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7-day itinerary in Hungary: visit the biggest cities and hidden gems

Halászbástya Fisherman's Bastion Budapest

Hungary, the home of Goulash and pálinka, has plenty of surprises and attractions for visitors in all seasons. This 7-day itinerary includes some of the most popular activities in each place, from the biggest cities to hidden gems, accessible by public transport.

To begin with, Hungary has an efficient public transportation system (buses and trains, and within the city, there are trams, buses, trolleybuses, metros) that makes traveling easier. In the winter months, there might be delays. Be aware of this fact since you do not want your prepaid tour to depend on the the train system. For calculating train prices and obtaining information on schedules, visit the site of MÁV, and for the buses trunning between cities, visit the site of VOLÁN.

Day 1: Budapest – side of Buda

  • Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom): The most visited Roman Catholic temple in Budapest. For visitors, it is open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. The student and senior ticket costs HUF 1900 (EUR 4.81), the adult ticket is HUF 2500 (EUR 6.33).
  • Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya): It is one of the most important tourist attractions, since the panorama is unique from the terraces and the entrance is free.
  • Buda Castle (Budavári Palota): The buildings of the castle are currently occupied by two museums (the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum) and the National Library. Visitors can enter these facilities but there is an entrance fee. For further information and the entrance fees, visit their site.
Halászbástya Fisherman's Bastion Budapest, itinerary
Photo: Instagram/endrju

Day 2: Budapest – side of Buda

  • Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galéria): The recommended visiting time is 1.5-3 hours. The adult ticket price is HUF 3400 (EUR 8.6) for the permanent exhibitions. The gallery is closed on Mondays. On other days, it is open from 10 AM to 6 PM. The latest entrance is at 5 PM. For further information and to purchase tickets, visit their site.
  • Buda Hill Castle Funicular (Budavári Sikló): For the Funicular, the adult ticket costs HUF 3000 (EUR 7.59). The ticket entitles visitors to two trips: one upward and one downward journey. If the ticket has been used to one direction only, it can be used to the other direction later, but within a one-year period from the date of purchase. According to their site, the opening hours are from 8 AM to 10 PM, and it runs in every 5-10 minutes.
  • Gellért Hill (Gellért-hegy): It is one of the highest points in Budapest, offering a magnificent panoramic view of the city and a good opportunity for exercise because of the stairs. It is a popular spot for foreign and domestic tourists, but also a frequent destination for locals. The entrance is free. Citadella is the former fortress located there.

Day 3: Budapest – side of Pest

Day 4: Eger

With a 2-hour-long train trip, visitors can access Eger from Budapest. On the slopes of the Bükk Mountains, Eger is well-known for its monuments, thermal baths, and the best Hungarian wines.

  • Castle of Eger (Egri vár): The castle defended the town against the Turkish invasion in 1552 and today it functions as a history museum. The adult entry costs HUF 3600 (EUR 9.11). The evening/Monday ticket costs HUF 1500 (EUR 3.8) for an adult. For the full price list, visit their site.
  • Minaret of Eger: Visitors can climb a narrow staircase up to the tower of the former mosque for a picturesque view of the city. From 1 January to 28 February, the minaret will be open from 10 AM to 1.45 PM.
Minaret, Eger, Hungary, Itinerary
Photo: minareteger.hu
  • István Dobó Square (Dobó István tér): A square with outdoor cafés, a summer fountain and the baroque Minorite Church of St Anthony of Padua.
  • Eger Basilica (Egri Bazilika): It can accommodate 4-5000 people on major church festivals. On Sundays, 1500 people visit the Basilica for the 6 masses. The Basilica is open from 8 AM to 6 PM every day. The schedule of the masses can be found on their website. The entrance is free.
  • Valley of Beautiful Women (Szépasszonyvölgy): One of Hungary’s most famous wine regions – the charming little valley is home to numerous vineyards. There are many welcoming cellars next to each other, and most of them accept both cash and card.
  • Beatles Museum (Egri Road Beatles Múzeum): One of the most popular attractions in Eger, inspired by two friends’ love toward The Beatles. Almost 2500 objects are on display in the museum. Visitors can get information on the ticket prices on their site.

Day 5: Lake Balaton – Keszthely

From Budapest-Kelenföld train station, it takes 2.5 hours to arrive to Keszthely, one of the most popular destinations at Lake Balaton. Located at the western end of Lake Balaton, it is the second largest town on the shores of the lake. The city is one of the most important cultural and economic centres in the region.

  • Lake Balaton: The “sea” of Hungary does not have to be introduced. A 77-km-long freshwater lake of tectonic origin, with numerous villages and resorts along its shores.
  • Festetics Palace (Festetics-kastély): The Baroque-style castle houses noble banqueting rooms, a library, a castle museum and also a carriage museum. Visitors can find a restaurant and a café here when visiting the place. The adult ticket price is HUF 3200 (EUR 8). For further information, visit their site.
  • Hévíz Thermal Spa (Hévízi Tófürdő): The famous Hévíz spa town is just 30 minutes away from Keszthely by bus. The spa is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, and for the actual prices and opening schedule, visit their site.
  • Lake Cave Tapolca (Tapolcai-tavasbarlang): Tapolca is farther, but one of the most outstanding cave bath is worth the 1 hour bus tour. Ending on 28 February, the cave bath is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. For the actual prices, check out their site.

Keszthely Balaton Hungary

Photo: Facebook/Hello Keszthely

Day 6: Pécs

Citizens and visitors voted Pécs as European Capital of Culture in 2010. It takes 3.5 hours to get there from Budapest-Kelenföld train station to Pécs by bus.

