Accommodation
Note
The Hungarian Tourist Card provides discounts on accommodation including hotels, guest houses and youth hostels (the Hungarian National Tourist Office can provide further information or visit the website www.budapestinfo.hu).
Hotels
In all classes of hotel, visitors from the West can expect to be made very welcome and service will usually be friendly and smooth. In addition to hotels, there are Tourist Hostels, which provide simple accommodation usually in rooms with four or more beds. The HNTO also issues a brochure with listings of hotels, guest houses and tourist hotels. Hungarian hotels are classified by use of a star rating system from 5- and 4-star hotels, of luxury class, to 2- and 1-star hotels, generally adequate and clean.
Guest Houses
Available almost everywhere. Paying-guest accommodation is an inexpensive and excellent way of getting to know the people. Renting often includes a bathroom but not breakfast. Such accommodation should be reserved well in advance. Further information can be obtained from the Hungarian National Tourist Office (see Top Things To Do).
Self-Catering
Bungalows with two rooms, fully equipped, can be rented at a large number of resorts. Full details and rates can be obtained from the Hungarian National Tourist Office (see Top Things To Do).
Camping/Caravanning
Camping is forbidden except in specially designated areas. Booking is through the Hungarian Camping and Caravanning Club. Further information can also be obtained in a special catalogue published by the Hungarian National Tourist Office (see Top Things To Do) and there is an online booking facility (website: www.travelport.hu). Most of the sites cater only for campers bringing in their own equipment. Caravans are permitted in all sites that have power points; a parking charge is made. There is no charge for children under the age of six and young people between six and 16 years of age pay half price. There are four categories of site, designated I, II, III and IV, according to the amenities provided, and most are open from May to September.
Youth Hostels
Available in Budapest and other towns. Hostels are open all day and beds cost around £8. For further information, contact Express Travel Bureau or Hungarian Youth Hostel Association.
Accommodation Information
Hungarian Hotel AssociationSecretariat, Novotel Budapest Convention Centre, Jagello-u 1-3, 1123 Budapest, Hungary Tel: (1) 466 9462.Website: www.hah.hu Hungarian Camping and Caravanning ClubMária u., 34. II floor, 4apt, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary Tel: (1) 267 5255/6.Express Travel Bureau Semmelweis U. 4, 1052 Budapest, HungaryTel: (1) 266 6188/3277. Website: www.express-travel.huHungarian Youth Hostel Association (MISZSZ)1056 Molnán u 3, Budapest, HungaryTel: (1) 413 2065. Website: www.youthhostels.hu
Business
•
GDP: US$149.3 billion (2004). •
Main exports: Machinery and equipment, foodstuff, raw material, fuels and electricity.•
Main imports: Machinery and equipment, foodstuff, raw material, fuels and electricity.•
Main trade partners: Germany, Austria, Russian Federation, Italy, China (PR), France and The Netherlands.
Economy
Hungary is poor in natural resources other than bauxite, natural gas and some oil. For this reason, it relies heavily on foreign trade, which accounts for half of its GDP. The country has a fairly well-developed industrial economy concentrated in chemicals, plastics, pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, computers and telecommunications, mining, construction and aluminium (from bauxite deposits). It has also traditionally been an exporter of agricultural produce, particularly fruit and vegetables, maize and wheat, sugar beet, potatoes and livestock.Before the political upheaval in Eastern Europe during 1989, Hungary had gone the furthest of all the socialist-bloc countries towards decentralising and deregulating the economy. In the 1990s, it eschewed the Polish-style ‘big bang’ road to capitalism and opted for a more gradual transition. Price controls were removed, and a programme of privatisation was implemented, starting with the retail and property sectors. By 1995, small business privatisation was more or less complete, while sales of the larger state-owned concerns proceeded apace. Current estimates put 80 per cent of the economy under private ownership. Hungary’s economic performance is currently steady: growth is 3.9 per cent, and inflation 7 per cent. Foreign investment has picked up, largely as a result of the liberalisation of trade through agreements with the EU, EFTA and the Visegrad mechanism, although in recent years there has been a mild backlash against the extent to which foreign companies have penetrated the Hungarian economy. EU membership was a high priority for the Hungarian Government and Hungary became a full member of the EU, along with nine other countries, on May 1 2004. The country’s principal trading partners are Germany, Austria, Italy, the Russian Federation and the Czech Republic. Outside Europe, there are important links with the USA, Japan and Brazil.
Business Etiquette
Businesspeople are expected to dress smartly. Local businesspeople are generally friendly and hospitable and it is usual for visitors to be invited to lunch or dinner in a restaurant. Business cards are widely distributed and visitors are well advised to have a supply available in Hungarian. Best months for business visits are September to May. Appointments should always be made. Interpreter and translation services may be booked through travel agents. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600.
Commercial Information
Budapest Kereskedelmi és Iparkamara (Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry)Krisztina Krt 99, H-1016 Budapest, Hungary Tel (1) 488 2173.Website: www.bkik.huHungarian Convention BureauVérmezõ
út. 4, 1012 Budapest, Hungary Tel: (1) 488 8642.Website: www.hcb.huITD Hungary in the UK (Hungarian Investment and Trade Development Agency)46 Eaton Place, London SW1X 8AL, UK Tel: (020) 7235 8767.Website: www.itd.hu or www.hungarytrade.co.uk
Climate
Climate
There are four seasons, with a very warm summer from June to August. Spring and autumn are mild, while winters are very cold. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with snowfalls in winter.
Communications
Telephone
IDD available. Country code: 36. Public telephones are operated by Ft100, Ft50, Ft20 and Ft10 coins or by telephone cards.
Mobile telephone
Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.
Internet
Internet is available; there are Internet cafes in larger towns.
Post
Airmail takes three days to one week to reach other European destinations. In addition to the main post office, the offices at West and East railway stations in Budapest are open daily 0700-2100. Stamps are available from tobacconists as well as post offices. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1800, Sat 0800-1300.
MEDIA
Hungary's private broadcast media compete with state-run radio and TV, and the state-run broadcaster has faced financial struggles, dwindling audiences and allegations of political influence. Public radio services operated by Hungarian Radio compete with numerous local radio stations and national commercial services. Hungary's national and local newspapers are privately-owned, some of them by foreign groups and investors. Press: National dailies include Magyar Hírlap, Népszabadság and Népszava. English-language newspapers include the Budapest Business Journal, Budapest Week, Courier Diplomatique, The Budapest Sun, The Hungarian Economy, The Hungarian Observer and The Hungarian Quarterly. TV: Public stations include Magyar Televizio (operating two channels) and Duna TV (satellite). Private stations include TV2 and RTL Klub. Radio: Public radio broadcasters include Hungarian Radio (operating Kossuth, Petofi and Bartok networks, plus Radio Budapest, an external service). Private broadcasters include Danubius Radio, Slager Radio (owned by the Emmis Group) and Juventus Radio (owned by the Metromedia group).
Duty Free
Duty Free
The following may be imported into Hungary by persons over 16 years of age without incurring customs duty: 250 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1l of spirits, 1l of wine and 5l of beer; gifts to the value of Ft27,000; up to 1kg each of coffee, tea, cocoa and other spices (excluding paprika and paprika mixtures); photo cameras, non-professional video camera, laptop computer, portable typewriter, portable musical equipment with disks, records and photographic films (up to 10 rolls).Note: Pets must have health and vaccination certificates, dated no more then one week prior to arrival.
