The average Brit probably couldn't tell you much about the country of Hungary. In fact, most probably wouldn't be able to find it on a map. Yet at only 2 hours and 30 minutes away, this Eastern European nation is steadily attracting more and more Brits, who are intrigued by its history, scenery and people. The fact that a beer only costs ?1 a pint doesn't do any harm either.
Hungary is bordered by seven other countries, including: Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, Romania, Ukraine and Slovakia. The capital Budapest, (nicknamed the "Pearl of the Danube") is a charming medieval city, home to Europe's largest synagogue. Things can get hot and steamy in Budapest; it's the only capital city in the world which has more than one hundred hot thermal springs. Indeed the country has a long history of spa bathing due to it sitting on one of the richest geothermal and medicinal water resources anywhere in the world. The culture of bathing in these hot springs goes back two thousand years to Roman times.
The Budapestrians (as residents of the city are known) are proud of their transport choices too; visitors can chose from buses, trams, trolleybuses, trains, underground railways, cogwheel railways, funicular railways, forest railways, horse and traps, chair lift, bicycles and family cycle cars, so visitors will never be stuck when it comes to getting around!
For lovers of the great outdoors Hungary is a very attractive destination. Anglers can take advantage of the country's clean, undisturbed rivers and streams, not to mention central Europe's' largest lake. This also appeals to windsurfers, yachtsmen and water skiers, and wildlife enthusiasts will delight in Hungary's rich variety of bird life which is famous throughout Europe.
Like the rest of Europe, accommodation can be found to suit all budgets, from low cost youth hostels through to decadent hotels. For those looking for a relaxing stay in the Hungarian countryside, a is a good choice, and it's also possible to rent apartments in the city which are ideal for longer stays.
Deciding when to go to Hungary is perhaps the only dilemma for visitors; May and June are normally fairly wet months; the Hungarian summer is long, warm and sunny, but of course the most famous locations can get very busy. Autumn is an especially beautiful time of year to visit, especially in the hills around Budapest. Winter is cold and crisp - if a little bleak - but there is some skiing on offer. However Hungarian ski resorts are small and at low altitude, so this probably isn't the place to go if you're looking for serious snow sports.
With several low cost airlines now serving Hungary, it's expected that more and more Brits will be heading east for a taste of a Hungary holiday.
