About Hungary
Yes, many of Hungary’s thermal baths, including the outdoor pools, are open year-round, even in winter. Some people enjoy soaking in the hot baths surrounded by snow in colder months.
Yes, Hungary has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including: Budapest: The banks of the Danube, Buda Castle Quarter, and Andrássy Avenue are UNESCO-listed. Pécs: The Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs. Hollókő: A living museum village with well-preserved 17th- and 18th-century houses. Tokaj: Famous for its wine region, recognized for its cultural landscape and wine production history.
There is a beach in every village on the Balaton coast
In most modern thermal baths, men and women can bathe together. However, some traditional Turkish baths, like Rudas, have designated men-only or women-only days.
Most thermal baths allow children, but it is always a good idea to check with individual baths about their child-friendly policies. Some baths may have age restrictions for certain pools due to the water’s temperature.
Yes, boat rentals are available in many towns around the lake. You can also rent paddleboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Windsurfing and sailing are popular, especially in the deeper western part of the lake.
Hungary is part of the Schengen Area. If you are from a Schengen country, you can travel to Hungary without a visa. Citizens of many countries can visit Hungary visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check visa requirements before travel.
By car: It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive from Budapest to Lake Balaton via the M7 motorway. By train: Trains depart regularly from Budapest’s Déli and Keleti stations to towns like Balatonfüred, Siófok, and Keszthely. By bus: There are also several bus routes from Budapest to Lake Balaton’s popular towns.
Prices vary depending on the bath and the type of services you want to use. Entrance fees usually range from €10 to €20 for a day pass, but higher-end services like massages or private pools may have additional costs.
Hungary is generally considered a safe country with low crime rates compared to other European nations. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in tourist areas, but violent crime is rare. The country is politically stable, and locals are generally welcoming to foreigners.
Yes, Hungary has been a member of the European Union since 2004. However, it is not part of the Eurozone and uses its own currency.
Yes, Lake Balaton is very safe for swimming, particularly because it is shallow, with an average depth of around 3 meters (10 feet). The water is warm in the summer, often reaching 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Lifeguards are present at most public beaches.
March 15: National Day, commemorating the 1848 Revolution against Habsburg rule. August 20: St. Stephen’s Day, celebrating the founding of Hungary. October 23: Remembrance of the 1956 Revolution against Soviet rule.
Budapest: The capital of Hungary, Budapest is known for its historic Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Parliament Building, and thermal baths. It was originally two cities, Buda and Pest, and has a rich history dating back to Roman times. Eger: A northern city famous for its baroque architecture, Eger Castle, and the 1552 Siege of Eger when locals defended the town from the Ottoman Empire. The city is also known for its thermal baths and wine (especially Egri Bikavér, or “Bull’s Blood”). Pécs: Located in the south, Pécs is a cultural hub with Roman, Ottoman, and Hungarian influences. The Pécs Cathedral, Mosque of Pasha Qasim, and ancient Christian burial chambers (UNESCO World Heritage Site) are major attractions. Sopron: Near the Austrian border, Sopron has preserved medieval and baroque architecture, with landmarks like Firewatch Tower and the Gothic Goat Church. Esztergom: One of Hungary’s oldest cities and the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, it is home to Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary, and the site of the country’s first royal capital.
Kőszeg: A medieval town near the Austrian border, known for its historic castle and defense against the Ottomans in 1532. The town’s architecture has been well preserved, and it hosts the annual Jurisics Castle Festival.
Sopron: Known for its well-preserved medieval streets and Gothic and baroque architecture. Kőszeg: Famous for its medieval castle and the historical Jurisics Square. Visegrád: Known for the Visegrád Citadel and the Royal Palace, this town was once the royal seat of the Hungarian kings.
Balatonfüred: A charming resort town known for its historic villas, promenades, and wine. Tihany: A picturesque peninsula with a famous Benedictine Abbey and beautiful views over the lake. Siófok: Often called the “party town” of Balaton, Siófok is known for its nightlife and beaches. Keszthely: Home to the beautiful Festetics Palace and several cultural attractions.