Abolition of duty free goods within the EU
On 30 June 1999, the sale of duty free alcohol and tobacco at airports and at sea was abolished in all of the original 15 EU member states. Of the 10 new member states that joined the EU on 1 May 2004, these rules already apply to Cyprus and Malta. There are transitional rules in place for visitors returning to one of the original 15 EU countries from one of the other new EU countries. But for the original 15, plus Cyprus and Malta, there are no limits imposed on importing tobacco and alcohol products from one EU country to another. Travellers should note that they may be required to prove at customs that the goods purchased are for personal use only.
Entertainment
Food & Drink
A good range of restaurants are available. Table service is common, although there are many inexpensive self-service restaurants. A typical menu offers two or three courses at inexpensive rates. Fine dairy and pastry shops (cukrászda) offer light meals. Eszpresszó
coffee bars and Drink bars offer refreshments. Gerbeaud’s is probably Budapest’s most famous coffee-house. Things to know: There are no licensing hours, but the legal age for drinking in a bar is 18 years. Minors are allowed to go into bars but will not be served alcohol.National specialities:•
Halászlé
(fish soups).• Goulash gulyás soup (Western goulash is called pörkölt or tokány). • Stuffed vegetables.• Sweet cakes.• Gundel palacsinta (pancake).• Goose liver.•
Paprikás csirke (paprika chicken).•
Kolbasz (spicy sausage).•
Samlói galuska (a sponge, chocolate, rum and cream dessert).National drinks:•
Tokaji (strong dessert wine). •
Bull’s Blood (strong red wine). •
Pálinka or barack (apricot brandy).Tipping: 10 to 15 per cent is expected for nearly all services in restaurants, bars, clubs, taxis and so on.
Nightlife
Budapest has many nightclubs, bars, discos and casinos. Cinemas in major towns show many English-language films. During the summer months the popular Lake Balaton resort has a lively nightlife. Western Hungary in particular has a lot of very good wine cellars. Visitors would do well to search out traditional folk music and dancing, as the gypsy music which is so common in restaurants is not considered the ‘true’ folk tradition of the country. The magnificent Budapest Opera House stages regular performances, and seats are (by Western standards) exceedingly cheap.
Shopping
Special purchases include embroideries, Herend and Zsolnay porcelain and national dolls. Shopping hours: Department stores are open from Mon-Sat 1000-1800. Food shops are open from Mon-Sat 0700-1800. Some shops open on Sundays.
General Information
Area
93,030 sq km (35,919 sq miles).
Population
9.8 million (UN estimate 2005).
Population Density
92 per sq km.
Capital
Budapest. Population: 1.8 million (2005).
Geography
Hungary is situated in Central Europe, sharing borders to the north with the Slovak Republic, to the northeast with Ukraine, to the east with Romania, to the south with Croatia and Serbia and to the west with Austria and Slovenia. There are several ranges of hills, chiefly in the north and west. The Great Plain (Nagyalföld) stretches east from the Danube to the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains in the CIS, to the mountains of Transylvania in Romania, and south to the Fruska Gora range in Croatia. Lake Balaton is the largest unbroken stretch of inland water in Central Europe.
Government
Republic. Head of State: President Laszlo Solymon since 2005. Head of Government: Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany since 2004. Recent history: In May 2002, the Hungarian Socialist Party (Magyar Szocialista Part, MSzP) replaced the right-wing Alliance of Young Democrats (Fiatal Demokratak Szövetsege, FIDESz)-led coalition as the governing party. There have been a few re-shuffles in Parliament since then, most recently when opposition-backed Laszlo Solyman was chosen as the next President, after the Socialists' candidate was blocked - but the coalition has survived and went on to win the April 2006 general election. This was the first time a Government had been re-elected since the restoration of democracy in 1990. The character of the two main parties is quite different. The Socialists are essentially a party of technocrats with little ideological fervour. By contrast, FIDESz is a populist party with a highly motivated support base. Nevertheless, there are few significant differences to the main agendas of the two parties. Hungary became a member of NATO in 1999 and joined the EU in 2004. Hungary has also joined with the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia in the Visegrad group, which was established to promote political and economic cooperation in central Europe. Abroad, Hungary has had some involvement in the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s. Its calculations must always take account of the sizeable ethnic Hungarian minorities in the Serbian autonomous region of Vojvodina (400,000), north-eastern Romania (1.7 million), the Slovak Republic (550,000) and Ukraine. Hungary clearly believes, however, that NATO is the best guarantor of stability in the region. Legislative power is held by the 386-seat National Assembly, the Orszaggyules, which is elected for four years (176 members come from single seat constituencies, 152 by proportional representation in multi-seat constituencies, and 58 members by proportional representation on a national basis). The Council of Ministers, the highest executive organ, is elected by the assembly on the advice of the president, who is also elected by the National Assembly for a four-year term, and may serve two terms. In April 1995, a 53-member National Autonomous Authority of the Romany Minority was ratified, with the power to administer funds disbursed by the central Government.
Language
Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language. German and English are widely spoken. Some French is also spoken, mainly in western Hungary.
Religion
52 per cent Roman Catholic, 16 per cent Calvinist, 3 per cent Lutheran. Christian, Eastern Orthodox and Jewish minorities. There is no official national religion.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are used.
Social Conventions
Most Hungarians enjoy modern music and dance, although older people still preserve their traditions and culture, particularly in small villages. Handshaking is customary. Both Christian name and surname should be used. Normal courtesies should be observed. At a meal, toasts are usually made and should be returned. A useful word is egészségünkre (pronounced ay-gash-ay-gun-gre), meaning ‘your health’. A knowledge of German is very useful. Gifts are acceptable for hosts as a token of thanks, particularly when invited for a meal. Casual wear is acceptable in most places, with the exception of expensive restaurants and bars. Formal attire should be worn for important social functions, but it is not common practice to specify dress on invitations. Smoking is prohibited on public transport in towns and public buildings. Travellers may smoke on long-distance trains. Photography: Military installations should not be photographed; other restrictions are usually signposted.
Health
Health
Food & drink
Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
Other risks
Hepatitis A occurs. Tick-borne encephalitis occurs in forested areas. Vaccination is advisable. Rabies, although on the decrease, is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Health care
European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland: If you or any of your dependants are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during a visit to an EEA country or Switzerland, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available – in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Each country has different rules about state medical provision. In some, treatment is free. In many countries you will have to pay part or all of the cost, and then claim a full or partial refund. The EHIC gives access to state-provided medical treatment only and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised. Note that the EHIC replaces the Form E111, which is no longer valid. Some restrictions apply, depending on your nationality. For emergencies, call 104. Chemists are generally open from 0800-1800. There are chemists with a 24-hour emergency service open in every district. You can get treatment only from surgeries that have a sign saying they are contracted with the National Health Insurance Fund (Országos Egészségbiztosítasi Pénztár or OEP). Doctors' consultations are free, and emergency dental treatment is generally free. Any charges you pay are not refundable. Some prescription drugs are free; for others you pay all or some of the cost. These charges are not refundable. In-patient and out-patient hospital treatment is normally provided through a referral from a GP. Treatment is free of charge, although you will be charged for any extra services you request, for example, obtaining prescription treatment without a referral from a primary healthcare provider; using a healthcare provider other than the one specified by the prescribing doctor; unnecessarily changing the contents of prescription treatment, causing extra costs; or a better room, meals or conditions. Charges for extra services are not refundable. Ambulance travel is free of charge. More information can be obtained from Országos Egészségbiztosítasi Pénztár (National Health Insurance Fund), Department of International Relations and EU Integration, Vaci Street 73/a, 1139 Budapest (tel: (1) 350 1618; website: www.dh.gov.uk).
