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Open to tourists and without restrictions: Hungary you did not know Israel today

2022-03-10T12:10:57.817Z


No tests, isolations or forms - Hungary is open to everyone and offers urban excursions, a romantic spa vacation or attractions for children • Between picturesque towns, ancient castles and a water park: a journey between the least known places of entertainment in the state of paprika and goulash


Hungary is one of the first countries in Europe to remove all restrictions on those entering it.

Anyone can enter without the need for corona checks, forms or isolations, including those who are not immunized.

Within Hungary, everything is open and active with almost no restrictions - the nightlife has opened up, the restaurants are full and so have the variety of attractions that the country has to offer.

When you think of a trip to Hungary, the first word that comes to mind is probably Budapest (after Kurtos, of course).

Indeed, it is a charming city where you can spend a wonderful holiday - but if you are just a short distance from the capital, you will discover that Hungary has much more to offer: charming villages, historic castles, pampering spa hotels and mostly fine wine.

After two difficult years of epidemic, and as the weather slowly begins to clear - it's just the time to get to know new, and a little less familiar, places in the European country.

A journey in a tunnel in time

About an hour and a half drive from Budapest is the enchanting village of Hollókő, which provides an authentic glimpse into the traditional life of the Paloques - an ethnic group living in northern Hungary.

The village, whose name means "raven stone" (as the statue implies at the entrance), has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO - and rightly so: strolling through its streets, between picturesque houses, ornate balconies and a small, ancient church, seems like a time travel straight to the 19. Some of the houses are open to visitors (for a fee) and display the palliative lifestyle, which relies on centuries-old traditions, and includes, among other things, spectacular costumes made of embroidery and workshops of various kinds.To complete the experience you can visit one of the small restaurants and taste traditional food Arrive in the village during Easter - you can enjoy folk music played in the streets, homemade strudel and a glass of Plinka (a local - and strong - alcoholic beverage made from the evaporation of fruit).    

The view from Agar Castle, Photo: Hungarian Tourist Office

The magical streets of Agar

A particularly magical city, worth spending a few hours at least, is Agar.

In the center of the city stands the impressive Agar Castle - a spacious fortress with a glorious history: in the 16th century it was used to stop the Ottoman army that occupied the area.

Today the castle serves as a historical museum, housed in part within a system of underground tunnels, offering visitors an experiential tour guided by the son of the legendary hero Esteban Dubo, who defended Agar from the invasion.

An added bonus: the castle is a spectacular vantage point overlooking the beautiful view of the city.

From the castle, a short walk through beautiful alleys sloping with small shops and cafes, you can reach other interesting sites: Agar Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace (which also has a visitor center) and an impressive ancient library.

And what could be better than to end the city tour with an excellent wine - which is a source of local pride and one of the things Agar boasts.

Gál Tibor is a small and charming family winery, offering wine tastings accompanied by explanations of the production process and the story behind the family enterprise (by prior arrangement, galtibor.hu). 

Hot baths, cold wine

Hungary is famous for its abundant medicinal baths, and one of the special places where you can enjoy the healing (and pampering) properties of thermo-mineral water is only about six kilometers from the reservoir - in the salt hills of Agresaluk.

It is 1,200 square meters of a unique natural phenomenon, which can only be found in two other places around the world.

The water with medicinal properties emerges from the depths of the earth to the surface, creating limestone surfaces built in the shape of terraces, filled with warm water and giving off a slight scent of sulfur (yes, just like when traveling to the Dead Sea).

The best way to enjoy the unique view is while immersing yourself in one of the 17 (!) Pampering pools offered by the spa and hotel "Sliris" - in addition to a variety of types of sauna and facilities for children.

It is possible and recommended, of course, to stay overnight (salirisresort.hu/en). 

Dead hills in Agresaluk, Photo: Hungarian Tourist Board

If after bathing the need for a glass of wine (or two) arises again - do not worry.

We have already said that the Agar area is known for fine wine, and another option to enjoy it is at the nearby St. Andrea Winery, which also offers several routes of wine tasting.

The white wines offered at the place - especially successful (by appointment, standrea.com). 

A paradise of water

Debrecen, the second largest city in the country, has recently "won" mentions in unfavorable circumstances: it shares a small border with war-torn Ukraine, and the northern Hungarian city has already joined forces to help refugees arriving at the border.

Although Debrecen enjoys less successful public relations than Budapest - but in fact it is an equally attractive city: with a variety of museums, shops, historical sites, cafes and a farmers market - everyone will be able to find their favorite itinerary.

A landmark that should not be missed is the old Jewish quarter, located in the old center of the city, with an impressive synagogue and monument in memory of the local Jewish community that perished in the Holocaust.

A short walk away is the largest Reformed church in Hungary, which is also worth a visit: it is an impressive building with historical significance, with exhibitions on the upper floors and a panoramic view of the city on the roof level.

If following the wanderings around the city you are hungry - you can choose from the variety of restaurants scattered in the city center,

Debrecen offers quite a few options for the Israeli tourist, Photo: Hungarian Tourist Board

On top of all that, Debrecen is a great destination for a family outing with kids - and the highlight is the Aquaticom Spa Hotel.

Inside the hotel there is a water park with all the attractions that children can imagine: slides, pools, trampolines, challenging facilities and outdoor and indoor play areas.

Even the adults, of course, are not deprived in the hotel, which as its name implies - boasts a spa complex with inexhaustible pampering options: thermal baths, a variety of pools and saunas, massages, various types of beauty treatments - and more (aquaticum.hu). 

You can actually spend whole days in the hotel without leaving it, but if you still want to freshen up a bit - you can do so in the spacious Nagyerdei Park, which is right next to the hotel, where you can wander among lakes, lawns, bike paths and playgrounds.

The large park is located about a ten minute drive from the center of Debrecen, and trams can be used that run all over the city.

Old-new secret

Still, it is impossible not to say even a few words about Budapest.

Although it is a well-known and beloved tourist destination, the city does not stop renewing - and offers visitors new experiences.

One of them opened very recently: the Hungarian Music House, built in the Budapest City Park.

Even before entering, it is impossible not to be impressed by the special architecture of the building (which has already won prizes): glass walls and a rounded ceiling made of holes, from which trees protrude.

Inside you will find an interactive permanent exhibition on the history of European music, from its beginnings to contemporary trends, with a special emphasis on Hungarian music and its roots.

In addition, there are two halls - indoor and outdoor - where musical performances take place, as well as a "music garden": children's playgrounds that combine vocal experiences (ligetbudapest.hu).

Budapest Fishermen's Fortress, Photo: Hungarian Tourist Board

And from the new - to the old: on the west bank of the Danube, which separates "Buda" and "Pest", is the old part of the city - with several sites worth visiting.

One of them is the Fisherman's Fortress located at the top of the hill, providing a breathtaking view of the river and the rooftops of the city.

Around the castle there are a variety of cafes and restaurants, and a highly recommended stop is the confectionery Ruszurm which offers excellent cakes and desserts and is considered one of the best in town.

A 15-minute walk will take you to Buda Castle - the historic royal palace of the kings of Hungary, home to an art museum, gallery and national library.

Although this is a centuries-old structure, the momentum of renewal continues here as well (as part of a national project that set itself the goal of preserving and maintaining the castle and its surroundings).

So even if you happen to visit the place in the past - it is very worthwhile to come, and enjoy a slightly different experience.    

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Source: israelhayom

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