Holidays in Hungary in winter. Hungary in winter - a New Year's fairy tale Winter holidays in Hungary

Travel time: February 1-13, 2015. We didn’t regret that we went in winter - the weather was good, the grass was green, there were a lot of sunny days.

Flight cost : very cheap if you book in advance (RUB 16,738 for two round-trip) with wizz air - cheap airline, where you have to pay extra for everything (baggage, large hand luggage and so on.).

Accommodation: for 12 days 17100 rub. (RUR 1,175 per day plus site fee). The apartment was booked on airbnb - the site has been checked more than once, the apartment has reviews. While choosing, we noticed that it is fashionable for them to have a bed on the second level - under the ceiling. We decided to see what it was like. We also looked for availability wireless internet(communicate with home, plan routes for the next day) and seating besides the bed. We took an apartment closer to the center, but it turned out that the terrain was also important. The city is located on a river and one of the banks (Buda) is high - we took an apartment there, and it turned out that we often walked uphill, which could have been avoided if we had taken an apartment in the lower part of the city (Pest).

Honey. insurance: 1321 rub. for two at Tinkoff. We took it online and simply printed out the papers - it was fine for a visa.

Visa: 35 euros per person plus 2600 rub. for service visa fee. I had to go to Moscow. All documents can be given by one relative, but it is necessary to have the original (and a copy) of the document confirming the relationship (marriage certificate).
Bought a three-day card in advance Budapest map (Budapest card, 4074 rub. for two) [hereinafter referred to as “card"] - there was a discount on it when purchasing online. Unfortunately, there are few places with it free visit, mostly small discounts, but for the sake of free travel it’s very good to take it (although travel card available separately).

Car rental: 8500 rub. for 4 days plus 35.56 euros for driving on motorways ( toll roads). 900 euros were blocked for the duration of the rental, but were returned on time. The car was booked with Enterprise. There are also local car rental companies there, but they have very negative reviews (for example, they charge extra money for minor scratches). Gasoline cost 85 rubles at that time. liter and 1200 km. we spent approximately 7000 rubles.
Business lunches - about 300 rub. Average bill per person when ordering a dish local cuisine and alcohol 1000 - 1500 rub.
In the end it didn't work out cheap. Tickets to museums and excursions - from 500 rubles.
But we were very pleased because Budapest is beautiful European city, with good weather, helpful people who speak English. And plus a great bonus - THERMAL SPRINGS.

There is a free tour in Budapest , however, in English. More details:http://www.triptobudapest.hu/v2/tours/the-original-tour/ . We recommend going! We learned a lot about the history of the city and the country, and also got our bearings in the city. At the end of the tour, the guide asks if we would like to give some money. The guides are excellent, so you can give them. According to the map there are two separate free excursions- in Buda and Pest.

Website public transport - specify the addresses of the place of departure and arrival and the route is drawn on the map indicating transport, final and intermediate stops:http://www.bkk.hu/en/timetables/ . The cost of 1 journey is 80 rubles. But all the main attractions are within walking distance - we recommend walking. For trips, it is better to take passes for a day or a couple of days.

Briefly about the sights and our impressions of them:

1. Fisherman's Bastion - very beautiful building and SUPER view of the city day and night!


2. Historical Museum - free with a map, nothing special, but the palace in Buda, where this museum is located, is worth a stroll.


3. Hungarian National Gallery - this is a must for art lovers! Located in the same palace as the Historical Museum in Buda.


4. Matthias Cathedral - It’s very beautiful from the outside, but we haven’t been inside.


5. Labyrinth - it's worth going, but take a flashlight!


6. Funicular - expensive and no card discount.


7. Parliament - there are 2 daily excursions in Russian - it’s worth going, although it’s expensive - 1000 rubles. per person.


8. St. Stephen's Basilica - it’s worth coming in, walking around, looking. We also went to an organ concert - nothing special.


9. Opera theatre - you can go inside and see how beautiful it is for free.


10. Great Synagogue - we entered the territory for free, looked in, but did not go inside - there is a fee there.


11. Adrashi Street - you can take a walk.


12. Miniversum (mini layout Railway and towns "from Hungary to Austria") - we really liked it, it was interesting for both adults and children


13. House of Terror - it didn’t touch us, and without an audio guide (for an additional fee) there’s nothing to do there - there are very few worthwhile exhibits.


