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Top 5 lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Hungary

Hollókő

UNESCO is responsible for the protection and conservation of cultural and natural heritage all over the world. Hungary boosts a number of breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Can you guess which ones these are? Read our article and discover some lesser-known – but wonderful – places in Hungary that have earned this title!

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst

The Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst are known for the large number of complex, diverse and relatively intact caves concentrated into a relatively small area, writes whc.unesco.org. The  712 caves are located at the north-eastern border of Hungary and the south-eastern border of Slovakia. Although the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst are typical of many karst localities in Europe, what makes them special is the great number of different types of caves found in a concentrated area. You can visit the stunning caves in the Aggtelek National Park.

The cave of Aggtelek
The cave of Aggtelek. Photo: FB/Bambi Házikó Aggtelek

Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs

Originating from the 4th century A.D., the early Christian Necropolis is also included in the UNESCO list. A series of decorated tombs were constructed in the cemetery in the town of Sopianae, in the Roman Province of Pannonia. Today, the city is called Pécs and you can visit the ruins there. The ruins are not only valuable regarding the Christian communities of the Late Roman Empire but also in terms of the early Christian sepulchral art and architecture.

Pécs
Pécs. Photo: FB/Gál-Busz Utazási Iroda

Fertő/ Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape

Fertő is an area of outstanding natural values and landscape diversity created and sustained by the encounter of different landscape types. The Fertő/Neusiedlersee has been the meeting place of different cultures for eight millennia, therefore, it represents a unique value. Near the lake, you can find the palace of the township of Nagycenk, the Fertöd Palace, the Széchenyi Palace and the Fertöd Esterházy Palace. It is also worth visiting these cultural places once you are at the lake.

Lake Fertő
Lake Fertő. Photo: FB/Fertő-Hanság Nemzeti Park

Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape

You may have heard about the popular Hungarian Tokaj wine, but did you know that the Tokaj Wine Region is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites? The Tokaj wine region represents a distinct viticultural tradition that has existed for at least a thousand years. Moreover, the landscape of the Tokaj wine region well illustrates the specialised form of traditional land use.

Tokaj wine region
Tokaj wine region. Photo: FB/Tokaj Borvidék Fejlesztési Tanács

Old village of Hollókő and its surroundings

The charming village of Hollókő is a traditional Hungarian settlement, developed during the 17th and 18th centuries. It has preserved the heritage elements and traditions that characterise it. Although the traditional forms of rural life were generally abolished by the agricultural revolution in the 20th century, Hollókő remained intact. Many tourists are drawn to the village every year to wander around the Palócz-style houses.

Hollókő
Hollókő. Photo: FB/
Castellum Hotel Hollókő
Folk dance
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PHOTOS: Tips for a perfect weekend getaway in the European Capital of Culture

veszprém city

Veszprém, also known as the City of Queens, was chosen as this year’s European Capital of Culture for a reason. Situated close to Lake Balaton, the city offers a wide range of activities and tourist attractions that would be a shame to miss. In this article, we have compiled the best ideas for a weekend getaway in this beautiful city.

First of all, if you are travelling to Veszprém from Budapest, it is recommended to set off early in the morning. Both buses and trains are available from the Hungarian capital to Veszprém. Veszprém can be reached by train in an hour and a half, with trains leaving every hour from Déli railway station even on weekends. If you are travelling by bus, you should take into account that the journey is longer, taking about 2 hours to get to Veszprém. However, the bus station in Veszprém is about a 5-minute walk from the city centre.

Saturday

A great place to start the day is the pedestrian street (Kossuth Street) in the city centre. The pedestrian street is lined with charming, colourful houses. It is worth being observant when walking around the city, as there are numerous tiny statues in Veszprém. One of these statues can be found right in the pedestrian street.

Veszprém Pedestrian Street
Photo: Facebook/Veszprém.hu
Veszprém Kolodko Statue
A tiny statue in Veszprém (Kossuth Street).
Photo: Facebook/Csodálatos Magyarország (Eda Lcsr)

Just a few minutes from the pedestrian street is one of the city’s most atmospheric pastry shops, the Mackó Confectionery. For families, it is definitely worth stopping by, because, as its Hungarian name suggests, it is a place where you can enjoy your cake in the company of teddy bears.

