As a country with a rich history, culture and natural beauty, Hungary is a popular tourist destination in Europe, attracting an enormous number of international tourists every year. Here are some facts about the Central European country that may add a little fun to your future travel plans.
The ‘Hungarian Sea’
Lake Balaton serves as compensation for the absence of a sea in Hungary. /IC
Lake Balaton serves as compensation for the absence of a sea in Hungary. /IC
Isn’t Hungary a landlocked country? How could there be a sea? Yes, it’s true that there’s no sea in the country, but that doesn’t stop Hungarians from spending their vacations by the water. Lake Balaton, the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe, is nicknamed the “Hungarian Sea” and is a popular summer destination for swimming, sailing and other water sports.
Thermal Baths
People enjoy the hot spring water at the Széchenyi Baths in Budapest. /CFP
People enjoy the hot spring water at the Széchenyi Baths in Budapest. /CFP
Hungary is famous for its thermal baths, with approximately 1,000 natural spring water sources. The most well-known baths are in Budapest, including the historic Széchenyi and Gellért Baths.
Paprika
Peppers are seen hanging at a spice shop in Budapest, Hungary. /CFP
Peppers are seen hanging at a spice shop in Budapest, Hungary. /CFP
Hungarian cuisine is known for its distinctive use of paprika, a spice made from dried and ground red peppers. It adds both flavor and color to many traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash and paprikash.
Inventions
The Rubik’s Cube is one of the inventions that originated in Hungary. /CFP
The Rubik’s Cube is one of the inventions that originated in Hungary. /CFP
The Rubik’s Cube has enchanted countless children and adults around the world. It was invented by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik in 1974. In fact, Hungarians have been the source of many inventions and innovations. Austro-Hungarian chemist and inventor Alexander Friedrich Just was one of the first to develop and patent an incandescent light bulb with a tungsten filament. Hungary is also the home country of John von Neumann, a founder of modern computer science. Charles Simonyi, the chief architect of Microsoft Word and Excel, was also born in Hungary.
The magic number ’96’
The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the buildings that stand at exactly 96 meters tall in Budapest. /CFP
The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the buildings that stand at exactly 96 meters tall in Budapest. /CFP
Many buildings stand at exactly 96 meters tall in Budapest, including the famous Parliament Building, which also features 96 steps on its main staircase. This is because after the year 896 AD, when the Principality of Hungary was established, the number 96 gained special significance in the hearts of Hungarians. And, when sung at the correct tempo, the Hungarian national anthem also lasts for exactly 96 seconds.
Budapest
A view of the Buda Castle in Budapest /CFP
A view of the Buda Castle in Budapest /CFP
The capital city of Hungary is known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Parliament Building and Buda Castle. The city is divided by the Danube River, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other. Here is a story of the city and a Chinese family. Chinese actor and comedian Chen Qiang was performing in Budapest when his first child was born in 1951. He named the son “Buda” in commemoration. His second son, also an actor and comedian now, was named “Peisi” (Chinese for “Pest”) a few years later.