14. Heroes Square - interesting, if with history and explanation (on excursions they take you there on a map and tell you about it).


15. Városliget - beauty! Inside is the Museum of Agriculture - the entrance is expensive.


16. Gul Baba's grave - a unique structure, and there are very picturesque residential neighborhoods around. You can look there on the way to the Baths of St. Lucas, which is free with a map.


17. Margaret Island - nothing special, not worth your time.


18. Mount Gellert - stunning views, but it’s not worth going to the Citadel. It’s worth climbing the mountain only if you have extra time.


19. Cave church in Mount Gellert - funny, but expensive.


20. Statue Park - few statues, not very picturesque and far to get to.


21. Vintage car museum - Yes Yes Yes! A huge number of luxury American cars! You can take pictures. Far from the center.


22. Oceanarium and Tripicarium - small and nothing special. Far from the center.


23. Samlekhedi and Palveldi caves - very picturesque caves, worth a visit! If you buy a ticket to visit both at once, it will be cheaper, and between them it will be a 20-minute walk.


24. Cafe with cats (Budapest, Damjanich utca 38, 1071) - you can stop by after visiting the Szechenyi Baths. An anti-cafe type cafe - you pay to be there and get tea and a piece of pie. Just four lazy but helpful cats.

Trip around Hungary
We rented a car and went to 4 directions. We left in the morning and returned to Budapest in the evening. You can park your car near the house for free from 18:00 to 8:00 (this is not everywhere, check with the locals), there were also free places on the river embankment.
Having a navigator, enter the address there “tourinform” of the corresponding city, come there. You pay for parking your car - all parking is paid and the fine for violation is large! Come toTurinformpoint, ask for any information in Russian/English (maps, brochures), ask what to visit in the city and after 10 minutes you have a clear plan where to go!
We highly recommend visiting the following cities:

North of Budapest:

1. Szentendre (tourinform address: 2000 Szentendre, Dumtsa Jenő u. 22) - nice town The most famous Marzipan Museum is probably worth a visit!


2. Visegrad (tourinform address: 2025 Visegrád, Fő Street 81) - a picturesque but small castle high on the mountain. Very beautiful view to the Danube River and the surrounding area from the castle walls.


3. Esztergom (Basilica address: 2500, Esztergom, Szent István tér 1) - a giant cathedral, great view on beautiful city and the river, to the bridge-border with Slovakia. And also to the Slovak city. The border is open, you can cross.

1. Eger (addresstourinform: 3300, Eger, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Endre 9) - a beautiful fortress on a hill in the city center, walked along the walls. On the outskirts of the city, the Valley of Beautiful Women (Kulacs Csárda Panzió), a place where representatives of wineries come to sell their products, we tasted and bought Hungarian wine (sold by the glass).


2. Miskolc (addresstourinform: 3525 Miskolc, Városház tér 13) - the city itself is not very interesting, but the Barlangfürdő bathhouse in the suburb of Miskolc-Tapolca (http://www.thermal.hu/miskolc-tapolca/ ) is very worth a visit! It's a cave bath!

West of Budapest (towards Lake Balaton):

1. Tapolca (addresstourinform: 8300, Tapolca, Fő tér 17) - a city with a lake underground - you can go boating (http://www.tavasbarlang.hu/index.php/en ) - unforgettable experience! Before that, you really have to go around the museum (a la local history) - good museum, and the film is shown in 3D, but the total visit time increases to an hour (of which 20 minutes by boat). Still in the same city beautiful lake with an old water mill.


2. Keszthely (addresstourinform: 8360, Keszthely, Kossuth Lajos u. 30) - a city on the shore of Lake Balaton, where it is most convenient to approach the shore and touch the water, admire the lake and ducks.


3. Heviz (addresstourinform: 8380, Hévíz, Rákóczi utca 2) - town and swimming lake! A small thermal lake where in winter the water temperature is 24C. On the shore of the lake there was an indoor swimming pool and a park - very beautiful!

1. Gyor (addresstourinform: 9021, Győr, Baross Gábor út 21) is just a city where all the sights can be visited in 1 hour.


2. Sopron (addresstourinform: 9400, Sopron, Liszt Ferenc utca 1) - you can climb onto the old fire station observation tower and admire the charming old town. You can walk along the old fortress walls. Nice, but nothing special.

