Hungary Travel Guide
Hungary is situated in Central Europe's Carpathian Basin. The language is spoken by no other people, the folk songs do not resemble those of any other land. Despite the repeated trials and tribulations of history, the Hungarian people have lived here for more than 1,100 years. The treasures of their culture have drawn travelers from distant lands throughout the centuries.
The wonderful panorama of the capital, Budapest (also known as the "Pearl of the Danube") prompted UNESCO to place it on the World Heritage list.
Hungary has the second-largest reserve of surface thermal water in the world (after Iceland) with hundreds of warm springs spouting forth curative waters that have assisted many thousands in regaining health.
Lake Balaton, Central Europe's largest freshwater lake, is a veritable paradise for families with small children, as well as lovers of yachting and of resort life.
Herend/Northern Transdanubia: Herend porcelain is an international name, greatly favored by the English and Viennese aristocracy of the last century. The porcelain factory was founded in 1826.
Pannonhalma/Northern Transdanubia: Pannonhalma Abbey is said to be the oldest Hungarian House, having stood on St. Martin Hill for 1,000 years. A treasury of Hungary's architectural past, it was placed on the World Heritage list in 1996.
Hortobagy/Hungarian Great Plain: One of Europe`s largest protected grasslands where Hungarian grey cattle, flocks of twisted-horn Racka sheep and buffalo herds graze in the open. The Hortobagy Equestrian Days are held on the first weekend of July; the Bridge Fair is staged in August.
Tokaj/Northern Hungary: This wine region provides the world-famous Tokaji Aszú, titled "Wine of Kings, King of Wines." Tokaj Aszú is made from grapes of high sugar content which are ripened till late autum on the sunny southern slopes. It was even used as a medicine during the Middle Ages.