Hungary Fast Facts
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Located in east-central Europe, Hungary borders Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania and Serbia. The traditional country has great cuisine, beautiful landscapes and many impressive sights. See andyeducation.com for education in Hungary.

Capital City Budapest
Size 93.036 km²
Resident 9.772.756
Official Language Hungarian
Currency Forint
Time Zone UTC + 1 MEZ
Telephone Area Code +36

Fast facts to know

  • Hungary is one of the oldest countries in Europe.
  • Many great festivals such as Sziget are celebrated in Hungary.
  • Hungary has no access to the sea.
  • The typical landscape is the puszta, a flat steppe.
  • Hungarian is one of the most difficult languages ​​in the world.
  • The Rubik’s Cube was invented in Hungary.
  • Hungary has a great wine tradition.
  • The Hungarian Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe.
  • There are more than 1500 spas and thermal baths in Hungary. The country also has Europe’s largest synagogue, Europe’s largest spa, Europe’s third largest church, the second largest territorial abbey in the world and the second largest baroque palace in the world.
  • For 200 years the capital of Hungary was Bratislava.
  • The forint is an indispensable currency in Hungary, the euro is rarely accepted.
  • Public transport in Budapest is excellently developed. The metro is even one of the sights of the city.
  • The traditional Hungarian folk dance is called Csárdás.
  • The crime rate in Hungary is low.
  • The Hungarians call their country “Magyarország” (= land of the Hungarians).
  • The colors of the red, white and green striped flags represent, in order, blood (lost by Hungarians in the struggle for their freedom), purity and hope (signs of the 19th-century revolution).

Exciting cities in Hungary

  • Budapest
  • Héviz
  • Mouse
  • Szeged
  • Pécs
  • Big
  • Debrecen
  • Holloko
  • Visegrád
  • Szombathely
  • Esztergom

History of Hungary

  • 9th century Magyar immigration.
  • 1,000 Foundation of the Kingdom of Hungary.
  • 1241-42 devastation by the Mongols, 50% of the population are murdered.
  • This was followed by resettlement with settlers from the Holy Roman Empire (Swabia).
  • 1370-86, 1440-44 Hungary is ruled in personal union with Poland.
  • 16th century Conquest by the Ottoman Empire.
  • In 1686 the Habsburgs conquered all of Hungary.
  • 1703-11 Kuruzena ufstand.
  • Revolution of 1848/49 is bloodily suppressed with the help of Russia.
  • 1867 equal part of the dual monarchy Austria-Hungary.
  • Multiethnic state Kingdom of Hungary characterized by internal tensions.
  • 1918 Hungary declares withdrawal from the real union with Austria.
  • 1920 formal reintroduction of the monarchy.
  • In World War II, Hungary is on the side of Nazi Germany.
  • After being occupied by the Soviet Union, the country was under Soviet influence for many years.
  • 1956 popular uprising is brutally crushed by the Soviet army.
  • 60s-70s goulash communism.
  • From September 11, 1989, Hungary officially allowed GDR citizens to travel to Austria.
  • 1990 Hungary’s first free parliamentary elections since 1947.
  • 2004 accession to the European Union.

Climate & travel weather in Hungary

  • East: continental climate (summer hot, winter cold).
  • West: oceanic climate (humid but milder winters).
  • Overall relatively little precipitation.
  • Recommended travel time:
    • Suitable for travel all year round.
    • December to February rather less attractive.
    • It is better not to visit the city in the very hot summer.

Ideas for trips in Hungary

  • Old town of Sopron.
  • Danube cruise.
  • Hiking in Hungary’s mountains.
  • Baradla-Tropfsteinhöhle.
  • Ride on the Lillafüred forest railway.
  • Erzabtei Pannonhalma.
  • Schloss Esterhazy.
  • Gresham Palace.
  • Castle and chateau in Visegrád.
  • New synagogue in Szeged.
  • Climb the Börszönys summit.
  • Highlights in Budapest:
    • Burgpalast & Burgviertel.
    • Fishermen’s Bastion.
    • chain bridge.
    • Parliament.
    • St. Stephans-Basilika.

Eating & drinking in Hungary

  • Culinary influences from Italy, Turkey, Austria and Germany are recognizable.
  • Generally known for good home cooking.
  • Cuisine usually rather heavy, often spicy and rich in meat.
  • In addition to meat, vegetables and fish are also popular.
  • Warm cabbage strudel is one of the most popular Hungarian dishes.
  • Goulash is a soup in Hungary.
  • Liked to be processed: peppers, onions, garlic.
  • Fresh trout dishes, rustic game and various goulash dishes are known across national borders.
  • The Transylvanian cuisine has a particularly good reputation.
  • Hungarian cakes are sweet and extremely tasty.
  • Pancakes are also originally from Hungary.
  • The most famous wine in Hungary is called Egri Bikavér, and Tokaj is also very well known.
  • Typical dishes:
    • Roasted.
    • pepper chicken.
    • Hungarian salami.
    • National dish kettle goulash.
    • Palozer Lammsuppe.
    • Esterházy-Rostbraten.
    • Székler Gulasch.
    • Langós.
    • Hungarian tree sausage.
    • Cremiges Paprika.
    • Halászlé (Hungarian fish soup).
    • Esterházy-Torte.

Particularly scenic

  • Hungarian Puszta
  • Lake Balaton (Balaton)
  • Caves of the Aggteleker Karstes
  • Europe’s largest thermal lake
  • Most beautiful national parks:
    • Örseg National Park
    • Bükk-Nationalpark
    • Kiskunság National Park
    • Nationalpark Aggtelek
    • Kiskunsag National Park

Hungary Fast Facts

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