place, where an unpretentious flea market operated.

During the siege of Budapest, the building was severely damaged, taking a direct hit. Part of its slabs collapsed, burying many objects of daily use. These were found during an archaeological excavation in 2020, along with an unexploded bomb, PestBuda wrote. The reconstruction of the building started in 2021.

Palace to look like it did in its prime

buda castle district red cross headquarters renovation
Source: Facebook/Nemzeti Hauszmann Program

The ornaments on the façade of some parts of the palace is now visible, and the balustrades have been added around the terraces. In the spring, a special covering layer will be applied to the ornamental elements to give the façade a uniform appearance. According to the National Hauszmann Programme, the roof will be finished soon. It is expected that the final decorative elements of the building, the grotesque headpieces adorning the domes, will be put in place during the summer.

In the interior of the Red Cross headquarters, work has begun on the stuccoing of the ceremonial hall, based on the original plans and archive photographs, the Facebook post reads. The exterior of the building, which will be renewed as part of the National Hauszmann Programme, will be a contemporary replica of the original. At the same time, the interior design and building services will be modern.

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PHOTOS: Hungary covered by 12 cm snow yesterday; spring will come tomorrow

Hungary covered by 12 cm of snow yesterday, but tomorrow spring will come (Copy)

South Hungary’s Baranya County saw 12 centimetres of snow yesterday. However, tomorrow, spring will come to Hungary, with maximums reaching 17 degrees in some parts of the country.

According to idokep.hu, 12 cm of snow surprised the locals of Szentlőrinc, Baranya County. The precipitation block causing intensive snowfall will leave Hungary to the southeast. In Pécs and its neighbourhood, the snow layer reached 6 cm.

This is the Mecsek, North of Pécs, this morning (photo credit: Róbert Jakab):

Mist above Pécs yesterday afternoon:

More than 10 cm of snow fell in some villages in Baranya County (photo credit: Boover and Zsombor Györkő):

Intensive snowfall:

Spring to visit Hungary this week

The weather will be very different in the coming days compared to the first half of the week.

The Hungarian Meteorological Services (HungaroMet) said a cyclone will take snow to France and spring to Hungary this week. The ‘Irene’ will arrive on Wednesday, bringing strong winds, lots of precipitation and snow.

However, thanks to the cyclone, Hungary will get a subtropical warm front. As a result, spring will rule Hungary on Thursday. Furthermore, based on some forecasts, even heat records may break that day. The 1918 heat record of Kaposvár, for example, was 17 degrees on 18 January.

Read also:

  • Worth Watching: white-tailed eagle pair started a winter/spring clean-up – check out the video and read the details HERE
  • Stunning VISUALS: Green Budapest would look marvellous without cars – HERE is our article

Stunning VISUALS: Green Budapest would look marvellous without cars

Green Budapest would look marvellous without cars

AI was used to generate a green Budapest, and it looks astonishing. Here is what the Hungarian capital would look like provided all cars were banned from the city centre.

According to travelo.hu, the Animatiqua creative studio “asked” artificial intelligence to create visuals for a pedestrian-friendly Budapest without cars. The goal was to show how urban architecture can meet green spaces. The result is jaw-dropping.

Here are the visuals of a pedestrian-friendly Budapest, which would probably be much more healthy than it is today:

That is not the first time that András Kovács’s Animatiqua creates something unique and mesmerising. Last time, they revived some Budapest buildings destroyed in WWII. As a source, they used old photos. The videos’ speciality is that, thanks to the digital technique, the photos appear as moving pictures. Here it is:

Their latest video was about the lost domes of Budapest:

The team does not get state or other financial support for its projects. They create the videos and visuals in-house.

Read also:

  • VISUAL PLANS: Budapest’s newest tower block to be impressive – Check out the details HERE
  • Iconic facade of Nyugati railway station renovated, scaffolding removed – HERE are the photos and details

PHOTO GALLERY: Danube water level reaches its peak today in Budapest

Budapest Danube

On Wednesday, the Danube reached 693 centimetres in Budapest. Water levels could peak on Thursday thanks to another surge.

Gergely Karácsony, the Mayor of Budapest, wrote on his social media page that although the city has not experienced a major flood since the record flood of 2013, the experts of the Municipality of Budapest have been working continuously to strengthen the city’s flood defences.

“As a result of their work, several new weir sections have been completed recently, so we can now look forward to the surge with much more peace of mind,” he added.

As we reported earlier, the Danube has started to flood due to heavy rainfall and unexpected spring weather, and a flood alert has been declared across the country.