The mineral-rich waters of Hungary’s thermal baths are believed to help with various health conditions, including: Joint and muscle pain Arthritis Circulatory problems Skin conditions
Budapest: Visit landmarks such as Buda Castle, Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Lake Balaton: The largest lake in Central Europe, often referred to as the “Hungarian Sea.” Hortobágy National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its unique landscape and wildlife. Eger Castle: Famous for its role in the 16th-century defense against the Ottoman Turks.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath (Budapest): One of Europe’s largest and most iconic thermal bath complexes, located in the City Park of Budapest. It offers numerous indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and medicinal treatments. Gellért Thermal Bath (Budapest): Located in the famous Gellért Hotel, this Art Nouveau-style bath is known for its beautiful architecture and thermal pools. Rudas Bath (Budapest): This historic Turkish-style bath dates back to the 16th century and is famous for its rooftop pool offering stunning views of the Danube River. Egerszalók (Eger region): Known for its natural salt hill formed by thermal waters, Egerszalók is a unique and picturesque thermal spa resort. Hévíz Thermal Lake: Located near Lake Balaton, Hévíz is the largest natural thermal lake in Europe, known for its therapeutic properties and year-round swimming.
Esztergom is home to the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary and a symbol of the country’s Christian heritage. The city was the birthplace of Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen, and served as the capital in the early Middle Ages. Visitors can explore the basilica’s treasury, the royal palace ruins, and the Christian Museum.
Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF), although many places in Budapest accept Euros.
It is recommended to bring: Swimwear: A swimsuit is required in most public thermal baths. Towel: Some baths offer towel rentals, but bringing your own can be more convenient. Flip-flops: These are often recommended for hygiene purposes. Swim cap: Required in some pools, particularly in the swimming lanes.
Hungarian cuisine is hearty and rich, with staples like goulash (gulyás), paprika chicken (paprikás csirke), stuffed cabbage (töltött káposzta), and lángos (a deep-fried dough snack). Meals often feature paprika, garlic, and sour cream. Hungary is also famous for its desserts, such as dobos torte and kürtőskalács (chimney cake).
Thermal baths: Hungary is home to many thermal springs and bathhouses, especially in Budapest. Hungarian cuisine: Traditional dishes include goulash (gulyás), paprikash, and lángos. Rich cultural heritage: Hungary has a long history of music, literature, and architecture, influenced by
Hungary has a rich and complex history, dating back to the establishment of the Hungarian state in 1000 AD by King Stephen I. It was later part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and experienced significant challenges during the 20th century, including involvement in both World Wars and a period under Soviet influence before transitioning to democracy in 1989.
ake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, often referred to as the “Hungarian Sea.” It’s a popular holiday destination known for its beautiful landscapes, beaches, and thermal spas.
ake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, often referred to as the “Hungarian Sea.” It’s a popular holiday destination known for its beautiful landscapes, beaches, and thermal spas.
The best time to visit Lake Balaton is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm, and all the attractions are open. However, spring and autumn are also pleasant times for a quieter, more relaxing visit, and some activities like wine tasting and hiking are best enjoyed in these seasons.
The capital of Hungary is Budapest, a vibrant city known for its beautiful architecture, historical landmarks, and the Danube River, which divides it into Buda and Pest.
Hungary has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot, especially in July and August, with temperatures around 25-30°C (77-86°F). Winters are cold, with average temperatures around -1 to 3°C (30-37°F), and snowfall is common.
Gyula is known for its well-preserved Gyula Castle, the only remaining intact Gothic brick castle in Central Europe. The town is also famous for its thermal spa and the Gyulai Pálinka (fruit brandy) distillery.
Hungarians enjoy socializing over drinks, with wine and pálinka (a fruit brandy) being popular choices. Hungary is also famous for its wine regions, like Tokaj and Eger. Pubs, cafes, and wine bars are common gathering places, especially in Budapest.
The standard voltage is 230V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type C and F, which are common across Europe.
The region around Lake Balaton is known for its traditional Hungarian cuisine, often featuring fresh fish from the lake, such as fogas (pike-perch) and harcsa (catfish). Other popular dishes include goulash, lángos, and various grilled meats. Don’t forget to try local wines from the nearby vineyards, particularly the white wines.
Hungary has a public healthcare system that offers free or low-cost medical care to residents. There is also a growing private healthcare sector offering faster access to services and higher quality facilities. EU citizens with an EHIC card can access public healthcare when visiting Hungary.