History and Government
History
During the ninth century, Finno-Ugriar nomads came into Hungary via south Russia, settling down in the latter half of the tenth century. The Arpád Dynasty ruled until the end of the 13th century when Hungary was devastated by a Mongol invasion. Matthias Corvinus subsequently re-established Hungary as the leading power in central Europe, also developing Magyar arts and literature. His successor, Laszlo II, undid his work within a few years, and Hungary fell under Turkish sovereignty during the 16th century, re-establishing independence after the Thirty Years’ War. Hungary formed an alliance with Austria and was ruled by a Magyar aristocracy. It remained an essentially feudal state until 1914 (under monarchic and republican regimes), with an antiquated (by European standards) social system which was not fully dismantled until after World War II. Hungary sided with Nazi Germany during the war until 1944, when German troops occupied the country and the Hungarians sought to break the alliance. The Germans in turn were driven out by the Russians in January 1945. By 1949, Hungary had become a Soviet-style socialist state, a member of the Warsaw Pact and a People’s Republic. The ruling Hungarian Socialist Workers’ Party was riven by factional splits between pro-Soviet hardliners and the more liberally inclined group around Imre Nagy. The dispute came to a head in 1956 when hard-liners led by Janos Kádár overthrew premier Nagy with the support of Soviet army units. Despite its origins, the Hungarian regime had by the 1970s become the most liberal of all Soviet bloc systems. This was largely a result of the introduction in 1968 of the ‘New Economic Mechanism’ which allowed a significant role to be taken by private enterprise and the market in the Hungarian economy. Expressions of political opposition were not as ruthlessly suppressed as elsewhere in Eastern Europe. The socialists nonetheless maintained a firm grip on the country’s political and economic life. During the 1980s the political situation relaxed still further as Kádár’s influence over the Government was gradually reduced. He was removed from the ruling Politburo in 1988 and Hungary began the transition to a pluralistic political system. The first elections were held in the spring of 1990 and brought to power a centre-right umbrella group, the Hungarian Democratic Forum (Magyar Demokrata Forum, MDF) with Jozsef Antall as prime minister. The left – social democrats and former communists – coalesced around the Hungarian Socialist Party (Magyar Szocialista Part, MSzP). A second right-wing party, the Alliance of Young Democrats (Fiatal Demokratak Sz`vetsege, FIDESz), eclipsed the Democratic Forum during the mid-1990s, and Hungarian politics now follow the customary European model of alternating between FIDESz and the MSzP. Following the most recent poll in May 2002, the Socialists replaced the FIDESz-led coalition as the governing party.The character of the two main parties is quite different. The Socialists are essentially a party of technocrats with little ideological fervour: the new Prime Minister, Peter Medgyessy (a former finance minister and deputy premier), is not even a member of the party. By contrast, FIDESz, led by the recently deposed Victor Orban, is a populist party with a highly motivated support base. Nevertheless, there are few significant differences to the main agendas of the two parties. The overriding priority is the pursuit of full membership of the European Union, which in itself places major constraints on government spending irrespective of the party in power. Hungary achieved its other main objective – membership of NATO – in 1999. Along with Poland and the Czech Republic, Hungary was admitted after a two-year period of negotiation and a national referendum which approved future membership by a six-to-one margin. Hungary has also joined with the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia in the Visegrad group, which was established to promote political and economic co-operation in central Europe. Abroad, Hungary has had some involvement in the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s. Its calculations must always take account of the sizeable ethnic Hungarian minorities in the Yugoslav autonomous region of Vojvodina (400,000), north-eastern Romania (1.7 million), the Slovak Republic (550,000) and Ukraine. Hungary clearly believes, however, that NATO is the best guarantor of stability in the region.
Government
Legislative power is held by the 386-seat national assembly, the Orszaggyhles, which is elected for 4 years (176 members come from single seat constituencies, 152 by proportional representation in multi-seat constituencies, and 58 members by proportional representation on a national basis). The Council of Ministers, the highest executive organ, is elected by the assembly on the advice of the president, who is also elected by the national assembly for a 4-year term, and may serve two terms. In April 1995, a 53-member National Autonomous Authority of the Romany Minority was ratified, with the power to administer funds disbursed by the central Government.
Money
Currency
Hungarian Forint (HUF) = 100 fillér. Notes are in denominations of HUF20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500 and 200. Coins are in denominations of HUF100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. A large number of commemorative coins in circulation are legal tender.
Currency exchange
Currency can be exchanged at hotels, banks, bureaux de change, airports, railway stations, travel agencies and some restaurants throughout the country. Automatic exchange machines are available in Budapest and other main tourist centres. Credit and debit cards can be used to withdraw money from ATMs, which operate 24 hours. Visitors should retain all exchange receipts, as it is illegal to change money on the black market.
Credit & debit cards
It is possible to withdraw cash by credit card at more than 3200 post offices. American Express, Cirrus, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, Eurocard, JCB and EnRoute are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Traveller's cheques
Accepted in some stores and banks, but not all. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Currency restrictions
The import of local currency is limited to HUF200,000, provided the amount is declared on arrival. The export of local currency is limited to HUF200,000 and must be declared. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided amounts greater than HUF1,000,000 are declared. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on import and should be made no longer than three months after import. There is no compulsory money exchange. Hungarian currency can be re-exchanged for up to 50 per cent of the officially exchanged sum (but not more than US$450) at any authorised office or branch of the National Savings Bank.
Exchange rate indicators
DateAt time of publishing £1.00=HUF368.33$1.00=HUF211.57
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 1030-1400 (Hungarian National Bank); Mon-Thurs 0800-1500, Fri 0800-1300 (merchant banks).
Overview
Country overview
Hungary is situated in Central Europe, sharing borders with the Slovak Republic, Ukraine, Romania, Croatia, Serbia, Austria and Slovenia. There are several ranges of hills, chiefly in the north and west. The capital city of Budapest, situated on one of the most beautiful areas of the Danube, is made up of two parts – Buda and Pest. The former is the older, more graceful, part with cobbled streets and medieval buildings; the latter is the commercial centre. The capital is a lively city that has long been a haven for writers, artists and musicians. The Historical Museum of Budapest contains archaeological remains of the old city, and furnishings, glass and ceramics from the 15th century. On the Pest side is the Parliament and the Hungarian National Museum, containing remarkable treasures including the oldest skull yet found in Europe. Lake Balaton in the west is a popular holiday region, not least because of its sandy beaches and shallow waters. Local dishes include halászlé
(fish soup) with pasta and goulash (gulyás) soup. Budapest has many nightclubs, bars and discos. During the summer months the popular Lake Balaton resort has a lively nightlife.