1. Goulash soup ( Gulyas leves- they read “guyash”) - delicious meat soup, a lot of meat, large portions


2. Goulash


3. Fish soup ( Halasz leves) - usually brought in a pot and with a ladle, you serve it yourself, very tasty


4. Fried goose liver ( Rantott libamajszeletek, libamaj) - a la foie gras, tasty, but expensive


5. Pancakes ( Palacsinta) - they are pancakes in Africa too


6. Lecho ( Lesco) - without meat, there is often a lot of meat in this dish, and very tasty


7. Langos - their “fast food” is a dough fried in oil with a diameter of 20 cm and a thickness of 1.5 cm on which they put the filling as desired - we recommend just sprinkling with cheese!


8. Pleskavica be sure to drink


9. Tokaj ( Tokaji) - buy in any stores, try, very tasty wine.

And it’s completely unfair, because this city is distinguished by its magnificent architecture, original and special atmosphere, which is difficult to find anywhere else. What is especially surprising is that Budapest is especially beautiful in winter, in the cold, before Christmas.

Therefore, when thinking about where to go on your winter holiday, be sure to consider visiting the Hungarian capital.

During the snowy months the city becomes even more beautiful than usual. As numerous reviews about Budapest say, in winter, beautiful views begin from the airport itself. The fact is that the Hungarians only clear the runways. Everything else is covered with puffy snow caps, so the only things visible through the terminal windows are planes taking off from a sea of ​​snowdrifts. All this looks fantastically beautiful and puts you in a festive mood. Another attraction that Budapest can be proud of in winter is the Danube River. It freezes very, very rarely; on the contrary, it is from December to February that the water here becomes especially stormy. Small crusts of ice, light frost and the entire embankment, shining with cleanliness and freshness - all this is definitely worth seeing. In summer the river looks completely different. Another mandatory place to visit - fairs. The capital's central market is good at any time of the year. The famous seasonal fairs before Christmas help you find the New Year's mood and feel the holiday before it arrives.

Stroll through the aisles with all kinds of goods, try traditional pastries, buy Christmas tree decorations and handmade souvenirs - this is what you should go to Budapest for in winter.

New Year in the capital of Hungary

The Christmas holidays are the center of the entire winter season. New Year and Christmas can transform any city, and Budapest is no exception. Therefore, planning a vacation just in time for the holidays will be very, very useful. Both wide avenues and small streets are decorated with lights, and sales begin in stores. And after long walks, you can treat yourself to something pleasant by going to the famous baths, the water of which comes directly from the Warm Pond under

The open winter sky will be remembered for a lifetime. So you can visit Budapest in winter at least for a visit to the bathhouse. IN New Year's Eve residents gather in the main squares with glasses of champagne, tourists and local residents having fun until the morning at parties in bars and restaurants. The hotels also have festive dinner programs, so even those who prefer quiet evenings will be able to find an option to their liking. Be sure to try the national cuisine. Delicious goulash or thick soup with paprika, hot wine and delicious sweets with marzipan are ideal for cold weather. Therefore, Budapest in winter will certainly not disappoint even the pickiest gourmet. Marzipan candies are also good as a souvenir, so don’t forget to buy them for your loved ones when going home from vacation.

What to do in winter in Budapest, accommodation, transport, prices, helpful information and a review of your trip to Budapest on your own. I won’t bore you with the sights, just a review with fresh, useful information.

It’s strange to see the word “do it yourself” in the title of a review on this site. Because on this site everything is just on your own. What's the point of buying a tour to Budapest when easier travel can't think of it anymore? Package tourists go to Egypt in winter, but our paths unexpectedly crossed with them at the Kiev Zhulyany airport.

We say the phrase “maybe to Prague this year” and buy ticket to Budapest. Once again. Strange? It would be strange to stay in Kyiv, because it is dreary here in winter. And Budapest is fun, atmospheric and cool. It would be inexpensive if you bought a ticket in advance. Two days before departure it turned out as it happened. But the accommodation is free, thank you airbnb bonuses- you can also use it if register using this link .

The situation with our flight

The plan was this: morning flight, two days in Budapest and morning flight home. But sometimes a clear and understandable plan is influenced by external factors. This is the second time with Budapest. I wrote about what happened a year ago in some detail; the Poles distinguished themselves there.

