VSS Herald 2010 Special Edition Events

Transcription

1 VSS Herald 2010 Special Edition Events Find out about what to do in... > Hungary >Budapest > Balaton > Pécs > Mecsekalja > Eastern Hungary This Special Edition will introduce to you the wonderful opportunities to explore Hungary! All places and attractions marked in blue can be found on Wikipedia if no specific link is mentioned. Welcome to Hungary Üdvözöljük Magyarországon! Hungary is a country with lots of unique characteristics. Although the Hungarian nation lives in the heart of Europe for over 1100 years, its language is not spoken anywhere else in the world, and Hungarian folk songs do not resemble those of any other country. History of the Hungarian nation abounds in damaging events of its legacy, and yet the country has many values that attract people from distant parts of the world. Over the centuries Hungary has shaped into a unique blend with its rich history leaving behind 2000 years old Roman ruins alongside to 400 years old Turkish monuments, not to mention castles, churches and monasteries from various periods of time. The Capital of the country, Budapest, the panorama of which has been recorded into the UNESCO Heritage list, is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in Central Europe, with thermal baths, spas, plenty of museums ( theatres, cafes, pubs and clubs ( has something to offer to visitors of all ages and interest. Lake Balaton - the largest lake in central Europe is a paradise for boaters, the water recreation enthusiasts and family holidays. It offers wonderful landscapes, sport and fitness facilities, thermal spa and typical Hungarian gastronomy and wines. Being one of the more diverse countries of Europe when it comes to both landscapes and culture, holidays to Hungary really are cheap holidays with a difference. Located in central Europe, Hungary boasts being the holiday hotspot that really is one size fits all. Its low lying mountainous regions, Great Hungarian Plain and soulful rivers and lakes make great getaways for outdoorsy types, whilst culture vultures and shopaholics will be more than catered for in the countries capital Budapest and other cities. Debrecen and Eger are worth checking out to and a great alternative to the busy, bustling capital. Hungary enjoys a continental climate which means that whilst weather is unpredictable in the winter months, summer days are generally hot! As a country of unique character, holidays to Hungary are guaranteed to be like no other. The country is distinctly still the beholder of its own culture and Magyar traditions - Hungarian culture and arts can always be found! Yet in Budapest, snippets from the rest of the world can always be located! So for fussy eaters or those looking for a taste of the commercial, Hungary and in particular Budapest won't let you down. Hungarian delicacies are not to be missed either and for the hearty eater you will find yourself booking year after year, just for the chance to go back for more! 1

2 Budapest Budapest is the capital in the heart of Hungary. It is the main gear of the country as it is the principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial and transport hub of the country. It is the 8 th most populous city in the European Union, with 1.7 million citizens and 3.2 million commuters. There is no doubt, that Budapest is lucky in terms of geographical placement. The river Danube flows through the city dividing it into two parts; Buda and Pest and creating the river banks to the most stunning scenery of Budapest. Visitors and the citizens in general have many different impressions and opinions about Budapest, as it is a very diverse city. To create your own experience, come, visit and explore the capital of Hungary! For further information, sights, and programs visit the Budapest well developed and useful tourist homepage: Other useful links: Budapest on Wikipedia SIGHT SEEING PROGRAMS Buda Castle, Thermal baths ( from Gellérthegy view of the Danube panorama, Andrássy Avenue, Budapest Opera House, Nagymező utca (the Budapest Broadway ), Kodálykörönd, Heroes Square, Chain Bridge, House of Parliament, St. Stephen s Basilica, parks (Margaret Island, City Park) NIGHTLIFE NEARBY BUDAPEST City of Gödöllő: - Grassalkovich Castle City of Szentendre: - many museums, galleries; picturesque city center - Skanzen open air, interactive museum presenting folk architecture, interior decoration, farming and way of life in the Hungarian language area from the 2nd half of the 18th century ( Castle town of Visegrád: - The Citadel, Royal Palace, view of the Danube 2

3 Esztergom: - The Basilica FESTIVALS Sziget Festival SZiGET Festival (11th 16th Aug) Óbudai Island, Bp.: this cultural and music festival is one of the biggest ones in Europe with having more than visitors each year. It is held right after the Summit, between August. Imagine how cool it would be having an AFS village of tents there! :) Check out the website at For further information ask the support team via vsssuport10@gmail.com Budapest Summer Festival (June, July, August) open air programs (theatre, concerts, dance) 20 th August and Red Bull Air Race Air Race and fireworks at night celebrating the foundation of the Hungarian State. Formula 1 race (31st July- 1st Aug in Mogyoród at the Hungaroring racing track) 3