The embankment of Budapest has been flooded in several places and has been closed to vehicles and pedestrians.

Archaeologists found a lost royal palace in Visegrád with 700-year-old royal artefact

Archaeologists found lost royal palace in Visegrád with royal artefact

Hungarian archaeologists have unearthed the long-lost palace of Queen Elizabeth of Poland, the widow of King Károly Róbert and Queen of Hungary. In an intriguing discovery, scientists also stumbled upon a 700-year-old, lavishly adorned royal clothespin near the palace, confirming the residence of a wealthy and powerful woman in the 14th century.

As reported by archeologia.hu, the excavation took place at the royal palace and Franciscan monastery of Visegrád, conducted by experts from the King Mathias Museum and the National Museum’s Archaeological Institute.

Gergely Buzás, a Hungarian archaeologist and art historian, along with Andrea Deák, the director of the King Mathias Museum, identified a long-lost palace constructed in the 14th century, undergoing multiple modifications and extensions.

The project’s objective is to unveil the floor plans of all Medieval structures within the Visegrád Palace. Mr Buzás expressed plans to continue this archaeological venture into the next year, emphasising that these structures were predominantly crafted from wood during Charles I’s reign in the 1320s, when Visegrád gained status as a free royal city in 1323-1324.

Richly decorated royal clothespin found in Visegrád

Intriguingly, the palace was designed for Elizabeth of Poland, Queen of Hungary, the widow of Charles I, who governed as regent until her death in 1380 during the rule of her son, Ladislaus the Great (1342-1382). The recently uncovered palace was constructed for her and later dismantled during the reign of her granddaughter, Mary (1382-1385).

During the excavations, archaeologists discovered a finely embellished royal clothespin in the castle’s garden, providing tangible evidence of the opulent lifestyle of the palace’s former inhabitant. Such pins remained fashionable until the 16th century.

Archaeologists found lost royal palace in Visegrád with royal artefact
Photo: MTI

The significance of this project lies in shedding light on the original appearance of the Visegrád palace in the 14th century, as the current structure primarily reflects the modifications made by Mathias I (1456-1490).

The goal is to complete the entire restoration of the Visegrád castle by 2035, coinciding with the 700th anniversary of the Congress of Visegrád, a historic summit forming an anti-Habsburg alliance among Kings John I of Bohemia, Charles I of Hungary and Casimir III of Poland. Visuals of the reconstructed palace offer a glimpse into the historic grandeur envisioned for the landmark:

You may find some more visuals in this Facebook post:

PHOTO GALLERY: 700-year-old treasure found in the Hungarian Visegrád Palace

Visegrád

In Visegrád, a 700-year-old gilded silver jewel has been discovered in the former royal palace, which also adorned the dress of Queen Elisabeth Piast.

During the archaeological excavations in preparation for the Visegrád Renaissance Development Programme, the oldest surviving building of the first royal palace in Visegrád and a unique Anjou-period jewel were unearthed. Near the former palace chapel dedicated to St. George, at the foot of Castle Hill, stood the large Anjou-period mansion that has now been excavated. On the site of a late 13th-century town chalet, a stone building with one storey, likely of tower-like design, was built in the time of Charles I (Robert). Next to it, on the courtyard level of the period, a pair of gilded, cast-silver clothes pegs were found by experts using a metal detecting technique, according to the Visegrad Renaissance Facebook page.

The jewellery is a finely crafted pair of clasps with openwork decoration, just 3.5 cm wide. Such ornaments were used to tie the necklines of women’s dresses in the Middle Ages. Though this fashion persisted until the 16th century, the recovered piece dates back to the first half of the 14th century.

There is speculation that the jewel might have once belonged to Queen Elisabeth Piast herself, the wife of Charles I. This assumption  arises from the belief that the excavated building was constructed for her residence.

References from the mid-1340s mention the independent Visegrád mansion of the widowed Queen Elisabeth. Following King Charles’s death, the building underwent expansion and transformation into a single-storey house.

“It was not demolished until the late 14th century, in the reign of Queen Mary. Later, King Sigismund built a Franciscan monastery nearby, but the site of the old queen’s mansion remained undeveloped and is now the only visible example of the early Angevin royal residence in Visegrád,” reads the Facebook post.

Read also:

Day of Hungarian Architecture: Hungarians are modern, respect their traditions – UPDATED

Day of Hungarian Architecture

The works of Hungarian architects show that Hungary is a modern country and Hungarians are modern people who respect their traditions and are capable of creating something that is world class while being uniquely Hungarian, President Katalin Novák said at an award ceremony on Saturday to mark the Day of Hungarian Architecture.