  • Basilica of Pécs (Pécsi Bazilika): A working cathedral with a history dating back to the 10th century, with a magnificent garden and religious artefacts. The rose garden is free to enter. For the actual prices, you can visit their site for information.
  • Zsolnay Mausoleum (Zsolnay Mauzóleum): A cultural centre showcasing the work of a renowned ceramics company, with modern art, a restaurant and more. Originally, it was the burial place of the Zsolnay family. A variety of programmes are organised here, the full programmes are written on their site.
  • Mecsek: Once known for its coal mining, the forested mountains are now mainly used for recreation. If you are up for hiking and active free-time activities, Mecsek is the ideal destination.

Day 7: Szeged

Szeged is the City of Sunshine, since it has the highest number of sunny days in Hungary. The city is famous for being the home of paprika. Also, the world-famous Pick Factory, where salami is produced, was established there.

  • Dome Square (Dóm tér): The place can be found in front of the Dome of Szeged. Opposite the Votive Church, vistors should take a look at the Musical Clock. The square is the location of many festivals, religious performances, and theatre shows. Ticket prices vary depending on the facilities you would like to visit.
  • Dome of Szeged (Szegedi Dóm): A cathedral with colourful stained glass windows. Visitors can admire a mosaic of the Virgin Mary wearing “Szeged” style slippers. The steeple of the church is a lookout point. Saint Demetrius Tower stands outside the Votive Church.
  • Szeged Synagogue: Picturesque, 1907 Art Nouveau synagogue with elaborate, gilded dome and stained glass windows. The Synagogue is open from 10 AM to 3 PM. On Mondays and Saturdays, it is closed.
The Votive Church Szeged. Photo: Szijártó Hajnalka @dailynewshungary

Natural gas transit to Bulgaria secured, so Hungary’s energy supply is secure

bulgaria hungary

Hungary’s natural gas supplies are secure thanks to reliable transit states like Bulgaria, as well as its suppliers, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Sofia on Monday, after talks with Nikolay Milkov, his Bulgarian counterpart.

Hungary received 4.8 billion cubic meters of gas through Bulgaria last year, Szijjártó told a joint press conference.

The double threat of the war in Ukraine and migration pressure from the south is making liable cooperation between the countries even more valuable, he said.

Hungary counts on further reliable deliveries, he said.

The strategic goal is to access new resources for projects such as infrastructural development to increase the role of Azeri gas in the region, he said.

“This is a European issue; I think we central Europeans are right to expect the European Union to support pipeline construction and infrastructure development to secure future gas supplies for central Europe,” he said.

Szijjártó thanked Bulgaria for fuel rod deliveries to the Paks nuclear plant via Bulgarian ports on the Black Sea since December, “when EU regulations made avian deliveries from Russia impossible”.

Meanwhile, Szijjártó said the Western Balkans had become part of the most important continental route for migrants. “Due to Brussels’ pro-migration stance, central European countries have to make greater efforts to stop illegal migration,” he said.

Bulgaria and Hungary both “performed beyond their abilities” by building border fences and employing “enormous human resources” to stop illegal migration, he added.

“It is unacceptable and very dangerous to the EU’s security that Brussels refuses to support real border security and does not fund … border protection infrastructure,” he said.

He called it “shameful” that Bulgaria was “still not a member of the Schengen Area”. Hungary will not accept “double standards where clear and objective requirements set down in contracts are replaced by subjective criteria,” he said. Bulgaria has fulfilled the former, and so deserves Schengen membership, he said.

bulgaria hungary
Read alsoNatural gas transit to Bulgaria secured, so Hungary’s energy supply is secure

PHOTOS: Hungarian President met Montenegrin counterpart – UPDATED

Hungarian-President-Katalin-Novák

President Katalin Novák met Montenegrin counterpart Milo Djukanovic in her office in Sándor Palace on Thursday.

Her office said in a statement that the meeting focused on cooperation between the two countries, challenges of the recent period, the war in Ukraine, the situation in Kosovo and in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the European Union integration of the Western Balkans.

Hungary’s position is that challenges of the recent period increasingly revealed that problems experienced in Europe can only be handled with the involvement and urgent integration of the Western Balkans, the statement said. The stability of the Western Balkans is an important precondition for European security, it added.

Novak assured the Montenegrin president that Hungary continues to be dedicated to the urgent EU accession of Montenegro and the region.

Djukanovic expressed appreciation of Hungary’s family policy measures and the country’s dedication to bilateral cooperation in economy, tourism, education and science, as well as the integration of the Western Balkans.

The sides also discussed the increasing pressure of migration on the southern route, and they were in agreement that illegal migration must be stopped, the statement said.

Novák said that Hungary had been making great efforts since 2015 to protect EU borders from illegal migration.

Novák Katalin
Read alsoHungarian President Novak attends Pope Benedict’s funeral mass

UPDATE – Central bank governor meets Montenegrin counterpart in Budapest

National Bank of Hungary (NBH) governor György Matolcsy met Montenegrin counterpart Radoje Zugic in Budapest on Friday, the central bank said. The meeting focused on the economic situation of the two countries, the challenges facing the respective central banks, and ways to address them, the statement said. The sides were in agreement that regional cooperation was important, it added.

Zugic expressed thanks for participation in European Union technical support programmes which enables central banks from the Western Balkans to exchange experiences with European colleagues, helping them speed up the introduction of EU standards and legal harmonisation. Matolcsy told the meeting that EU expansion in the Western Balkans was important to Hungary. The NBH is happy to offer professional support to central banks in the region, he added.

Leading Hungarian politician is in Kyiv – UPDATED

Leading Hungarian politician in Kyiv

Gergely Karácsony, the mayor of Budapest, arrived in Kyiv today afternoon, based on a Facebook post he shared an hour ago.

Later a statement from the capital’s local government explained that Mr Karácsony went to Kyiv with the mayors of Prague, Warsaw and Bratislava (Pozsony). He accepted the invitation of Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, portfolio.hu wrote.

