Holidays in Europe: 5 reasons to visit Hungary

Summer is a traditional time for holidays, when many immigrants from post-Soviet countries living in the United States set off to travel around Europe. Against the backdrop of Spain, Italy or France, beloved by tourists, Hungary traditionally turns out to be deprived of the attention of vacationers. At the same time, there is something to see in this country.

Photo: Ksenia Kirillova

Historical collisions

Russian-speaking immigrants living in Hungary love to tell a historical anecdote describing the scene of a report to the president Franklin Roosevelt his secretary that Hungary, following Germany, declared war on the United States in December 1941:

“Mr. President, Hungary has declared war on us!”

– Hungary? What is it?

- Kingdom in Europe.

- Who is their king?

“There is no king, but there is a parliament and a regent, Admiral Horthy.

- Admiral? So this is a maritime power?

No, they don't have access to the sea.

- Strange. Why did they declare war? Do they have any claims against us?

- No.

Who else are they fighting?

- With the Soviet Union.

– Do they claim Soviet territories?

– No, they claim the Romanian territories.

“Then why aren’t they at war with Romania?”

- They can't: they are allies.

Of course, this dialogue presents historical events in a comically exaggerated form, but it well conveys the paradoxical nature of US-Hungarian relations that has survived to this day. Politics of the current Prime Minister of Hungary Victor Orban considered so pro-Russian that U.S. congressmen threaten impose sanctions against the politician's inner circle. Meanwhile, Moscow did not appreciate the efforts of the Orban government and made Hungary to the list of "unfriendly countries".

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At the same time, despite all the cataclysms, in the very center of Budapest, as if nothing had happened, the monument erected in 2011 flaunts Ronald Reagan - the president who made a huge contribution to the victory of the West in the Cold War, as a result of which Hungary gained independence. Reagan stands on Freedom Square just a few meters from the memorial to Soviet soldiers who died here in World War II. But, aside from politics, there are at least five reasons why you should visit Hungary.

1. Budapest

The Hungarian capital is an attraction in itself. The city is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in the world, and this applies to both parts of it - the mountainous Buda with its fortresses and palaces, and the seething social life of Pest. Separated by the Danube, both parts of the city are especially beautiful in the evening when illuminated. The ancient Buda Castle, built back in the Middle Ages, the exquisite Presidential Palace, built at the beginning of the XNUMXth century, the ancient parliament building located right on the banks of the Danube, theaters, bridges, St. fairy tale

Photo: Ksenia Kirillova

In daylight, you can walk along the streets of the Fortress District, towering over the Danube. Near the medieval bastions and Gothic churches, there are observation platforms that offer a magnificent view of the city and the Danube that cuts it. By the way, if you wish, it is quite possible to find a fairly cheap hotel in the very center of Budapest. In general, affordable prices distinguish Hungary from many other countries.

2. Millennial culture and history

This applies not only to Budapest. Hungary is a unique country that combines the influence of Eastern and Western cultures. Here, historical monuments of the Roman Empire, buildings of the period of Turkish rule, medieval churches and brilliant basilicas, ruins of fortresses and magnificent castles adjoin each other. Eight Hungarian attractions have the status of world cultural heritage sites: three national parks, an ancient Christian necropolis with painted tombs in the city of Pecs, a functioning 1000-year-old abbey in Pannonhalm, the ethnic village of Hollokö, and more.

Photo: Ksenia Kirillova

A striking example of the combination of eras is the city of Köszeg on the western border of Hungary. The main attractions of the city center date back to the XNUMXth century: the churches of St. James and St. Imre, the city spring, the statue of the Virgin Mary, the town hall and the Golden Unicorn Pharmacy Museum.

But the Jurišić fortress located in the Old Town was founded back in the 1300s, and it was thanks to it that the victory over the Turks was won in 1532. The troops of Sultan Suleiman were heading towards Vienna when the Hungarian Köszeg stood in their way. Fortress commandant Miklos Jurisic he opposed the almost 70-strong army of the Sultan, having under his command a garrison numbering only a thousand people, recruited mainly from serfs. Despite the superiority in strength, the Turkish troops were unable to capture the well-fortified fortress. In total, there are about 800 castles, fortresses and palaces in Hungary.

3. Magnificent nature and healing springs

The researchers calculated that if we put together all the country's protected areas and protected natural regions, they will occupy an area of ​​520 hectares. Hungarian nature is landscapes with turbulent rivers and gentle slopes of hills, transparent lakes and mountain ranges covered with dense forests, endless plains and karst caves that store countless treasures.

For example, Lake Heviz is a unique place where healing water and healing mud coexist, which heal patients suffering from diseases of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, respiratory organs, as well as allergies and heart diseases. During the summer months, the temperature in Heviz reaches +36ºС, and even in January it rarely drops to +24ºС, which allows the resort to work all year round. Separately, we should highlight Lake Balaton - the largest warm-water lake in Central Europe and an ideal place for a family vacation.

4. Ethnosettlements

The most famous open-air ethnographic museum is the already mentioned village of Holloko in the northern part of the country. It is inhabited by 400 people who sacredly keep the traditions of bygone eras. In the village to this day, folk crafts and crafts flourish, and the inhabitants prefer traditional outfits.

However, the stylization of ancient settlements can be found in other parts of the country. It is in such places remote from big cities, but still tourist places, that the national character of the "deep" Hungary is manifested. Steles tied with black mourning ribbons say a lot about him. They are engraved with the names of the regions that in past centuries were ruled by the Hungarians.

Photo: Ksenia Kirillova

Now these territories belong to Croatia, Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine, but it is noticeable that provincial Hungary still cannot come to terms with their loss and continues to defiantly mourn the loss. Such imperial sentiments largely explain the popularity of Viktor Orban among the rural population and the hidden sympathy of this population for Russia.

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5. Hungarian outback

However, the Hungarian hinterland is far from being only tourist places and the recreation of medieval settlements, but also quite real villages inhabited by modern Hungarians, simple and hospitable people. Here you can taste excellent pastries, taste real Hungarian goulash and quality wines.

Communication with local residents gives an understanding of the Hungarian mentality. The inhabitants of the province, including the regions that literally border Austria, are surprisingly uninquisitive. Unlike the Hungarian youth, who prefer to go to work in a neighboring country, the villagers do not consider it necessary to visit Western Europe. However, tourists who come to Hungary may well combine the naive charm of the Hungarian hinterland with the opportunity to visit Vienna - the capital of the once mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire, located just an hour from the Hungarian border.

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