And it is completely unfair, because this city is distinguished by its magnificent architecture, original and special atmosphere, which is difficult to find anywhere else. What is especially surprising, Budapest is especially beautiful in winter, in cold weather, in the pre-Christmas time.
Therefore, when considering where to go on your winter vacation, be sure to consider visiting the Hungarian capital.
During the snowy months, the city becomes even more beautiful than usual. As numerous reviews of Budapest say, in winter, beautiful views begin from the airport itself. The fact is that the Hungarians only clear the runways. Everything else is covered with puffy snow caps, so only planes taking off from the sea of \u200b\u200bsnowdrifts are visible through the terminal windows. All this looks fantastically beautiful and sets you in a festive mood. Another attraction that Budapest can be proud of in winter is the Danube River. It freezes very, very rarely, on the contrary, it is from December to February that the water here becomes especially stormy. Small crusts of ice, light frost and the entire embankment shining with cleanliness and freshness - all this is definitely worth seeing. In summer, the river looks very different. Another must-see is the fairs. Central market the capital is good at any time of the year. The famous seasonal fairs before Christmas help you find the New Year mood and get a feel for the holiday before it comes.
Walking through the rows with all kinds of goods, trying traditional pastries, buying Christmas tree decorations and handmade souvenirs - that's what you should go to Budapest in winter.
New Year in the capital of Hungary
Christmas holidays are the focus of the entire winter season. New Years and Christmas can transform any city, and Budapest is no exception. Therefore, planning a vacation for the holidays will be very, very useful. Both wide avenues and small streets are decorated with lights, sales begin in stores. And after long walks, you can do something pleasant for yourself by going to the famous baths, the water into which comes directly from the Warm reservoir under
the open winter sky will be remembered for a lifetime. So you can see Budapest in winter at least for a visit to the bathhouse. On New Year's Eve, residents gather in the main squares with glasses of champagne, tourists and locals have fun until the morning at parties in bars and restaurants. The hotels also have gala dinner programs, so even supporters of quiet evenings can find an option to their liking. Be sure to try the national cuisine. Appetizing goulash or thick ear with paprika, hot wine and delicious sweets with marzipan are ideal for cold weather. Therefore, Budapest in winter will certainly not disappoint even the fastidious gourmet. Marzipan candies are also good as a souvenir, so do not forget to buy them for your loved ones when going home from vacation.
Hungary is located in a temperate climatic zone, so you can choose absolutely any period when you go to Hungary. Basically, it depends on your hobbies and the immediate purpose of the trip. Tall tourist season in Hungary it starts in May and ends closer to September. The main influx of tourists is observed in July – August.
The low tourist season in Hungary is set immediately after the New Year holidays. The influx of tourists is decreasing not only due to the fact that all the mass celebrations take place, but also due to worsening weather conditions. In addition to the low temperature, walking along the street is not comfortable due to the high humidity and fog.
Holidays in Hungary in spring
If you want to make your trip unforgettable and romantic, ask when is the best time to relax in Hungary. Experienced tourists know that for this purpose it is better to go to Hungary in spring. Holidays in Hungary in spring are characterized by a period of flowering, nature comes to life, and prices for holidays remain at the level of winter.
Despite the general enthusiasm for spring restremember that the weather in Hungary in spring can be quite changeable. May is considered one of the wettest of the year.
Read also:
Features of summer holidays in Hungary
If you are interested in the weather in Hungary in summer, then from June, sultry heat sets in throughout the country. Only occasionally a meteorological report can show bad weather and slight cold snaps. Due to the fact that the average air temperature is kept at + 26 ° C, huge flows of tourists rush to Hungary in summer.
The summer months are considered to be when it is better to travel to Hungary for active rest... Indeed, during this period, a large number of local festivals take place in the country.
