Weather broke record in Hungary on Christmas eve
We fell short of breaking the national record by a few degrees, but the metropolitan record was broken by 13.3 degrees on 24 December, Christmas eve. In quite a while, this Christmas is Hungary’s warmest and most spring-like.
The last day or two have seen a rapid temperature easing. Christmas started with early spring-like weather in Hungary. Highs were near 10 degrees across the country, with colder temperatures in the northeast, Időkép writes.
The warmest temperature on Christmas Eve so far was recorded in 1958 in Békéscsaba, at 17.7 degrees. In the same year, the temperature in Budapest reached 12.5 degrees Celsius. This has now been exceeded, according to preliminary data from the National Meteorological Service
In Budakalász the daily record was broken with 13.3 degrees Celsius.
Read alsoSpring arrives at Christmas in Hungary – MAP
Winter in Budapest: Normafa snowsports, new Light Curtain Tram
Now that the energy crisis has closed many of the indoor facilities for the winter months, Budapest offers a great opportunity for free-time activities: outdoor sports such as sledging and cross-country skiing in Normafa and riding the Light Curtain Tram.
Taking advantage of the snowfall
Normafa awaits visitors with snow suitable for sports. For those who want to go sledging or cross-country skiing, this is a great opportunity. The snow-covered parts are free of charge, but in the future, the skiing trail near the chapel of St. Anna will be subject to a fee. The ticket will include changing and showering facilities in addition to the maintained and lit trail in the evening, said the Municipality of Hegyvidék.
- Read also: 5+1 things to do in Budapest in winter
The Anna Field sledge trail, located under the popular playground, will continue to be free of charge. Unfortunately, the downhill ski trail is not yet open this year, but we hope that it will be renovated in the next few years and will be open to skiers all season long.
Here are some additional photos of the sledge and skiing trail:
Attractions in the Hegyvidék include the Elisabeth Lookout on János Hill, the highest point in Budapest, as well as the Glider, the Cogwheel and the Children’s Railway. Visitors can also visit the Advent fair of Hegyvidék, ending on 23 December.
Winter Light Curtain Tram for the energy friendly
Instead of BKV’s popular Light Tram, this time, a more modest vehicle decorated with a light curtain will be operating in Budapest during the festive season. Between 16 December 2022 and 8 January 2023, the Light Curtain Tram will be on tram line 2 on weekdays and on other lines at weekends.
Light trams have been lighting up the capital during the festive season since 2009, but this year is different: the energy crisis has focused BKV’s attention on more conscious solutions. With the Light Curtain Tram, an energy-efficient yet festively lighted vehicle will be running in Budapest again this year. A KCSV-7 vehicle has been chosen to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is then circulated back into the system and battery so that the light curtain falling from the top of the vehicle can be lit without using extra energy, wrote the Budapest Transport Centre, BKK.hu.
5+1 things to do in Budapest in winter
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.
- Read also: PHOTOS: Beautiful Hungary wrapped in a white snow blanket
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.
Weather in Hungary to go completely crazy with heat, lightning and snow – weather forecast
The weather will go completely crazy in Hungary on Friday. Temperatures in most parts of the country will be between 9 and 15 degrees Celsius. Strong gusty winds, sleet, and snow are expected in several places. Read on for our weather forecast.
A Mediterranean cyclone will shape the weather in the next few days, Index reports. Warm and then cold air masses will arrive over the country, which will be accompanied by heavy rainfall. On Friday, the skies may turn cloudy in places, especially in the south of the country, Időkép writes.
The National Meteorological Service has issued a warning for thunderstorms and sleet. Lightning, winds and hail are expected in Baranya, Bács-Kiskun, Békés and Csongrád-Csanád counties. A first level warning is in force for Heves and Nógrád counties for torrential rain, while a second level orange warning is in force for Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county.
- Read also: Budapest is the best Christmas destination!
Friday, 16 December
The sky will be generally cloudy or overcast, becoming more scattered in the south and east. The band of continuous precipitation will move away to the northeast, with scattered showers behind it and a higher chance of thunderstorms in the southern and eastern counties. From the evening onwards, snow showers may occur in the north-western parts of the region, with a chance of temporary sleet in the Transdanubian hills. Daytime highs will be between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius in the north and northwest of the country, and between 9 and 15 degrees Celsius elsewhere.
