1. Hungary's Enormous Lake
Did you know that Hungary is home to Central Europe's largest lake? Lake Balaton, spanning over 600 square kilometers, is often referred to as the "Hungarian Sea". It is a popular summer retreat with beaches, volcanic hills, resort towns, and high-rise hotels along its 197km shoreline.
2. Pioneer of The Nobel Prize
Hungary has given the world 13 Nobel laureates so far. Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, who discovered Vitamin C and the components and reactions of the citric acid cycle, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1937. Beyond medicine, Hungarian laureates have won Nobel prizes in numerous fields like Chemistry, Physics, Literature, and Economics.
3. Delicious Invention - The Rubik’s Cube
The Rubik's Cube, a truly challenging and entertaining puzzle, is a Hungarian invention. In 1974, Erno Rubik, a professor of architecture in Budapest, created the 3D puzzle to help his students understand three-dimensional problems. Initially named "Magic Cube," it was later renamed after its inventor.
4. The Mighty Hungarian Language
Hungarian is widely regarded as one of the most challenging languages for English speakers to learn. It is a Uralic language and has no relation to most other languages in Europe. With 14 vowel phonemes and 18 cases, Hungarian possibly takes around 44 weeks or 1,100 hours to master.
5. The Oldest Active Synagogue in Europe
The Old Synagogue of Pecs in Hungary is considered the oldest active synagogue in Europe. Dating back to the 14th century, it's a place filled with charm and history and a testament to Hungary's rich Jewish heritage.
6. Home of Vampires
Hungary is home to the legend of "Vlad the Impaler," also known as Count Dracula. The infamous serial killer Elizabeth Bathory, who reportedly bathed in the blood of virgins to retain her youth, was also Hungarian nobility.
7. The Hospitable Country
Hungarians are known for their hospitality. The Hungarian saying "Guest in the house, God in the house" perfectly encapsulates this mentality. So, when you visit, be prepared to be welcomed warmly and treated generously.
8. The Land of Thermal Springs
Hungary is scattered with thermal springs. In fact, there are more than 1,500 spas in the country, including a thermal lake, Lake Heviz, where open-air bathing is possible all year round, even in winter.
9. A Country of Inventions
Aside from the Rubik's Cube, Hungary has been the birthplace of many key inventions that changed the world. This includes the first functional helicopter, the ballpoint pen, and the theory of the hydrogen bomb.
10. The Origin of Santa Claus’s Reindeer
Did you know that Santa Claus’s reindeer are from Hungary? A Hungarian legend explains how Santa Claus's reindeer were born in the Matra hills of North Hungary and then made their way to the North Pole with the magical powers they acquired.
11. The Hungarian Goulash
Hungarian cuisine is famous worldwide, and pride of place goes to the Goulash. A rustic stew or soup of meat and vegetables, it is seasoned with paprika and other spices. Goulash is a versatile dish that epitomizes Hungarian culinary traditions.
12. The Name “Hungary” Has an Interesting Origin
The name "Hungary" derives from the medieval Latin "Hungaria," which is from the Medieval Greek "Oungroi." This name is likely to have derived from the name of the Turkic tribe Onogur, meaning "ten arrows."
13. The Oldest University in Hungary
The University of Pécs, founded in 1367, is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in Europe. This ancient university, with its rich heritage and traditions, continues to contribute to academic excellence in the country.
14. Hungary's Unique New Year Tradition
Hungarians have a unique way of celebrating New Year's Eve. They burn effigies, also known as “Jack Straw,” which represent the sins and the bad luck of the past year.
15. The World's Largest Geographical Thermal Lake
Lake Hévíz, located in Hungary, is the world's largest thermal lake that is available for swimming. Its water is reputed to have healing properties, attracting thousands of wellness tourists each year.
16. Hungarians Are Horsemen
Hungarians have a long tradition of horseback riding, dating back to their nomadic past. Horse shows, highlighting superb horsemanship, are major attractions today in places like Hortobagy National Park or the Saint Steven’s Park in Budapest.
17. Longest Cave in Budapest
Beneath the Buda Hills in Budapest is the Palvolgyi-Matyashegyi cave system which extends over 31km, making it the longest cave system in Hungary. The cave system is indeed a unique feature of Budapest, standing testament to the city's rich geological past.
18. Hungary Has No Coastal Line
Despite having a "sea", Hungary is a landlocked country. It is surrounded by seven countries: Slovakia, Ukraine, Austria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia.
19. Hungary and the Tale of Two Capitals
Hungary is one of the few countries to have had two capital cities at different times. Today, it's Budapest, but before 1873, Buda and Pest were both capitals. They were later unified into Budapest, the city we know today.
20. The Hungarian Crest has a Lot of Symbolism
The Hungarian coat of arms contains a lot of national symbolism. The double cross on the top left represents Christian faith, and the small red and white stripes on the right side are a symbol of the Árpád dynasty, the first ruling dynasty of the Kingdom of Hungary. The center shield depicts a crown and a rampant lion, along with a decorative background ornament, showcasing the beauty and history of Hungary.