Winters in Hungary are fairly short and relatively warm. Affects the influence Carpathian mountainsholding back cold air currents from the north and northeast. Open to warm air currents from the west and northwest in winter, Hungary differs from the countries located to the east in higher temperatures. The average temperature in January does not drop below minus 1 °. In the mountainous regions of the northeastern part, it is slightly colder - up to minus 4 °. Usually the passage of cold fronts is accompanied by heavy snowfalls, although such phenomena are quite rare. A stable snow cover can last from 30 to 40 days, but it does not always form on the plains. In mountainous regions, winters are colder, more precipitation falls, the mountains are covered with snow for all three months (December, January, February). Frosts are possible from November to April.
The Danube is especially beautiful in winter, which is especially abundant and powerful during this period. Only occasionally, when the air temperature reaches record low temperatures, the river is covered with a thin crust of ice.
Thermal springs
During snowfall and frost, Hungarian nature is warmly protected by thermal springs. There are a lot of them in Hungary, about 1300 - different in temperature, chemical composition and medicinal properties waters persistently making their way to the surface from the depths of geological faults. More than a hundred such springs are located in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Hungarian capital - the city of Budapest. The largest and most famous balneological resorts in Hungary are located in the region of Lake Balaton and Lake Heviz, on the basis of the thermal healing springs of the Margaret Island, as well as at Mount Gellert, near Miskol-Lillafüred, and in Alfeld (Hajdúszoboszlo). Particularly unique in this respect is Fr. Heviz, the waters of which, even in the most severe frosts, warm up to a temperature of +23 - +24 ° C. In winter, the lake is hidden in a cloud of dense steam, formed as a result of a sharp temperature drop.
Winter Budapest
In winter, the Hungarian capital transforms into a sea of \u200b\u200bbright lights and garlands. The famous Christmas markets take place here at this time of year. In the very center of the city, another one appears for several months. fabulous city, with numerous shopping malls and concert venues. Here you can buy various souvenirs, Christmas sweets, decorations, or just find yourself in the whirlwind of traditional folk festivals, various attractions, see performances of nativity scenes and puppet theaters.
Active winter recreation
Holidays in Hungary in winter are full of romance and vivid impressions. The best place for ski slopes it is considered mountain range Matra. Snow lasts up to a hundred days here, which is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. Interesting for winter holiday ski slopes on the slopes of the Bükk massif. Resorts and recreation centers in the mountains are equipped with cozy wooden houses, from the terraces of which you can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding mountain landscapes.
Many tourists say that they like to visit Hungary in winter. This time of year the weather is not as harsh as in our northern countryand seeing Budapest colored with New Year's lights is a special pleasure.
Hungarian climate
Thanks to geographic location countries (center of Europe), the climate is temperate continental. The mountains of the Alps and Carpathians protect the state from all sides from the influence of cold winds.
The hottest days come, of course, in summer. The temperature reaches + 27 ° C. In spring, these values \u200b\u200bare slightly lower, but nevertheless it warms up here much faster than in Russia.
Autumn differs from ours in less rainfall and pampers residents with moderate warmth. September still continues beach season... And only November becomes rainy.
But winter weather is a real gift not only for tourists, but also for all local residents. The temperature in Hungary in winter rarely drops below -1 ° C. There is little snow, and even if the high humidity begins to feel cold, frequent thaws quickly correct the situation.
Temperature in Hungary in winter
All this makes the Hungarian winter almost a continuation of autumn and creates favorable conditions for the New Year holidays.
New Years in Hungary
The weather in Hungary for the New Year is very comfortable. Therefore, many spend it on the street: ice skating, walking around the city, meeting with friends.
During the New Year holidays, the capital is decorated with festive lights, fairs are held, and holiday discounts are offered in shops. A heart " old Europe»Transforms and strikes with its fabulous atmosphere.
New Year Holidays in Hungary they are celebrated according to local traditions. As in all catholic Europe. Christmas night here falls on January 25th. The trees are decorated with colorful balls and sweets called salantsukor. They are chocolate-coated fondants.
Christmas is traditionally a family holiday. All relatives gather at the table, the main dish of which is Christmas carp. Several scales, peeled from this fish, are put in wallets. According to local beliefs, they will bring wealth and prosperity to their owner.
The day before new year's eve according to the old Hungarian tradition, it is customary to burn a stuffed goat. This symbolizes getting rid of the problems of the old year.
