Tip: Our most loved Hotels for your relaxing Hungary Holiday
With its complex history and fascinating blend of architecture, Budapest captivates its guests. This mysterious city is packed full of wonders, such as the mysterious labyrinth of Buda castle and the House of Terror Museum, and is also the home to some of the most iconic spas in Europe. The opulent, baroque-style Széchenyi Baths and the art déco Spa Gellert are just some of the most beautiful spas in Budapest and have become tourist attractions in their own right. Budapest is definitely the most popular spa destination in Hungary, however the country has many other unique spa resorts to offer.
Hévíz, home to the largest natural thermal lake in Europe is an excellent destination to visit all year around - the waters of the Lake Hévíz stay warm even in winter! Hévíz is located close to another distinctive lake, the Balaton. Lake Balaton is the largest in Central Europe known for its shallow waters, and is safe to bath in, even for inexperienced swimmers.
The alpine foothills are also a tempting destination for spa lovers exploring Hungary. Sopron lies just 60 km away from Vienna and Bük, a tiny yet enchanting spa resort, is perfect for walking, hiking or mountain kayaking enthusiasts. Another interesting destination is Sárvár - famous for two kinds of medicinal thermal waters used to cure various conditions ranging from digestive disorders and urinary problems to respiratory diseases and skin conditions.
Hungary, with its wild Pannonian steppe, endless lake landscapes and enchanted villages, has always inspired the imagination and wanderlust of travelers. Even today, the nature of the country is full of unique treasures. The Pearl of the Danube, as well as Budapest, attracts with its romantic old town streets and magnificent buildings. In the countryside, there are countless opportunities to use the rich thermal springs of Hungary for wellness and relaxation and to make your holiday unforgettable.
Facts & Figures
Official name: Magyarország (Hungary)Location: Landlocked country in Central Europe, situated between Austria and Romania
Area: 93, 030 km²
Capital: Budapest
Population: 9.9 million
Religious and ethnic groups: 37% Roman Catholic, 14% Protestant, 2% Greek Catholic / 92% Hungarian, 2% Roma
Language: Hungarian (official language)
Geography: Shallow to hilly, hilly to mountainous on the border with Slovakia. Highest point: Biscuit (1014m)
Time zone: Central European Time (UTC + 01:00)
Political and Economic: Parliamentary Democracy, GDP: EUR 97.9 billion (2013)
Currency: Forint (1€ = 305 HUF)
Arrival and departure
The journey to Hungary is possible by land, using a car or train and is accessible by air. There is also the possibility of getting from Vienna by hydrofoil to Hungary.Vaccinations: In general, vaccinations to protect against hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended for longer stays.
Upon arrival: The roads of the country are considered good. The rail network is also well developed across the country, even though travel connections can often be complicated.
Climate and best time to travel
Hungary's climate is temperate with warm, wet summers and cold winters.Winter average temperature: 0 ° C (lows around -3 ° C in January)
Summer average temperature: 21 ° C (maximum temperatures around 28 ° C in July)
Water temperature: Lake Balaton: max. 27 ° C in August
The swimming season is from May to September, but a trip is worth it all year round. For city breaks, the spring and autumn are particularly suitable.
The most beautiful holiday regions
Lake Balaton - A spa paradise with views of the DolomitesSouth - Scenic diversity and "City of Arts"
Puszta / Plains – Wide steppe and culinary delights
Public holidays and celebrations
New Year (January 1), Anniversary of the 1848 uprising against the Austrian Government (March 15), Easter Monday (April), Labor Day (May 1), Whit Monday (May / June), St. Stephen's Day (August 20), All Saints Day (November 1), Christmas Eve (December 24), Christmas (December 25/26)DOs and DON'Ts
DOs
• Get a taxi. This gives you more security and a fair price.
• Openness. Often you will also be asked personal matters in the first conversation. This is not meant to be rude, but a sign of interest.
DON‘Ts
• Don’t toast with a beer. As the Austrians celebrated in this fashion after their victory over Hungary, this custom is only acceptable with other drinks.
• Don’t drink and drive. If you get caught or have an accident, this can be just as expensive as not keeping your safety vest in the car.
Holiday tips
Can you drink the tap water? Since tap water does not meet drinking water standards everywhere, you should use bottled or boiled water.Do I need an adapter In Hungary, the same sockets are used as in Germany; an adapter is therefore not needed.
What about medical care? The medical care does not always meet European standards; therefore, a travel health insurance with medical evacuation transport is advised.
Top tips and discoveries
Budapest
There are three parts of the city in Budapest. The hilly Buda with the castle hill, the eastern Pest with the parliament and the all-connecting Danube in the heart of the city. The path leads visitors through cozy, cobbled streets, past imposing buildings from all eras. Marvel at the palace, mighty churches and the synagogue and discover the many small shops, markets and quaint cafes spread around the city. If you are looking for relaxation after a long day on the streets, a visit to the countless thermal baths in the city is a must.
Pécs
Pécs is one of the oldest cities in Hungary. It is especially characterized by the unusually early interplay of various cultural influences, which can be seen in the prominent buildings of its cityscape with cathedral, mosque and synagogue. While historic treasures lure on every corner by day, the nightlife awakens after sunset and you can feel in the playful atmosphere in the countless pubs, bars and clubs making Pécs a vibrant student city.
Bad Héviz
If you are looking for relaxation and wellness, you should not miss the spa on the shores of Lake Balaton. For more than 2,000 years, people have come here to find relief for their ailments and restore peace of mind and body. In fact, with a view of the lake and traditional treatments using water and mud from Lake Balaton, you can leave everyday life behind and immerse yourself in deep relaxation.