This time Belarusian tourists, flying to a cheap destination, intervened in our plan. package tour to Sharm El Sheikh from Kyiv. Many people love cheap tours and everyone expects that no troubles will happen to them. And the following happened. Bravo Avia company, which performed chartered flight, apparently messed up and didn’t fly out on time. On time - it's 2 o'clock in the morning. As a result, we saw blocked passport control doors and screams from passengers on the other side who did not like the flight delay.

As a result, a delay of 3.5 hours our flight to Budapest and unintelligible actions Zhulyany airport workers who were not ready for emergency situation and fussily made decisions regarding our landing. But the state border!

Lovers of free Egyptian tours We were able to fly closer to 11 am, after sitting at the airport for almost a day. It’s unlikely that fans of Egypt are reading me, but if so, at least ask who operates the flight, read the reviews and never fly with crummy airlines in the hope of chance.

TO Wizz Air no questions asked, the crew even stood with the passengers for a while and stoically watched the drama unfold on the other side of passport control.

Transfer from Liszt Ferenc Airport to Budapest

In general, in our situation it would have been possible to save an hour of time, but out of habit we stomped on the bus.

Budapest– one of the best cities in Europe in terms of transport development, fast, on schedule, cheap and convenient in terms of connections various types transport.

WITH July 2017 from Budapest airport to the city center there is a direct bus number 100E, which goes to the city center, to Deak Ferenz Square, where all the metro lines converge. Travel time is 40-45 minutes and only a couple of intermediate stops.

Almost all the arriving passengers crowd around the ticket machine near the bus stop. A little life hack from me - buy a ticket in the arrivals hall, to the left of the exit to the hall, on Information desk. You can pay by card. Ticket price by bus No. 100E – 900 forints (3 Euro)

Cool excursions from locals

If you want some zest on your trip, don’t want to do the preparation, or just want fresh communication in your native language, we take a tour from local residents, it’s been proven that there are no dissatisfied people.

Choosing accommodation in Budapest

We tried more than a dozen accommodation options in Budapest, from budget tourist-class hotels in Buda to quite expensive hotels downtown. We have been booking apartments through Booking or Airbnb.

I came to the conclusion that if you are traveling together and come for only two days, then the best option- hotel with breakfast, save time and money. In the case of a group of friends and when there are at least three days - an apartment or a hotel, if more than three days - an apartment is definitely better.

Prices in Budapest

Among the most beautiful cities Europe Budapest there are no competitors in price. Although the cost of some attractions is not very clear, for example the funicular, which costs 4 Euros for a couple of minutes ride.

Metro travel costs 350 forints for a one-time trip and 300 forints (1 Euro) if you buy 10 tickets. If you are going to be in the city for 3 days or more, it is worth buying a Budapest card, you will save on baths and some attractions.

To go up by funicular - 4 euros for 2 minutes of ascent, because it’s historical, but the Hungarians still gave a damn, the alternative is a 15-minute walk up.

Baths– 15-18 Euro – Széchenyi and Gelert, 12 Euro – Rudas, 8 Euro – Lukasz. IN Lukash it's possible for free if you bought it budapest card, good baths - I recommend.

Eat in a tourist cafe, for example, in a popular Menza on Franz Liszt Square (Octagon metro station) or in the Bistro (typical canteen) next to the royal palace - 10 Euros per person, 0.5 beer in a cafe or pub - 700-900 forints (2.5-3 Euros). Lunch (dinner) at a restaurant in beautiful place with wine – 20-30 Euro per person. Online Trofea Grill unlimited lunch will cost 22 Euros on weekends and 20 Euros on weekdays. Format – eat as much as you want and as much as you can for a fixed price, there are no restrictions on time and volume of food.

Toilets are paid - from 100 to 150 forints (0.5 Euro). You won’t be able to go to McDonald’s or similar places to go to the toilet for free; you’ll have to pay.

Oddities of Budapest, weather and climate

There are a lot of homeless people in the city; they usually live in passages, sleep on mattresses, covered with blankets. Naturally, in the central part of the city. A homeless person can help you, don’t be afraid - they are peaceful and help in anticipation of a reward.

I know how to use the subway ticket machines, but while I was looking for where to switch the language from Hungarian to English, a homeless man appeared and offered to help. I show that I’m going to pay for the fare with a card, but that didn’t stop the homeless man. Of course, he received a reward that he no longer expected. Some homeless people are a little reminiscent of Parisians, although the comparison is still incorrect.

Another oddity of Budapest is the gloomy ticket inspectors at the entrance to the metro. With such a developed and modern transport network, why not install automatic access control or check tickets selectively in the carriages?

