Lake Balaton (Siofok)

Lake Balaton (Siofok)

Blue kingdom in the heart of the Hungarian countryside, Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe and a well-known treasure of the Hungarian tourism industry. This popular holiday region in the heart of Europe is a relaxing spot for bathing under the Hungarian sun, as well as for water sports such as sailing and fishing, and outdoor activities like horseback riding or biking.

Beaches, spas and water sports facilities: Attractions of Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton in Hungary is not only one of the largest lakes of Europe, but also a natural paradise popular especially among those who love outdoor life or water sports. On the sunny shores of Lake Balaton there are several towns suitable for a recreational holiday. The beautiful and friendly town of Siofok, which is considered as the capital of Balaton area, is the most popular of Balaton’s lakeside resorts, and also the place where services are best available for example for nightlife and shopping in Siofok . Other towns on the shores of Lake Balaton include Balatonfüred, Keszthely, and Balatonboglár.

Siofof harbor and Balaton

Summer destination. Lake Balaton is a summer holiday destination with its main tourism season in July and August. At this time, the shores of Lake Balaton are usually filled with visitors from all over Europe. There are swimmers enjoying the warm waves of Lake Balaton, hikers admiring the beautiful views from the hilly shores, windsurfers looking for a wavy ride under the Hungarian sun, and beach volley players testing the smooth sand of the enjoyable Balaton beaches. Sailing on Lake Balaton is enjoyable, and horseback riding around Lake Balaton is quite popular as well. If you get tired of the sports activities in Lake Balaton area, visit the historical Tihany Peninsula with its scenic views and beautiful church or the wine region of Badacsony, or relax in the thermal spas of Héviz and Csisztapuszta.

Activities. Apart from the water world of Lake Balaton and natural wonders around the lake, the town of Siofok offers an interesting city centre filled with all kinds of sculptures and monuments which you can admire. Siofok is also famous for its lively nightlife with outdoor concerts, street cafes playing live music etc. Outside the city centre there are small beaches that offer an alternative to much more crowded central areas. There are also inviting hiking trails waiting for those who want to get into more quiet surroundings, and green courses for golf near Lake Balaton are also waiting for you.

Boats by Lake Balaton Hungary

Places to see. The most popular tourist attraction in Siofok is the old beach house called Coke Club. This lively place offers daytime activities for swimming, volleyball, tennis, ping pong, and water polo. When the daylight is replaced by bright evening lights, the scene is taken by outdoor concerts and other entertaining activities.

Practical information for your trip to Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton has a continental climate with warm, sunny summers and cold winters. During the Hungarian summer, which lasts from May to September, temperatures in Siofok can rise up to 35 degrees of Celsius. The main season for tourism in Lake Balaton runs from July to August, but the area can be visited from April to October. Most tourism facilities around Lake Balaton are closed for the winter.

How to get there. Lake Balaton is located a good hundred kilometers from Budapest and is easily reachable from there by car, train or bus. Flights to Lake Balaton land at the nearest international airport in Sarmellek. Regular ferries across Lake Balaton and local buses are good ways to get around in Lake Balaton region. Renting a car in Siofok is also a good choice if you want to explore the lovely Hungarian countryside around Lake Balaton.

Boats by Lake Balaton Hungary

Visitor services. Siofok and several other towns around Lake Balaton have well organized tourist services. Hotels in Siofok offer you pleasant alternatives for accommodation, particularly if you choose one of the spa hotels in Siofok. In the many restaurants of Siofok you are given a chance to try the spicy Hungarian food with lots of paprika. Lake Balaton is a safe holiday destination with no major crime problems. English is spoken in the area by many younger locals.

Pecs Travel Information

Pecs Travel Information

An interesting historical city in Southern Hungary, Pecs is famous for its early Christian tombs and architectural attractions. This lively university town is also known as the city of porcelain and as the home of Hungary’s first champagne factory. Besides that, Pecs has art museums to be explored, shopping streets to be tested, and a high look-out tower to be climbed. The green surroundings of the city are good for biking, hiking, and golf.

Pecs, a 2000-year-old town in Hungary with a popular champagne factory

Founded by the Romans, Pécs is a city with a long and colorful history. Over the years the city has been occupied by the Turkish and inhabited by the Germans, and the cultural history of the place is greatly influenced by all these eras. no wonder Pécs was nominated one of the European cultural capitals in 2010.