Based on his official program, he will meet not only with the mayors of the V4 capitals and the mayor of Kyiv but also with the mayor of Bucha, where the invading Russian forces committed mass murders last March-April. Furthermore, they will hold discussions with EU diplomats. The talks will focus on infrastructural and humanitarian aid to Kyiv from Budapest, Bratislava, Prague, and Warsaw, the mayor’s office said.

The delegation held a joint press conference this afternoon. According to the MTI, Karácsony expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and the residents of Kyiv suffering from the war in Ukraine.

“Budapest stands by Ukraine.

The Hungarian government is not the same as Hungary. Though the Hungarian government often acts in line with the interests of aggressor [Russian] President Putin, millions of Hungarians, with many Budapest residents among them will demonstrate their solidarity with attacked Ukraine and reject attempts to obscure the difference between the aggressor and the victim,” the statement quoted Karácsony as saying.

“Peace is not possible unless the endeavours of the Ukrainian people are successful, unless Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty is restored and Russian troops leave Ukrainian territory,” the mayor added.

According to a recent post by Mr Karácsony, they travelled by train to the war-torn Ukrainian capital. The journey lasted 17 hours, he added. Here is a photo of them. Karácsony said that on his right, there was Rafal Trzaskowski, the mayor of Warsaw. Next to him is Matus Vallo (Bratislava – Pozsony). The man standing is the mayor of Prague, Zdenek Hrib:

Emese Fajk Hungarian conwoman in the Ukrainian legion
Read alsoHungarian accused of stealing USD millions from Ukraine aid, spying to Russia

PHOTOS: Historic towns and cities in Hungary worth to visit

jurisics square kőszeg

Hungary is rich in history and culture, which is reflected in numerous beautiful and historic towns and cities that can be found throughout the country. These towns offer visitors the chance to explore the past and experience the charm and beauty of Hungary. Take a look at some stunning historic towns and cities we have garnered for you.

Kőszeg

There are hardly any other towns in the country with a centre as charming and beautiful as Kőszeg. Walking through the streets of this town lined with Baroque buildings is an easy way to get a taste of a bygone era. The historic town centre is home to the town’s most famous landmark, the Jurisics Castle. The castle was named after captain Miklós Jurisics, who led the defence against the Turkish army in the 16th century. The daily ringing of the bell at 11 am serves as a reminder of the Hungarian army’s victory over the Turkish forces.

Jurisics Castle, Kőszeg
Jurisics Castle, Kőszeg. Photo: Szijártó Hajnalka @dailynewshungary
Town House, Kőszeg
Town House, Kőszeg. Photo: Szijártó Hajnalka @dailynewshungary
hiker-hiking-adventures
Read alsoThe most stunning mountain viewpoints in Hungary

Szentendre

The town, located just a few kilometres from Budapest, has been an extremely popular tourist destination for years. Its history dates back to ancient times, as it was inhabited even before the Romans. Based on written records from the 12th century, it is known that kings used Szentendre as a court residence. In the 16th century, many Serbs settled in the town as they fled the Turkish invaders. The Serbian imprint is still visible in the present-day townscape. The charming little houses found in the town centre today are a legacy of their time here.

Romantic one-day trip in Hungary Szentendre
Source: Laszló Madarász Landscape Photographer

However, it is not just the charming buildings in the downtown area that attract tourists to the town. The Szentendre Open-Air Museum, known as the Szentendre Skanzen, is also a popular destination. It displays the Hungarian folk architecture and lifestyle from the 18th to 20th centuries. Additionally, the museum showcases the traditions of different regions of the country, too.

Skanzen, Szentendre, Hungary, museum
Photo: www.facebook.com/SKANZEN.HU

Sárvár

The main attraction of Sárvár is the Nádasdy Castle. The castle was mentioned in written medieval records as early as the 13th century, but back then it was called Sárvár. The town was, therefore, named after the castle. The name Nádasdy comes from the Nádasdy family, who reconstructed the castle in the 1560s, giving it its present Renaissance appearance.

Since then, the castle has become a symbol of the town, and the Nádasdy Ferenc Museum in the castle offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of the town and the castle, and to visit the Knights’ Hall of the castle.

sárvár castle night
Photo: Pixabay

In addition to the castle, Kossuth Square, the main square of the town is also worth a visit. One of the square’s most popular attractions is the fountain, which usually entertains visitors with a light and sound show.

Sárvár Kossuth Square
Photo: Pixabay
frozen, tarn, Hill Megyer, Megyer-hegyi Tengerszem, winter, destination, cold, Hungary
Read alsoPHOTOS: 7 fabulous winter destinations in Hungary

Esztergom

Esztergom is teeming with sights and attractions. The city was the capital of the country between the 11th and 12th centuries. It also became a very important religious centre after the first Hungarian king, Saint Stephen, was baptised here. Moreover, as the seat of the Archbishop is in Esztergom, the city is the centre of the Roman Catholic Church in Hungary.

One of the most notable attractions here is the Esztergom Basilica, which is one of the tallest buildings in the country. The basilica also serves as a symbol of the city.

Basilica of Esztergom
Basilica of Esztergom
Photo: Pixabay / MemoryCatcher

In its neighbourhood is the Esztergom Castle, once the seat of the Hungarian kings, now a museum.

Esztergom Basilica Castle
The basilica and the castle
Photo: Pixabay

5+1 things to do in Budapest in winter

Winter Budapest ice skating rink Városliget

Winter is here and Budapest offers numerous opportunities for those who aim to make the most of this season. From tasting traditional Hungarian winter snacks to discovering the capital’s most panoramic ice rinks, Budapest awaits you with many fun things to do.

Nothing beats ice skating in winter

Ice skating is always a good idea in winter. Fortunately, there are many ice skating spots in Budapest where winter sports enthusiasts can indulge in their favorite hobby. Here are 5 cozy ice skating spots: Budapest Park, Westend Winter Wonderland, Csepel Ice Park, Újpest Ice Rink and Hello Buda Winterland. In addition to ice skating, you can also enjoy a hot cup of tea or mulled wine while watching the ice skaters spin and jump on the rink.