Mackó Confectionery Veszprém
Photo: facebook/Macko.Cukraszda.Veszprem

If you prefer a more secluded place to sip a coffee, tea or a refreshing lemonade in a pleasant, quiet environment, Íródeák Teahouse is a perfect choice. The teahouse is located in the courtyard of the county library building.

Íródeák Teahouse Veszprém
Photo: facebook/irodeakteahaz

The next stop is the Veszprém Zoo, which is a great place for children and adults alike, especially on a nice sunny day.

 

Sunday

If you are in Veszprém, you should not miss the Castle District. Although the castle is currently closed due to renovation works, there are still many attractions here. It is worth visiting the Óváros Square in the morning, where a farmers’ market is held every second Sunday.

 

As the square is located in the Old Town, it features several historic buildings. For example, you will find here St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Fire Tower, which is one of the city’s symbols.

Veszprém city
Fire Tower, Óváros Square. Photo: Alpár Kató – Daily News Hungary

From the Óváros Square, you can easily take a walk to the cross of St. Benedict’s Hill, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city. From here, you can walk down to the Veszprém Valley, one of the most beautiful parts of Veszprém. This is where the Séd stream flows, and if you follow it, you will end up at a lovely lake.

veszprém
St. Benedict’s Hill. Photo: Facebook/Veszprém.hu
Veszprém Valley Lake
Lake in Veszprém Valley. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Mihálykó Péter

However, it is worth taking a detour along the streamside to see a unique hidden mural in the Sintér Ditch nature reserve. Here, you will find a tunnel with sea life coming to life on its walls.

Veszprém Tunnel Mural
Photo: Facebook/Tethys-Veszprém

If you like hiking, you can climb up to Gulya Hill, which has a high lookout tower at the top. Near the lookout tower, there are several fireplaces, benches, clearings and playgrounds. Finally, this makes for a pleasant way to end the weekend with a picnic.

Veszprém Lookout Tower
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Zerind
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PHOTOS: Orbán played billiards against the Serbian President

Orbán Vucic billiards

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was paying a working visit to Serbia on Saturday and will hold talks with President Alexandar Vucic in Belgrade, his press chief said. They even had time for two rounds of billiards.

Topics discussed at the meeting include the EU integration of Serbia and the Western Balkans, bilateral relations and the war in Ukraine with a special focus on promoting a ceasefire and peace talks, Bertalan Havasi told MTI.

Orbán and Vucic even had time to play two rounds of billiards, here is the result:

And a video:

And some more photos of the meeting:

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Government: Hungary-Serbia partnership better than ever

Hungary Serbia foreign minister

The strategic partnership and friendship between Hungary and Serbia greatly helps Hungary better handle the unprecedented challenges it faces, the foreign minister said on Saturday.

Szijjártó said on Facebook after talks between the prime ministers of Hungary and Serbia in Belgrade that the majority of central European countries were facing challenges in three areas: the economy, security and energy supplies. The strategic alliance that Hungary maintains with Serbia helps handle challenges in all three areas, he added.

The most important challenge concerns energy supplies, with the two countries “holding on to each other more strongly than ever before” in order to guarantee long-term energy supplies, he said. In line with a long-term agreement with Gazprom, natural gas supplies for Hungary arrive through Serbia and Hungary stores several million cubic metres of gas for Serbia, he added.

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An agreement has been signed under which this year Hungary will again keep gas in Hungarian storage capacities for Serbia, he said. Preparations are underway to double the capacity of the electricity interconnector between the two countries and to make electricity transport easier, faster and simpler, he added. He also said that the pressure posed by migration was increasing and its root cause has not yet been handled. But the fact that Hungary can cooperate with the Western Balkan countries in handling the situation is greatly helpful, he added.

Cooperation with Serbia is excellent, with thirty Hungarian police serving at Serbia’s southern border and the line of defence on the Hungarian border can be pushed further south, he said.

Szijjartó also said that Hungary had a record volume of trade with Serbia last year. Never before had trade totalled 6 billion euros, which bears great significance, he added.

PHOTOS: Charming tiny villages you must visit in Hungary

ganna village hungary

Looking for a peaceful escape surrounded by quaint and charming scenery? Look no further than these tiny must-visit villages in Hungary. In this article, we have garnered some villages that are perfect destinations for a relaxing and unforgettable getaway.

