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Planet In1 Destination Europe - Hungary
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Hungary, although generally considered to be in Eastern Europe, is in fact geographically located in the centre of Europe. A landlocked country, it is bordered by Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria. The land is mostly flat to rolling plains with hills and low mountains on the Slovakian border in the north. Because of its central position, Hungary is a welcome destination or stop-off point for travellers going east-west. The countryside is very lovely, with resort-lined lakes, Baroque towns and quaint villages as well as numerous thermal spas. The country has produced many film producers, directors and writers and Hungary is synonomous with horsemanship. There is a local saying that ‘Hungarians were created by God to sit on horseback'. The country has had a stormy history and the national anthem describes the Hungarians as ‘people torn by fate'. On the losing side in two world wars, the Hungarians are above all, survivors.

Budapest, the capital, is made up of Buda and Pest and lies on a curve of the majestic River Danube. It is a beautiful city with wide streets, parks and a variety of architectural styles in its buildings. Often called the ‘Paris of Eastern Europe', the city is the cultural centre of the country. Budapest is a mixture of old and new, where historic buildings blend with modern and the people are friendly, even though it is a big metropolis. The city is well laid out and the best way to see it is on foot. The Castle District comprises the Old Town and the Royal Palace, which now houses a number of museums. The famous Fishermen's Bastion, a viewing platform built for defence in the Middle Ages, offers a wonderful panorama of the city. When you have seen the beautiful buildings, churches, museums and statues that Budapest has to offer, why not take a romantic cruise along the Danube or relax and take the waters at one of the city's many spas.

Szentendre, just north of Budapest, is located on a bend of the River Danube. This quiet little town is known for its art and museums and is very popular, not only with those interested in culture, but also to water sports and riding enthusiasts.

Lake Balaton, southwest of Budapest, is one of the most precious natural treasures of Hungary. It is the largest lake of Central Europe, its length is 77 kilometres and its width ranges from 4 to 14 kilometres. Grapes are grown on the slopes leading down to the lake and wine has been produced here for centuries. There are many recreational facilities and you can see the area either by car, bicycle, on horseback or on foot.

Sopron is located on the border with Austria and has the largest number of monuments in the country. This quiet little city has an historic centre with unique buildings and remnants of the Middle Ages. Excellent wine is produced in this region and the Sopron Wine Festival takes place here annually.

Pécs is a 2000 year old town at the southern end of Mecsek Hill in the south of the country. This was an important centre of early Christianity. Now a World Heritage site, many graves and tombs from Roman times are still being excavated. The town, with its beautiful Zsolnay ceramics, Csontváry paintings, decorative Vasarely patterns and Mediterranean climate and atmosphere is delightful to visit.

Tata, just west of Budapest, is known as ‘the city of waters' and is an ideal place for water sports, boating and fishing, as well as just rest and relaxation. The Geological Museum at the Kalvaria hill is a truly unique sight. The Calvaria Chapel and group of statues stand alongside the 45-meter tall lookout tower. The famous Fényes Pools are built around thermal springs and rare plants abound.

Eger, one of the nicest Baroque cities in Hungary, is located in the east of the country. The city, with its glorious historical past, minarets and palaces is a place of thermal baths, good food, the famous Bull's Blood wine and of course, good cheer. The town centre, with 175 protected buildings and monuments, is pedestrianised. Eger Castle and Eger Cathedral, with its 40 foot high minaret are popular attractions.

Szeged, at the junction of the rivers Tisza and Maros, is often called the ‘town of sunshine'. This is a well designed town, rebuilt in 1979 after the great flood. One of the world-famous products of the town is the Pick Salami and Szegedi Paprika which gives its unique flavour to Hungarian foods. Paprika is widely used in the Szegedi Fish soup as well.