Discover Hungary’s Hidden Gems: Beyond The Tourist Trail
Hungary, known for its iconic landmarks like Budapest’s Parliament and the thermal baths, has much more to offer beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. Venture into the heart of this fascinating country to discover its hidden cultural gems. From quaint villages with rich histories to unique traditions preserved through generations, Hungary’s lesser-known sites promise an authentic and enriching experience. Join us as we explore the secret corners of Hungary that reveal a deeper, more intimate side of its vibrant culture and heritage.
The Hungarian Cimbalom
A stringed instrument played with two light hammers that is one of the most distinctive original Hungarian musical instruments.
The cimbalom, or Hungarian dulcimer is a stringed instrument played with two light hammers that is one of the most distinctive original Hungarian musical instruments. Originating from the 18th century, the cimbalom possessed similar significance as the piano in the country, often replacing the classic instrument in symphony ensembles. Nowadays the Hungarian dulcimer has lost some of its orchestral significance and can mostly be found as an integral part of gypsy orchestras creating their unique ambiance. Experiencing a concert with the Hungarian cimbalom is a one of a kind spectacle that should not be missed while in the Hungarian capital!
Hortobágy National Park (The “Puszta”)
One of the most distinctive regions of Hungary and the pride of the people who populate it, the romantic Hortobágy is a place that is uniquely Hungarian.
One of the most distinctive regions of Hungary and the pride of the people who populate it, the romantic Hortobágy is a place that is uniquely Hungarian. Named as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage site, the national park spans 52 hectares and is home to a wide range of wildlife. Much of the Hungarian culture originates from this region of the country which have seen the brightest and darkest times of Hungarian history, all of which have contributed to the unique and singular atmosphere of the place. With its intact flora and fauna and seemingly infinite plains, the Hortobágy is an amazing spectacle that has to be seen to be experienced.
Hévíz, the continent’s largest natural thermal lake
Atruly precious and magical place, Hévíz is visited by locals and tourists alike for its magnificent natural beauty and uncanny healing effect on both the body and soul.
The pond is located near Balaton, the Hungarian sea in a fairy tale-like setting inviting more and more visitors every year, contributing to its constant development and modernization. The lake is a nature reserve and is populated with large stamps of water lilies and surrounded by stunning, green gardens contributing to the lake’s characteristic natural aesthetic. Aside from basic relaxation, the powerful healing water has miraculous effect on muscle cramps, chronic arthritis, joint calcification, it also improves blood circulation for a healthier, more elastic skin. The town of Hévíz places great emphasis on constantly developing its services and consistently providing the highest quality wellness experiences all-year round with great potential for sightseeing and outdoor activities around the lake, Hévíz is truly an amazing place to be any time of the year.
The Tokaj Wine
The mostfamous Hungarian wine is a typically sweet, white wine from the north-east part of Hungary.
Named afterthe region of its origin “Tokaj”, a wine region divided by the Hungarian-Slovakian border, the Tokaji wines have several varieties all made from different kinds of grapes and with different production methods. The most established of them all is the Tokaji Aszú the “Wine of Kings, King of Wines” as King Louis XV of France called it. It is a white, sweet wine, with a truly peculiar manufacturing method. The Aszú grapes are collected individually, then placed in a huge vats where they are trampled into a dough. This dense material is then soaked in fresh must or wine for two days to release its sugar and aromatic content as a result of the most important aspect of the process, the noble rotting, which gives the wine its special and irresistible flavour. The quality of these wines primary depend on the amount of grapes used in the process. The designation, “3, 4, 5 or 6 “puttony” on the wine label indicates how many baskets of grapes was used in its preparation. Despitebeing so popular, only 1% of the yearly produced Tokaj wines belong in the Aszú brand, making them even more valuable.
