Traditional horse-herdsman "Csikos" on the Puszta plain.

Hungary is more than just a place for those seeking to discover great history and high art. Equally impressive is Hungary’s undulating landscape and terrain that is comprised of beautiful lakes, rolling hills, thick forests, and flat open plains, all of which set the scene for enjoying a variety of activities. In particular, those with special interests for cycling, horse riding, bird-watching, and spelunking will find a treasure-trove here.

Hiking

Hiking in Hungary can be a lot of fun and is a great way to see the country’s beautiful landscape. In particular, two national parks in the country are especially popular with hiking fans. These are the Bugac Puszta and Bukk Hills national parks, both of which are easily accessible from the capital Budapest. These national parks have well-marked hiking trails to suit hikers of different fitness levels and abilities.

Horse Riding

There are many great places to go riding for both beginners and experienced riders in Hungary, particularly the Southern Great Plains, where travelers can experience the very best of traditional Hungarian horse riding. The Hungarian Equestrian Tourism Association (MLTKSZ) rates all equine centers using a five-horseshoe system, similar to the star ratings awarded to hotels. As a rule, the wider the range of activities that are offered at an equestrian center, the more horseshoes it will have in its rating. Many riding centers also offer over-night accommodation.

Cycling

Hungary’s relatively flat terrain makes it an ideal place for cycling. There are 2,000 kilometers worth of trails not including the thousands more of country road. Two EuroVelo routes transverse Hungary, one following the eastern bank of the Danube, one hugging the eastern bank of the River Tisza. In Northern Transdanubia, some of Europe’s best cycling routes are around Lake Ferto. The Hungary Cycling association provides a published map detailing all major cycling routes in the country.

Caving

Most visitors are unaware of Hungary’s extensive network of caves and caverns which can be found throughout the country. Of the most spectacular is the Aggtelek Caves located in the Aggtelek National Park in northeastern Hungary, bordering Slovakia. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the park comprises of unique flora and fauna and several hundred limestone caves and underground passages. Other interesting caves include those under the Buda Hills and in Lillafüred in the Northern Uplands.

Swimming

Swimming is very popular in Hungary and most towns and cities have at least one indoor and one outdoor pool. During the summer months, many locals retreat to Lake Balaton, often affectionately called the “Hungarian Sea”, which is regarded for its shallow warm waters and natural beauty. A host of other watersports can also be enjoyed in the area including windsurfing and sailing.

Bird Watching

Hungary has great diversity in habitat and is home to a wide variety of birds. Important species here include the great bustard, imperial eagle and the aquatic warbler. The large fish ponds and marshes of Hortobágy are considered among the best areas for bird watching in Hungary. During the spring and autumn, millions of migratory birds pass through the area.

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Pálinka for sale at the Mangalica Festival in Budapest. In recent years, pálinka has become the focus of a refined drinking culture in Hungary.

Mexico has tequila, Italy has grappa, Russia has vodka, and Scotland has whisky, but in Hungary its all about pálinka. Originally used for medicinal purposes dating back to the 14th century, pálinka is known for its unique and fiery flavor made from fermented and distilled fruits. In recent years, pálinka has become the focus of a refined drinking culture in Hungary and making pálinka has developed into an art form where producers compete to create the very best fruit brandies.

History of Pálinka 

Pálinka has been a Hungarian tradition for centuries, mentioned in documents dating back as early as the 14th century. The word “pálinka” comes from the Slovanic stem “pálit,” which means to burn. It also has roots to the Slovaks with the word “tótpálinka” which was used in Hungary to refer to alcoholic drinks that were derived from wheat. The word pálinka became widespread in Hungary in the 17th century but was referred to distillates made from grain. The meaning was later transferred to fruit brandies, while wheat distillates were referred to as “crematura“.