Budapest’s history stretches back to the Roman period when the area was known as Aquincum. Over the centuries, it was ruled by various powers, including the Mongols and Ottomans. The city became the co-capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the 19th century. Notable historical events include the 1848 Revolution, World War II, and the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.
Debrecen is Hungary’s second-largest city and has played a significant role in the country’s religious and political history. It was a center of Calvinism and was briefly the capital of Hungary during the 1848-1849 War of Independence. The city’s Reformed Great Church is a symbol of its religious importance.
The official language is Hungarian, also known as Magyar, which is part of the Uralic language family and quite unique in Europe.
Hungary, especially Budapest, has an efficient public transportation system. Budapest offers metro lines, buses, trams, and trolleys, making it easy to navigate the city.
Sopron is known for its well-preserved medieval and baroque architecture. It played a pivotal role in Hungarian history during the 1921 referendum, where the town voted to remain part of Hungary rather than join Austria. Sopron is also a gateway to the popular hiking and wine regions of the Sopron Hills.
The Danube Bend region includes historic towns like Visegrád, Szentendre, and Esztergom. This region played a central role in Hungarian history, especially during the medieval period when it served as a key defensive area and royal center.
The water temperature varies, but most thermal pools range between 30°C and 40°C (86°F to 104°F). Each bath usually offers multiple pools with different temperatures to suit individual preferences.
Swimming: The shallow waters make it a great place for swimming, especially for families with children. Water sports: Sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are popular activities. Hiking and cycling: The surrounding hills and vineyards offer scenic hiking trails and biking routes. Wine tasting: The Balaton region is famous for its wine, especially in areas like Badacsony and Balatonfüred. Thermal spas: There are several thermal baths near Lake Balaton, including Hévíz, home to the largest natural thermal lake in Europe. Festivals: Lake Balaton hosts numeros summer festivals, including the Balaton Sound music festival and food and wine festivals.
Hungary has a well-developed public transportation system. In Budapest, there are buses, trams, trolleybuses, and a metro system. The country also has a reliable train network, making it easy to travel between cities and nearby countries. Cycling is growing in popularity, especially in urban areas.
Visegrád is famous for its medieval Royal Palace and Citadel, which was an important fortress during the reign of King Matthias Corvinus in the 15th century. The Visegrád International Palace Games, held annually, reenact medieval jousting and court life, attracting visitors interested in Hungary’s royal history.
Eger is best known for its heroic defense during the 1552 siege by the Ottomans. The city’s fortress withstood the attack, earning its place in Hungarian history. Eger is also famous for its historic architecture, including Eger Castle, the northernmost Ottoman minaret in Europe, and its baroque buildings. It’s also a well-known wine region.
Szentendre is a small town near Budapest known for its Mediterranean-style atmosphere, cobbled streets, and baroque architecture. It has a long history as a home to Serbian refugees fleeing Ottoman rule in the 17th century. Today, it is an artists’ village, famous for its galleries, museums, and churches.
Hungary is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is UTC+1. During Daylight Saving Time (DST), it shifts to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.
Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Austria to the west, Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east, Serbia to the south, Croatia to the southwest, and Slovenia to the west.
Lake Balaton is located in western Hungary, about 80 kilometers southwest of Budapest. It is easily accessible by car, train, or bus from the capital.
Tihany: Known for the Tihany Abbey, founded in 1055, and its breathtaking views of Lake Balaton. The abbey is a key historical site, with its crypt containing the tomb of King Andrew I. Keszthely: The site of the grand Festetics Palace, built in the 18th century. Keszthely is one of the oldest towns near the lake and has a charming old town with museums and historical architecture. Veszprém: One of the oldest urban areas in Hungary, known as the “City of Queens” due to its historical role as the coronation site for Hungarian queens. The town’s medieval castle and baroque-style buildings are key attractions.
Hungary is rich in thermal springs, with more than 1,000 across the country. These springs produce naturally warm, mineral-rich water, making Hungary one of Europe’s top destinations for thermal baths and wellness.
Pécs has a long and diverse history, influenced by Romans, Ottomans, and Hungarians. It was named a European Capital of Culture in 2010. Key sites include the Early Christian Necropolis (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the Pécs Cathedral, and the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, known for its ceramics. The city also has a strong artistic community, hosting several art festivals.