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Extensive travel and tourism guide for Hungary, Europe

Hungary Tourist Information

Hungary is situated in Central Europe's Carpathian Basin. The language is spoken by no other people, the folk songs do not resemble those of any other land. Despite the repeated trials and tribulations of history, the Hungarian people have lived here for more than 1,100 years. The treasures of their culture have drawn travelers from distant lands throughout the centuries.

The wonderful panorama of the capital, Budapest (also known as the "Pearl of the Danube") prompted UNESCO to place it on the World Heritage list.

Hungary has the second-largest reserve of surface thermal water in the world (after Iceland) with hundreds of warm springs spouting forth curative waters that have assisted many thousands in regaining health.

Lake Balaton, Central Europe's largest freshwater lake, is a veritable paradise for families with small children, as well as lovers of yachting and of resort life.

Herend/Northern Transdanubia: Herend porcelain is an international name, greatly favored by the English and Viennese aristocracy of the last century. The porcelain factory was founded in 1826.

Pannonhalma/Northern Transdanubia: Pannonhalma Abbey is said to be the oldest Hungarian House, having stood on St. Martin Hill for 1,000 years. A treasury of Hungary's architectural past, it was placed on the World Heritage list in 1996.

Hortobagy/Hungarian Great Plain: One of Europe`s largest protected grasslands where Hungarian grey cattle, flocks of twisted-horn Racka sheep and buffalo herds graze in the open. The Hortobagy Equestrian Days are held on the first weekend of July; the Bridge Fair is staged in August.

Tokaj/Northern Hungary: This wine region provides the world-famous Tokaji Aszú, titled "Wine of Kings, King of Wines." Tokaj Aszú is made from grapes of high sugar content which are ripened till late autum on the sunny southern slopes. It was even used as a medicine during the Middle Ages.

What's New in Europe!

Events & Festivals

London events highlights: Japanese crafts, ‘Pop Art’ and gardening all feature in London’s cultural events calendar this summer and beyond.

Royal wedding dress at Buckingham Palace: A special exhibition at Buckingham Palace this summer will recreate the day in 1947 when Princess Elizabeth - now Queen Elizabeth II - married the Duke of Edinburgh in a glittering ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey.

Attractions

Shrewsbury recreates its summer season: Performances by Jools Holland, George Melly and Beverly Knight are among the 370 cultural and artistic events over 100 days at the 'Shrewsbury Summer Season' this year (May 19-Sept. 9).

Scotland’s oldest house marks 900 years: The longest continually inhabited house in Scotland is 900 years old. Once a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland (it hosted 27 monarchs over the years), the Stuarts of Traquair House supported Mary, Queen of Scots and the doomed Jacobite cause.

News

Ceramics Festival in The Potteries: Designers, studio potters, experts and collectors will be making their way to The Potteries this autumn for the Stoke-on-Trent Ceramics Festival 2007 (Oct.5-7).

Macdonald Hotels transforms Cheshire golf venue: Three championship golf courses and the largest indoor golf academy in Europe at The Portal Golf Club venue are to be part of the new four star Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa in Cheshire when it opens in July.


Hungary Facts

Area: 35,907 square miles.
Population:
10,158,000 (Budapest: 2,234,000; Debrecen: 200,324; Miskolc: 171,700; Szeged: 160,542)
Language: Hungarian