Ganna

Ganna in Veszprém county is not a widely known village. And yet this small village, with a population of about 300, is a real gem, nestled in the heart of Bakony. It is worth visiting the Roman Catholic Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the village. Built in the neoclassical style, the church is easily recognisable with its imposing dome. The church is also a mausoleum: more than 50 members of the Esterházy family are buried here.

ganna village hungary
Photo: Facebook/Ganna

ganna village hungary
Photo: Tamás Fekete (Facebook/National Geographic)

Teresztenye

The tiny village of Teresztenye is hidden at the foot of the Aggtelek Mountains. The name of the village is of Slavic origin and means reed-bed. This name is no coincidence, since the nearby brook and the small lake in the village make the area rich in reed beds.

Teresztenye Village Lake
Photo: Kornél Kertész (Facebook/Nádas Fogadó)

Above the village, on the hillside, stands a Reformed church, which is considered a monument with its unique wooden ceiling. Moreover, in the area of the village, you can find 11 caves, which, together with the caves of the Aggtelek Karst, have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Teresztenye village church
Photo: WikimediaCommons/Tothh417

Orfű

Orfű is located only 17 km from Pécs. The village is a popular holiday destination, with Lake Orfű as its main attraction. The lake draws a lot of beachgoers in summer. However, the village and its surroundings are also an excellent hiking destination. According to szallas.hu, it is worth walking along the 1 km long nature trail. Along the trail, you will find the Vízfő Spring and two protected caves nearby.

Orfű Lake
Photo: instagram.com/csodalatosmagyarorszag.hu

Hungarian Lake Orfű
Source: FB

Velem

Located not far from the Austrian border, Velem is considered one of the most beautiful villages at the feet of the Alps. The small village attracts a lot of tourists for its clean air. According to koszeginfo.com, the air here is beneficial for many respiratory diseases. You will not come across many cars in the village, making it the perfect destination for those who want to escape the noise of city life.

Velem Hungary Hősök Kapuja
Hősök Kapuja (Heroes’ Gate), Velem.
Photo: Mónika Rakos (Facebook/Csodálatos Magyarország)

For those who prefer active recreation, the location of the village is particularly favourable, as it is situated at the foot of the Kőszeg Mountains. There are several forest trails nearby, which are well worth exploring for nature lovers.

Velem Kőszeg Mountains Forest
Photo: Katalin Molnár (Facebook/Balázsy Péter)

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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

Hungarian media authority head asked EU delegation not to come again to Hungary?

Media authority head

The head of Hungary’s media authority, András Koltay, has dismissed an article by Hungarian daily Népszava claiming that a delegation of MEPs that recently visisted Budapest had concluded in a report that media independence was being stamped out in the country.

The National Media and Communications Authority (NMHH) head said in a statement that Népszava was professionally obliged to contact him and give him the opportunity to express his point of view before publishing the article, but had failed to live up to “generally recognised professional standards of media ethics”. Koltay said it was ironic that the delegation had sought to promote a free and independent media while selectively leaking parts of its report, resulting in “the unscrupulous distortion of facts”. He accused the delegation of breaching rules for the adoption of reports by selectively releasing them to a section of the media.

Koltay said he could not comment on the content of the report itself because he had not received it. “I trust the material will officially reach us sooner or later,” he said. He said that notwithstanding the “polite tone” of his discussions with the MEPs, “media independence is far too complex to be used as a political axe to grind on the level of slogans”.

Koltay said one member of the 6-8-strong delegation had tried to persuade him “to take a stand on political issues that were not related to the work of the media authority”. He said the MEP had directed personal comments in broken English at the end of the meeting. Koltay said he had been “surprised” by this violation of diplomatic protocol, adding that Nepszava had written a distorted version of this exchange which amounted to a “lie”.

“I wonder if these methods are among the means that the EP delegation wants to use to strengthen media freedom and independence. It is worrying,” he added. Koltay also rejected an allegation in the newspaper’s report that he had asked the delegation not to visit Hungary in the future. “On the contrary, I would encourage them to visit as often as possible in the hope that this may advance mutual understanding.”

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Brutal increase: holiday prices at Lake Balaton rivalling seaside destinations

Hotel Danubius Annabella Balaton

Spending holidays at Lake Balaton is just as expensive as going to the Adriatic Sea. However, the price increase for accommodation goes hand in hand with the increased cost of international travel.