Hungarian architecture reflects the relationship with the past, the focus of the present, “and whether we are open to the world”, Novák told the ceremony in Pesti Vigadó. This, she added, came in the form of works that could hold their own anywhere in the world.

Saturday’s ceremony was held to present state architectural awards as well as the inaugural Karoly Kos Lifetime Achievement Award which was given to Sándor Dévényi. Here are some photos:

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  • Jaw-dropping look-out tower near Mickolc completed – Details, photos HERE
  • New luxury hotel opens at Dobogókő

President Novák assists public media’s annual charity campaign

President Katalin Novák visited the public media call centre on Sunday to take charity phone calls for the annual “Good to be Good” charity campaign.

This year’s campaign is raising money for the Semmelweis University Foundation to support the development of premature babies. Novák said on Facebook that donors could bid for the coronation plate she received from King Charles III and Queen Camilla when she attended the coronation ceremony this year. A donation of 500 forints can be contributed by dialing the phone number 13600, extension 04, or by texting 04 to the same number.

PHOTOS: Jaw-dropping look-out tower near Mickolc completed

Miskolc Avas look-out tower

The lookout tower of Avas, located on a hill near Miskolc with a breathtaking view, has been completed. The opposition leadership of the Northern Hungarian city switched on the tower’s festive decoration yesterday evening.

According to turizmus.com, Pál Veres, the mayor of Miskolc, switched on the decorative lighting of the Avas lookout tower on Saturday. Inside, you can find an exhibition, films, books and a thematic shop. The program will last until 22 December.

The lookout tower was originally built as a TV station. The spire was renewed in the framework of the “Look-out ReStart” program thanks to EU funds. Work started in March and finished days ago.

Here are some more photos:

Read also:

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PHOTOS: A Hungarian gingerbread village has become known worldwide

Gingerbread

In Geresdlak in Hungary, all the houses in the village were made of gingerbread.

Geresdlak, nestled in Baranya County, Hungary, has taken the world by storm with its enchanting gingerbread village. Every house in the village is meticulously crafted from gingerbread, creating a real fairytale world that anyone can visit.

The Gingerbread Village brings to life not only the houses of the inhabitants, but also the narrow streets of the village, the church, the shop and the school. It even features trees, fences and cows. Everything is positioned just as it is in reality.

Read also:

The idea came from the head of Mrs Tímea Kettné Schmidt in 2007, and since then the village has been brought to life every year. The charming little village also requires a lot of ingredients, so the almost 200 buildings are made from 100 kg of flour, 50 kg of icing sugar, 10 litres of honey, 600 eggs, 20 packets of cinnamon, 10 kg of margarine and a kilo of baking soda.

PHOTO GALLERY: Csak a Mentes Christmas Festival delights health and eco-conscious visitors

Csak a Mentes 3
The four-time Bridge Budapest winner Csak a Mentes Christmas Festival, held last weekend, 9-10 December, at the RAM Theatre in Budapest, was a celebration of inclusivity, catering to individuals with food intolerances and those embracing specific diets such as veganism or paleo.

Csak a Mentes Christmas Festival

Founded in 2017 by Andrea Herczeg, the Csak a Mentes programme aims to bridge the gap between those with dietary restrictions and requirements and local companies and stores catering to them. The festival showcased a diverse array of products, ranging from gluten-free and dairy-free to vegan, zero-waste, chemical-free, organic, sugar-free and paleo.
The festival’s vibrant atmosphere was evident in the numerous colourful stands that adorned the RAM Theatre. Each stand was a testament to the diversity and creativity within the ‘clean-eating’ community. From natural skincare to zero waste and chemical-free household products, visitors had the opportunity to explore an array of sustainability-related content. Culinary enthusiasts also had the chance to take part in Christmas-themed gastro workshops, where they mastered beloved Hungarian festive dishes such as stuffed cabbage and beigli sans gluten.

