Hungary Overview

Overview

The tides of fortune have certainly washed over Hungary. Both the hordes of Genghis Khan, then the Ottoman Turkish armies occupied the country briefly before being beaten back from the gates of Vienna in neighbouring Austria. Then it flourished as a significant part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1867 until it ending up on the losing side in World War I. After WWII it was occupied by the Russians, and despite the Uprising of 1956, has only relatively recently re-established freedom and autonomy. Budapest is the only town of any size.

If you fly into Budapest, there is a fast regular hotel mini-bus service that offers much better value than a cab. You don't have to be staying at one of the hotels, but you will get dropped off at the one you name, so make sure you pick one near your destination!

The only language similar to Hungarian is Finnish, so it is never going to become wildly popular in today's global village. However, like the Dutch, many Hungarians can speak several languages, including German and English. Any Russian they may have been required to learn is tactfully not mentioned. Enough said about language, and don't mention the war.

Many of the fine buildings in Budapest were built in days of the Empire, and reflect the styles of the periods. There are inevitably hideous communist blocks of utilitarian post-war housing, and many buildings in the centre of the city proudly bear the scars of battle from WWII and the 1956 Uprising.

To get a spectacular view over the Danube and Pest, go up to the Fisherman's Bastion on Castle Hill in Buda. Whilst there admire the beautiful Matthias Church. People that know the Thames at Marlow in Buckinghamshire will recognise the Szchenyi Chain Bridge, as it is a larger version of the Marlow Suspension Bridge, both built to the design of William Tierney Clark in 1832.

In Pest, the St Steven Basilica (Szent Istvan) has a grisly relic on display - a finger of the Hungarian patron saint himself. Many tourists head for the pedestrianized area (the walking street) Alternatively you can go to the famous Szchenyi Baths & Pool, where people play chess whilst standing in the thermal spa baths. Those with more time can go to Heroes Square, which has some impressive statuary of the early Magyar Kings, or stroll the paths on Margaret's Island.

Pest has trams and an underground railway, although most of the tourist sights are within walking distance of each other. There are plenty of taxis, but do ensure you get a price before you start. This also applies in restaurants, as some locals have been known to present large bills at the end of the meal.

Hungary has thriving holiday resorts around Lake Balaton, 160km to the SW of Budapest. The lake is 80 km long by about 15km wide, and caters for all types of holiday maker, including the Aya Napa fraternity. You can get there by road or train, but make sure you get a fast train, as the stopping trains are just that.