HUNGARY – MORE THAN EXPECTED

The Hungarian state was founded in 896, after the conquest of the Carpathian Basin by the Magyar (Hungarian) tribes. The people were converted to Christianity by King St. Stephen I, who was crowned by the Pope in 1000 AD. The Basilica of Budapest is dedicated to this great king, and his crown and the royal insignia are on display in the Hungarian Parliament.

After the assault by the Mongolian Tartars, Hungary revived in the second half of the 15th century, when the Renaissance King Matthias spread the fame of Hungary. Ruins of his royal residence at Visegrád in the Danube Bend are still fascinating. Ups and downs in the forthcoming epochs, the Turkish occupation for 150 years, the Habsburg domination, the Reform Age, the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, World War I and II, the Soviet military supremacy - left Hungarians still keeping their heads up. Remnants of these eventful centuries can be seen everywhere: Turkish baths, royal palaces, churches, castles, and mansion houses are all fine examples of the various architectural styles. In addition to the charm of the landscape are the historic Danube Bend, Lake Balaton, the romantic national parks of the Puszta with the horse ranches, and the famous wine regions like Eger, Tokaj, Villány, Badacsony, Neszmély, etc. Hungary is becoming a firm favourite in the meetings industry, a vibrant destination with warm and friendly people, varied and distinct cuisine choices among beautiful buildings and streets. It is conveniently located in the very heart of Europe, and is well served by affordable transport links. It offers a plethora of attractions – bold and intricate architecture, beautiful and varied scenery, and a colourful cultural heritage of music, dance and art. There is a rich culinary tradition too and excellent wines being produced in 22 regions. All major hotel brands can be found in Budapest and beyond to cater for conferences and incentive trips.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Hungary lies in the Carpathian Basin of Central Europe. The greatest distance from North to South is 268 km, and from East to West, 528 km. Area: 93.030 km2

Population: 9.879.000

Capital: Budapest

Time zone: GMT + 1 hour

Official language: Hungarian (English and German widely spoken)

Climate

Hungary has a temperate climate, similar to the rest of the continental zone – hot in summer, cold in winter. The temperature is highest in July / August (21,3 °C average) and lowest in winter, January is the coldest month, when it often falls below freezing (-1 °C average). About ten hours of sunshine can be expected daily between April and September. The number of sunny hours a year: 2038 The average temperature in April is maximum 16°C, minimum 6°C. The average maximum temperature in May rise up to 21°C.

Currency

The official national currency is the Forint (HUF). You can take unlimited foreign currency in and out of Hungary. Exchange facilities are offered to participants at the airport, in hotels and at the banks. Prices are often set in Euros (EUR) or US dollars (USD). Banking hours generally are from Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Currency exchange machines and ATMs operate after hours in Budapest and other major cities. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Electricity 220 Volts – standard Continental type plugs.

Getting in

Citizens of EU- and EEA-member states may travel to Hungary without a visa. Family members of citizens of EEA Member States may also travel to Hungary without a visa if they received a residence card issued for family members of EEA citizens or a residence permit issued by any Schengen Member State. For detailed information in English, please visit www.mfa.gov.hu

With personal ID card Citizens of the following countries may enter the territory of Hungary with a personal identification card for a stay of maximum 90 days, provided the purpose of their visit is not to take up work or to conduct business-related activities: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

With passport Citizens of the following states may also travel to Hungary without a visa: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (applies only to holders of a passport of the special administrative territory of Hong Kong), Iceland, Israel, Japan, Korea, Macao (applies only to holders of a passport of the special administrative territory of Macao), Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Salvador, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela.

For detailed information in English, please visit https://konzuliszolgalat.kormany.hu/en