Lake Heviz– as cool an idea in winter as Budapest itself. It is very easy to combine with the capital of Hungary in one trip. More details - Thermal lake Heviz, why go and what to treat, personal experience

Many residents of Budapest dress lightly even in winter; sometimes they go without outerwear. A scarf, hat, warm winter jacket, and especially a fur coat are not the most popular wardrobe items here. At first like this appearance The locals were amused, now they’re used to it, but it’s still strange to see lightly dressed people at temperatures around zero. It doesn't get colder than -3 in Budapest.

The climate is dry, despite the Danube. Snow is a rarity; in four winter seasons in Budapest, snow was seen once and then in the air; on the ground it melted within a minute. The temperature in winter is about zero, comfortable for walking if you have enough clothing. And you shouldn’t be guided by how the locals are dressed - they seem to have a different heat exchange. Last year on February 14 the air temperature reached +10 and it was sunny, this year it was sunny until the end, then it was dim and cloudy.

Tourists in Budapest in winter

Just a few years ago in the winter and in early spring there were no more tourists than leaves on the trees at this time of year. That is, of course there were tourists, but not in such numbers as now, there were no queues anywhere. Now, even in the unpopular February, there is a queue in Szechenyi from 11:00 in the morning; you can’t get into popular cafes and restaurants at lunchtime and in the evening - you have to wait from 10 to 40 minutes. The solution is to look for new locations and come at unusual times. To the baths - in the morning, to the pubs early at least by 16:00, or make a reservation in the morning.

The tourist scene is international; young people from all over Europe come for the weekend to drink, take a walk, and go to interesting places. Because it's fun and because it's cheap. In addition, in Budapest the authorities adhere to the principle that there is never enough entertainment. Almost all attractions operate year-round, even pleasure boats and amphibians on the Danube.

Do you need a credit card everywhere?

I advise you to have at least 50 Euro equivalent in cash if you are traveling together. Many places only accept cash. In some cafes and pubs, such as our favorite For Sale and some ruin bars, you will also have to pay cash for entry to St. Stephen's Basilica, as well as for going to the toilet. You can change money at exchange offices- there are plenty of them everywhere, some charge a commission for the exchange. The Euro exchange rate is 305-310 forints, the US dollar exchange rate is 250-255 forints, which has not changed over the past year.

Cafes, bars, restaurants in Budapest

A lot of them. So many that all the establishments in Lviv or Odessa can fit in a couple of small blocks of huge Budapest.

If you decide to quit drinking - Budapest not your place. Otherwise, you will have to fight the temptations - rent a bike and ride all day along the Danube, looking at the drinking tourists on boats. The baths won't help - they also pour water there, though only in the evenings.

All establishments are divided into popular and not very popular. Not very popular, which means they’re just not popular yet or there’s something wrong with them. Popular places They may or may not be very expensive.

Attendance establishments in Budapest has nothing to do with the price of food and drinks.

In dear historical New York cafe, in which the eyes ripple with gold, and the ears ring with hubbub Chinese tourists the queue is the same as in simple cafe with cats. For about 30-40 minutes, this is in February. In summer you will have to wait even longer. Moreover, in Cat Cafe You will also have to pay for admission, apparently to feed these same cats.

For super thrifty tourists Asian kebab shops and similar establishments are provided. Strange place for food in Budapest, in my subjective opinion, of course. Despite this, there are also a lot of kebabs. There are no queues there and this is not strange at all.

Large portions in Europe are as much a myth as low prices. The prices are different, the portions are also different, but for low prices come to us in Kyiv. The same goulash in the popular among tourists Menza(Ferenc Liszt Square) and in the mega popular For Sale(across the road from central market) - cost approximately the same, but the sizes differ three times, and not in favor Menza. It is worth asking the waiter before serving if in doubt.

Everyone is cool and popular places full of people even in the morning or in the middle of the day. Occupancy good establishments 130%. Open areas They work all year round, in February the occupancy rate is that same 30% above the norm and mostly local residents sit there. There is practically no chance of getting to popular places without waiting, even on weekdays and regardless of the time of year or time of day.