Visit the Budapest Christmas markets

The two most famous Christmas markets in Budapest can be found in Vörösmarty Square and in front of Saint Stephen’s Basilica. Budapest’s Advent Basilica has won the online title of ‘Europe’s best Christmas fair’ with a record-breaking number of votes, so it is worth paying a visit to this market. However, you should prepare for horror prices! The prices of the main courses range between HUF 4,500 (EUR 11,10) and HUF 8,500 (EUR 20,96).

Soak your worries away in a hot thermal bath

Escape the cold weather and treat yourself to a warm bath in one of Budapest’s famous spas! Have a visit to the historical Széchenyi, Gellért or Rudas thermal baths and pick your favourite at the end. In the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Gellért Thermal Bath, tickets cost HUF 7,100 (EUR 17,02) on weekdays, and HUF 8,200 (EUR 19,65) on Fridays and weekends. In Rudas Spa, a regular weekday ticket costs HUF 6,500 (EUR 15,58), while the bath charges visitors HUF 9,200 (EUR 22,05) on Fridays and weekends.

Savour traditional Hungarian winter food at the Great Central Market in Budapest

Vásárcsarnok (the Great Market) awaits tourists with a wide range of Hungarian gastronomic specialties. Not only can you taste Hungarian classics, but you can also immerse yourself in the magical Christmas atmosphere. You will be stunned by the mouthwatering selection of stuffed cabbages, various sausages, strudels and roasted chestnuts. As for drinks, you can warm yourself up with a mug of mulled wine or punch or a cup of fruit tea.

See a play at the Hungarian State Opera

After almost five years of reconstruction, on March 12, 2022, the Hungarian State Opera reopened its doors. The three-story auditorium with the chandelier designed by Miklós Ybl provides a spectacular experience. Every winter, thousands of people flock to the Opera to see Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, performed by the country’s greatest ballet dancers. If you happen to be in Budapest this winter, you should not miss out on this breathtaking performance!

Andrássy Avenue and Fashion Street

If you are in for an unforgettable shopping experience in Budapest in winter, you might want to take a stroll on Andrássy Avenue and Fashion Street. While admiring the festive Christmas lights, you can browse in the shops on the capital’s two popular boulevards. Among others, you can pop in some luxury boutiques such as Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton and Burberry and check out their latest collections.

best place to celebrate New Year's Eve Budapest party places
Read alsoFunny dos and don’ts for New Year’s Day in Hungary

Electricity to come from Azerbaijan to Hungary

transmission voltage electricity

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is slated to sign an agreement on joining a network delivering electricity from Azerbaijan to Hungary via Georgia and Romania, the prime minister’s press chief said on Sunday evening.

The signing will take place on December 17 in Bucharest, Bertalan Havasi said, confirming Romanian press reports.

In August, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said Hungary would join the project so that it can receive European Union funding, which is conditional on at least two member states participating. The network would deliver green electricity through Georgia, under the Black Sea to Romania and Hungary, which could use some of the energy and also use the grid to transfer its own, he said in a Facebook post.

MOL Hungary pipeline oil refinery bulgaria ukraine
Read alsoCrude oil to continue to come from Russia to Hungary

PHOTOS: 7 fabulous winter destinations in Hungary

frozen, tarn, Hill Megyer, Megyer-hegyi Tengerszem, winter, destination, cold, Hungary

There is always something special about winter trips. You, the cold and the scenic view. Even if you are by yourself or in the company of family or friends, whether it snows or not, the magical scenery will amaze you each and every time. Get your mittens and scarves ready, it is time to hit the road! Here are some of the most beautiful winter hiking spots – with the collection of Szálláskérés.hu.

1. Tarn of Hill Megyer (Megyer-hegyi Tengerszem)

The Tarn on Hill Megyer near the city of Sárospatak, is titled Hungary’s most beautiful natural wonder. The Tarn has been shaped by human hands since the Middle Ages, but today the former millstone quarry and nature form an impressively harmonious unit, wrote Kirandulastippek.hu. Visitors can also approach the tarn by car since there is a parking lot near the hill. It is ideal for families with children who look for a one-day trip.

frozen, tarn, Hill Megyer, Megyer-hegyi Tengerszem, winter, destination, cold, Hungary
The frozen Tarn of Hill Megyer
Photo: Facebook, Vanilia Travels
budapest tram 2 winter
Read alsoWinter weather to arrive in Hungary next week! – weather forecast

2. Lake of Felsőtárkány (Felsőtárkányi-tó)

The village of Felsőtárkány is a real hideaway in Mount Bükk, with a lot to see and do. You can recharge your batteries just by wandering through the streets of Felsőtárkány and admiring the traditional houses and the picturesque landscape, writes Szálláskérés.hu. In addition, you can also visit a Baroque church, a castle ruin and a natural spring. Apart from these sights, the reason many people come here every year is the lovely nearby lake.

3. Somló

Mount Somló stole many hearts, as it is the smallest wine region in Hungary with many hidden surprises. The rows of vines lead up to the castle. The castle offers a stunning view of its surroundings, regardless of whether they are covered by snow or not. Three old chapels are tucked in the dunes as well, along with a hiking trail.

castle ruin, Somló, winter, destination
Photo: szallaskeres.hu

4. Mountaintop of Kékes (Kékes-tető)

The highest point in the country is a must-see destination for everyone, with something new to show in every season. It is best to spend at least one weekend in Mountain Mátra. You can go skiing, sledging, snowballing, taking long forest strolls, or just visiting Kékes – the opportunities are endless. Hikers will also love this place for the numerous tracks, available for all fitness levels.

snowy, winter, destination, Kékes, mountain, mountaintop
Photo: hetedhetorszag.hu (MTI/Komka Péter)
Snow arrived in Hungary
Read alsoPHOTOS, VIDEO: Snowfall arrived today in Hungary covering several cities!