Traditions of Pálinka 

Pálinka is associated with many aspects of Hungarian culture and life. Traditionally in the countryside, such as starting a grape harvest or butchering a pig, it was proper to drink a glass of pálinka. The drink became synonymous with doing hard work and was used as an antidote for strength and good health. It was even common for palinka to be consumed in the morning, hence the traditional Hungarian greeting “Pálinkás jó reggelt!” which means “Good morning with pálinka!”. Besides the “medicinal” morning shots, important life events such as births, weddings, funerals, name-days, and birthdays were all connected with pálinka consumption.

Types of Pálinka

The most common types of pálinka and the fruit from which they are derived are apples, apricots, cherries, pears, and plums. Other lesser-known flavors are elderberry, quince, rosehips, mulberry, blackcurrant, and greengage. Pálinka made of pomace known as “törkölypálinka” is also a type of palinka, and is a typical drink in the wine-producing regions of the country.

Pálinka Consumption

Pálinka is typically served at room temperature. If served too cold, the aroma and flavor will be subdued. The form of the glass used to drink pálinka also has a big influence on the drinking experience. The ideal shaped glass is wide at the bottom and narrow at the rim, so it magnifies the overall fragrance of the drink.

Pálinka Festivals

Pálinka is considered such a highly esteemed drink in Hungary that various festivals and competitions are held throughout the year. In Budapest, the largest and most popular festivals include the Pálinka and Sausage Festival held in the fall and the Pálinka Festival held in the spring. Both these festivals offer hundreds of varieties of pálinka along with award-winning and limited edition products.

Pálinka-Making Process

Pálinka is made from harvest fruits which are placed into a vessel or barrel, then stirred to help the fermentation process happen. Fermentation takes place over the course of several weeks. The fruit mash then undergoes a distillation process. Once the pálinka goes through the initial distillation, it is distilled again. Finally, having rested in anti-corrosion steel tanks, the pálinka is manually bottled and labeled.

Pálinka Regulation

The production of pálinka is regulated by the European Union which took effect on 1 July 2002. According to the regulation, an alcoholic beverage may only be called pálinka if it is made exclusively from fruits or grape pomace grown in Hungary. No additives, sugar, or flavoring are allowed to be used. Pálinka must also contain between 37.5% to 86% alcohol content.

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In 896, the Magyars under the leadership of Árpád settled into the Carpathian Basin in what is now referred to as an area of Hungary within East-Central Europe. For over a thousand years, Hungary was continuously shaped and molded by its locals and conquerors. The result of this contributed to a unique and distinctive culture which continues to evolve even today.

Dried Hungarian peppers hanging on a wall. Much of Hungary’s paprika comes from the villages of Kalocsa and Szeged.

Goulash in a cast-iron kettle hung above an open fire. In Hungary, the dish is refered to as “gulyás” meaning cattle stockman or herdsman.

A statue of a Turul bird, a mythical falcon or eagle of the ancient Magyars.

Traditional Hungarian embroidery. Hungary is regarded for its unique and colorful needlework.

The Hungarian forint, often denoted HUF and abbreviated Ft., is the official currency of Hungary.

Men playing chess in the Szechenyi thermal baths in Budapest. The first thermal springs were discovered some 2,000 years ago in the Roman town of Aquincum (meaning “abundant water”) in north Budapest.

Hungarian folk art and crafts for sale at a market. Items such as pottery, carved wood, dyed Easter eggs, and woven cloths are associated with Hungarian folk art.

Participant at the Busójárás carnival in Mohacs. The Busójárás is a celebration held exactly seven weeks before Easter and involves locals dressing up in sheepskin costumes with scary masks and noise-makers.

Traditional horse-herdsman "Csikos" on the Puszta plain. Hungary has long history in horsemanship with many unique equestrian styles.

Hungarian grey cattle at the Hortobágy National Park in eastern Hungary. These animals once grazed the great plains of Hungary over 1,000 years ago.

Vizsla, Hungarian hunting dog. The ancestors of the present Vizsla were the trusted and favorite hunting dogs of the Magyar tribes who lived in the Carpathian Basin in the 10th century.

