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About Hungary

Just a half hour north of Budapest is a special area where the Danube changes course, known as the Dunakanyar, or Danube Bend. Situated here is the lovely town of Szentendre, impeccably pre-served in vivid Baroque architecture and colours. The town is so much a visual delight, that many painters, sculptors and writers have chosen to live here.

Further upriver is contrasting Visegrád. Once a royal seat of medieval Hungary, its atmosphere is maintained with the partially restored palace of the Anjou kings. Even more tempting is the fortress ruin overlooking the vast expanse of hills rushing to meet the Danube. As if Szentendre and Visegrád are not enough to entice your fantasy, there is still Esztergom. The center of Hungary’s Catholic Church, Esztergom is crowned by the grand 19th century Basilica, whose gold religious items dating back 1,000 years form the richest treasury in the country.

ALLURE AND ADVENTURE

The Great Plain and Puszta are the setting for much of Hungarian folklore and literature. These feature Images of the brave cow-boy (csikós) astride five horses racing across a lonely track of barren land.

But these flatlands on both sides of the Tisza River are actually quite diverse in landscape, displaying sand drifts in one area and plum orchards in another. Of course there are still plenty of the traditional grassy prairies, shepherds tending their flocks - and horseback riding. The Great Plain and Puszta are lovingly cared for. Some areas are preserved as national parks, including Hortobágy and the Ópusztaszer, where the Magyars established Hungary 1,100 years ago. And towns in the region, like Kecskemét, home of the world renowned Zoltán Kodály Music Teaching Institute, and Szeged, where you will find the tastiest salamis and Fisherman’s soup, have retained their own unique character.

WHERE YOU RELAX YOUR BODY AND RENEW YOUR SPIRIT

Balaton Média és Információs Központ - Balaton Media and Information Center
Telefon: +36 (88) 326 - 619

Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe. And Hungary’s favourite resort. Extending nearly 80 kilo-meters (50 miles) across the west of the country, its average depth is only under 10 feet (3 meters). Making the conditions just right for a pure enjoyment vacation! -So naturally, sought most on Balaton is swimming, sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing. Ah, but there is the fishing, the tennis, the biking, the horseback riding - there is even skating, ice fishing and ice sailing in winter.

Lake Balaton and nearby towns are abundant with thermal springs also. Which means many therapeutic spas add to the lake’s allure. Balatonfüred and Hévíz are just two that are big on the bubbly.

When the sun and the water call for some culture, the Lake Balaton region is by no means in short supply. Just go to Keszthely to have a look at the astounding Festetics Palace in all its Baroque splendor. Or the oldest Hungarian town, Székesfehérvár, where Hungary’s kings were crowned over five centuries.

EXOTIC FOOD

Hungary is known for its inimitable Goulash soup. And rightfully so, however, there are countless other delectables from the Hungarian kitchen that will tempt even the most discerning taste buds. Venison with Forest Berries, Paprika Chicken and variations of the Balatoni fogas - pike-perch from Lake Balaton - are just a few. And don’t forget the sumptuous Dobostorta, a mocha and caramel cake, for dessert.
More on food

DELICIOUS WINE

More on drinks

Tokaji is undoubtedly the most splendid drink of Hungary. Named after the village in the country’s north, Tokaj wines, particularly the sweet Aszú, are perfection. Hungary also produces lovely muscatels, rieslings and the semi-sweet Hárslevelû (linden leaf) in addition to the ever-classic “Bulls Blood” - Egri Bikavér. Winetasting in Budapest.

INCOMPARABLE ENTERTAINMENT

From Budapest to Szeged to Martonvásár, stages are aburst with concerts, ballet, opera, plays and festivals. International productions as well as local performances are abound in the country that invented gypsy music! The Budapest Spring Festival, held every March, is an extravaganza. And the annual summer open-air festival in Szeged is a glorious musical celebration. But there is always a reason to celebrate when it comes to culture in Hungary.

REVEL IN TRADITION

In Northern Hungary are villages where the people speak a dialect of Hungarian known as Palóc. These villages are rich in folklore traditions, and bear some of the most beautifully red folk costumes found in Europe. In Hollókõ, for example, the villagers display their exotic dress every Sunday and during the annual Palóc Easter Festival. It’s a mesmerising Hungarian palette.

Other villages that keep their customs alive and well are Mezõkövesd, Buják, Boldog and Tard. Pottery, woodcarvings and embroideries from Kalocsa are popular and are available throughout the country.

A SPECIAL PLACE TO MEET

Now more than ever, Hungary is the ideal destination for Conference and Incentive Programs. Already it is among the world’s l0 leading countries hosting international organization meetings. Not only because there are constant positive political and economic developments attracting professionals from multinational and overseas corporations here, but simply because Hungary has a top-notch infrastructure: fine hotels and restaurant outstanding cities and towns; fantastic locations such as historic cities, public buildings and halls, plus museums and universities, to hold meetings and events in. All in a diverse and utterly captivating land.

EXPLORE THE LAND OF FABULOUS SURPRISES

It is a land like no other in Europe. Unrivalled in its cities, landscape and people, Hungary beckons to those seeking the unique, the truly special - a whole new world that has never been seen or experienced before.

To uncover Hungary’s vast riches, all you have to do is go to the heart. The very heart of Europe. Where the splendor of Budapest, the country’s capital, meets the calm sweep of the romantic Great Plain and Puszta.

Where ancient walled towns, such as Sopron and Kõszeg, vie for beauty with the 16th century bastion of Turkish rule, Pécs, and the Baroque masterpiece of Eger.

In fact, architecture from every period of Hungary’s history - even long before the Magyar tribes founded the state in 896 A. D. - reflects its dynamic character today. From Budapest’s stunning Roman settlement, Aquincum, to the magnificent Romanesque cathedral in Ják. From the Rococo Eszterházy palace in Fertõd to the Art Nouveau Town Hall in Kecskemét.

Yet there are so many other aspects to Hungary; hospitality and friendliness among the best of them. Because Hungary is a country so diverse. With so much to offer. A place that you thought could not possibly exist.

TO GET TO HUNGARY

Serving the two terminals at Budapest’s Ferihegy Airport is MALÉV (www.malev.hu), the Hungarian airline, and several major international carriers. Frequent service operates between Budapest and most European capitals as well as New York City, USA.

International and inland rail-way service is extensive and convenient (www.elvira.hu) Passenger boats on the Danube River are also popular, particularly the hydrofoil service between Vienna and Budapest.

Here are some websites that might be of your interest:

• Hungarian Government
• Ministry of Agriculture
• Ministry of Economic Affairs
• Ministry of Education and Culture
• Ministry of Finance
• Ministry of Cultural Heritage
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs