Hungary The land of the Magyars at the crossroads of Europe
The monarchy in Hungary is long gone but the country’s crown jewels are still around. Not literally but in the shape of historic towns packed with baroque buildings, thermal baths galore and some of Europe’s most enticing scenery. And the jewel in the crown is Budapest, the lively capital. Hungry? Goulash is the country’s culinary calling-card, perhaps with a glass of wine while listening to the music of Hungary’s most famous son, Franz Liszt. Cosa can handcraft a personalised itinerary based on your desires.
Where it is
Eastern Europe
When to go
March to November
Why go there
Historic towns
Traditional culture
Great food
What to see
Budapest
Eger
Lake Balaton
A city with a split personality
Divided by the River Danube, Hungary’s handsome capital is a tale of two cities. Discover both historic Buda and hedonistic Pest for the complete picture.
Explore Budapest with Cosa
Explore Europe’s cowboy culture
Think of the Hungarian Great Plain as Europe’s answer to the Australian Outback or the American West. Head here to meet some of the legendary csikos (cowboys).
Get active at Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton, landlocked Hungary’s inland sea, is known as the national playground. Cosa can arrange almost any watery activity, or wine tasting in the lakeshore vineyards.
A castle with a history
Famous for its impressive castle, wine cellars and cobbled streets, Eger isn’t just a pretty face: learn how the town held out against an attack by the Turks in 1552.
Travel in Hungary
A landlocked nation in central Europe, Hungary is bordered by seven other countries, most of which were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, or Dual Monarchy. That collapsed in 1918, leaving Hungary as an independent state. Domestic travel is easy, with perhaps the most relaxed route being a cruise on gentle waters of the Danube, which runs right through the middle of the country. The biggest challenge might be the language: Hungarian is not related to any other major European languages.
Hungary facts
What does Elvis Presley have to do with Hungary? The King was granted posthumous Hungarian citizenship in 2011, in recognition of his support for the unsuccessful 1956 revolution. However, it wasn’t until 1989 that Hungary’s communist regime fell following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, the country is a member of the EU and NATO. What else would you like to know? How about the fact that Hungary has produced 13 Nobel laureates to date, winning every category except peace.
Time zone
UTC +1
Flight time
1.5 hours from Switzerland
Local currency
Hungarian forint
Dialling code
+36