OverviewII
Hungary has a complex sense of identity, not generally regarding itself as Balkan or Slavic, but Western. The country's assortment of cultures can be traced back through its history. During the ninth century, Finno-Ugriar nomads came into Hungary via south Russia. The Arpád Dynasty ruled until the end of the 13th century, when Hungary was devastated by a Mongol invasion. Hungary fell under Turkish sovereignty during the 16th century, re-establishing independence after the Thirty Years’ War. Hungary then formed an alliance with Austria and was ruled by a Magyar aristocracy. It remained an essentially feudal state until 1914 (under monarchic and republican regimes), with an antiquated (by European standards) social system that was not fully dismantled until after World War II. Being landlocked, this mosaic of cultures and lineage can also be explained by the country's shared borders with the Slovak Republic, Ukraine, Romania, Croatia, Serbia, Austria and Slovenia. Yet despite being landlocked, Hungary contains some beautiful stretches of water - such as Lake Balaton - and pulsates with hot, medicinal springs. Hungary has also managed to retain its unique language and customs. Immense pride in their homeland may lead Hungarians to persuade the tourist in Budapest to spend some time also exploring Hungary's thousands of acres of vineyards and orchards, plus 11 national parks and hundreds of protected areas.Nevertheless, Budapest is a fantastic capital city in its own right, situated on a beautiful stretch of the Danube. The city is made up of two parts – Buda, the older, more graceful and cobbled part, and Pest, the commercial centre. The capital is a lively city that has long been a haven for writers, artists and musicians. And Hungary has a lot of them, with rich traditions in folk and classical music, the birthplace of Liszt and Bartok. Budapest is also filled with the strains of much more modern music, which spills out of nightclubs, trendy bars and discos. Yet beneath this glossy surface lurks the remembrance of how Hungary sided with Nazi Germany during World War II. Once the Germans were driven out by the Russians in 1945, Hungary became a Soviet-style Socialist state, a member of the Warsaw Pact, and a People’s Republic. Although the Hungarian regime was, by the 1970s, the most liberal of all Soviet bloc systems, the Socialists nonetheless maintained a firm grip on the country’s political and economic life. Finally, Kádár, the Hungarian Communist leader, was removed from the ruling Politburo in 1988 and Hungary began the transition to a pluralistic political system. The first elections were held in the spring of 1990. Such history is gradually being ebbed away. Gigantic Communist statues have been dumped in Szoborpark (Statue Park), on the outskirts of Budapest. Hungary is now a member of the EU. Such integration has brought both further touristic development and keen preservation of what is wonderful about this country.
Passport/Visa
Passport/Visa
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:(a) 1. EU/EEA nationals (EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and Swiss nationals holding a valid national ID card. Note: EU and EEA nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU/EEA nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU/EEA Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed. (b) nationals of Andorra and Croatia holding a valid ID card.
Visas
Required by all except the following: (a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days (nationals of the UK and Ireland for stays of up to six months, and nationals of Cyprus, Latvia, Malta and Slovenia for stays up to 30 days). (b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela (tourist visits only) for stays of up to 30 days; (c) nationals of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Nicaragua, Romania, San Marino and Singapore for stays of up to 30 days;(d) persons continuing their journey to a third country within 24 hours, provided not leaving the airport and holding valid onward tickets and documentation. However, nationals who are not eligible for visa exemptions and are non-residents of the UK may need to acquire an airport transit visa in all circumstances; contact nearest Embassy/Consulate for further details.
Note
The length of stay which nationals of the exempted countries are allowed is subject to frequent change; contact the embassy for more information.
Types of visa and cost
All visas, regardless of type and duration of stay allocated, cost £25. However, long-term visas cost £35. Multiple-entry visas are only valid for business travellers and for those possessing a long-term visa. Visas for children under seven years, or school children (elementary and high school) travelling in a group of five or more persons on a shool trip, cost £13.
Note
(a) Nationals of Serbia & Montenegro and Ukraine, and family members of UK nationals (eg husband/wife and children under 21 years), can obtain visas free-of-charge. (b) If the visa has to be issued on a separate sheet (because there is no free page in the passport), an additional fee is payable of £17.
Validity
Single-entry (tourist and business): Valid for 90-day stay within six months of the date of issue. Double-entry: Valid for 90-day stay taken twice within six months from date of issue. Multiple-entry: Valid for multiple 90-day stays in Hungary within one year from the date of issue. Validity subject to frequent change according to nationality. Transit: Valid for five days within six months from date of issue. Double-transit: Maximum of five days twice within six months from date of issue.
Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy; see Passport/Visa Information). Visas are not issued at road border points or at Budapest Airport.
Application requirements
(a) Passport valid for at least six months (with at least one blank page). (b) Completed application form. (c) One passport-size photo. (d) Fee (non reimbursable), payable in cash (personal applications) or postal order only. (e) Return ticket or ticket reservation and travel insurance. (f) For postal applications, a pre-paid special delivery return envelope. (g) Confirmation of accommodation in Hungary, or letter of invitation from friends or relatives living in Hungary (copy of the ID cards of the inviting party must be attached; if travelling on a travel document and not a passport, nationals must seek endorsement from the local Hungarian migration authority). (h) Recent bank statement or payslip. Business (or just for business purposes, eg a trip to attend a conference): (a)-(h) and, (i) Written invitation from host organisation or company. Transit: (a)-(h) and, (i) Valid visa for country of destination.
Working days required
Two, or seven for postal applications and if applicant is applying with a travel document and not a passport.
Passport/Visa Information
Embassy of the Republic of Hungary in the UK35 Eaton Place, London SW1X 8BY, UK Tel: (020) 7235 5218. Consular section: Tel: (020) 7235 2664 or (09065) 508 936 (visa enquiries; calls are charged at the rate of £1 per minute). Website: www.huemblon.org.ukOpening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1200. Embassy of the Republic of Hungary in the USA3910 Shoemaker Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA Tel: (202) 362 6730. Website: www.huembwas.org
Public Holidays
Public Holidays
Below are Public Holidays for the January 2006-June 2007 period.Jan 1 2006 New Year’s Day. Mar 15 Anniversary of 1848 uprising against Austrian rule. Apr 17 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. Jun 5 Whit Monday. Aug 15 Assumption. Aug 20 National Day (Feast of St Stephen). Oct 23 Republic Day (Anniversary of 1956). Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Dec 31 New Year’s Eve. Jan 1 2007 New Year’s Day. Mar 15 Anniversary of 1848 uprising against Austrian rule. Apr 9 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 28 Whit Monday.
Resorts & Excursions
Introduction
Hungary does not regard itself as a Balkan or a Slavic country, and the Magyars who settled there from central Asia have always identified with western values. The country has survived the devastations of the Tartars, Turks, Habsburgs and Russians, retaining its unique language and culture. In Hungary, admitting that you're a tourist is positive and people will often want to meet, talk and help visitors to enjoy their country. For the purpose of this guide the country has been divided into six regions: Budapest, The Danube, The West & Lake Balaton, The Great Plain Area, Southern Hungary and The Northern Highlands.
Budapest
The capital city was originally two cities on each side of one of the most beautiful stretches of the Danube river –
Buda, the older, more graceful part, with cobbled streets and medieval buildings, and Pest, the commercial centre. The ‘Pearl of the Danube’ is a lively city which has long been a haven for writers, artists and musicians.
Buda
In Buda, Gellért Hill gives a wonderful view of the city, river and mountains. On the hill is the Citadella, a fort built after the unsuccessful 1848 uprising, and a number of thermal baths including the great Gellért Baths adjoining the hotel of that name. The Royal Palace, fully reconstructed after being bombed during World War II, houses the National Gallery, with collections of fine Gothic sculpture and modern Hungarian art, and the Historical Museum of Budapest, containing archaeological remains of the old city as well as furnishings, glass and ceramics from the 15th century. Also on this side of the Danube is the rampart of Halászbástya (Fisherman’s Bastion), so called because it was the duty of the city’s fishermen to protect the northern side of the Palace during the Middle Ages, and the great Mátyás templon (church) with its multicoloured tiled roof.
