A great number of visitors fall in love with Hungary at first sight, some of them become devotees only after a longer stay, yet everyone agrees that it is one of the most fantastic countries worldwide, offering something to each of its guests. Plentiful nature conservation areas, wonderful thermal spas, rich cultural heritage and a stunning array of recreational opportunities have resulted in the development of Hungarian tourism, comprising a significant sector of the national economy.
Visit Hungary and you'll understand what makes it a favorite place for short stays and longer holidays.
Hungarian tourism owes much of its success to the capital city - Budapest, recognized as one of the greatest capitals in the world, divided by the wide stream of the Danube into two parts - the hilly Buda and the flat Pest. It should be also mentioned that the panorama over the Danube is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, as are the radial avenue of Andarassy ut, the village green of Holloko and stalagmites and stalactites of the Baradla Cave.
The region west of Budapest is rich in everything that contributes to great travel and recreation, namely romantic valleys and hills, royal cities, enticing gardens, spectacular lakes, and world-renowned porcelain for gift hunters and collectors. South of Lake Balaton you'll find wide plains, untouched woods and beautiful valleys hidden among hills.
The inviting countryside is ideal for touring, offering a variety of historical monuments and natural beauty. The land of valleys and hills features the Hungarian towns that are abundant in historical monuments, including the guardian of Hungarian cultural sites - the Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The sub-Alpine climate, excellent wines and wonderful opportunities for water sports, hiking and cycling make this area an ideal destination for holidays.
However, it's not only Budapest that contributed significantly to the development of Hungarian tourism. Located in the heart of Transdanubia, Lake Balaton, known also as the Hungarian Sea, is a 77-km long water body, recognized as one of the most treasured natural sites and the most popular holiday area within the country. Boasting a surface area of nearly 600 square km., it is the largest lake in Central Europe, perfect for families with children.
Hungary is also home to a number of top-rated spa resorts, based on special healing qualities of the thermal waters. It claims to have the richest medicinal water resources in the world, with 300 out of 1,300 currently registered thermal springs, being used for bathing purposes. More than 130 medicinal and mineral water springs can be found in Budapest.
Year after year more and more people visit the country and its fascinating capital, realizing that a healthy lifestyle is an important factor in disease prevention and creation of sense of well-being. This fosters the growth and prosperity of Hungarian tourism, making it more beneficial.
Thus, looking for your next vacation destination, consider Hungary for health and well-being.