The solution is to search for new places that will be popular in a year or two. One of these establishments this time was a small cafe-bar Blue Bird(Blue bird) - passage from Dob utca,16, near the Octagon station and the Ferris wheel, they found a small neighborhood with restaurants, cafes and wine bars. There are no birds in Blue Bird in any form, including fried, but large portions, delicious food, a good choice drinks, including coffee. Until 20:00 there is live music - local rock bands or duets, then the bar turns into karaoke. I don’t know what is happening there at this time, at least there is a change in the audience. Lovers of rock and roll, whiskey and beer moving to ruin pubs .

About ruin pubs I can add that after 19:00 it’s almost impossible to take a free seat there, even at the counter; the alternative is to wait or drink on the go while walking around the location - there’s a lot to see there. What's happened ruin pubs and which ones are the coolest I already wrote it, there is nothing to add.

About the baths of Budapest

I have already written in detail about baths of Budapest and features of pastime in them. I will briefly mention my favorites:

• Széchenyi because it’s beautiful in outdoor pools
• Lukash– the cheapest plus a rich history
• Rudas– because there is night swimming from Friday to Saturday and many locals
• Gelert– in winter, not so much, because many outdoor pools are closed, but in summer it’s a cool place.

What to do in winter in Budapest

It’s difficult to write briefly about this, but I’ll try in one paragraph about what you need to see and do in Budapest and not only in winter.

The most primitive and free thing is walking around the city. Baths, ruin bars and others hot spots, Ferris wheel, walks along the Danube, including on an amphibious bus, roof bars and an observation deck at St. Stephen's Cathedral - a must visit, shopping - unreal discounts in February, as well as an ice skating rink in Városliget Park, there are a couple more skating rinks on the roofs , a zoo - it is very cozy and cute, dozens of museums, including a transport museum and the oldest meter line in continental Europe. Of course Parliament Royal Palace, philosophical garden and observation deck on the Fisherman's Bastion and the longest and most beautiful panoramic tram route in Europe. This is just the bare minimum, enough for three or four days. There is also Margaret Island, but it’s better to go there in spring or summer, as well as several interesting places outside the central part of the city - a new theater and cable car, For example. This is at least a four day program if you have fast legs.

How to buy cheap tickets to Budapest

IN Budapest from Kyiv low-cost Wizzair flies; you can buy tickets directly on their website. I still select a ticket on a search engine aviasales– it offers absolutely all flight options, including low-cost ones, all you have to do is choose the one that suits you in terms of time and price.

Useful links when planning your travels

Aviasales- low-cost air tickets around the world

HotelsCombined(RoomGuru)– allows you to save even more when searching budget housing, hotels and apartments as it searches all popular booking sites, including Agoda, Booking.com and others

Booking.com- habitual and convenient search and booking accommodation around the world

Rentalcars– car rental all over the world with the possibility of free cancellation

The Hungarians have a crown national food is goulash, and depending on the thickness and ingredients, this dish can be either the first course or the second. The soup is called "Gulyas leves" and is a flavorful stew with a generous amount of melt-in-your-mouth meat, complemented by dumplings (balls of dough), flavored with seasonings and paprika, and served with a slice of wheat bread fresh from the oven. The flavor of this unusual and hearty dish is added by the way it is served - waiters often bring goulash soup in beautiful clay pots. Besides, National cuisine It is also famous for goulash as a second dish, of which there are several varieties. The name of the stew is "Porkolt". As a rule, to prepare goulash, tender meat is taken - beef, pork or lamb, which is fried and stewed in a dressing of onions, tomatoes, paprika and aromatic herbs. Hungarian chefs also paid attention to vegetarians, having come up with something special for them - “Gomba porkolt” - mushroom goulash.

3. Relax on Lake Balaton

Balaton is rightly called the “Hungarian sea”, because millions of vacationers come here as an alternative sea ​​tours. Thanks to the mild climate, abundance of adjacent forests and warm water, a holiday on Lake Balaton is a real sunny paradise for fans of beach activities. In addition to traditional entertainment on the lake, you can do water sports(sailing and surfing), as well as take part in equestrian competitions, go fishing or admire the local wild “residents” - herons, geese and swans. The beach season at Balaton begins with the onset of May days and ends in late autumn. However, the winter lake also captivates the eye with its splendor, covering itself with a lacy blanket of ice and as if hiding its waters from the winter cold.