5. Vácrátót Arboretum

No winter destination list is complete without mentioning one of the local Hungarian arboretums. The National Botanical Garden in the village of Vácrátót is a must-visit destination. The 120-year-old water mill along Lake Rocky (Sziklás-tó) and the Sződ-Rákos stream invite you for a special walk. Within a few kilometres, visitors will find wineries, a lookout and a chapel.

botanic garden, winter, cold, destination, Vácrátót
Photo: Facebook, National Botanic Garden Vácrátót

6. Lázbérc Reservoir

The hidden treasure of Mount Bükk, the most beautiful artificial lake in our country is located between Uppony and Dédestapolcsány. The part of the reservoir towards Uppony, where the lake is surrounded by steep cliffs and caves, has a fairytale view, writes Csodahelyek.hu. If you are looking for a place where silence has power and the surroundings will make your jaw drop, check out this reservoir.

7. Pityerszer

The geographical region Őrség is a wonder to behold. Hills, forests, lakes, churches, monuments, and wonderful old houses await visitors. Although the buildings are closed in winter, you can still discover the area on foot. Visitors can find Pityerszer near Szalafő, where the bison reservation is, supplying the buffalo and wild horses that live here.

national park, Örség, buffalo, winter, destination, snow, Hungary
Photo: Facebook, Őrségi Népi Műemlékegyüttes – Őrségi Nemzeti Park

Want to go ice skating around Lake Balaton? Have a look at the newly opened ice rinks!

Ice rink in Balatonlelle

Great news for winter sports enthusiasts: the ice rinks around Lake Balaton have reopened for the 2022/2023 season. Read our article to discover where you can find the best ice rinks around Lake Balaton in Hungary! 

Balatonboglár

The ice rink in Balatonboglár opened on 3 December, and winter sports lovers are welcome until 8 January 2023, reports online.hu. Mihály Vécsei, the operator of the ice rink, also recommends the craft workshop for the visitors, which is set up next to the rink every two weeks. You can rent skates next to Boglárka Bistro, where you will find all sizes from size 27 to size 47. It is also possible to sharpen your skates and take skating lessons. The organisers await visitors with various programmes, for example, an ice limbo competition and a New Year’s Eve party.

The rink is open on weekdays from 2 pm to 8 pm, on Saturdays from 10 am to 9 pm and on Sundays from 10 am to 8 pm. However, the venue will be closed on 24 December.

Balatonlelle

The Advent fair has opened in Balatonlelle at the BL Yacht Club, and it provides an ice rink too. The artificial ice rink opened in 2016, and it was the first such venue in the Balaton region. This ice rink is located directly on the shore of Lake Balaton, offering stunning views for skaters. If you get knackered gliding on the ice, you can grab a bite or two at the nearby buffet. In addition, the venue also offers skate rental, skate sharpening and skating lessons. Balázs Tóth, head of the BL YachtClub, said that they had been working in Balatonlelle for more than ten years to make Lake Balaton a buzzing all-year-round tourist destination.

Balatonfüred

In Balatonfüred, the skating rink in Zákonyi Park opens on 10 December. The 900-square-metre ice surface is awaiting both children and adults. There is also a possibility to rent ice stakes. In addition, there will be a buffet where people can sip a hot cup of tea or a mug of aromatic mulled wine to warm up a little. Last but not least, skaters will be entertained by jolly festive tunes!

Szigliget

Szigliget is not only a great summer tourist destination but also makes a fun winter location. On 9 December, the popular Várudvar Ice Rink in Szigliget will reopen its doors. Strap up your blades and hop on the ice with your friends and family! If you worked up an appetite on the rink, you can also share some hot drinks and snacks with your loved ones.

Budapest Park Ice Rink
Read also5 cozy ice skating spots in Budapest

PHOTOS: Hungarian president on official visit in Iraq

President Katalin Novák visit Iraq

Hungarian President Katalin Novák met her Iraqi counterpart in Baghdad on Friday as part of her four-day official visit to Iraq.

“We just had a historic meeting with Abdul Latif Rashid, President of Iraq, as no Hungarian President has ever visited Baghdad before. We both agreed that international terrorism is our common enemy and we condemn all of its forms. Hungary’s commitment is shown not only in words, but also in deeds, as Hungarian military forces participate in the fight against the Islamic State,” Novák said in an English language post on Facebook.

The two presidents discussed the Hungarian government’s Hungary Helps aid programme designed to support the most vulnerable groups of society including children, women and persecuted Christians, Novák’s office said in a statement. “We firmly believe that help must be provided where trouble emerges instead of bringing troubled people to Europe,” the office quoted her as saying.

Novák discussed with the Iraqi president the Russian-Ukrainian war and they were in agreement that the sides should make peace as soon as possible. The Hungarian president afterwards travelled on to Tel Skuf where she participated in a community prayer held for peace. Novák also visited a kindergarten in the town in northern Iraq where Hungary has helped rebuild several residential houses, schools and a church destroyed by ISIS.

Later on, Novák visited Alqosh and met Lara Yussif Zara, the mayor. Accompanying Novák, Tristan Azbej, the foreign ministry’s state secretary for aiding persecuted Christians and the coordinator of the Hungary Helps scheme, told public media that “due to our Christian identity, we stand up for persecuted Christians, the most persecuted religious community in the world, with 300 million of its followers suffering persecution as a result of their beliefs”.

He noted that in Tel Skuf, Hungary had provided a humanitarian emergency aid to the town and contributed to rebuilding 900 residential houses allowing nearly 1,000 families return to their homes.

cape town
Read alsoHungarian President at WSF in Cape Town: ‘Without peace, science cannot fulfil role’

Hungary, Slovakia benefit a lot from cooperation, says Szijjártó in Bratislava

slovakia hungary

Hungary and Slovakia both higly benefit from bilateral cooperation, and their reliable partnership is behind their ability to tackle current problems, Péter Szijjártó, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said in Bratislava (Pozsony) on Monday.