Historic wooden church in Holloko. The village is currently home to 400 residents who are a Palóc ethnic minority group in Hungary.

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Each year a special Easter festival takes place in a small village located in northeastern Hungary. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Hollókö and its surrounding area is an ethnographic village comprising of beautiful and vibrant historical houses and dwellings.

During the two-day celebration, the townspeople wear richly decorated folk costumes while participating in traditional Easter customs such as water pouring, egg painting, folk dancing, and attending mass.

Here are some of the highlights of the festival which were taken by our photographer Gabor Ancsin.

The village of Hollóko (pronounced Ho-low-koo, meaning raven stone) is one of the most charming areas in Hungary situated in the Cserhát hills.

The village is currently home to 400 residents who are a Palóc ethnic minority group in Hungary.

Boys walking along the main road in Hollókö.

Boys hold onto a girl as they throw water at her as part of an Easter ritual.

The ritual of splashing is associated with fertility, healing and cleansing rites.

Women in traditional folk costumes as they walk along the main road in Hollókö.

Locals gather to celebrate with wine.

A local man speaks with some of the young women in the village.

Men performing traditional Hungarian folk dancing on an open-air stage.

Girls performing traditional Hungarian folk dancing on an open-air stage.

Historic house in Hollókö. Many of the houses date from the 17th and 18th century and have been preserved throughout the years.

A local woman prepares langos, a traditional Hungarian flat bread in a wood-burning oven.

A collection of dolls in traditional Hungarian clothing.

A local showcases a Hungarian embroidery that was made in the village.

The art of decorating Easter eggs in Hungary was originally a Pagan ritual but was carried over with the acceptance of Christianity. Often the color red is used as it symbolizes the blood of Christ.

A local uses a stylus to apply hot wax onto an Easter egg.

Many eggs also carry the design of Hungarian embroidery that are a part of the traditional Hungarian dress.

Young girls walking along the main road in Hollókö.

A local man sits by an old house in Hollókö.

A local women hangs her laundry outside as people pass by.

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After almost 66 years of continuous service, Malév the state-owned Hungarian airline founded in 1946 announced on February 3, 2012 that it was ceasing operations. The reason according to the carrier’s board of directors is that the company’s financial situation became “untenable.”

As the company’s future remains uncertain, this could inevitably mark the end of an era for Hungary’s national airline.

To mark this occasion, here’s a collection of various postcards, photos, and images of Malév’s 66-year history. A special thanks to those who contributed to this collection.

Passengers and by-standers surround a Ilyushin Il-18 aircraft at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Postcard by Malév Archives.

Cargo workers take shipment from a Malév Ilyushin Il-18 aircraft at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Postcard by Malév Archives.

A Malév Ilyushin Il-18 aircraft lands at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Postcard by Malév Archives.

Malév Ilyushin Il-18 aircraft parked at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Postcard by Malév Archives.

Malév logo designed by László Zsótér in 1989. Image by Malév Archives.

A Malév flight inspection service aircraft at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport on August 2, 1992. Photo by flickr member emdjt42.

A Malév timetable from October 26 1997 - March 28, 1998. Photo by flickr member tubular60.

The front of a Malév CRJ200 aircraft on November 10, 2004. Photo by Gergely Óhegyi.

Workers stand behind a Malév Fokker 70 aircraft on September 29, 2007. Photo by flickr member dougma.

Malév Boeing-737 aircrafts on the runway of Budapest Ferihegy International Airport on August 4, 2008. Photo by Gabor Podlovics

A Malév Boeing-737 passes the Hungarian Parliament Building on August 20, 2008. Photo by Gabor Podlovics.

Pilots and crew operators stand behind a Q400 aircraft to mark 65th anniversary of Malév in 2011. Photo by Malév Archives.

The business lounge of Malév at Budapest Ferihegy International Airport on March 27, 2011. Photo by Malév Archives.

Stewardesses serve food on board to passengers on May 21, 2011. Photo by Enrico Wloch/UggBoy Uggirl/photo world sense.