4. Climb Mount Gellert

Mount Gellert is one of the most striking attractions of both Budapest and Hungary. The mountain received its name as a sign of respect for Saint Gellert, who was the spiritual mentor of the King of Hungary, Stephen, and also baptized the Hungarian people. However, he was subsequently punished in a terrible way - he was placed in a barrel studded with nails and lowered from the mountain into the waters of the Danube. Therefore, the mountain was named after the bishop, and later, in memory of him, a monument to St. Gellert was built on the slopes. By the way, on the mountain you will find a memorial to Istvan himself, as well as the “Monument of Freedom”. The mountain is dotted with parks and adorned with a waterfall, but that's not all. Tourists all over the world climb observation deck Gellért Mountains to admire the beauty of the capital of Hungary from above. They say that from this place the view of Budapest is simply stunning. Try it too!

5. Ride the oldest metro on the continent and the longest tram on the planet

You may be surprised, but the first metro in Europe opened in Hungary. Moreover, the M1 yellow line stations in Budapest today look exactly the same as they did a hundred years ago, and at Deák tér you have the opportunity to look into the Hungarian Metropolitan Museum - the Millennium Underground. In addition, you will be amazed that in the capital's metro tickets are composted.

As for trams, you will need routes no. 6 and no. 4 in Budapest, which reach a length of 54 meters, thereby making them world famous. By the way, these capital trams are not only the longest on the planet, but also the busiest, because tourists, trying to get in touch with the world history of transport, often use the services of hospitable fifty-year-old carriages. Driving along the picturesque banks of the Danube enhances the impression of the trip.

6. Enjoy real wine

First of all, try the local famous “Tokaj” - its taste is mind-blowing and makes even the most sophisticated winemakers from all over the planet ask for more. Why be surprised? Hungary is the mother of Tokaji wine! Where can you find this wine? Perhaps everywhere - all restaurant wine lists are decorated with this type of wine, everything wine cellars and factories offer tasting and sale of “Tokay”. Other varieties of wines - Sopron, Villany and Eger - have also proven themselves excellent. The most colorful place for wine tasting is the legendary “Valley of Beauties” in the city of Eger, where more than 200 wine cellars are collected, offering tourists the best wines of Hungary and generously treating travelers with real goulash. Don’t forget about the local “Bull’s Blood”, which is actually equated to the elixir of courage, because after drinking this wine the soldiers defended Eger against the Turks, although the number of enemies was 40 times greater than the defenders.

7. Conquer the Danube by boat

The Danube River is the pride of the Hungarians, as well as the Volga for the Russians. In addition, this is rather an international pride, because the length of the river reaches almost 3000 km and flows or is considered the border of 10 countries, and the Danube drainage basin is present in 9 more countries. Agree, the river is a legend - you just want to come into contact with it! Tourists have access to regular voyages of local ships of varying comfort and exciting content. You can take a sightseeing evening tour along the Danube while enjoying a glass of wine, or book a trip with a whole range of entertainment, including a banquet, live music, performances by artists and accompaniment of animators.

8. Rejuvenate at Lake Heviz

If Balaton is the largest in Europe freshwater lake, then Heviz is the largest warm water. You can swim here at any time - even in the bitter cold, wrapped in delicate clouds of steam above the water. In Heviz, not only the water is healing, but also the multi-meter layer of silt at the bottom of the lake. They say that many people make pilgrimages here, trying to regain youth or stop old age. It should be noted that all visiting vacationers are invariably satisfied with the results and impressions of their holiday on Heviz, because it is incomparable with anything else. Under the lake there is such a powerful thermal spring that the water in Heviz changes every 28 hours, and the temperature never (even in winter) drops below +26-28°C. The lush vegetation in the form of the dazzling beauty of tropical lilies on the surface of Heviz adds the final note to the euphoria of being here.

9. Visit the Marzipan Museum

Marzipan is a sweet made from almonds and sugar, but in Hungary the production of this confectionery product was turned into an art form, constructing paintings, figures and other masterpieces from such simple ingredients. There are 5 Marzipan Museums open in Hungary - in Szentendre (the most famous), Budapest, Eger, Keszthely, Pecs. The exhibitions are dazzling, somewhat jewel-like creations. In the halls you can admire full-length figures of celebrities, for example, Michael Jackson, a map of Hungary, the capital's Parliament, characters from films and cartoons and other fascinating sweet exhibits. Each museum has a confectionery shop where you can enjoy the taste of marzipan and purchase your favorite items as gifts for loved ones upon returning home.