A Cathedral in Pecs

Main sights. The main historical draw of this 2000-year-old-town is the Early Christian Necropolis of Sopianae that was recently listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The necropolis includes a remarkable series of decorated tombs once built as underground burial places with memorial chapels above the ground. Besides that, Pecs hosts a spectacular Ottoman-era mosque, a beautiful cathedral, a 12th century palace, and also communist-era architecture to be explored. Visit also local art museums in Pecs, which offer you an introduction to the works and life of Victor Vasarevsky, a world-famous painter who was born in Pecs.

People in Pecs city center

Caves and towers. Pécs is familiar also with modern-day tourism. It is known as the city of porcelain, with also local champagne industry drawing visitors to the city. Especially the Pannonia Champagne Factory, which is known for its underground labyrinth of caves and cellars, is highly popular among visitors. Many enjoy also the television tower with an observation deck for admiring the city landscapes of Pecs.

Inside a church in Pecs

Sports. Pecs is a sports town, with nice facilities offered for trekking around Pecs. The nearby Misina Peak is a good place to start. As for sports, don’t forget to test the courses for golf in Pecs. If you come here on sunny summer day, try also local swimming ponds. Biking around Pecs is a good way for exploring the Hungarian countryside around the city and spas around Pecs are good for relaxing after your tour.

Practical information for your trip to Pécs

Located in Southwest Hungary, Pecs lies literally in the heart of Europe. There is a new small airport for flights and travelling to Pecs, but a more common choice is to travel here by train or road.

Barbakan Tower in Pecs

There are regular international trains to Pecs from Austria, Croatia, and Bosnia, as well as frequent trains from Budapest. Travelling from Budapest to Pécs takes approximately three hours. The area of the inner city is small enough to be navigated by foot, but also buses and taxis offer a quick way of transport inside the city. Car rental in Pecs offers you possibilities for touring in the Hungarian countryside.

Climate in Pecs is subject to big seasonal changes. Summers here are mostly sunny, with average monthly high temperatures climbing to 25–30°C. However, high temperatures drop close to 5°C at wintertime, with occasional snowfall whitening the city. In general, the best time to visit Pecs is between May and October.

castle in Pecs

Visitor services. University town and the European Capital of Culture in 2010, Pécs has well organized tourist services available. City hotels in Pecs accommodate you with reasonable fares and restaurants in Pecs are happy to introduce you Hungarian tastes. Nightlife in Pecs is quite active especially during the summer, and shopping in Pecs can be done without stressing your wallet too much. Also of importance, Pecs is a safe city for travel where English is spoken by many younger people.

Top 10 things to do in Berlin

Top 10 things to do in Berlin

The lively cosmopolitan German capital makes a popular European city break, and there are no end of things to do in Berlin. Although its troubled history is well-documented, this now peaceful, open-minded and creative city has a lot to offer visitors. To make the most out of this great city you should try to mix tourist attractions with other experiences. Here are the top ten things to do in Berlin:

1. Check out the art in Tacheles

This colourful building has an equally colourful history. It was once a Trade Union HQ, a department store, and a Nazi prison. The run down building was weeks away from demolition when it was taken over by an artists’ collective. Its walls are now covered in the work of hundreds of artists, and its grounds filled with an unbelievable collection of reclaimed objects (including a military helicopter). Aside from art you’ll also find cool bars and regular music and theatre events.

2. Visit the Unter den Linden and the Brandenburg Gate

To get an idea of Berlin’s Prussian past, it’s definitely worth visitng Unter den Linden. This tree-lined avenue is home to many grand buildings including the Staatsoper, St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, the famous statue of Frederick, and the imposing Neo-Classical pillars of the Humboldt University. At the western end you will also see one of Berlin’s most famous views; the great green expanse of the Tiergarten framed by the iconic Brandenburg Gate (which once separated the East and West).

3. Grab a coffee (or a cocktail) in Hackesche Höfe

These painstakingly restored courtyards are the place to be seen in Berlin. Popular with both tourists and hip locals, the aesthetically pleasing complex of courtyards are the largest of its kind in Germany. The complex was built in the late 18th/early 19th century and now it’s Moorish inspired main courtyard is home to stylish bars and cafes and is a great place to kick off a fun night out. Also try the other courtyards for more great bars and restaurants, boutique shops, a cinema and a theatre.

4. See the Reichstag

Being positioned at the centre of Germany’s tumultuous 20th century naturally gives this highly controversial building a huge historical interest, in addition to its aesthetic appeal. Now fully restored, the entrance is free and you can even peer down from the dome onto the debates below. It is a very popular attraction so get there early if you want to look inside as the queues can get eye wateringly long.