Speaking at joint press conference with Rastislav Kacer, his Slovak counterpart, Szijjártó said that when Europe faces serious challenges predictable, reliable and good neighbourly relations are highly valued.

“Hungary and Slovakia have built a predictable and reliable partnership which helps both countries in tackling the security, economic and energy supply difficulties more successfully,” he said.

Szijjártó called both countries reliable NATO partners, noting that Slovakia has contributed several dozen police units to help protect the Hungarian-Serbian border, which he said was “under siege”. At that section, authorities have so far stopped 255,000 illegal migrants this year, he said.

“Your own Slovak police officers can now see first-hand how incredibly aggressive the migrants and people smugglers are,” said Szijjártó.

In terms of economic cooperation, Szijjártó said Slovakia is Hungary’s second most important trading partner, with a record volume of over 13 billion euros worth of bilateral trade reached last year. This year has seen an increase of 43 percent, he said.

In a bid to further develop infrastructure ties, three additional bridges are slated to be completed over the Ipoly river next year. There will also be a road construction project completed and a ferry service launched in 2023, allowing border crossings at another five spots, Szijjártó said.

Slovak foreign minister
Read alsoSlovak foreign minister: Orbán plays from Kremlin playbook

The Hungarian foreign minister welcomed the European Commission’s approval of a 135 million euro joint programme on cross-border development projects under the EU’s current seven-year financial framework.

Speaking about energy cooperation, Szijjártó called the decision to connect the two countries’ gas pipeline and electricity networks “the right and very good strategic decision”. As cross-border capacity has increased by 150 percent, electricity has become the most important commodity imported from Slovakia by Hungary, he said.

Further, he said that by connecting the two countries’ gas networks, an important corridor had been created along the north-south transit route. Hungary is ready to increase gas supplies to Slovakia via the interconnector from the current annual 1.75 billion cubic metres to 5.2 billion in future, Szijjártó added.

He called close cooperation in nuclear energy mutually beneficial, adding that both countries were working on increasing their capacity in an effort to boost their energy security.

Asked about disputed issues between the two countries, Szijjártó said that those had been addressed at meetings held by the mixed minority affairs committee this year. “We have reached an agreement on most of those issues, with very few exceptions,” he said, adding that the co-chairs of the committee would soon meet again.

Hungarian president visit Slovakia
Read alsoPHOTOS: Hungarian president’s official visit in Slovakia

PM Orbán travels to Slovenia to celebrate an electrical transmission line

Viktor Orbán prime minister

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will travel to Slovenia on Friday to attend a ceremony marking completion of the construction of the cross-border Cirkovce-Pince electrical transmission line, the prime minister’s press chief told MTI.

Orbán is paying the visit at the invitation of Robert Golob, his Slovenian counterpart, Bertalan Havasi said on Wednesday. The cornerstone of the transmission line linking the electrical grids of Hungary and Slovenia was laid in October 2020 by Orbán and then Prime Minister Janez Jansa.

Centre for Hungarian children Slovenia
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The Hungarian President arrived in Kyiv! – UPDATED

President Katalin Novák Zelensky

Based on the diplomatic sources of the Hungarian TV channel ATV, the Hungarian President, Katalin Novák, arrived in Kyiv early morning by train. She travelled to Ukraine after accepting the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenskiy. Before noon, neither of the two politicians has posted a word yet on their social media sites about the arrival of the Hungarian head of state in the war-torn country’s capital. At 12 pm Novák posted a photo with President Zelensky but it seems her followers do not agree with her visit.

Hungarian diplomatic sources told ATV that this morning, President Katalin Novák arrived in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. As we wrote yesterday, the commander-in-chief of the Hungarian Armed Forces departed for Poland by plane and continued her journey to Kyiv by train. That is probably because the organisers were afraid a Ukrainian air defence missile might hit the presidential plane.

Two weeks before, one of the missiles lost course and hit a Polish granary, where two workers died. Since the Russians try to destroy Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure by keeping its facilities under constant missile attack, the Ukrainian air defence has been under alert for weeks. Thus, they probably fire on everything that moves in their airspace.

Nothing has been made public about the presidential visit’s schedule to Ukraine, but all media outlets agreed she would meet with President Zelenskiy.

President Katalin Novák visit Ukraine
Read alsoHungarian President travelled to Ukraine, will meet Zelenskiy in Kyiv

Reuters wrote about the Hungarian President that she was “a close ally of nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and was elected as president, a mostly ceremonial post, by the governing Fidesz party majority in parliament in March.” However, Reuters forgot to mention that Novák already travelled more than her predecessor, János Áder, and has been very active in diplomacy.

It seems that the Hungarian President tries to create good relationships with Western countries critical towards the Hungarian government, like the USA. Meanwhile, foreign minister Péter Szijjártó does the same in the case of Eastern countries. For example, he is the only foreign minister of the EU member states who sits down for an official talk with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. Novák’s visit to Ukraine fits into that pattern.

Furthermore, Hungary announced on Wednesday that it would pay its share of the EU’s financial support package for Ukraine. That sum is more than 187 million euros, while Hungary struggles with skyrocketing inflation and an increasing energy crisis caused mainly by the state’s lack of euros. That is partly why Budapest needs the EU’s RRF and development funds locked because of the European Commission’s corruption concerns.

The press office of the presidential Sándor Palace said yesterday that they would share all relevant information about Novák’s visit in time. ATV presumes that is because of security and safety reasons. Her present stay is the most high-profile visit of a Hungarian official to Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion.