4 Balaton Although the fact that Hungary is a landlocked country, we Hungarians like to say that Hungary has its own sea; Lake Balaton. Actually, as its name indicates, it is a lake, the biggest one in central Europe. The Balaton tourism region can be divided into two parts along the longer shorelines, into northern and southern parts. The northern part has a diverse landscape with hills, valleys and small plains altering. Here we can find unique and enjoyable natural beauties, like Hévíz thermal water, Tapolca s Cave Lake ( and the famous echo of Tihany. At the famous wine regions we can explore great wine, which is produced due to the area s suitable climate and hillsides. During the summer wine, folklore and traditional food is celebrated with Wine Week(s) Festivals, at Badacsony (17 th July- 1 st Aug.)( at Balatonfüred (7 th -29 th Aug.) and at Balatonalmádi (6 th 22 nd Aug.)( To get a better view of the countryside s art and traditions, The Valley of Arts festival is organized in Kapolcs and in 6 other surrounding villages ( Horse riding and Coachdriving is also a great tradition of Hungary, and an amazing outdoor activity, it is possible to try it at Zánka for example ( The southern part of Balaton is plainer, even the lake is more shallow. Hungarian nightlife has its fine places here, like the famous Golden Shore of Siófok. And what all parts of Balaton offers: beaches all around to rest or have fun, historical and cultural sights (e.g. Festetics Castle in Keszthely), cycling or water tours, opportunity to try rich Hungarian gastronomy and diverse festivals during all summer. On the way coming from Budapest to Balaton, it is recommended to visit two historically important cities; Székesfehérvár and Veszprém. It is a perfect afternoon program to visit first the City of Kings (Székesfehérvár), walk in the historical city center and to see the medieval ruins. Second visit the City of the Queen (Veszprém) and see all the city from the castle. 4

5 Pécs the Borderless City Pécs is the seat and the largest city of the Transdanubian region in Western Hungary; a Catholic Episcopal seat and a university city that provides home to a large number of festivals year after year. Although it is at a distance of five hundred kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, numerous travel books describe Pécs as the Hungarian city with a touch of the Mediterranean. Pécs intends to identify itself with a world in which buoyancy and laughter are a part of everyday life, where people get together and spend a lot of time in public places into the night, where foreigners are happy to strike up a conversation with one another, and in which it seems like there are more holidays than anywhere else in Europe. Pécs is home to approximately 160,000 people, a city of knowledge and history marks the 25th anniversary of the European Union s European Capital of Culture (ECOC) program. The program, one of Europe s most successful cultural endeavors, brings a plethora of art exhibitions, international musical events (both classical and jazz), street fairs, symposia and a general buzz to Pécs, this Mediterranean city of South Transdanubia. A mere 120 miles southwest of Budapest (a two-and-half hour train or car ride), Pécs will be the center of attention for all visitors attracted by world class events. Beyond the concerts, exhibitions and fairs, Pécs has stood in its present place, as the Gate to the Balkans, since Roman times. Its 2000 year history manifests in a multitude of unique sites, from the 4th century early Christian necropolis of Sopianae, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to gracious places of worship (both Christian and Muslim, due to a 150 year long Ottoman occupation), dating back centuries. Pécs, however, was not only selected by the EU for its cultural richness, but also for its 'Borderless City' quality: it's beautiful public squares and spaces and its multicultural spirit that draw foreign nationals from far and wide to celebrate the openness and the Mediterranean flair it exudes. Pécs is also famous for quite a few of its sons: artists like Amerigo Tot or Victor Vasarely were born here. 5

6 Mecsekalja Mecsekalja "was created even by God to be a wine growing region", and the people observed this in time, as vine has been grown here for 2000 years. Vine feels well on the soil and climate created for it and it is very thankful for the invested work. Pécs (Sopianae) was the trade centre of this wine region already in the antiquity. The base wines of the long tradition champagne production in Pécs have been produced in this region since the XIXth century. Its climate is sub-mediterranean, sheltered from the north-wind with hot and sunny summers and mild winters. Vine varieties, wines: Cirfandli - characteristic wine of the region. Flower fragrance, spicy, high alcohol contents, in good years containing not fermented sugar. Italian Riesling - pleasant dry, but not acidic, mild, warming, reseda fragrance. Chardonnay - fragrant, elegant, velvety acidic. Furmint - marked, tart, dry wine. The wines of Mecsekalja are full-bodied, mildly acidic wines with high sugar-contents due to the big number of hours with sunshine. If you are not interested in sweating it out, the village of Harkány is known for its Thermal Spa ( 6

7 Eastern Hungary This part of Hungary has a huge contrast, There are also the mountains of Hungary with the highest point of 1014 meters (3,327ft), but also the well known Alföld, also known as The Great Hungarian Plain. Most of the land is used for agricultural production, but turism plays a big role too. The northeast of Hungary is fun for those who want to climb and walk in historical places. The beautiful, wooden houses in Hollóháza are amazing, and the city of Eger is a good place to explore the the Turkish Age. It is also most recommended to visit the caves of Aggtelek ( Hungary is rich in spas, this is especially true for the east part of Hungary. Beside the beautiful landscape, there are two big cities in this region: Debrecen and Szeged. Debrecen is known for the big Flower Festival from the 15th- 21st of August, and Szeged for the open-air theater festival. Tune up your visit to the Summit by exploring Hungary and its various attractions. Text and Layout: Support Team Members Photos: Support Team, Wikipedia Please send any questions to vsssuport10@gmail.com 7