Just a half hour north of Budapest is a special area where the Danube changes course, known as the Dunakanyar, or Danube Bend. Situated here is the lovely town of Szentendre, impeccably pre-served in vivid Baroque architecture and colours. The town is so much a visual delight that many painters, sculptors and writers have chosen to live here.
Further upriver is contrasting Visegrád. Once a royal seat of medieval Hungary, its atmosphere is maintained with the partially restored palace of the Anjou kings. Even more tempting is the fortress ruin overlooking the vast expanse of hills rushing to meet the Danube. As if Szentendre and Visegrád are not enough to entice your fantasy, there is still Esztergom. The center of Hungary’s Catholic Church, Esztergom is crowned by the grand 19th century Basilica, whose gold religious items dating back 1,000 years form the richest treasury in the country.
Allure and adventure
The Great Plain and Puszta are the setting for much of Hungarian folklore and literature. These feature Images of the brave cow-boy (csikós) astride five horses racing across a lonely track of barren land. But these flatlands on both sides of the Tisza River are actually quite diverse in landscape, displaying sand drifts in one area and plum orchards in another. Of course there are still plenty of the traditional grassy prairies, shepherds tending their flocks – and horseback riding. The Great Plain and Puszta are lovingly cared for. Some areas are preserved as national parks, including Hortobágy and the Ópusztaszer, where the Magyars established Hungary 1,100 years ago. And towns in the region, like Kecskemét, home of the world renowned Zoltán Kodály Music Teaching Institute, and Szeged, where you will find the tastiest salamis and Fisherman’s soup, have retained their own unique character.
Where you relax your body and renew your spirit
Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, Hungary’s favourite resort. Extending nearly 80 kilometers (50 miles) across the west of the country, its average depth is only less than 10 feet (3 meters). Making the conditions just right for a pure enjoyment vacation! -So naturally, sought most on Balaton is swimming, sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing. Ah, but there is the fishing, the tennis, the biking, the horseback riding – there is even skating, ice fishing and ice sailing in winter.
Lake Balaton and nearby towns are abundant with thermal springs also. Which means many therapeutic spas add to the lake’s allure. Balatonfüred and Hévíz are just two that are big on the bubbly. When the sun and the water call for some culture, the Lake Balaton region is by no means in short supply. Just go to Keszthely to have a look at the astounding Festetics Palace in its entire Baroque splendor. Or the oldest Hungarian town, Székesfehérvár, where Hungary’s kings were crowned over five centuries.
Exotic food
Hungary is known for its inimitable Goulash soup. However, there are countless other delectable from the Hungarian kitchen that will tempt even the most discerning taste buds. Venison with Forest Berries, Paprika Chicken and variations of the Balatoni fogas – pikeperch from Lake Balaton – are just a few. And don’t forget the sumptuous Dobostorta, a mocha and caramel cake, for dessert.
Delicious wine
Tokaji is undoubtedly the most splendid drink of Hungary. Named after the village in the country’s north, Tokaj wines, particularly the sweet Aszú, are perfection. Hungary also produces lovely muscatels, Rieslings and the semi-sweet Hárslevelu (linden leaf) in addition to the ever-classic “Bulls Blood” – Egri Bikavér.
Incomparable entertainment
From Budapest to Szeged to Martonvásár, stages are with concerts, ballet, opera, plays and festivals. International productions as well as local performances are abound in the country that invented gypsy music! The Budapest Spring Festival, held every March, is an extravaganza. And the annual summer open-air festival in Szeged is a glorious musical celebration. But there is always a reason to celebrate when it comes to culture in Hungary.
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