Hungary President Transcarpathia
Read alsoPHOTOS: Hungarian President met with leader of Hungarians living in Ukraine

UPDATE – 12.26 pm

President Novák shared a photo on her Facebook page in which she stands next to President Zelensky. She wrote that she arrived in Kyiv accepting the invitation of the Ukrainian head of state. “We help where there is trouble”, she added. However, most of her followers do not agree with her visit. One of them says Hungary should not give money to Ukraine. Another argues this is the first time she does not concur with what the President does. A comment writer is also disappointed. He writes that the Ukrainian leadership humiliates the Hungarians living in Ukraine.

PHOTOS: Transcarpathian Hungarian children visited Hungary’s President

President of Hungary Transcarpathia

President Katalin Novák received children from western Ukraine’s Transcarpathia region at the presidential Sandor Palace on Tuesday.

Novák is the chief patron of the Advent Charity Fair of Family Associations. Proceeds from the event will go towards making Christmas better for the children of the St. Michael Orphanage in Rativci (Rat). Because of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, a decision was made to use this year’s Advent Charity Fair to help a Transcarpathian orphanage, Nóra Király, founder and head of young family association Ficsak, told public media.

The family association hopes to raise 1 million forints (EUR 2,450) with the aim of hosting a Christmas dinner for the children, giving them a playhouse experience and organising a trip to Hungary, Király said. Mária Bíró, the head of the orphanage, said 17 orphans between the ages of 5 and 21 visited the Sandor Palace.

President-Novák-and-the-defence-minister-of-Hungary
Read alsoPHOTOS: Hungarian president, defence minister inspect Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system

Ukraine crisis – President briefed on latest developments

President Katalin Novák received a briefing on the latest developments in the war in Ukraine from Commander of the Hungarian Armed Forces Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi and Director General of the Military National Security Service János Béres. The army leaders assured the president that Hungary’s troops are capable of guaranteeing the safety of the Hungarian people. István Kun-Szabó, the president’s chief military advisor, told public media after the meeting that normally, as commander-in-chief of the armed forces,

the president would receive briefings every three months, but, because of the war, was now meeting with army leaders every two weeks.

The president received a general briefing from the director general of the Military National Security Service, while the commander of the Hungarian Armed Forces told her about Hungary’s military upgrade, Kun-Szabó said. He noted that during her visit to Israel last week, Novák inspected the Iron Dome missile defence system. Certain elements of the air defence system will be delivered to Hungary as early as next year, Kun-Szabó added.

The president considers it important to receive precise briefings on the Ukraine war and also to meet with Hungarian troops in person, the chief military advisor said. Novák will soon pay a visit to the Hungarian soldiers serving in Iraq, he said.

President Novák and the outgoing Israeli PM Yair Lapid
Read alsoPHOTOS: Hungarian president on official visit in Israel

PHOTOS: Hungarian president on official visit in Israel

President Novák and the outgoing Israeli PM Yair Lapid

President Katalin Novák said on Facebook on Friday that she had discussed the importance of peace with outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid in Tel-Aviv.

“I met with outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid in Tel Aviv. We could exchange a few words in Hungarian as well, as he is of Hungarian origin on both his mother’s and father’s side. We talked about defence industrial cooperation and also about how important it is for us Hungarians to preserve peace in our country,” she said in an English-language post.

“For us Christians, Israel is the Holy Land, the Promised Land,” Novák said. “In Jerusalem, I met with the leaders of local Christian churches as well,” she added. “Few people know that Christianity is the most persecuted religion in the world today,” she said. Hungary’s efforts to help persecuted Christians are recognised all over the world, she added, and expressed thanks for the opportunity to discuss the difficulties and ways to cope with them.

Novák Katalin Israel
Read alsoHungarian president Novák meets Israeli counterpart in Jerusalem

Defence minister holds talks with Israeli counterpart in Jerusalem

Recent events are proof that all international alliances must now focus on strengthening defence capabilities, Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said on Thursday. After Szalay-Bobrovniczky held talks with Israeli counterpart Benny Gantz in Jerusalem, he said that an effective and systemic defence force must be developed, the ministry said. The Hungarian government launched its multi-year defence force development project in 2017, he noted. Thanks to acquisitions and defence industry developments, Hungary can fulfil its international obligations at a high level in addition to being able to protect the country and the Hungarian people, he added.

Hungarian-Israeli relations work based on historical experiences, common values and interests, he said. The two countries have maintained “close and excellent relations” for a long time, including in defence, he added. Under the arrangements of the Hungarian armed forces development scheme, “considerable Israeli ties have been established” in the defence industry which has gained new impetus and is now considered “a new cylinder in the engine of the Hungarian economy”, he said.

Parts of a new radar system are expected to arrive from 2023, and Hungarian-made components will be incorporated from 2025, he added. The ministers also discussed the Ukraine war, the ministry said. Szalay-Bobrovniczky said the position of the Hungarian government was unchanged from the start, insisting that a ceasefire and the immediate start of peace talks were the only solution to the war and the resulting energy crisis in Europe. He added that Israel, too, was helping Ukraine in various ways but was not supplying any lethal weapons.

President-Novák-and-the-defence-minister-of-Hungary
Read alsoPHOTOS: Hungarian president, defence minister inspect Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system

PHOTOS: Hungarian president, defence minister inspect Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system

President-Novák-and-the-defence-minister-of-Hungary

President Katalin Novák and Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky on Wednesday inspected Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system.

Szalay-Bobrovniczky told journalists that he and President Novák had attended “important” meetings at the invitation of Israel’s president and prime minister-elect, as well as Israel’s outgoing PM. He said bilateral relations “have been very good for a very long time”, especially when it comes to defence matters.

Hungary is examining Iron Dome, especially in light of Tuesday’s events in Ukraine, the minister said. In addition, it is studying Israel’s “well-structured” high-tech cooperation between its defence industry, army and air force.

Pipeline oil sanctions
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President Katalin Novák, arriving in Israel on a two-day working visit on Wednesday at the invitation of President Isaac Herzog, visited the Yad Vashem Institute, the Holocaust memorial center in Jerusalem. Dani Dayan, Yad Vashem’s president, received President Novák who viewed the Hall of Names and the Children’s Memorial. She lit the eternal candle before placing a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance.