Pest
On the Pest side are the Parliament; the Hungarian National Museum, containing remarkable treasures ranging from the oldest skull found in Europe to Franz Liszt’s gold baton; the Belvárosi Templom, Hungary’s oldest church, dating from the 12th century, the Museum of Fine Arts housing European paintings and the Ethnographic Museum. Margaret Island, connected to both Buda and Pest by bridges, is a park with a sports stadium, swimming pool, spas, a rose garden and fountains. Budapest has about 100 hot springs.
The Danube
The Danube Bend upstream from Budapest has long been a favourite summer retreat from the humid heat of the capital. Three historic towns draw most of the visitors. A few miles further up river, Szentendre is an old market town originally inhabited by Serbian refugees fleeing from the Turks. Churches had to face east regardless of their position on the streets, producing unusual layouts, and the Serbian house styles added greatly to the village’s charm. Due to trade restrictions and floods, the town was abandoned, only to be rediscovered and settled by Hungarian artists in the 1920s. The Margit Kovács Musuem has a remarkable display of the work of Hungary’s greatest ceramicist. The Béla Czóbel Museum shows paintings from the 1890s and the Károly Ferenczy Museum contains historical, archaeological and ethnographic collections as well as paintings. The Serbian Museum for Ecclesiastical History contains many fine examples of ecclesiastical art from the 14th to the 18th centuries. The Ethnographic Museum (skanzen) is a large open-air addition from the 1960s, still being added to, of reconstructed folk villages from all over the country.
Visegrad
A few miles further upriver, Visegrád was once a royal stronghold, but is now a rather sleepy tourist resort with spectacular views over the Danube. The 15th-century summer palace has been excavated and restored, and the Mátyás Museum in the Salamon Tower displays many archaeological discoveries.
Esztergom
Originally a Roman outpost, Esztergom later became the country’s capital from the 11th to the 14th centuries and remains at the heart of the country’s Catholicism. Hungary’s largest Basilica, the Palace ruins, the Museum of the Stronghold of Esztergom and the Christian Museum of Esztergom, containing some of Hungary’s finest art collections, are all important attractions.
The West & Lake Balaton
Sopron, close to the Austrian frontier, is built on old Roman foundations, and reminders of the region’s history are still very much in evidence in the town’s 240 listed buildings. Among the sights here are the Firewatch Tower, Storno House showing Roman, Celtic and Avar relics as well as mementos of Franz Liszt, the Gothic Goat Church and the gargoyled Church of St Michael.
Elsewhere
27km (17 miles) away is the Baroque Esterházy Palace at Fertöd, designed to rival Versailles; Josef Haydn was music master here at the end of the 18th century. Nearby is the spa town of Balf. The walled town of Köszeg and the riverside town of Györ, on the main Budapest–Vienna highway, Szombathely (which claims to be the oldest town in Hungary and has some excellent Romanesque stonework) and Zalaegerszeg are also attractive towns to visit. Located between Budapest and Lake Balaton, Székesfehérvár boasts a Baroque Town Hall, as well as the Zichy Palace and the Garden of Ruins – an open-air museum. Fertõ-Hanság National Park, the main areas of which are Lake Fertõ, the westernmost steppe lake in Eurasia, and the Hanság, an area of wetlands, adjoins the Austrian National Park Neusiedlersee-Seewinkel. Birdwatching, cycling and hiking are popular, and there is a permanent wildlife and ethnographic museum at Öntésmajor.
Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton is a popular holiday region because of its sandy beaches (strands) and shallow waters. The surrounding countryside consists mainly of fertile plains dotted with old villages. Siófok, on the south shore of the lake, has some of the sandiest beaches and best facilities for tourists. Keszthely is a pleasant old town – the Balaton’s best – including the Festetics Palace with its Helicon Library, and the Balaton Museum. Hévíz, Europe’s largest thermal lake, is a short bus ride away. Balatonfüred is a well-known health resort with 11 medicinal springs. Tihany’s Benedictine Abbey was founded in 1055; Belsô-tó Lake and the Aranyház geyser cones are nearby. Veszprém, 10km (6 miles) north of Lake Balaton, is a pretty town with cobbled streets, built on five hills. It is the home of the Var Museum, an Episcopal Palace and the 13th-century Gizella Chapel.
The Great Plain Area
This region covers more than half the country and contains thousands of acres of vineyards, orchards and farmland. Kecskemét, 85km (53 miles) southeast of the capital, is the home town of the composer Zoltán Kodály. Although an industrial town in many respects, there is still an artists’ colony and a centre for folk music there. It also has some fine examples of peasant architecture and of crafts in the Native Artists and Katona Jozsef Museum. Outside the town the Kiskunság National Park preserves parts of the Danube Tisza Floodplain of Central Hungary in seven disconnected areas including swamps, alkali plateaus and lakes. The famous Bugac Puszta stretches out here as well. Szeged is the economic and cultural centre of this region, housing Hungary’s finest Greek Orthodox (Serbian) church. Baja is a small, picturesque town on the banks of both the Danube and Sugovica rivers with many small islands, old churches and an artists’ colony. Further east is the Hortobágy National Park, the ‘Hungarian Puszta’, the alkali plains which begin the Asian steppes.
Southern Hungary
Pécs, one of Transdanubia’s largest towns, was colonised by the Romans, and has the fifth-oldest university in Europe (1367) and the finest Hungarian examples of Ottoman architecture from Turkish occupancy (1543-1686). Important tourist sites include the Cathedral, the Mosque of Gazi Kasim Pasha, and the Archaeological Museum. The Danube-Drava National Park encompases the area between these two rivers and includes Mohács on the Danube, with the battlefield – now a memorial park – where, in 1526, the Turks gained control of the country, and Kalocsa, noted for its folk museums. South of the town is the attractive Forest of Gemenc which can be explored by boat or narrow-gauge train.
The Northern Highlands
Miskolc, Hungary’s second-largest city, is situated near the Slovak border. Primarily industrial, the city nevertheless has several points of interest, including medieval architecture and the warren of manmade caves in the Avas Hills near the city centre. Nearby are the beautiful forested Bükk National Park, part of the Northern Hill Range, which is also an area of karst topography including the country’s deepest caves at Lillafüred; many traces of Neanderthal man have been found here. North of Bükk, the Aggtelek National Park is part of the Gömör Torna Karst area of cave systems which extends into the Slovak Republic. Caving, fishing and riding are popular, and there are many cultural monuments, masterpieces of folk architecture, ruins recalling the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, old churches, graveyards and locally surviving farming techniques. Eger, one of the country’s oldest and most colourful cities, has nearly 200 historical monuments including its 14-sided Minaret; just west of the town are the vineyards of the Szépasszony Valley where visitors can sample the famous Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) wine. Due east is Tokaj, the equivalent of Champagne as a wine-producing area. Halfway between Tokaj and the Slovak border is the spectacular Sárospatak Castle, one of Hungary’s greatest historical monuments.
Sport & Activities
Wildlife
Hungary has nine national parks and nearly 1000 protected areas. Hikers can head for the mountains in the north and northwest of the country. The Börzsöny, Mátra and Pilis ranges not far to the north of Budapest are popular, with the Mátra mountains containing Hungary’s highest peak, Kékesetö
(1015m/3329ft). Less strenuous walking is possible around Lake Balaton and in the hills in the south of the country. Hungary’s many wetlands, rivers and lakes attract large numbers of water birds, and birdwatching is popular. A particularly good area for this is Hortobágy National Park in the Great Plain in the east of the country, where different types of storks, warblers, eagles and herons can be seen. A guide is required for visits to some parts of the park, and motor vehicles are not permitted. Other wildlife to be found in the country includes rare wild cats and lake bats, while species such as boar, otter and deer are common.