Lake Balaton is a popular holiday destination in Central Europe. However, the recent changes in world economics affected tourism around the lake as well. Gyula Almásy, director of Világjáró Magazin tells napi.hu that the cost of holidays at Lake Balaton went through the roof.

Recently we have written about the ever-increasing prices at the rental market around Lake Balaton. The development of the rental market has had a knock-on effect on the prices of accommodations at the lake.

Cheaper apartment rooms and holidays become much more expensive around Lake Balaton. Now Almásy claims that there is no significant price difference anymore between prices at Lake Balaton when compared to a few-day apartment stay in a more remote coastal destination.

Pénzcentrum.hu also calculates that Hungary can expect a good domestic tourist season, even a record year, but everyone faces major price rises in 2023. That means Hungary won’t have a price advantage compared to less popular tourist destinations on the Adriatic Sea, such as Albania.

Foreign visitors are still crucial for the Hungarian economy. According to the Central Statistical Office, in December 2022, 52 percent of overnight stays were booked by international travellers.

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The race for Hungarian tourists

At the same time, Hungarian guests are getting more and more important to other tourist destinations. Almásy says that Hungarian guests are very important for Croatians, as Hungarian visitors account for hundreds of thousands of overnight stays every year.

The expert reckons that Slovakia, Turkey, Greece and Tunisia are also putting a strong focus on Hungarian guests. Recently Spain has also made significant improvements by making airports in 13 different cities accessible and providing flights to encourage more vacationers from Hungary to spend their holidays there.

The oldest restaurants in Hungary that are still open

Százéves étterem, Budapest, oldest restaurant in Hungary

These are the oldest restaurants still open today to visitors to enjoy a meal like Hungarians did more than a 100 years ago.

The coronavirus pandemic and the recent surge in energy prices have not favoured the hospitality sector. Even the Restaurante Botín in Madrid, which was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest restaurant, was forced to shut down indefinitely during the early days of the pandemic. Now Hellovidék.hu compiles the oldest Hungarian restaurants still open today.

Centenary meals

The oldest restaurant today in Hungary is the Százéves Étterem (“100-year-old Restaurant”) in Budapest. Despite what the name suggests, the eatery is actually not 100 years old.

The restaurant was opened back in 1831 and was already referred to as the 100 years old restaurant back in the early 1900s. It is located in the heart of Budapest on Piarista street, on the ground floor of a small baroque palace. With candlelight and live gypsy music, the restaurant is still decorated in a traditional look, and customers can taste dishes from both traditional Hungarian and international cuisine.

Although it is the oldest restaurant in Hungary, it is not the oldest diner in the world that serves Hungarian dishes. Arany Hordó (Golden Barrell) in Sibiu, Transylvania, was established in 1542.

Fancy some sweets?

The oldest Hungarian confectionary is also in Budapest. The Ruszwum confectionary opened back in 1827 and is still open to date. Coincidentally the 2nd oldest confectionary is also called Százéves (100-year-old), just like the restaurant, but it was opened in 1840 in the small historic town of Gyula.

The Gundel Restaurant in Budapest also deserves a mention. It was opened in 1894 and became the Gundel after legendary Hungarian chef Károly Gundel bought the business in 1910. The restaurant serves the original Gundel pancake, a famous delicacy that also dates back to the early 20th century.

The oldest, still open tavern next to Lake Balaton is the Piroska Csárda in Balatonszéplak, which was opened in 1963. The oldest fine dining restaurant was opened in 1990 as Red Caviar. Under the name Golden Caviar, it is still open to this day.

People in Budapest can enjoy a historic burger as well. As the first restaurant from a Western fast food chain, the first McDonald’s was opened in 1988 on Régiposta street.

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Hungarian President met with Trump’s biggest adversary in Florida

President Katalin Novák USA Governor Trump

President Katalin Novák met Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in Tallahassee, Florida, to discuss common views on child protection and family values, the president’s office said on Thursday.

Novák and DeSantis, who met in person for the first time, have stood by similar traditional values such as the protection of the family, parents’ right to educate their children and border protection, the statement said. Novák praised DeSantis’s achievements in boosting the state’s economy, and DeSantis said he appreciated Novak’s work in family protection. The president also held talks with Casey DeSantis, the governor’s wife.

