Hungary

Overview

Hungary is a landlocked country located in Central Europe. The country is known to have one of the key thermal spring cultures amongst others in Europe.

The country recorded a population of 9.773 million in 2019 and covers an area of 93,030 km2.

The capital and largest city is Budapest. It is ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Other major cities are Debrecen, Szeged, Miskolc, Pecs and Gyor.

Buda Castle On The Banks Of The Danube River.

History

Hungary became an equal partner in the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867. The Soviet Union took over power after their settlement between 1947 and 1949.

The Hungarian revolt led to the independence of Hungary in 1956.

It joined NATO in 1999.

Food & culture

Hungarian culture is based on its history and heritage with the influences of Roma people.

The main crops are cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, sunflower and grapes. The common dishes in the country include goulash, chicken paprikash, jokai bean soup, porkolt and paprikas.

Wildlife

The common wildlife animals include wild boars, brown bears, foxes and rabbits.

Festivals & events

The most popular festivals are New Year’s Day, the National Day, Szentendre Spring Festival, Budapest Spring Festival and the Easter weekend.

Things to see

There is the Buda medieval Castle, which is a historic castle and the palace of the Hungarian kings in Budapest.

Also, there is the Budapest History Museum that showcases the history and life of Budapest since the Roman era to the present day in magnificent palatial rooms.

People also visit the Fisherman’s Bastion, a monument in Budapest at the Buda castle where tourists visit to see its unique panorama.

Other good places to visit are the St. Stephens Basilica, Heroes’ Square and the Matthias Church.

Interesting facts

Hungarian is the official language of Hungary. It is the most broadly spoken Uralic language in the whole world.

The official language is Hungarian.

The predominant religion is Catholicism.

City guides

Cities & towns I’ve visited

Budapest

Run a marathon in Hungary

Budapest Marathon

Budapest · usually October

Runs along both banks of the Danube, past the Parliament building and across the city's bridges.

Dates move from year to year, so check the race website before you book.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Hungary

1 of 8 visited. See every site I've been to.

My photos from Hungary

From 2 trips, newest first, so you can see which places each set of photos came from.

March 2025 Budapest

Budapest

Whole trip gallery

February 2011 Budapest