Hungary is the aroma of simmering goulash soup and peppers, of cakes that reign supreme in fashionable coffee houses, of Viennese melange taken under large, dramatic chandeliers and musicians in variegated vests who let their violins and double basses tune into melancholy gypsy music.
See trips to Hungary
Population: 10 mill.
Capital: Budapest
Language: Hungarian
Rubik’s cube was invented in 1974 by the Hungarian sculptor and architecture professor Ernö Rubik?
Hungary has won the Nobel Prize in almost all categories? They just miss the peace prize.
Wellness in Hungary
According to top-medical-schools, the Gellert Bath offers relaxation in a historic setting and is one of Budapest’s no less than 123 thermal baths. There are a total of around 800 in all of Hungary. They are built in a wide variety of styles and some are up to 600 years old. The rac bath was built under the Renaissance king Mathias Corvinus in the 14th century and the Kiraly bath is a relic from the time under Turkish domination. The thermal baths are also located on Margit Sziget, or Margaret Island, one of Budapest’s most popular excursion destinations.
Budapest
Margaret Island is located in the middle of the Danube River, which divides the city into two parts. On the left side is Buda with Borghöjden, Gellertberget which rises a few hundred meters above the city, and the lookout point Fiskarbastionen which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is also one of Budapest’s biggest attractions. The fisherman’s bastion – Halászbástya – was built in connection with the celebration of the city’s 1000th anniversary in 1896.
On the right side is the flat Pest with the State Opera and the over two kilometers long parade street Andrássy, which empties into Hösoik tere, Hjältetorget, which is the city’s most magnificent monument. Just like Fiskarbastionen, Hjältetorget was created to mark Budapest’s 1000th anniversary. The Pest side of Budapest also houses the beautiful city opera and a number of lively markets where you can buy the most important ingredients for Hungary’s parade dish, goulash soup. For example, visit the large central market hall Nagy Vásárcsarnok, which was built in the late 19th century.
Do not forget to drink coffee and eat cakes at Budapest’s many sumptuous coffee houses and patisseries. They are some of Europe’s most beautiful and, like the coffee houses in the sibling city of Vienna, they are often built in the special Art Nouveou style that characterized the Central European countries around 1900.
Much has happened in Hungary since the end of the Cold War and the end of the Warsaw Pact. Budapest, the Paris of Eastern Europe, has had a new renaissance, and statues and busts of communist ideologues have become objects in museums. You can see some of them in Szobor’s sculpture park just outside Budapest.
Attractions in Hungary
Today, around 1.8 million people live in Budapest, which makes up almost a fifth of the entire population of Hungary. Although the capital is the country’s major attraction for foreign guests, there is also plenty to pick up in other parts of the country. For example, the almost 600 km2 Lake Balaton, which is one of Europe’s first freshwater lakes and can easily measure up to the Mediterranean. Pustan – the vast Hungarian plain in southeastern Hungary with bird sanctuaries, several thousand hectares of national parks and large orchards – is also an exciting area to discover. Those interested in wine have a lot to gain; Wine is produced around Lake Balaton and the Matra Mountains and Tokaj area in the eastern part of Hungary.
Facts Hungary
Below you will find practical information in connection with trips to Hungary.
- Language: Hungarian
- Capital: Budapest
- Population: 10 mill.
- Religion: Catholicism
- Currency: Forint
- Surface: 93 028 km2
Worth knowing
Time difference
There is no time difference between Hungary and Sweden.
Transport in Hungary
The buses we travel with in Hungary are in good condition. In Budapest, we use the city’s metro system, which is both well-developed and efficient.
Economy
Prices in Hungary are lower than in Sweden. It is possible to get a good meal at a very reasonable price, but you will of course find all price ranges.
Currency and credit cards
The Hungarian currency is called forint (HUF). In Budapest, there are many ATMs where you can use VISA and Mastercard, among other things. You can also pay by credit card in most shops and restaurants. You can also exchange Swedish kronor for forints at banks and exchange offices.
Tip
It is customary to tip in Hungary. You usually give between 10 and 15 percent at restaurants and to taxi drivers. Masseurs and other employees at bathing establishments should also be given tips.
The drinking system looks a little different on a cruise, see the response program for more information.
Electricity
In Hungary, 220 volts are used and the sockets are suitable for Swedish electrical appliances.
Telephone and internet
Hungary’s international country code is +36. The mobile network is well developed, but feel free to ask your Swedish operator about the prices in Hungary. In the center of Budapest, you can connect online to various places such as internet cafes, department stores, major bookstores and libraries.
Drinking water and hygiene
You can drink tap water in Hungary, but there is also a large selection of cheap, high-quality mineral water in bottles. You usually have to pay to visit a public restroom.
Smoking
In Budapest, smoking is prohibited in public buildings and on public transport.
Tact and tone
If you are visiting a church, be sure to cover your legs. Incidentally, casual attire applies.
Climate and weather Hungary
Here you can read about the climate and weather in Hungary. See, among other things, temperatures for Budapest.
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | CHRISTMAS | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
| Budapest | ||||||||||||
| Daytime temperature | 1 | 5 | 10 | 16 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 26 | 22 | 16 | 8 | 3 |
| Night temperature | -4 | -2 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 7 | 2 | -2 |
| Precipitation (mm) | 32 | 31 | 29 | 38 | 55 | 63 | 52 | 51 | 40 | 33 | 52 | 40 |
| Debrecen | ||||||||||||
| Daytime temperature | 1 | 4 | 10 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 26 | 22 | 17 | 9 | 3 |
| Night temperature | -5 | -3 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 1 | -3 |
| Precipitation (mm) | 37 | 30 | 34 | 42 | 59 | 80 | 65 | 61 | 38 | 31 | 45 | 44 |
Hungary has a continental climate. This usually means hot and dry summers and cold and humid winters. In addition, Hungary’s plains are absolutely crucial to the country’s flora and fauna, just like the river Danube, which divides the country in the middle and controls Hungary’s weather and climate.