“I met one of the most successful US governors, Ron DeSantis of Florida. Congratulations, Governor, on your achievements so far”, Novák wrote under this photo:

Taking role in politics, the participation of young people in public life and Hungary’s family policies were the focus of a lecture President Katalin Novák delivered at the Catholic Ave Maria University in Florida on Thursday local time. At the last stop of her US visit, Novak told students of the private university that pursuing politics on a Catholic principle was based on respect for each other.

The Christian alternative in government can work not only in principle but also in practice, she said. Its implementation, however, requires the power of government because principles without the powers are insufficient, she added.

Good principles and values, and a strong conviction are necessary but in order to put them into practice, a sufficient position in power is also necessary, she said.

The Christian political alternative is feasible, she said and added that in Florida, too, one can experience that the principles also work in practice and they are attractive to the majority.

Hungarian President Katalin Novák
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Rental prices increased drastically around Lake Balaton

Tihany Balaton Uplands

After a brief period, prices in the rental market once again began to increase in the first months of 2023. Renting real estate in the vicinity of Lake Balaton is getting especially expensive.

As we have previously written, the turnaround in the rental market was short-lived in Hungary, as prices grew in the first month of 2023. Hirbalaton.hu reports the latest change in rental prices around Lake Balaton based on data from the Central Statistics Office and ingatlan.com.

For a brief period during the last two months of 2022, rental prices began to decline In Hungary. This trend though already changed in January 2023, as average rental prices increased by 1.7 percent.

László Balogh, chief economist at ingatlan.com, says that part of the explanation is that some of the students studying in higher education in cross semesters have entered the market as renters.

The leading expert also says that people postponed buying a home because of high mortgage rates. Instead, they moved into rented accommodation, which meant that there was extra demand in the rental market.

Hirbalaton.hu listed the latest changes in the rental market around Lake Balaton, where rental prices increased drastically in the last year.

The affected counties

In Veszprém county, the northern part of Lake Balaton, rental prices increase by 15 percent last year, and by 97.3 percent since 2015. The average rental price was HUF 160,000 (EUR 421). In Veszprém, the average rental price was HUF 152,000 (EUR 400). Renting property close to Lake Balaton is much more expensive. In Balatonfüred, the average price was HUF 200,000 (EUR 527) and in Balatonalmádi HUF 312,000 (EUR 822).

The rental prices increased by a larger margin in Somogy county, by 17.4 percent since last year and by 85.6 percent since 2015. In Siófok, the average price was HUF 132,000 (EUR 348), in Balatonszárszó, it was HUF 140,000 (EUR 379). The more popular tourist destinations have higher prices. In Zamárdi, where the Balaton Sound festival is held, the average price was HUF 180,000 (EUR 475), and in Balatonlelle, it was HUF 450,000 (EUR 1185).

Renting property around Lake Balaton is the cheapest in Zala County, which has the smallest shoreline of the three counties bordering Lake Balaton. Average prices still increased by 20 percent since last year, and by 56.3 percent since 2015. The average price in the county was HUF 120,000 (EUR 316). In Keszthely, the average price was HUF 135,000 (EUR 355), and in the popular tourist destination, Hévíz, it was HUF 195,000 (EUR 514).

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Hungarian House Speaker has talks in Kenya

House Speaker Kövér in Kenya

László Kövér, the speaker of Hungary’s parliament, on Monday met his counterpart Moses Masika Wetangula and Amason Kingi Jeffah, Senate’s president, in Nairobi on the second day of his official visit to Kenya.

Kövér is the first house speaker to visit Kenya since the 1989/90 democratic transition.

Kövér called Kenya “the leading economic and political actor in east Africa”.

He praised Kenya’s developments over recent decades and its “stabilising role” in east Africa, including its fight against terrorism and its role in regional security, as well as its management of migration.

Referring to a visit to Budapest in 2019 by Wetangula’s predecessor, Justin Muturi, Kövér said that his visit would hopefully facilitate closer bilateral ties and put relations on a new footing so that Hungary can once again play an active role in the sub-Saharan African region.

He said Hungary supported closer cooperation between the European Union and Kenya and the drafting of the Transitional Economic Partnership Agreement and its soonest possible implementation. Resulting partnerships, he added, would help to create a predictable economic environment and encourage mutually beneficial trade, investment and political cooperation, the statement said.