A digital poster created by Malév employees on February 10, 2012. Image by Malév Archives.

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Handmade dolls for sale in Hollóko, located in northeastern Hungary.

The best souvenirs are those that are specific to the place you visited and, ideally, made by local people. You’ll not only be buying something special but you’ll also be supporting the local economy. If you’re traveling to Hungary and are hoping to bring back a memorable gift, here is a list of ideas for souvenirs that embrace the culture and heritage of Hungary.

Paprika

The perfect souvenir for anyone that loves to cook, paprika is the national spice of Hungary and used extensively in Hungarian cuisine. There are several versions of paprika in Hungary ranging from édes (sweet) to eros (hot) as well as everything in between. You can buy paprika in almost any market or food shop and most are fairly inexpensive. Alternatively, there are many products containing paprika as an ingredient such as paprika pastes.

Wine

Hungary is famous for its excellent wines. There are 22 distinct wine regions across the country which produce the full spectrum of wine styles including reds, whites, roses, and sparkling wines. That being said, there’s no shortage of quality wines that are available at wine shops and liquor stores.

Pálinka

A ubiquitous specialty known throughout Hungary, pálinka is the generic name for a fiery fruit brandy. There are many flavors to choose from including plum, apricot, and apple, so even if you find the drink overwhelming, you can still have fun trying to find a flavor that suits your palate. Pálinka also comes in various sizes and shapes, making it an ideal gift.

Embroidery

Of the most cherished aspects of Hungarian culture, is its rich heritage in needlework. Bold colors, floral patterns, and rich textures all characterize embroidery from Hungary. You can find all kinds of handmade  items including tablecloths, linens, serving towels, and even garments at markets and festivals across the country.

Porcelain

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The Busójárás is a celebration held exactly seven weeks before Easter and involves locals dressing up in sheepskin costumes with scary masks and noise-makers. The origins of the carnival are pagan in which revelers come to celebrate the end of winter.

Exactly seven weeks before Easter, the streets of Mohács come alive with the annual Busójárás Carnival. The pre-Lent festival features locals wearing sheepskin costumes while parading and dancing in the streets. Busójárás lasts six days, starting on Thursday and ending the day before Ash Wednesday. The carnival ends with a symbolic ritual called ‘The Burial of Farsang” in which a coffin is lit symbolizing the burial of all bad things that have happened throughout the year.

According to legend, the carnival originated from the Šokci (Croats) living in the town. During the 17th century, villagers dressed up in hideous costumes to frighten away occupying Turkish forces and rid them from the land. While this is the most recent legend, the tradition is likelier to have begun much earlier as a spring ritual intended to appease the gods.

Today the carnival is a popular attraction to visitors who come to experience the unique traditions of the town. Similar carnivals are also held in Serbia, Slovenia and Croatia, where many of the revelers at Mohács travel from.

This year’s festivities take place from February 16 to 21th.

How to get there:

Mohács is located next to the Croatian-Hungarian border, 120km south of Budapest. By car, take M6 (E73) to route 56 near Szekszárd all the way to Mohács. Buses to Mohács are accessible from Budapest Népliget station.

For more information about the Busójárás Carnival in Mohács, you can visit their official website.

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Dried Hungarian peppers hanging on a wall. Much of Hungary’s paprika comes from the villages of Kalocsa and Szeged.

Often referred to as “Hungary’s red gold”, paprika has become synonymous with Hungarian food due to its ability to add excellent flavor and color to various traditional dishes.

There are several versions of paprika ranging from édes (sweet) to eros (hot) as well as everything in between.

Below is a list of the types of paprika available in Hungary.

Special quality (Különleges)
Of all t­he va­ri­e­ti­es of Hun­ga­ri­an pap­ri­ka, t­his is t­he ri­chest in co­lo­r. It is fi­e­ry red and has an ex­cel­lent f­la­vor and a­ro­ma. It is al­so o­ne of t­he mil­dest ty­pes.