The president also talked to Holocaust survivors in the Holocaust Museum’s educational centre. She declared it “our duty” to remember the victims of the Holocaust and to apologise to the survivors. Parents, she said, are best suited to educating their children about history and the need to prevent horrors like the Holocaust.

Dayan said everyone’s duty was to confront anti-Semitism forcefully and nip it in the bud as soon as it is first manifested. After her meeting with President Herzog on Thursday, the Hungarian president will meet Prime Minister-elect Benjamin Netanyahu and acting Prime Minister Jair Lapid.

Hungarian president Novák in Paris
Read alsoHungarian President to visit Israel on invitation

 

Have a look at the dome structure of the Hungarian Former Honvéd High Command! – PHOTOS

The posy tree on the dome structure of the former Honvéd High Command

The former building of the Honvéd High Command has reached the highest point of its structure in the Palace Quarter of the Buda Castle. According to tradition, the significant occasion was celebrated with a posy inaugural ceremony. The revival of the dominant buildings of Dísz Square and Szent György Square is progressing according to plan.

The Former Honvéd High Command was damaged during WWII

The Neo-Renaissance building of the former High Command of the Armed Forces received a serious, but not fatal, hit during WWII. However, for ideological reasons, it was not restored and was demolished down to the first floor. As one of the most spectacular elements of the reconstruction works that began in March, the dome structure was lifted into place, which can now be seen again after many decades.

Posy ceremony according to tradition

Following the traditions, both builders and clients held a joint posy celebration. As a part of the ceremony, a decorative posy tree was placed on the dome of the building. They raised the tree to the top of the building together with the steel frame of the lantern that adorns the dome.

former Honvéd High Command's posy celebration.
The commemorative ribbon of the former Honvéd High Command’s posy celebration. Photo: Várkapitányság
The posy tree of the former Honvéd High Command
The posy tree of the former Honvéd High Command. Photo: Várkapitányság

The dome had to wait nearly 60 years for the restoration

Government Commissioner Gergely Fodor, head of the Castle Administration, thanked the professionals working on the construction site in his celebratory speech. He said that a similar celebration was held here 127 years ago, in October 1895. According to the plans of the brilliant Mór Kallina, the masters completed the original building then, which was not spared by the destruction of the war and the communists. The government commissioner emphasised that the Former Honvéd High Command had to wait nearly 60 years for the restoration. However, it will soon regain its turn-of-the-century form. In addition, the Red Cross headquarters, Archduke József’s palace and the northern wing of the Budavári Palace are also being restored.

Gergely Fodor
Government Commissioner Gergely Fodor gave a celebratory speech. Photo: Várkapitányság
Opening ceremony
Opening ceremony. Photo: Várkapitányság
The rebuilt Honvéd High Command building from Dísz Square
The rebuilt Honvéd High Command building from Dísz Square. Photo: Várkapitányság
steel structure of the lantern
The steel structure of the lantern. Photo: Várkapitányság
The posy tree on the dome structure
The posy tree on the dome structure. Photo: Várkapitányság
The posy tree on the dome structure of the former Honvéd High Command
The posy tree on the dome structure of the former Honvéd High Command. Photo: Várkapitányság

An observation deck will open on the Castle Hill

The revival of the dome of the Former Honvéd High Command is not the only innovation. An observation deck will also open in one of the largest domes of the Castle Hill. The reborn bulding will function as a visitor center and a cultural and tourist gateway to the Buda Castle District.

ChainBridge Budapest
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Hungarian President in France: Hungary fights to restore peace in Ukraine

“We are fighting with all our might to restore peace” in Ukraine, the Hungarian president told the 5th Paris Peace Forum on Friday. “What we need is a strong and successful Europe,” President Katalin Novák said after talks with Gerard Larchet, president of the French Senate, in Paris on Friday.

Held ahead of the International Peace Forum, the bilateral talks focused on topical challenges, Novák said on Facebook. After their talks, Novák and Larchet issued a joint statement, Novák’s office told MTI. The meeting provided an opportunity to review topical EU related and bilateral issues, the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the impacts of the war, the office said in a statement.

Novák expressed hope that the two countries would in future deepen their relations in the spirit of pragmatism. Larchet highlighted Hungary’s “unique mission” within the European Union and the importance of relations between the two countries. Novák also held talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, whom she referred to as “an old friend, a strategic partner”, and said she was looking forward to “welcoming Serbia as a European Union member”.

Hungarian president Novák in Paris
Read alsoPHOTOS: Hungarian president accepted Macron’s invitation to Paris but she visited somebody else first

Hungary’s president urged restoration of peace in Ukraine, at Paris forum

“We are fighting with all our might to restore peace” in Ukraine, the Hungarian president told the 5th Paris Peace Forum on Friday.
In her address, Katalin Novák noted that Hungary had firmly condemned Russia’s attacking Ukraine since the outbreak of the war, and that position had not changed.

Evaluating the situation, Novák said a prolonged conflict led to “more destruction, suffering, and an escalation of the war”. She said a “real intention” for ceasefire was lacking, with “the parties refusing to realise that fighting will not take them closer to peace”. She regretted there was “no sufficient and firm intent to mediate between the parties” while “disinformation hinders agreement and causes serious damage”. She said deliberate provocations were delaying a solution, and “Russian President Putin is talking about territorial claims laid by European states in an effort to create confrontation between countries”.

Novák warned of an impending nuclear threat,

adding that threats of compromising energy and food supplies were “dishonest”. Novák also regretted that there was no common “strategic thinking” and added that inciting ethnic tension and attacks against ethnic minorities were “but deepening wounds and hindering understanding”.

“We must do everything in the interest of the next generations to end this conflict and restore peace,” the Hungarian president said.

katalin novák president usa roller skates school
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