Fishing
The River Tisza, by the Kisköre reservoir, is regarded by many as Europe’s second-best angling area (after the Danube Delta). Accommodation for anglers is readily available, and guides can be hired if required. Species such as carp, bream, pike, trout and tench are abundant. There are rules and regulations governing fishing seasons and licences; for further information, contact the Hungarian National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section).
Spa stays
Budapest alone has over 100 thermal springs and around 50 swimming pools and medicinal baths. The culture of bathing has been established since Roman times, and today a wide variety of therapeutic treatments, both ancient and modern, is on offer. Some of Hungary’s bath houses are also of great architectural interest: the Király Medicinal Baths, for example, date from the Middle Ages, while the Rudas Medicinal Baths feature a fine dome dating from the 16th century. Outside Budapest, notable spa resorts include Debrecen in the far east; Hévíz, near Lake Balaton; Harkány in the south; and Eger, northwest of Budapest. Treatment is cheaper than in western Europe or North America, and many foreign insurers will pay part of the cost.
Other
With its long tradition of equestrianism, horseriding is particularly good in Hungary. Long-distance riding in areas such as the Great Plain with its wide open spaces is popular, and riders are well catered for. Hungary is the only European country, apart from Ireland, which places no restrictions on riders. There are many riding schools all over the country which can organise all types of excursions. The Great Plain contains several famous stud farms, and horse shows take place regularly. Carriage driving is also popular, and tourists can arrange to have tuition in this art through riding schools. Cycling is a good way to see the country. Local tourist offices can assist in the organisation of cycling tours by providing bicycles, transporting luggage and arranging picnics and sightseeing. Although bicycles can be hired in many places, those planning to do longer tours should bring their own.
Top Things To Do
•
Hikers can head for the mountains in the north and northwest of the country. The Börzsöny, Mátra and Pilis ranges not far to the north of Budapest are popular, with the Mátra mountains containing Hungary’s highest peak, Kékestetö (1015m/3329ft). Less strenuous walking is possible around Lake Balaton and in the hills in the south of the country. • The River Tisza, by the Kisköre reservoir, is regarded by many as Europe’s second-best angling area (after the Danube Delta). Accommodation for anglers is readily available, and guides can be hired if required. Species such as carp, bream, pike, trout and tench are abundant. There are rules and regulations governing fishing seasons and licences. • Budapest alone has over 100 thermal springs and scores of swimming pools and medicinal baths. The culture of bathing has been established since Roman times, and today a wide variety of therapeutic treatments, both ancient and modern, is on offer. Some of Hungary’s bath houses are also of great architectural interest: the Király Medicinal Baths, for example, date from the Middle Ages, while the Rudas Medicinal Baths feature a fine dome dating from the 16th century. Outside Budapest, notable spa resorts include Debrecen in the far east; Hévíz, near Lake Balaton; Harkány in the south; and Eger, northwest of Budapest. Treatment is cheaper than in western Europe or North America, and many foreign insurers will pay part of the cost.• With its long tradition of equestrianism, horse riding is particularly good in Hungary. Long-distance riding in areas such as the Great Plain with its wide open spaces is popular, and riders are well catered for. Hungary is the only European country, apart from Ireland, which places no restrictions on riders. There are many riding schools all over the country, which can organise all types of excursions. The Great Plain contains several famous stud farms, and horse shows take place regularly. • Go bathing in the popular sandy beaches (strands) and shallow waters of Lake Balaton. The surrounding countryside consists mainly of fertile plains dotted with old villages. Siófok, on the south shore of the lake, has some of the sandiest beaches and best facilities for tourists. • Drink from the vineyards of the Szépasszony Valley, where visitors can sample the famous Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) wine. Due east is Tokaj, the equivalent of Champagne as a wine-producing area. TOURIST INFORMATION:Hungarian National Tourist Office (HNTO) in the UK46 Eaton Place, London SW1X 8AL, UK Tel: (020) 7823 1032 or 1055 or (09001) 171 200 (recorded information; calls cost 60p per minute). Website: www.hungary.com or www.hungarywelcomesbritain.com Hungarian National Tourist Office (HNTO) in the USA150 East 58th Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10155, USA Tel: (212) 355 0240. Website: www.gotohungary.com
Tourist Information
Hungarian National Tourist Office (HNTO) in the UK46 Eaton Place, London SW1X 8AL, UK Tel: (020) 7823 1032 or 1055 or (09001) 171 200 (recorded information; calls cost 60p per minute). Website: www.gotohungary.co.ukHungarian National Tourist Office (HNTO) in the USA150 East 58th Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10155, USA Tel: (212) 355 0240. Website: www.gotohungary.com
Top Things To See
• Visit Budapest, the capital city, which was originally two cities on each side of one of the most beautiful stretches of the Danube river –
Buda, the older, more graceful part, with cobbled streets and medieval buildings, and Pest, the commercial centre. The ‘Pearl of the Danube’ is a lively city which has long been a haven for writers, artists and musicians. In Buda, Gellért Hill gives a wonderful view of the city, river and mountains. On the hill is the Citadella, a fort built after the unsuccessful 1848 uprising, and a number of thermal baths including the great Gellért Baths adjoining the hotel of that name. The Royal Palace, fully reconstructed after being bombed during World War II, houses the National Gallery, with collections of fine Gothic sculpture and modern Hungarian art, and the Historical Museum of Budapest, containing archaeological remains of the old city as well as furnishings, glass and ceramics from the 15th century. Also on this side of the Danube is the rampart of Halászbástya (Fisherman’s Bastion), so called because it was the duty of the city’s fishermen to protect the northern side of the Palace during the Middle Ages, and the great Mátyás templon (church) with its multicoloured tiled roof. On the Pest side are the Parliament; the Hungarian National Museum, containing remarkable treasures ranging from the oldest skull found in Europe to Franz Liszt’s gold baton; the Belvárosi Templom, Hungary’s oldest church, dating from the 12th century, the Museum of Fine Arts housing European paintings and the Ethnographic Museum. Margaret Island, connected to both Buda and Pest by bridges, is a park with a sports stadium, swimming pool, spas, a rose garden and fountains. Budapest has about 100 hot springs. • Follow the Danuble Bend upstream, and see the unusual layout of Szentendre , an old market town, originally inhabited by Serbian refugees fleeing from the Turks: unusual because churches had to face east regardless of their position on the streets. The Serbian house styles also add greatly to the village’s charm. Due to trade restrictions and floods, the town was abandoned, only to be rediscovered and settled by Hungarian artists in the 1920s. The Margit Kovács Museum has a remarkable display of the work of Hungary’s greatest ceramicist. The Béla Czóbel Museum shows paintings from the 1890s and the Károly Ferenczy Museum contains historical, archaeological and ethnographic collections as well as paintings. The Serbian Museum for Ecclesiastical History contains many fine examples of ecclesiastical art from the 14th to the 18th centuries. The Ethnographic Museum (skanzen) is a large open-air addition from the 1960s, still being added to, of reconstructed folk villages from all over the country. • Originally a Roman outpost, Esztergom later became the country’s capital from the 11th to the 14th centuries and remains at the heart of the country’s Catholicism. Hungary’s largest Basilica, the Palace ruins, the Museum of the Stronghold of Esztergom and the Christian Museum of Esztergom, containing some of Hungary’s finest art collections, are all important attractions. •
