Hungary Located in the heart of Europe, Hungary shares its borders with seven European countries and is owner to Europe’s largest lake.

Located in the heart of Europe, Hungary shares its borders with seven European countries and is owner to Europe’s largest lake. Covering an area of almost 600 square kilometres, Lake Balaton is considered the landlocked country’s sea. Situated over an especially active geo-thermic area, it is home to over a thousand hot thermal water springs and the second largest thermal lake in the world. As a result, a significant part of Hungarian culture is to relax and restore in these healing waters.

Hungary offers varied landscapes with the Great Plain in the east, low-lying mountains in the north-west, lakes and rivers all over the country, hundreds of kilometres of limestone caves, beautiful cities and quaint little villages. It’s in these villages that you will have the best chance of witnessing Hungary’s rich folk heritage, with many open-air museums located all over the country. For a real life experience of the past, visit the beautifully preserved village of Hollokó and step back in time hundreds of years – a living village where locals lead a tradition bound existence. Head north and you’ll find the country’s highest peak, lakes, waterfalls, massive cave complexes and Hungary’s popular sweet white wine region where the world famous Tokaji wine is produced. Experience a dry bath ‘bathing’ in volcanic gas in Mátraderecske or for something unique; relax in a cave bath in Miskolctapolca.

For a half day excursion out of Budapest visit the pretty town of Gödöllő for its magnificent palace, Royal Palace - the world’s second largest Baroque castle. Explore the southern wine region of Villány for its hearty reds. For a genuine Hungarian nature experience, head to the Hortobágy National Park – a vast area of plains, wetlands and the largest natural grassland in Europe.