De­li­ca­te (­Csípmentes ­csemege)
T­his type of pap­ri­ka is ma­de f­rom ca­re­fully se­lec­ted pods of t­he hig­hest qua­lity. Its co­lor ran­ges f­rom a light to a dar­ker s­ha­de of c­rim­son, de­pen­ding on t­he vin­ta­ge. It has a ve­ry fi­ne tas­te and a­ro­ma but is not s­pi­cy.

Ex­qui­si­te de­li­ca­te (­Csemege paprika)
T­his has t­he sa­me qua­li­ti­es as t­he s­we­et va­ri­ety ex­cept t­hat it has a p­le­a­sant, mild, s­picy f­la­vo­r.

Pun­gent ex­qui­si­te de­li­ca­te (­Csípos csemege, pikáns)
Similar to ex­qui­si­te de­li­ca­te pap­ri­ka but is de­ci­si­vely hot­ter. It con­ta­ins at le­ast 25 mg of cap­sa­i­cin, and is o­ne of t­he most po­pu­lar of t­he hot pap­ri­ka spices.

Nob­le s­we­et (Édesnemes)
T­his ty­pe of Hun­ga­ri­an pap­ri­ka is t­he most well-known th­ro­ug­ho­ut t­he world. It is ma­de f­rom pods of ext­re­mely high qua­lity and has a mild s­picy f­la­vo­r. T­he o­il con­tent of t­he pap­ri­ka se­ed mil­led with it b­rings o­ut t­he b­right red co­lo­r. Its tas­te and a­ro­ma is considered to be one of the best.

Se­mi-swe­et (­Félédes)
T­his is so­mew­hat hot­ter t­han t­he va­ri­e­ti­es men­ti­o­ned a­bo­ve, so a s­mal­ler quan­tity is suf­fi­ci­ent to p­ro­du­ce a hot, s­picy f­la­vo­r.

Ro­se (Rózsa)
T­his pap­ri­ka is pa­le red in co­lo­r. It is hot and has a strong a­ro­ma. It is re­com­men­ded for t­ho­se w­ho li­ke t­he­ir fo­od s­picy.

Hot (Eros)
T­he hot­test of t­he pap­ri­ka s­pi­ces that is light b­row­nish yel­low. It is par­ti­cu­larly good with dis­hes ma­de with mutton or ga­me. It is for t­ho­se w­ho li­ke a s­pi­ce to be fi­e­ry hot.

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To Hungarian children, of course, it’s all about Mikulás. But for the grown-ups, Christmas celebrations in Hungary focus a lot on the culinary delights. Here are a few of the highlights.

Vanilla Kifli are a common treat made for Christmas in Hungary.

Halászlé (Fish Soup)

As a relic of the earlier church tradition of fasting for Advent, it is still traditional for fish to be eaten by many Hungarians families on Christmas Eve.

Roast Goose

Goose is quite popular in Hungary and many families will prepare the dish for Christmas dinner. Frequently it is stuffed with a mixture of apples and prunes or even sweet chestnuts.

Ham

Ham is likely to feature at one stage or another on the table during the Christmas season. It can be eaten cold, or roasted in the oven. In some rural villages of Hungary, pork butchering still takes place.

Beigli (Poppy Seed Roll)

Beigli is one of the most famous indulgences of Christmas in Hungary. This rich sweet bread contains walnuts, sugar and sultanas. Another popular variation is using poppy seeds as the main filling.

Vanilla Kifli (Crescent Cookies)

Crescent shaped cookies made from ground nuts with confectioners’ sugar sprinkled on top.

Szaloncukor (Candy)

A traditional Hungarian candy that is often hung on the Christmas tree as decoration. It is made of fondant, covered by chocolate and wrapped in shiny coloured foil. The tradition started in the 19th century. It was named Szaloncukor because the tree usually stood in the parlour, the most luxurious room in the houses of the nobility and middle-classes.

Mézeskalács (Honey Cakes)

Similar to gingerbread these cookies are made with honey and spices. Some have decorative shapes which are glazed with red icing and include colorful designs or messages.