Sopron, close to the Austrian frontier, is built on old Roman foundations, and reminders of the region’s history are still very much in evidence in the town’s 240 listed buildings. Among the sights here are the Firewatch Tower, Storno House showing Roman, Celtic and Avar relics as well as mementos of Franz Liszt, the Gothic Goat Church and the gargoyled Church of St Michael. • Behold the Baroque Esterházy Palace at Fertöd, designed to rival Versailles; Josef Haydn was music master here at the end of the 18th century. •
Szombathely claims to be the oldest town in Hungary and has some excellent Romanesque stonework to admire. •
Fertõ-Hanság National Park, the main areas of which are Lake Fertõ, the westernmost steppe lake in Eurasia, and the Hanság, an area of wetlands, adjoins the Austrian National Park Neusiedlersee-Seewinkel. Birdwatching, cycling and hiking are popular, and there is a permanent wildlife and ethnographic museum at Öntésmajor. • See some of the pretty towns along Lake Balaton, and their attractions, such as Tihany’s Benedictine Abbey, founded in 1055, Belsô-tó Lake and the Aranyház geyser cones. Veszprém, 10km (6 miles) north of Lake Balaton, is a pretty town with cobbled streets, built on five hills. It is the home of the Var Museum, an Episcopal Palace and the 13th-century Gizella Chapel. • The Kiskunság National Park preserves parts of the Danube Tisza Floodplain of Central Hungary in seven disconnected areas including swamps, alkali plateaus and lakes. The famous Bugac Puszta stretches out here as well. The Hortobágy National Park, the ‘Hungarian Puszta’, also contains the alkali plains that begin the Asian steppes. •
Szeged is an economic and cultural hub housing Hungary’s finest Greek Orthodox (Serbian) church. •
Pécs, one of Transdanubia’s largest towns, was colonised by the Romans, and has the fifth-oldest university in Europe (1367) and the finest Hungarian examples of Ottoman architecture from Turkish occupancy (1543-1686). Important tourist sites include the Cathedral, the Mosque of Gazi Kasim Pasha, and the Archaeological Museum. The Danube-Drava National Park encompasses the area between these two rivers and includes Mohács on the Danube, with the battlefield – now a memorial park – where, in 1526, the Turks gained control of the country, and Kalocsa, noted for its folk museums. South of the town is the attractive Forest of Gemenc which can be explored by boat or narrow-gauge train. • Near Miskolc, Hungary’s second-largest city, are the beautiful forested Bükk National Park, part of the Northern Hill Range, which is also an area of karst topography, including the country’s deepest caves at Lillafüred; many traces of Neanderthal man have been found here. North of Bükk, the Aggtelek National Park is part of the Gömör Torna Karst area of cave systems which extends into the Slovak Republic. Caving, fishing and riding are popular, and there are many cultural monuments, masterpieces of folk architecture, ruins recalling the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, old churches, graveyards and locally surviving farming techniques. •
Eger should be seen since it is one of the country’s oldest and most colourful cities, with nearly 200 historical monuments, including its 14-sided Minaret. • Gaze at the spectacular Sárospatak Castle, one of Hungary’s greatest historical monuments. • Hungary’s many wetlands, rivers and lakes attract large numbers of water birds, and birdwatching is popular. A particularly good area for this is Hortobágy National Park in the Great Plain in the east of the country, where different types of storks, warblers, eagles and herons can be seen. A guide is required for visits to some parts of the park, and motor vehicles are not permitted. Other wildlife to be found in the country includes rare wild cats and lake bats, while species such as boar, otter and deer are common. TOURIST INFORMATION: Hungarian National Tourist Office (HNTO) in the UK46 Eaton Place, London SW1X 8AL, UK Tel: (020) 7823 1032 or 1055 or (09001) 171 200 (recorded information; calls cost 60p per minute). Website: www.hungary.com or www.hungarywelcomesbritain.com Hungarian National Tourist Office (HNTO) in the USA150 East 58th Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10155, USA Tel: (212) 355 0240. Website: www.gotohungary.com
Tourist Information
Hungarian National Tourist Office (HNTO) in the UK46 Eaton Place, London SW1X 8AL, UK Tel: (020) 7823 1032 or 1055 or (09001) 171 200 (recorded information; calls cost 60p per minute). Website: www.gotohungary.co.ukHungarian National Tourist Office (HNTO) in the USA150 East 58th Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10155, USA Tel: (212) 355 0240. Website: www.gotohungary.com
Travel - Internal
Air
Malév operates a service between Budapest and Debrecen.
River/Lake
There are regular services on the Danube and Lake Balaton from spring to late autumn. MAHART and the Budapest Travel Company (BKV) (website: www.bkv.hu) also operate ferries in the city centre, the Roman Embankment (Római Part) and at some crossing points. On Lake Balaton, a ferry operates during the year between Balatonföldvár and Tihany, and between Révfülöp and Balatonboglér. Contact MAHART for further details (see Travel – International section for contact details).
Rail
Services are operated by MÁV. All main cities are linked by efficient services but facilities are often inadequate. Supplements are payable on IC and express trains. Reservations are compulsory for IC trains and recommended for express trains, particularly in summer. Tickets can be bought 60 days in advance on domestic railway lines, as can seat reservations. The most popular tourist rail routes are: Budapest–Kecskemet–Szeged– Budapest and Budapest–Siofok–Lake Balaton. Rail-bus services are available between the main railway stations within Budapest at fixed rates (tel: (1) 353 2722; website: www.mav.hu). There are also narrow-gauge railways in operation in many parts of the country. The website www.elvira.hu has up-to-date travel information and timetables.
Cheap fares
Concessions are available for groups (minimum of 10 persons), children, students, families and pensioners. Children under six and pensioners over 70 travel free. Children aged six to 15 pay approximately half of the full fare. Balaton and Tourist Season Tickets (seven to 10 days) are also available. Contact MÁV for details (see Travel – International section for contact details). The Hungarian Flexipass, sold by travel agents worldwide and by Rail Europe, offers unlimited first-class train travel for five days in a 15-day period or for 10 days in a 30-day period. The Hungarian Tourist Card offers discounts on rail, bus, taxi and ship services, as well as accommodation, restaurants and museums. The Hungarian National Tourist Office can provide further information (see Top Things To Do). The EuroDomino pass enables holders anything form three to eight days' extensive travel within a one-month period on the entire rail network of their chosen country. It is valid in 26 European countries. To purchase a EuroDomino pass you must have been a resident in Europe for at least six months and a passport number is required at time of booking. It is not permitted to purchase a pass for travel within your own country of residence. To qualify for the youth rates, you must be under 26 years on the first date of validity of the pass. Children aged four to 11 years inclusive pay half the adult fares rounded up to the nearest pound. Children under four years travel free. Seat reservations, couchette and sleeper charges are not included in the cost of the pass and are payable at the normal rate. Passholder fares are payable on some services. Available from Rail Europe (website: www.raileurope.co.uk/railpasses/eurodomino.htm).
