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Hungary as a Destination
HUNGARY – the heart-stealer
Hungary is one of the thirty most popular tourist destinations of the world, attracting 8.6 million tourists per year (2007). The country is home to the largest thermal water cave system and one of the largest thermal lakes in the world (Lake Hévíz), the largest lake in Central Europe (Lake Balaton), and the largest natural grasslands in Europe (Hortobágy)
Hungary lies in the Carpathian Basin of Central Europe and extends over an area of 90.030 square km. Fifty per cent of the territory is flatland. Hungary is divided by two rivers, the Danube and the Tisza.
Hungary is a member of the European Union, NATO, the OECD, the ‘Visegrád Group’, and is a Schengen state.
Easy and short flight from most of the European capitals: most major air carriers are here, easy access from overseas: daily transatlantic flights (KLM/Air France/Lufthansa/Swiss).
Frequent express trains link up with the European rail network in all directions. Coach service, as well as a hydrofoil boat service is operated between Budapest and Vienna.
Budapest, you wonderful
The capital of Hungary is a historic city, exciting and fast-moving. It is rich in natural beauty, has a full historical and artistic heritage and a living folklore.
Effectively, the city is a grand icon of the past acting as a treasure trove filled with more than, 2000 years of history. It carries traces of the Magyar tribes who founded Hungary nearly 1100 years ago, of Turkish domination during the 16th and 17th centuries; and of the days when Austria's Habsburg dynasty ruled the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Today, it is a thriving international centre of business, culture and politics; a growing city with hometown charm, that together with its illustrious past, makes up one of the most dynamic and beautiful capitals of Europe.
Something is always happening!
Your only problem is making a choice. Almost 200 museums and galleries, 40 theatres, the opera house and 7 concert halls offer a variety of programs every season. In March the Spring Festival is primarily for music lovers, but there are also numerous opera, ballet and folklore shows and exhibitions. In summer in addition to the Nights of Museums, Festival of Music, the Bridge Festival, and the events of the Summer Jewish Festival take place. In August young people can enjoy themselves at the Sziget Festival (Island Festival). September is the month of the Budapest International Wine and Sparkling Wine Festival. In the last month of the year you can enjoy the bustle of the Budapest Christmas Fair.
Among the regular sport events the Formula 1 Grand Prix in July deserves mention.