If you are in Budapest on the night of December 31st, do not miss the fireworks and fireworks that take place closer to midnight. You can see them from the bank of the Danube or from a motor ship that runs along the river that night to give its passengers the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent spectacle to the fullest.
On winter holidays, be sure to visit the thermal baths, which are located in the center of the city park of Budapest. Where else can you swim in winter?
Varoshliget Park is a great place to spend winter holidays... Here you can have a great rest with children: skating rinks, several cozy cafes, a botanical garden and a zoo are open.
There are many nearby that acquire special beauty in winter (for example, Vajdahunyad Castle). The famous Gundel restaurant is located nearby, where you can warm up after a walk and taste original Hungarian dishes from the most famous chefs of Budapest.
Ski resorts
Although the mountains in Hungary are not very high, tourists are still happy to come here to ride alpine skiing.
Popular ski resorts Hungary are Matra, Magas Hill, Bükk and Nograd. The last track is the only place where international competitions are held. And the slopes of Matra (146 m in height) will delight children with a specially equipped sled run.
Travel time: February 1-13, 2015. We didn’t regret that we went in the winter - the weather was good, the grass was green, there were many sunny days.
Flight cost : very cheap if taken in advance (16 738 rubles for two round trip) by wizz air - cheap airline, where you have to pay extra for everything (baggage, large hand luggage etc.).
Accommodation: for 12 days 17100 rub. (1175 rubles per day plus site fees). The apartment is booked on airbnb - the site has been checked more than once, the apartment has reviews. When choosing, we noticed that it is fashionable for them to have a bed on the second level - under the ceiling. We decided to see what it was like. Also looked for availability wireless internet (communicate with home, plan routes for the next day) and seating besides the bed. We took an apartment closer to the center, but it turned out that the terrain was also important. The city is located on the river and one of the banks (Buda) is high - we took an apartment there, and it turned out that we often went uphill, which could have been avoided if we had taken an apartment in the lower part of the city (Pest).
Honey. insurance: 1321 p. for two in Tinkoff. They took it online and just printed the paper - it came up for a visa.
Visa:
35 euros per person plus 2600 rub. for a service visa fee. I had to go to Moscow. All documents can be given by one relative, but the presence of the original (and a copy) of the document of relationship (marriage certificate) is required.
We bought a three-day card in advance Budapesh map (Budapest card, 4074 p. for two) [hereinafter in the text “card”] - when buying online, there was a discount on it. Unfortunately, there are few places with free admission, mostly small discounts, but for the sake of free travel it is very good to take it (although there is a travel card and separately).
Car rental:
8500 RUB 4 days plus € 35.56 for the motorway toll (toll roads). 900 euros were blocked for the duration of the lease, but returned on time. Booked a car at Enterprise. There are also local car rental companies, but very much about them negative reviews (ex. take extra money for minor scratches). Gasoline cost 85 rubles at that time. liter and 1200 km. we spent about 7000 rubles.
Business lunches - about 300 rubles. Average bill per person when ordering a dish local cuisine and alcohol 1000 - 1500 rubles.
As a result, it didn't work out cheaply. Tickets to museums and excursions - from 500 rubles.
But we were very satisfied, because Budapest is beautiful european city, with good weather, helpful English speaking people. And plus a great bonus - THERMAL SPRINGS.
There is a free guided tour in Budapest , however, in English. More details:http://www.triptobudapest.hu/v2/tours/the-original-tour/ ... We recommend to go! We learned a lot about the history of the city and the country, as well as orientated ourselves in the city. At the end of the tour, the guide asks if we want to give some money. The guides are excellent, so you can give. On the map, two separate free excursions - along Buda and Pest.
Site public transport - set the addresses of the place of departure and arrival and the route is drawn on the map indicating transport, final and intermediate stops:http://www.bkk.hu/en/timetables/ ... The cost of 1 ride is 80 rubles. But all the main attractions are within walking distance - we recommend walking. For travel, it is better to take a travel card for a day or a couple of days.
Briefly about the sights and our impressions about them:
- Fisherman's Bastion - very beautiful building and SUPER view of the city day and night!