Road
Traffic drives on the right. There are eight arterial roads in the country: all but the M8 start from central Budapest. Tolls are payable on some roads and all motorways. Season tickets can be purchased. From Budapest the two main highways are the M1 to Györ and Vienna and the M7 along Lake Balaton. The M3 connects Budapest with eastern Hungary. Generally the road system is good. Bus: Budapest is linked with major provincial towns. Tickets are available from Volán long-distance bus terminal, Budapest, and at Volán offices throughout the country. A bus season ticket is also available. Car hire: Available at Ferihegy Airport or at Volán and Budapest tourist offices as well as at major hotels. Regulations: Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas, 90kph (50mph) on main roads, 110kph (62mph) on highways and 130kph (75mph) on motorways. Seat belts are compulsory. Children of 16 years and under must sit in the rear seats. Petrol stations are frequent and there are no special tourist petrol coupons. There is a total alcohol ban when driving; severe fines are imposed for infringements. It is obligatory to keep headlights dipped at all times when on the open road. Mobile phones are allowed only with headsets. Child seats are compulsory. Breakdowns: The Hungarian Automobile Club operates a breakdown service on main roads at weekends and a 24-hour service on motorways. For further details contact the Hungarian Automobile Club, Rómer Flóris utca 4/A, H-1024 Budapest (tel: (1) 345 1800 or 1755 (24-hour emergency helpline); website: www.autoklub.hu). Documentation: Pink format EU licence accepted but International Driving Permit required if green licence held.
Urban
There is good public transport in all the main towns. Budapest has bus, trolleybus, tramway, suburban railway (HEV), a three-line metro and boat services. The metro has ticket barriers at all stations. The bus–trolleybus–tramway system has pre-purchase flat fares with ticket puncher on board. Day passes are available for all the transport modes in the city. Trams and buses generally run from about 0430-2300. Some night services also operate. The metro runs from 0430-2310 and stations can be identified by a large ‘M’. There is also a cogwheel railway (Városmajor–Széchenyi Hill), a Childrens’ Railway (Hüvösvölgy–Széchenyi Hill), a chairlift and a funicular. There are tramways in some of the other towns, or else good bus services. Day passes and season tickets are available in Budapest.
Travel Times
The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Budapest to other major cities/towns in Hungary.RoadRailSopron3.002.25Miskolc2.301.55Szeged2.302.20Lake Balaton2.002.30
Travel - International
Air
The national airline is Malév (MA), operating flights to more than 40 cities. For further information, contact Malév Hungarian Airlines (tel: 0870 9090 577; website: www.malev.com). Other airlines serving Budapest include Air France, British Airways, EasyJet, KLM, Lufthansa (website: www.lufthansa.com), Sky Europe, Swiss, United Airlines and Wizz Air.
Approximate flight times
From London to Budapest is two hours 20 minutes.
Main airports
Budapest Ferihegy (BUD), (website: www.bud.hu) 16km (10 miles) from the city (travel time – 45 minutes). There are three passenger terminals - 1, 2A and 2B. To/from the airport: Regular coach and bus services are available to the city, costing around HUF800 for the Centrum bus and approximately HUF2100 or HUF3600 return for the airport minibus, which runs to and from any address in the city. The 93 bus runs an express service between the underground terminus at Kobánya-Kispest and the Ferihegy terminals. However you need a pre-purchased or season ticket. Taxis are available at all times. The major car hire companies are represented. Facilities: Duty free shop, florist, newsagent, restaurants and bar, bureaux de change, banks, tourist information centre, gift shop and post office.
Departure tax
None.
River
From April to October there is a daily hydrofoil service run by MAHART between Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. The journey costs approximately &Euro;79 for a single ticket and takes approximately six hours. Reservations must be made in advance. 20kg of luggage may be carried free of charge. Passengers arriving by boat are advised to reserve a taxi through the shipping line, as none are readily available on the dock. For further details, contact MAHART at Belgrád rakpart, 1056 Budapest (tel: (1) 484 4013; website: www.mahartpassnave.hu).
Rail
Direct rail links connect Hungary to 16 European cities and there are dozens of international trains daily to Budapest. Inter-Rail, Eurotrain and RES concessions are valid on the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV). Between Dresden and Budapest there is a car transport system. The Wiener Waltzer from Basel travels via Zurich, Salzburg and Vienna to Budapest. First- and second-class day carriages run from Basel through to Budapest and both sleeping cars and couchettes (the latter is second-class only) as far as Vienna. There is a minibar service in Switzerland and Austria, and a dining car in Hungary. There are two main routes from London: via Paris or Brussels (Eurostar connection from London) to Vienna (including a Paris-Vienna EuroNight service), where several direct trains run daily to Budapest-Keleti; or via Brussels (Eurostar connection from London) to Munich, where several direct trains run daily to Budapest-Keleti (including a EuroNight service). Luggage allowances: 35kg for adults, 15kg for children. Rail passes: The Inter-Rail pass offers unlimited second-class train travel in up to 29 countries (includes Morocco and Turkey) split into eight zones (A-H). Three different tickets are available: a ticket covering one zone (two to six countries, 16 days' validity), a ticket covering two zones (six to ten countries, 22 days' validity) and an All Zone Pass (29 countries, one month's validity). Ferry services between Italy and Greece are included. Passengers must be resident in Europe for at least six months before the pass is used. Travel is not allowed in the passenger's country of residence. Travellers under 26 years receive a reduction of about 30 per cent. Children's tickets are reduced by about 50 per cent. Supplements are required for some high speed services, seat reservations and couchettes. Discounts are offered on Eurostar and some ferry routes. Available from Inter Rail (website: www.interrailnet.com).The Eurailpass offers unlimited first-class train travel in 17 European countries. Tickets are valid for 15 days, 21 days, one month, two months or three months. The Eurailpass Saver ticket offers discounts for two or more people travelling together. The Eurailpass Youth ticket is available to those aged under 26 and offers unlimited second-class train travel. The Eurailpass Flexi allows either 10 or 15 travel days within a two-month period. The Eurail Selectpass is valid in three, four or five bordering countries and allows five, six, eight or 10 travel days (or 15 for five countries) in a two-month period. The Eurail Regional Pass allows four to 10 travel days in a two-month period in one of nine regions (usually two or more countries). Children receive a 50 per cent reduction. The passes cannot be sold to residents of Europe, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, or the Russian Federation. Available from The Eurail Group (website: www.eurail.com).
Note
Travellers leaving Hungary by train must pay their fare in convertible currency. Most generally recognised international concessionary tickets are accepted in Hungary. For further details contact MÁV at Budapest VI, Andrássy út 35 (tel: (1) 461 5500 (international timetables) or (1) 461 5400 (internal timetables); website: www.mav.hu). Seat reservations are strongly advised for all services.
Road
Route via The Netherlands, Belgium and Austria and from Vienna via the E5 Transcontinental Highway which passes near Bratislava (Slovak Republic). Bus connections are available from most major European cities, check for further details with Volanbusz (tel: (1) 382 0888; website: www.volanbusz.hu). Eurolines (52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU; tel: (08705) 143 219; website: www.eurolines.com) and National Express (Ensign Court, 4 Vicarage Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3ES; tel: 08705 808 080; website: www.nationalexpress.com) run regular coach services from the UK to Hungary. Passes: Travellers can either choose Mini-Pass breaks or book a 15-, 30- or 60-day pass. The six Mini-Passes give travellers the freedom to visit three cities, with prices starting from £55. Travellers can stay as long as they like in each city. The Channel Tunnel: Eurotunnel operates trains 24 hours per day through the Channel Tunnel between Folkestone in Kent (with direct access from the M20) and Calais in France. All vehicles from motorcycles to campers can be accommodated. Eurotunnel operates two to three passenger trains per hour at peak times. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes. For further information contact Eurotunnel Reservations (tel: (08705) 353 535; website: www.eurotunnel.co.uk).
Travel Advice
Most visits to Hungary are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latyest travel advice:Latest travel advice contacts: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tel: (0845) 850 2829. Website: www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
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HUNGARY