The sides vowed to establish friendly parliamentary ties as soon as possible.

Respective parliamentary committees for economic affairs could even come to agreements online on specific cooperation opportunities, Kövér added.

Wetangula and Jeffah expressed thanks to the Hungarian government for providing academic scholarships to 200 Kenyan university students each year, a “generous” and far-higher quota than any other EU country provides.

March 15

Prior to his bilateral talks, Kövér delivered an address to Hungarians living in Nairobi at an event hosted by the Hungarian embassy to mark the upcoming March 15 national holiday. In his speech, Kövér drew a parallel between Hungary’s 1848/49 revolution and freedom fight and Kenya’s liberation from colonial oppression and becoming independent sixty years ago.

“March 15 is for us, Hungarians, irrespective of where we live in the world, the birthday of our freedom in modern times,” Kövér said. He asked the event’s participants to “tell your Kenyan friends that March 15 is the celebration of freedom of a country that had never had an ambition to colonise any other country in its thousand-year history in Europe”. “March 15 is a celebration of a nation that was has been treated as a colony within Europe many times. But the Hungarian nation has always resisted such attempts and, even at the cost of sacrifices and suffering, it has always defended its own freedom,” Kövér said.

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PHOTOS: One of Hungary’s most popular hotels is reopening

Hotel Lövér

The popular Hotel Lövér in Sopron will reopen with a new operator in April. The hotel in Sopron will continue to be a 3-star superior hotel in the future, awaiting its old and new guests for a relaxing weekend.

The hotel closed due to high energy prices

Hotel Lővér closed at the end of October last year. The tenant-operator at the time, Bartha Hotel Kft., could not keep up with the increased overhead costs due to the increase in energy prices, reports kisalfold.hu. In recent months, Danubius Hotels has been looking for a new operator for the hotel. György Bartha, the former tenant and director of the hotel, said this in the fall: “Looking at the gas and electricity bills of the past few months, our annual energy costs would increase from HUF 80 million (EUR 210913,2) to about HUF 420 million (EUR 1107292,1), and we cannot manage this.” In the hotel, which is primarily built for domestic customers, they cannot raise the prices in such a way as to compensate the five-fold increase in energy costs.

Hotel Lövér will open its doors again in the second half of April

The owner, Danubius Hotels Zrt., has entered into a lease agreement with the Hotel & More Group, writes turizmus.com. “I am glad that Hotel & More saw an opportunity in Hotel Lövér, this classic and popular hotel in Sopron, and that we found an experienced operating partner. I see that tourism will continue to strengthen this year and this may bring new opportunities to Hotel Lövér as well. Our hotel in Sopron has been operating as a rental scheme since 2014, and we wanted to continue to maintain this model,” said Balázs Kovács, CEO of Danubius Hotels Zrt.

Hotel Lövér
Hotel Lövér in Sopron. Photo: FB/Hotel Lövér

Hotel Lövér
The hotel restaurant. Photo:FB/Hotel Lövér

A so-called “hybrid operation” will also be possible

“We intend to continue operating the building as a three-star superior hotel, focusing on leisure, sports and event tourism. However, we are also open to the so-called “hybrid operation”, i.e. operating as a hotel and long-term accommodation for employees of large companies in Sopron and the surrounding area. The handover will take place on March 9-10, according to our plans, Hotel Lövér will open its doors again in the second half of April,” said Balázs Klemm, CEO of the lessor Hotel & More Group.

Hotel Lövér
Hotel Lövér and its park. FB/Hotel Lövér

Hotel Lövér
The hotel pool. Photo: FB/Hotel Lövér

the six-storey housing project on the Algiers high coast at Balaton
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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

Board game cafés Budapest
Read also5 cool board game bars in Budapest

Orbán in trouble? New Czech president would end V4 cooperation

New Czech president

Petr Pavel, the president-elect of the Czech Republic, said he would like to initiate a debate about the possible termination of the V4 cooperation. The partnership consists of Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia and Poland and was restarted in 1990 after the fall of the Communism in Central Europe.

President Pavel also said he would like to deliver fighter jets for Ukraine and added that the V4 cooperation was in a crisis. That is because its members’ standpoint significantly differ on how they should treat Ukraine and Russia’s invasion, Mandiner wrote. Orbán highlights the need for peace every time, while the new Czech president would support Ukraine to help Zelenskiy defeat the invadors. Meanwhile, the outgoing Czech president, Milos Zeman, supports the strengthening of the V4 cooperation.