- Historical Museum - free with a map, nothing special, but the palace in Buda, which houses this museum, is worth a walk.
- Hungarian National Gallery - lovers of paintings must come here! It is located in the same palace as the Historical Museum in Buda.
- Matthias Cathedral - the outside is very beautiful, inside were not.
- Maze - worth going, but take a flashlight!
- Funicular - expensive and no card discount.
- Parliament - there are 2 daily excursions in Russian - worth going, albeit expensive - 1000 r. per person.
- Basilica of St. Stephen - it's worth going in, walking around, looking. We also went to an organ concert - nothing special.
- Opera theatre - you can go inside and see how beautiful it is for free.
- The Great Synagogue - we went to the territory for free, looked, but did not go inside - there is a charge.
- Adrashi street - you can take a walk.
- Miniversum (mini layout railway and towns "from Hungary to Austria") - we really liked it, it is interesting for both adults and children
- House of Terror - we were not touched, and without an audio guide (for an additional fee) there is nothing to do there - there are very few worthwhile exhibits.
- Heroes Square - I wonder if with a history and explanation (on excursions on the map they take them there, tell them).
- Varoshliget - beauties! Inside the Museum of Agriculture, the entrance is expensive.
- Tomb of Gul Baba - a kind of building, and around there are very picturesque residential quarters. You can look there on the way to the Baths of St. Lucas, which is free with the map.
- Margarita Island - nothing special, not worth the time.
- Mount Gellert - stunning views, but you shouldn't go to the Citadel on it. It is worth climbing the mountain only if there is extra time.
- Cave Church in Gellert Hill - funny, but expensive.
- Statue park - few statues, not very picturesque and far to reach.
- Retro car museum - Yes Yes Yes! A huge number of chic American cars! You can take pictures. Far from the center.
- Oceanarium and Tripicarium - small and nothing special. Far from the center.
- Samlehedi and Palveldi caves - very picturesque caves, worth going! If you buy a ticket to visit both at once, it will be cheaper, and between them - 20 minutes on foot.
- Cafe with cats (Budapest, Damjanich utca 38, 1071) - you can drop in after visiting the Szechenyi baths. Anti-cafe style cafe - pay to stay there and get tea and a piece of cake. There are four lazy but sympathetic cats in total.
A great bonus for the traveler. We highly recommend going to at least two. 2 hours are enough for a visit, but you will get more relaxation and pleasure. You should have a swimsuit, slippers, a towel, a hat (for some pools it is required, but you can do without it) and a bathrobe, preferably in the cold season.
- expensive and very beautiful inside and out, clean and pleasant. The outdoor outdoor pool is very small in winter.
- cheaper, but a huge number of pools and a huge outdoor pool. We highly recommend it, but in our presence at 19:00 the thermal indoor pools were closed - it is not clear how to plan this in advance, the site did not have this information. Advice - do not postpone your visit to a later time.
Bath of St. Lucas - free by card. Few thermal pools and a lot of people - a negative impression. Outdoor pools are cold and a cap is a must.
Royal Bath - Dirty and small, creepy SCOOP. There is no external pool (there was a barrel of water for 4 people), the internal one was large and one small.
All baths have saunas.
Hair dryers are everywhere.
A trip around Hungary
we rented a car and went in 4 directions. We left in the morning and returned to Budapest in the evening. You can leave a car near the house for free from 18:00 to 8:00 (this is not everywhere, check with the locals), there were free seats on the embankment of the river.
Having a navigator, type in the address “tourinform”Of the respective city, come there. You pay for the car parking - all parking is paid and the fine for violation is large! Go toTurinform point, ask any information in Russian / English (maps, brochures), ask what to visit in the city and after 10 minutes you have a clear plan of where to go!
We highly recommend visiting the following cities:
North of Budapest:
- Szentendre (tourinform address: 2000 Szentendre, Dumtsa Jenő u. 22) - a pretty town with the most famous Marzipan Museum, perhaps worth a visit!