Sugar-free Christmas cakes

VIP visitors were presented with treasure gift bags at the entrance, filled with culinary and lifestyle products worth nearly HUF 10,000 (EUR 26). While the surprise raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the event, giving visitors the chance to win enticing prizes. The festival wasn’t just about browsing products; it was a sensory experience. Curious foodies could tantalise their taste buds with a wide variety of sweet and savoury products, including traditional Hungarian Christmas treats such as walnut and poppyseed beigli as well as szaloncukor (chocolate-coated Christmas candy), sugar and/or gluten-free delicacies, all-natural protein shakes and endless cups of festive spiced tea.
One standout feature was the gluten-free and vegan bakery stand, where artisan bakers showcased their skills, crafting delicious treats that catered to dietary restrictions without compromising on flavour. This corner of the festival was a haven for those seeking guilt-free indulgence. Those who still had room for more could even savour gluten-free and vegan carby delights such as Hungarian lángos, pancakes or pizza at the outdoor food truck at the entrance of the venue.
Adding a touch of culinary prestige, the festival hosted the press conference for the upcoming Clean Master Chef of the Year ’24 event on Sunday, featuring acclaimed Hungarian art and media personalities.

Vegan or gluten-free in Budapest

The festival’s success is a testament to the growing interest in mindful and health-conscious living. Csak a Mentes has not only created a community in Hungary but has also become a hub for discovering the latest top-notch products and services. Attendees left feeling not only satisfied by the delectable offerings but also assured that they had access to trustworthy products that aligned with their lifestyle choices.
As the Csak a Mentes Christmas Festival continues to grow, it serves as a beacon of inspiration for those navigating dietary restrictions or seeking a healthy restart. The vibrant cavalcade of stands, surprise raffle and culinary delights all contributed to making this festival a memorable and delightful experience for all who attended.
Hungarian speakers can check out Csak a Mentes’ official website HERE, where they can find mouthwatering recipes, dietitian and health&fitness coach recommendations as well as ready-to-download PDF versions of the quarterly Csak a Mentes magazine. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Don’t worry though if you missed this Christmas Festival, Csak a Mentes holds events multiple times a year. Have a look at their recent fair below:

PHOTOS: Hungary covered by snow, 20 cm will fall in this region tomorrow

Heavy snowfall visited Hungary’s Northern and Northeastern regions earlier this week. Yesterday, Budapest and the central parts of the country were covered in a 1-5 cm thick snow layer. Tomorrow, a third Hungarian region will be covered by snow. In some places, the thickness of the new layer might even reach 20 centimetres.

According to Szeretlek Magyarország, the snowfall may reach 10-20 centimetres tomorrow in the Western regions of Hungary. Based on the snow map of Időkép, locals should prepare for freezing rain in the North.

Rains will rule Saturday in huge territories. We should expect snow in the Western, Northwestern and Northern regions. But the precipitation can easily change to rain in these regions.

In the neighbourhood of Sopron and Kőszeg, close to the Austrian-Hungarian border, 10-20 centimetres of snow may fall. North of Lake Balaton, that layer can reach 2-5 centimetres. Here are four photos of wintery Budapest, the first one was made of the Buda Castle covered in white:

Budapest covered in snow

In the Transdanubia and the Northeastern regions, winds will get strong. By morning, there will be fog and steam. Daily maximums will be around 0 and 17 degrees.

On Sunday, snow will be rare, and we will see the sun. Northwestern winds will be strong, and the mornings will be cold. Temperatures will be between -3 and +4 degrees.

Here are some more photos of yesterday’s Budapest snowfall – they look magnificent:

Buda Castle cable car and the Chain Bridge. Photo: MTI
Budapest Eye near Deák Ferenc Square. Photo: MTI
Saint Stephen’s Basilica. Photo: MTI
Photo: MTI

Read also:

  • Budapest traffic paralysed by snowfall, public transport interrupted – Read more HERE
  • Winter is here: heavy snowing hit Hungary, some parts already covered – Photos and details in THIS article

Part of Hungary covered in thick snow: here is what to expect

Covered in thick snow

Thick snow blankets various northern regions of Hungary, particularly the Zemplén Mountains. We present you with some captivating snapshots of why you should explore these towns and villages if you seek an authentic winter experience in Hungary.

According to idokep.hu, thick snow covers several settlements in Northeastern Hungary’s Zemplén Mountains. The thickness of the white frozen precipitation reaches 13 centimetres in some places. Hungary transforms into a real winter wonderland in these areas, providing an ideal setting for building snowmen or snowcastles or engaging in a spirited snowball fight.

Moreover, in Bózsva, the thick snow has already reached 20 centimetres, quite possibly setting a current record in Hungary.  Snow is present only in a few places, mostly in the high terrains of Börzsöny, Cserhát, Mátra, Bükk and the Zemplén Mountains. However, we hope there is more to come in December since snow has become a rare spectacle in the lower regions in Hungary.