Mákos Guba Mézzel (Poppy Seed Bread Pudding with Honey)

A particular favorite around Christmas, this dish contains bread with milk, honey, sugar, and poppy seeds. Originally, poppy seeds were used as a fertility charm to ensure a plentiful harvest in the coming year.

Forralt bor (Mulled wine)

This popular hot spiced wine is served during the cold winter months throughout Europe. It is made with red wine and seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, citrus and sugar. At the markets, vendors will offer various additions to the mulled wine, such as a shot of rum, amaretto, or elderberry cordial.

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Budapest has eight bridges that extend across the Danube. Each of these bridges have played an important role in the development and infrastructure of the city. Some have even become icons because of their influence and engineering wonder while others are known for their remarkable beauty.

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Year opened: 1849
Length: 202 meters
Type: Suspension bridge

One of the city's most famous landmarks, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge was the first bridge to span the Danube connecting the two halves of the city Buda and Pest. It is named in honor of its initiator, István Széchenyi, but was actually built by Scotsman Adam Clark. In 1945, Germans troops destroyed the bridge as well as all the others that were in existence at that time. The bridge was rebuilt in November 1949.

Margaret Bridge

Year opened: 1876
Length: 637.5 meters
Type: Suspension bridge

Margaret Bridge was built according to the design of Emile Gouin who worked together with Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the creator of the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty in New York. It became into the most used bridge in the city until it was blown up, parts of the Pest side in 1944 from an accidental explosion and then parts of the Buda side in 1945 by German troops. The great need for the bridge made the repairing go fast, and it was opened again in 1947.

Liberty Bridge

Year opened: 1896
Length: 333.6 meters
Type: Suspension bridge

Although radically different in structure, Liberty Bridge imitates the general outline of a chain-type bridge, which was considered an aesthetically preferable form at the time of its construction. The bridge was opened in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph in which the last silver nail was inserted into the structure by the Emperor himself, and the bridge was originally named after him. Each post of the bridge is topped by a mythical turul bird.

Elizabeth Bridge

Year opened: 1964
Length: 637.5 meters
Type: Suspension bridge with portal frame

The Elizabeth Bridge received its name from Queen Elisabeth, a queen in Austria-Hungary, who was assassinated in 1898. The original bridge was completed in 1903 but was destroyed during World War II and could not be restored. The new version is a white suspension bridge which connects from the base of Gellert Hill and into Kossuth Lajos utca, perpendicular to Vaci utca.

Arpad Bridge

Year opened: 1950
Length: 981 meters
Type: Beam bridge

As the Hungarians came to “Hungary” in 896, they were led by the chieftain Árpad. He is also the name giver of the most northern bridge of Budapest, the Arpad Bridge. Though it carried the name of Stalin from its opening in 1950 to 1958, it regained its original name in 1958. It is said to be the most used bridge in Budapest. It also contains a little bridge, connecting it to the northern side of Margaret Island.

Petofi Bridge

Year opened: 1937
Length: 514 meters
Type: Truss bridge

Rather nondescript in design yet functional, Petofi Bridge connects Boraros ter with Goldmann Gyorgy ter. It is named after Petofi Sandor, Hungary's most beloved poet and a hero of the Hungarian War of Independence, during which he was killed in 1849.

Lagymanyosi Bridge

Year opened: 1995
Length: 494 meters
Type: Steel girder bridge

Named after the south Buda district of Lágymányos, this bridge is the southernmost and second newest bridge in Budapest. The new Hungarian National Theatre and the Palace of Arts is located directly across from the pest side of the bridge.

Megyeri Bridge

Year opened: 2008
Length: 1,862 meters
Type: Cable-stayed bridge

Megyeri Bridge, previously known as the Northern M0 Danube bridge, is the newest and longest bridge in Budapest. It connects Újpest with Budakalász through the Szentendre Island. A naming poll to determine the new name of the bridge caused controversy and received widespread media attention.

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