The Hungarian and the Czech president:

Hungarian President was in Prague

The Visegrád cooperation is an alliance of the heart and mind, President Katalin Novák said at a joint press conference with outgoing Czech counterpart Milos Zeman in Prague on Friday. Novák said “those who attack the Visegrád cooperation also attack the alliance of the heart and mind” and vowed to work effectively towards countering such attacks while she is in office as president. She added that as a strong supporter of the Visegrád cooperation she believed in its power to integrate common economic, cultural and historical values.

Novák said her talks with Zeman focused on three main topics: the Russian-Ukrainian war, Czech-Hungarian bilateral cooperation and Visegrád ties. She said they both condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and stated support to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. They also stated their support to brokering peace as soon as possible as a solution to the conflict. As regards bilateral relations, Novák pledged to further strengthen them in the economy and in the areas of culture and tourism.

President Novák decorated Zeman. “Hungary respects its friends”, Novák said:

Answering a question, Novák  said NATO’s expansion with Sweden and Finland was fundamentally important. At the meeting, Novák presented to Zeman the Order of Merit of Hungary, Grand Cross with Chain “as an expression of the Hungarian nation’s esteem” for his achievements in strengthening the friendship between the two countries and enhancing Visegrád cooperation. The Hungarian president also held informal talks with president-elect Petr Pavel. Below you may check out some photos. Pavel said in a Facebook post that Hungary and Czechia are allies but their opinion differ.

Orbán Viktor Kassa
Read alsoPM Orbán: Visegrád Group ‘still has a future’

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

gerbeaud café budapest
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5 cool board game bars in Budapest

Board game cafés Budapest

Board games have been experiencing a golden age in recent years, as there are more high-quality and diverse board games being produced than ever before. Their popularity has certainly been boosted during the pandemic lockdown, as board games are a great way for people to enjoy time together. However, home is not the only place to enjoy games. More and more bars are opening up where you can enjoy a drink while playing board games with your friends. 

Below, we have compiled a list of some of the best board game bars in Budapest, where you can play board games (even in English) with your friends over a beer, coffee or refreshment.

1. Board Game Café

In addition to a large selection of board games, the Board Game Café offers a wide range of snacks and beverages. Guests are charged HUF 950 (EUR 2.45) per person for a three-hour-long gaming session. For children under 14, it costs HUF 475 (EUR 1.22). You can check out their list of games by clicking HERE. As they have a huge selection, you may want to browse their board games on the site before visiting the bar. However, if you are unsure of what to play, the bar’s “gaming masters” will be happy to help you.

Address: 1094 Budapest, Ferenc Boulevard (Ferenc körút) 17.

 

2. Game Up Pub

The Game Up Pub opened in 2016 in the city centre. Apart from a variety of alcoholic drinks, guests can choose from a range of sandwiches if they get hungry. Of course, they also have a wide variety of board games, a list of which can be found on their website.

Recently, the pub’s owners opened a new board game bar called Game Up 2. While the first location is better suited to smaller groups, Game Up 2 is designed for more people. The pub consists of two separate rooms, each of which can seat 30-35 people.

In both pubs, the fee costs HUF 500 (EUR 1.29) per person for a three-hour-long gaming session. But if a customer spends more than HUF 3000 (EUR 7.73), the fee is waived.

Addresses: Game Up 1 – 1066 Budapest, Zichy Jenő Street 4.

Game Up 2 – 1137 Budapest, Katona József Street 21.

 

 

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A post shared by Game Up Pub (@gameup.pub)

3. BarCraft

The BarCraft franchise has bars all over the country, including three in Budapest. All three Budapest bars welcome guests with different thematic experience. BarCraft Corvin brings the spirit of warcraft. BarCraft Buda evokes a Victorian – Steampunk atmosphere. Situated next to Nyugati railway station, the third place will charm fans of sci-fi and fantasy movies.

Another special feature of these bars is that they welcome board game fans as well as e-sports enthusiasts. Hungary’s very first e-sports bar was BarCraft Corvin, which opened in 2015.