Saturday, 17 December
Heavy clouds or overcast, with a distinct decrease in clouds from the northwest from midday. In the eastern and north-eastern parts of the country, clouds may remain cloudy throughout. The change of accumulation from the northwest will continue, resulting in increasing snowfall over a larger area and a gradual decrease in precipitation intensity. Sleet may occur temporarily during the change of state. During the day, snow showers are likely in the Transdanubian region, and snowfall in the eastern part of the country along the aforementioned confluence zone. Winds will begin to moderate from the evening hours. The minimum will be between -3 and +4 degrees, the maximum between -2 and +5 degrees, with milder weather in the southeast.
Sunday, 18 December
Lightly cloudy, sunny skies are likely, but cloudy skies may persist in smaller areas. Snow showers may occur in these areas, but precipitation is unlikely elsewhere. In the evening, clouds will begin to increase from the west. Mostly moderate air movement. Overnight lows will generally be between -8 and -2 degrees Celsius. However, it will be much colder in less cloudy, snow-covered areas. Daytime highs will be between -4 and +2 degrees, met.hu reports.
Monday, 19 December
There will be an increase in mainly high level clouds, resulting in mostly medium to heavy clouds. Significant precipitation is unlikely. Mostly light to moderate winds from the southeast to east. At dawn, temperatures will be generally -8 to -3 degrees, but could be several degrees colder in snow-covered areas. In the early afternoon, -3 to +4 degrees is likely.
Tuesday, 20 December
Mostly partly to moderately cloudy weather is expected. Significant precipitation is unlikely. Generally, southeasterly winds will remain light to moderate. Minimum temperatures will be mostly between -8 and -1 degrees. Temperatures will warm up to between 0 and +5 degrees in the afternoon.
Wednesday, 21 December
Mostly partly cloudy weather is expected. Winds from the south, southeast will remain mostly moderate. Minimum temperatures will be between -9 and +1 degrees Celsius. In the afternoon, the air will warm up to between 0 and +9 degrees.
Read alsoRecipe: Traditional Hungarian stuffed cabbage for the Christmas table
PHOTOS: Beautiful Hungary wrapped in a white snow blanket
Earlier this week, snow arrived in Hungary. Especially on the weekend, people in many parts of the country were lucky enough to wake up to their surroundings being covered in fresh snow. We have collected some breathtaking photos taken during this weekend for you to enjoy.
Snow covering Lillafüred, Miskolc:
Snow in the Bakony mountains:
Snow across the country:
Snow in Dobogókő:
Some more photos of the snowy Bakony mountains:
And a final beauty from Bakony:
Read alsoPHOTOS: 7 fabulous winter destinations in Hungary
PHOTOS: 7 fabulous winter destinations in 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.
Photo: Facebook, Vanilia Travels
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hungarian ski resorts that will stay closed
It probably does not come to anyone as a surprise that the increase in energy prices will take a toll on this year’s ski season as well. The Hungarian ski scene will indeed go through some unfavourable changes. However, the sharp rise in energy prices is not the only reason behind the nationwide closures. While we have no information on the ski pass prices, we compiled a list of the venues that will remain closed for winter sports enthusiasts this year. Ski slope situation in Hungary:
Currently, there are 9 ski resorts equipped with lifts in Hungary, which include Szilvásvárad, Dobogókő, and Kékestető. However, these three resorts are all affected by either operational or economic challenges, therefore, they will stay closed this season, sielok.hu reported.
Kékestető facing technical issues
Probably one of the biggest losses of the Hungarian ski community is that the Kékestető Ski Center will not open this winter due to technical difficulties. Thanks to its scenic backdrop, it is normally a very popular destination among ski lovers. This season, however, the ski slopes will not welcome visitors because the water supply for snow cannons could not be ensured. Sadly, this ski resort was unable to welcome guests the previous season either, only the learning track was in operation.
Lack of snow in Dobogókő
The Dobogókő ski resort has been currently under complete renovation. Now, they are in a transitional state so they will definitely stay closed. The project includes the revamp of the hilltop restaurant and the revival of the old ski slopes. In addition, the installation of a new lift, a new snow cannon system and building forest bike tracks are also in the plans. Despite all that, the main reason why the ski resort will remain closed this year is the lack of snow, which is a recurring problem. A possible solution for this would be continuous snow cannoning, but this can not be carried out with the renovations still running.
Szilvásvárad keeps its door shut
According to sielok.hu, Szilvásvárad will also remain closed this ski season. The operators of the venue have not disclosed information on their decision.
Accessible ski resorts
The good news is Eplény, Mátraszentistván, Visegrád, Sátoraljaújhely, Bánkút, and Pécs will still await visitors. Skiing is an excellent option among the outdoor sports that can be participated even during the winter. Due to the extended winter break, ski resorts are expected to have a positive turnaround this season after all the challenges of the past three years.