10. Visit the Polovtsian village of Holloko

Is it possible to visit the past? In Hungary - yes. The village of Hollokö (translated into Russian as Crow Stone) is a journey into the past, living a peaceful life measured life until today, despite the millions of prying eyes of tourists. The history of the village dates back to the 13th century; 67 local buildings are considered architectural monuments. Holloko is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is an ethnographic exhibition under open air living everyday village life. About 400 residents live here, conducting their usual business (wood carving, pottery production, embroidery, animal husbandry, gardening) under the public view of the guests of the settlement, which adds flavor to a visit to this ancient place.

Budapest at night is an unforgettable sight. Illumination immerses the city in a special medieval atmosphere. According to tourists, the most fascinating view of Budapest at night opens from the deck of a boat or a floating bus plying along the Danube. A scattering of artfully illuminated bridges, the outlines of majestic buildings, fresh air and soothing sound river water- all this immerses guests of the capital in an atmosphere of magical mood with a feeling of being in the medieval past.

12. Buy colorful local souvenirs

Few people know that Hungary is the birthplace of the Rubik's cube and the ballpoint pen. But these world-famous things were invented by local geniuses - the sculptor Rubik and the journalist Biro. Therefore, as a souvenir from Hungary, you can purchase an unusual wooden pen with painting or a puzzle in national packaging. In addition, Hungary is rich in porcelain, black ceramics, wooden souvenirs and hand-embroidered items. Also, do not forget about the local excellent wines, the miraculous balsam “Unicum”, mesmerizing marzipan and the national seasoning - paprika, which is sold both ground and crushed, and in the form of colorful clusters.

A separate topic is the rich flea markets of Budapest: a real treasure trove of historical monuments and antiques, where you can buy objects and jewelry that breathe antiquity.

Hungary is an interesting country with a colorful culture, picturesque beauty, healing natural gifts, fascinating history and a rich architectural heritage. The above tips will help you feel the country to its secret depths.

Winter in Hungary is quite short and relatively warm. The influence is felt Carpathian Mountains, holding back cold air currents from the north and northeast. Open to warm air currents from the west and northwest in winter, Hungary differs from countries further east by more high temperatures. average temperature in January it does not fall below minus 1 °. IN mountainous areas the northeastern part is slightly colder - up to minus 4 °. Typically, the passage of cold fronts is accompanied by heavy snowfall, although such events are quite rare. Stable snow cover can last from 30 to 40 days, but it does not always form on the plains. In mountainous areas, winter is colder, there is more precipitation, and the mountains are covered with snow for all three months (December, January, February). Frosts are possible from November to April.

The Danube is especially beautiful in winter, which is particularly high-water and powerful during this period. Only occasionally, when air temperatures reach record lows, does the river become covered with a thin crust of ice.

Thermal springs

During snowfalls and frosts, Hungarian nature is under the warm protection thermal springs. There are a lot of them in Hungary, about 1300 - different in temperature, chemical composition And medicinal properties waters persistently making their way to the surface from the depths of geological faults. More than a hundred such springs are located in the area of ​​the Hungarian capital, Budapest. The largest and most famous balneological resorts in Hungary are located in the area of ​​Lake Balaton and Lake Heviz, on the basis of the thermal healing springs of Margaret Island, as well as at Mount Gellért, near Miskol-Lillafüred, and in Alfeld (Hajdúszoboszló). Particularly unique in this regard is Fr. Heviz, whose waters even in the most severe frosts warm up to a temperature of +23 - +24 ° C. In winter, the lake is hidden in a cloud of thick steam formed as a result of a sharp temperature change.

Winter Budapest

In winter, the Hungarian capital is transformed into a sea of ​​bright lights and garlands. At this time of year the famous Christmas markets take place here. Another one appears in the very center of the city for several months fairytale city, with numerous shopping arcades and concert venues. Here you can buy various souvenirs, Christmas sweets, decorations, or simply find yourself in a whirlwind of traditional folk festivities, various attractions, and see performances of nativity scenes and puppet theaters.

Active winter recreation

Holidays in Hungary in winter are full of romance and vivid impressions. The best place for ski slopes is considered mountain range Matra. Snow stays here for up to a hundred days, which is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. Interesting for winter holidays ski slopes on the slopes of the Bükk massif. Resorts and recreation centers in the mountains are equipped with cozy wooden houses, from the terraces of which there are magnificent views of the surrounding mountain landscapes.

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