- Visegrad (tourinform address: 2025 Visegrád, Fő Street 81) - a picturesque but small castle high on the mountain. Highly beautiful view to the Danube river and surroundings from the castle walls.
- Esztergom (Basilica address: 2500, Esztergom, Szent István tér 1) - a giant cathedral, a great view of beautiful city and the river, on the bridge-border with Slovakia. And also to the Slovak city. The border is open, you can go.
- Eger (addresstourinform: 3300, Eger, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Endre 9) - a beautiful fortress on a hill in the center of the city, walked along the walls. On the outskirts of the city, the Valley of Beautiful Women (Kulacs Csárda Panzió,) - a place where representatives of wineries come to sell their products - we tried and bought Hungarian wine (sold on tap).
- Miskolc (addresstourinform: 3525 Miskolc, Városház tér 13) - the city itself is not very interesting, but the Barlangfürdő bathhouse in the suburb of MISZKOLC TAPOLC (http://www.thermal.hu/miskolc-tapolca/ ) really worth a visit! This is a cave bath!
This area east of Budapest - tokaj area - the birthplace of wine and the main development of the wine industry. You can also go to the town of Tokay, but one day for everything will obviously not be enough. Driving even with a low blood alcohol content is prohibited in Hungary, so it is worth going to these places for at least a couple of days.
West of Budapest (towards Lake Balaton):
- Tapolca (addresstourinform: 8300, Tapolca, Fő tér 17) - a city with a lake underground - you can ride a boat (http://www.tavasbarlang.hu/index.php/en ) - unforgettable experience! Before that, you really have to walk around the museum (a la local history) - good museum, and the film is shown in 3D, but the total visit time increases to an hour (of which 20 minutes by boat). In the same city there is still a beautiful lake with an old water mill.
- Keszthely (addresstourinform: 8360, Keszthely, Kossuth Lajos u. 30) is a city on the shore of Balaton Island, where it is most convenient to approach the shore and touch the water, admire the lake and ducks.
- Heviz (addresstourinform: 8380, Hévíz, Rákóczi utca 2) - a town and a bathing lake! A small thermal lake, where the water temperature in winter is 24C. An indoor swimming pool was built on the shore of the lake and a park is spread out - very beautiful!
In which cities we were still, but we did not like:
- Gyr (addresstourinform: 9021, Győr, Baross Gábor út 21) is just a city where all the sights can be walked around in 1 hour.
- Sopron (addresstourinform: 9400, Sopron, Liszt Ferenc utca 1) - you can climb onto the old fire station lookout tower and admire the charming old town. You can walk along the old fortress walls. Nice, but nothing special.
- Goulash soup ( Gulyas leves - they read "guyash") - tasty meat soup, a lot of meat, large portions
- Goulash
- Fish soup ( Halasz leves) - usually brought in a pot and with a ladle, you put it yourself, very tasty
- Fried goose liver ( Rantott libamajszeletek, Libamaj) - a la foie gras, tasty, but expensive
- Pancakes ( Palacsinta) - they are pancakes and pancakes in Africa
- Lecho ( Lesco) - without meat, often there is a lot of card in this dish, and very tasty
- Langos - their "fast food" - fried dough in oil with a diameter of 20 cm and a thickness of 1.5 cm, on which the filling is placed at will - we recommend just sprinkling with cheese!
- Pleskavitsu be sure to drink
- Tokay ( Tokaji) - buy in any stores, taste, delicious wine.
We can recommend
Horgásztanya Étterem - Budapest, Fő u. 27.1011 - there are national dishes, deliciously fed, well served
WinstonS Kft. (Kiado Kocsma) - Budapest, Jókai tér 3, 1061 - saw the recommendation of this cafe on the internet, they say there is a large selection of dishes national cuisine... But it was not possible to visit, on a weekday evening there were so many people that there was a queue. Everything was free in the neighboring cafes - it says something!
But we do not recommend going to the next restaurant, they learned to deceive our brother thereJ... If you go (and there are national dishes and a large selection of Pleskavitsa), ask for a receipt and check everything: Vigadó Restaurant - Budapest, Markovits Iván u. 4, 1011