Here are some photos:

Dobogókő yesterday:

And this was yesterday’s prognosis:

Anticipated weather for the second half of the week

Looking ahead, Tuesday promises rain, with snowfall anticipated only in the northern and northeastern regions of Hungary. Around Sopron, the wind will turn gusty Temperatures will fluctuate between -1 and +8 °C, as reported by idokep.hu.

Wednesday is poised to be sunnier, yet flurries and snowfall will persist in the north, with temperatures ranging from -1 to +4 °C. The same goes for Thursday, with expected rainfall and afternoon temperatures peaking at +10 °C. As we move into Friday and Saturday, temperatures remain brisk, with rains prevailing and snowfall confined to the northern and northeastern regions. The northern wind will pick up, while the temperature reaches a maximum of 15 °C  in the southeastern regions.

All in all, if you want to have a real winter experience in Hungary, you will have to go north these days.

Read also:

  • Winter is here: heavy snowing hit Hungary, some parts already covered – check out the details and photos in THIS article
  • Frosty winter is here, and Budapest has already seen snowfall – Read more and check out the photos HERE

Winter is here: heavy snowing hit Hungary, some parts already covered – PHOTOS, UPDATED

Winter arrived snow hit Hungary Szombathely

Winter has unquestionably arrived in Hungary this weekend. The temperature is low, but the strong winds make you feel even colder provided you are outside. Furthermore, snow is also here, some Hungarian regions are already covered in a thick white layer.

According to index.hu, snowfall and flurry started in Western Hungary today, but it is moving towards the East. The snow is accompanied by strong winds, especially in Budapest.

Multiple settlements in Vas County were covered in snow by this morning. It is expected to snow in many parts of the country today. Flurries took place in the Western regions of Hungary. However, since temperatures are not below the freezing point, the snow will soon melt. Among the settlements dressed in the snow, there are the Kőszegi Mountains, Rábahídvég, Szentgotthárd and Szombathely. Here is a video from Szombathely taken this morning:

Here are the images from three web cameras from Szombathely, Őriszentpéter, and Torony:

Of course, in most of the hills and mountains, the ground is covered in snow. Here are some photos from the Nagy Hideg-hegy in the Börzsöny, 100 km away from Budapest:

Snow appeared also on Kékestető, Hungary’s highest peak:

According to the Hungarian Meteorological Services, an even colder air mass will arrive in Hungary from the North. They said snow may not melt in a wide zone running between Miskolc and Szeged. Here is their relevant map:

UPDATE (26 November): Snow arrived in Central Hungary

According to telex.hu, snow arrived in Central Hungary yesterday evening. For example, in Cegléd, a town close to Budapest, a 1-2 cm layer remained during the night. Concerning next week’s weather, everybody should prepare for cold, windy and rainy/snowy days. The temperature will be below 0 degrees at night and slightly above the freezing point during the day. Here are some photos:

Read also:

  • Get ready for the most exciting winter programme in Budapest! – Read more HERE
  • Frosty winter is here, Budapest has already seen snowfall – Details and photos in THIS article

PHOTOS: Budapest’s first Four Points by Sheraton hotel opened

After the summer trial, the Four Points by Sheraton Budapest Danube hotel was officially inaugurated in Újlipótváros. This is the first unit of the Marriott International hotel chain’s special brand in Budapest.

The new hotel, opened directly on the banks of the Danube, is operated by Accent Hotel Management. With 105 guest rooms and a rooftop bar with a dazzling panorama, the establishment adds to the tourist offer of the 13th district. Not only the rooftop bar on the 9th floor, but most of the rooms also overlook the river and Margaret Island. Due to its location and design, hotel guests can enjoy a calm and quiet environment, but within seconds they will find themselves in the lively city center on foot or by public transport. This is how the Duna Pearl real estate complex, including the hotel, becomes the new centre of the district.

Mr Adnan Polat. Photo: Sheraton

Remarkably positive feedback from the hotel guests

Duna Pearl is a multifunctional real estate development featuring residential and commercial areas, which has now been completed with the ceremonial handover of the hotel. The Chairman of Polat Holding, which implemented this ambitious investment, Mr. Adnan Polat personally welcomed the invited guests on this occasion. In his speech, he emphasized that the Duna Pearl investment is one of the most important jewels of the group’s real estate development activities in Hungary – so he is particularly proud that the hotel located in the building complex is represented by such a prestigious brand as Four Points by Sheraton.”

“The feedback from our guests since the opening has been remarkably positive and the hotel’s occupancy is developing according to our plans,” added Dávid Hegedűs, General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Budapest Danube.

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