HUNGARY

THE HOLY CROWN 
OF HUNGARY
IS THE KEY SYMBOL

  

BUDAPEST -- HEROES SQUARE

Hungary lies in the centre of Europe and it is an incredible country, history wise and scenery. It borders on Slovakia in the north, Austria and Slovenia in the west, Croatia in the south-west, Yugoslavia in the south and Romania and Ukraine in the east.

The climate is typical for central Europe. The summers are dry and hot and the winter are cold.

The Danube river flows from north to south and cuts the country in half. It has the largest lake in Europe and it is Lake Balaton, in the western part of Hungary.

The surrounding countryside is a great tourist attraction. There are the rolling downs on the south side of the lake.

HUNGARY'S GREAT PLAIN

In the east of the country is the Great Plain. It is drained by rivers which then flow into the Danube. The plain has rich black soil which is good for growing crops,

Some parts are also sandy and marshy areas. The many marches are a great bird sanctuary such as cranes, spoonbills, flamingos and storks. In the north of the country are the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Quite a lot of the wetter areas are drained for growing crops.

One of the best wheat is grown on those central plain as well as melons, rice and tobacco. Hungary also has natural resources, such as coal, oil, bauxite and natural gas. The country's export is food and machinery. Hungary always has had a very important car industry.  They have to import raw material.

HUNGARIAN FAMOUS
HORSEMANSHIP

Hungary is known for its beautiful horses which are bred on the Great Plain. The Hungarians themselves are world-famous for their horsemanship.

The famous Hussars were once the Hungarian cavalry. The admiration for their craftsmanship became so wide spread that many other armies copied it. Even the gold-braided uniforms.

THE BUDA CASTLE
IN BUDAPEST

THE CAPITAL OF BUDAPEST HAS BEEN JOINED OF THE ONE SIDE OF THE DANUBE BUDA AND THE OTHER SIDE PEST.

BUDAPEST 
THE OLDEST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY  
OPENED IN 1766

1904 AUTOMOBILE 
BETWEEN 1900 AND 1918
THERE WERE 10 AUTOMOTIVE
FACTORIES IN HUNGARY

 The Hungarian music became well known and famous. Their folk songs and dances and their national customs is something so wonderful. Hungary's most famous composers are Franz Liszt and Bela Bartok.

The well known Hungarian goulash is the national dish. It is made of meat, onions, noodles, potatoes, and not to forget the most important ingredient -- paprika.

In the 17th century people believed that the paprika was poisonous and therefore a wreath was made to keep the blood-thirsty vampires off. Eventually, it lost its bad name and became part of the spices. Then the scientists found out that it contains a lot of vitamin C. Nowadays, they take it to cure a cold and some even to cure baldness.

The capital is Budapest which has a lot of sightseeing because of Hungary's long and great history. One of the impressive sight is the St Matthias church which is remarkable because of the lavish roof decoration. These beautiful roof decorations can be found only in central Europe.

Many country villages and towns are visited yearly by white storks. No matter how far the distance, the stork always comes back to the same nest and also they pair for life. The birds are encouraged by the people and it is thought to bring good luck. They built a large and untidy nest, lay their eggs, bring up their young ones and then in the late summer head back to Africa for the winter.

HISTORY
Hungarian's history was traced back to the time when members of the Magyar tribe moved from Russia in 900 AD.

Their language is distinctly close to Finnish and Estonian. In the Middle Ages, Hungary was one of the largest kingdoms in Europe.

In 1526 the Turks invaded it and ruled for over 150 years as part of the Ottoman Empire. Eventually, when they were driven out, it became part of the Austrian empire and the Austrian established an Austro-Hungarian empire.

When Austria was defeated in the First World War; Hungary became an independant country in 1918. However, it was much smaller than before. Hitler promised to give them back the land they lost and therefore they supported him.

Then the Soviet troops invaded Hungary. At the end of the war the Communist Party governed Hungary but in 1989 it became free and established a democratic government..

HOLIDAY
For a holiday. Hungary offers such a variety it is amazing, especially for such a small country. It is also a very inexpensive holiday which counts a lot, especially these days.

Budapest for being a beautiful built city which still shows its glorious past. It is a job to see it all. It has been known for top-class music and art for centuries.

There is a wonderful opera house, a great number of museums,with lots to see of the Hungarian great history. Also many galleries containing beautiful paintings. Many festivals to be seen and enjoyed.

The country side with its great variety from endless flat plain to the lushes peaks and valleys. All these beautiful site will tempt you to do biking, hiking, walking, horse-riding and fishing. Your camera won't stop clicking by itself.

Hungary has so many UNESCO World Heritage Sites which proofs the riches of nature, culture and history.

LAKE  BALATON

For family with small children there is Lake Balaton which is 77km long and 14km wide and a beautiful surrounding. It invites to sunbath, swimming, sailing and water sport.

If you want to do something for your health; Hungary has many hot springs for your relaxation, refreshment, rejuvenate or healing. There is also that famous mud-bath which helps to cure a number of ailments.

Regarding food you will be spoilt for choice and your taste buds will have a bonanza. The country is also known for a great quality wine and beer. All these treats are for very low prices.

HUNGARIAN'S NATIONAL CUSTOMS