The fee for playing board games in all bars is HUF 600 (EUR 1.55). Along with a usual selection of drinks, guests can choose from a lengthy list of cocktails, or can eat snacks or even pizza.

Addresses: BarCraft Corvin – 1092 Budapest, Ferenc Boulevard 34.

BarCraft Buda – 1111 Budapest, Bartók Béla Street 18.

BarCraft Nyugati – 1065 Budapest, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Road 59.

4. Vault 51

The bar named Vault 51 awaits its guests on two floors, with six rooms, having a capacity of over 100 people. Similar to BarCraft, the bar also features Playstation consoles and Gamer PCs, in addition to a wide variety of board games. As for the drinks, guests can choose from 50 different cocktails inspired by films and games.

Address: 1066 Budapest, Ó Street 51.

The bar celebrated its 4th anniversary last year. To mark the occasion, they shot the following video to promote the place.

5. Játsz/Ma

Board game lovers will find here 3 rooms with seating for up to 130 people. There are over 500 board games to choose from, individually arranged on shelves to help people find the right game for them. A special feature of the place is that their dishes are named after board games.

For adults, the fee is HUF 990 (EUR 2.56) per person for a three-hour-long gaming session. Under 12, it costs HUF 500 (EUR 1.29).

Address: 1053 Budapest, Reáltanoda Street 16.

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PHOTOS: Hungary’s President received the highest honour for foreigners in Portugal

Hungary President visits Portugal

Meeting her Portuguese counterpart in Lisbon on Thursday, President Katalin Novák told journalists that the war in Ukraine, demographic issues, and the strengthening of national defence and voluntary reservists were the focus of her talks. Novák invited the Portuguese president to join the Alliance of Family-friendly Presidents.

At a joint press conference with Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Novák said she and de Sousa were in agreement regarding the war and they both condemned Putin’s aggression and took a stand for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Hungarian president said the goal was to achieve peace, a ceasefire and peace negotiations as soon as possible. She also drew attention to the situation of the 150,000-strong ethnic Hungarian minority living in Transcarpathia and the curbing of their rights, which, she added, was a matter than must be brought up time and again.

Novák noted that her Lisbon call was her first official state visit, and Portugal and Hungary were friends and allies. The president noted the Portugal bestowed on her its highest honour for foreigners, the Order of Prince Henry Grand Collar.

Here are some photos:

Meanwhile, Novák said the demographic crisis affected the whole of western Europe, and Hungary’s government had been working to reduce population loss for about ten years. In future, Portuguese and Hungarian experts will be able to share their experiences, she said, adding that she would invite the Portuguese president to the Alliance of Family-friendly Presidents, as well as the Budapest Demography Summit in September.

She also noted that the 50th anniversary of ties between the two countries will be celebrated next year, and she has invited the Portuguese president to visit Hungary. Novák mentioned the issue of national defence as the third topic, noting that there are 200,000 voluntary reservists in Portugal, which sets an example to Hungary. A recruitment campaign has been launched in Hungary to increase the number of reservists and to strengthen national defence, she added. Answering a question, Novák said the greatest significance of the Bucharest Nine Summit in Warsaw was that the participating countries had been able to demonstate their strength through unity and their alliance.

De Sousa said that Portugal and Hungary share several points on connection, such as NATO, the UN and the European Union, as well as the Arraiolos group. He noted that the latter was initiated by a Portuguese president, and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in October. Among the topics of discussion, de Sousa hihglighted the Ukraine war and the situation of the Transcarpathian Hungarians as well as demographic and economic issues. He called for a forward-looking, socially just Europe. Novák also met Portuguese Deputy Prime Minister Mariana Vieira da Silva on Thursday. On Friday, she will meet Portugese Speaker of Parliament Augusto Santos Silva, then address members of the Lisbon City Council, and receive the key to the city of Lisbon from Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas.

Novák: End of Ukraine war ‘not in sight’

“The war has been raging for a year and the end is not in sight,” President Katalin Novák said in a video message on Twitter on Friday, marking the first anniversary of the outbreak of the war. Novák said that, as a mother, it was “heart-rending to see the victims, families torn apart, a destroyed future, and despair”. The president said Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty unquestionable, while she also called for war criminals to be prosecuted. “We Hungarians wish for there to be a path towards an equitable peace agreement,” Novák said. Novák’s video was among similar messages by the presidents and leaders of other countries.