5. Try the food

The food in Berlin is hearty fayre and when here you’ll want to sample some of the local delicacies. For a quick snack try the ever present Currywurst (Geman sausage with curry sauce) or one of the fresh giant pretzels which seem to be sold at every street corner. If you sit down at a restaurant you’ll be treated to lovingly prepared and exceptionally presented meals mostly consisting of meat, potatoes, cold cuts, cheese and fresh fruit and salad. Oh and don’t even think about leaving without trying the German sweet potato pancakes.

6. See the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

In the east of the city you’ll find many older buildings still pock-marked with bullet holes and shrapnel scars. This striking church on the Kurfurstendamm acts as both a fascinating reminder, and a poignant memorial of Berlin’s recent troubled history. Dating from the 1890s the church was severely damaged by allied raids in 1943, and its bombed spire has been left standing as a pacifist monument, while a new, and spectacular, church was built around the ruins.

7. Visit Museum Island

This internationally renowned museum complex is located on an island in the middle of Berlin’s river, the Spree. There are, incredibly, five museums, each of them worthy of many hours of wandering, covering the entire history of Western art. Absolutely essential is the Altes Nationalgalerie, which has a knockout collection of German Old Masters; Dürer, Cranach and Holbein (the Mattaus, Sammer and Beckenbauer of Medieval painting). All are well represented, and there is no better place to see the highest points of the nation’s art.

8. Visit Checkpoint Charlie and Checkpoint Charlie Museum

An essential stop on the Berlin tourist trail, the former and most infamous city checkpoint is a fascinating and poignant visitor attraction. The check point was the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point which divided East Berlin and West Berlin during the cold war and tragically many people’s lives were lost here trying to cross the barrier. The Checkpoint Charlie museum is also worth a visit and exhibits an extensive collection of real-life stories, propaganda and memorabilia from the time of Berlin’s occupation and division by the Allied Forces.

9. Experience the East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is the longest preserved stretch of the former Berlin. The Berlin Wall East Side Gallery is a 1.3km-long section of the famous wall located near the centre of Berlin. Artists from all over the world have covered the memorial for freedom in 106 paintings, making it the largest open-air gallery in the world. Although some of the gallery paintings have seen better days it’s still definitely worth a visit.

10. Try the local nightlife

With so many things to do in Berlin, there’s no excuse for staying in at night. The capital is renowned for its nightlife and offers everything from banging techno to traditional live German bands. In fact it’s impossible to walk through Berlin without finding a pub, a bar, a theatre, a cinema or a disco. The trendy Mitte District is a good place to start but other areas offering lively nightlife include Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain, and Kreuzberg.

Amsterdam Travel Information

Amsterdam Travel Information

One of the most popular tourism destinations in Europe, Amsterdam is the capital and the largest city of the Netherlands. Once only a small fishing village, the city has become one of the most important ports in the world. The most remarkable features of Amsterdam are the many beautiful 17th century canals, but the city also hosts many museums and thousands of historic buildings to explore. The wide entertainment scene, possibilities for shopping, and lively nightlife of Amsterdam also draw many visitors to this wealthy and liberal city.

Amsterdam, the liberal city of entertainment, canals and museums

The Old Town of Amsterdam is located to the east of the main street, Damrak. The beautiful Old Town is called de Wallen as it is surrounded by magnificent medieval walls and a ring of canals. Amsterdam’s old city centre is home to approximately 7,000 historic buildings, mostly originating from the 19th century. In addition to historical sights, Amsterdam’s numerous canals and bridges offer also an interesting attraction. Canal Cruises in Amsterdam are a popular way to admire the city from the waterside perspective.

Architecture of Amsterdam

Cultural attractions. There are numerous interesting museums in Amsterdam, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum, the Rembrandt Museum, and the Van Gogh Museum which has the largest collection Van Gogh’s paintings. Rijksmuseum exhibits the art and history of the Netherlands and works by famous Dutch artists like Vermeer and Rembrandt. Amsterdam’s zoo and botanical garden also draw international visitors. For music lovers there are many kinds of concerts in Amsterdam available throughout the year.

Entertainment & shopping. Amsterdam hosts a lively entertainment scene with many theatres, music clubs, festivals, coffee houses, pubs and nightclubs. Famous for its relaxed and liberal atmosphere, Amsterdam is also home to a famous red light district. Nightlife in Amsterdam is lively throughout the year. This modern and multicultural fashion city has also excellent opportunities for shopping in Amsterdam.

The Waag in Amsterdam

Recreation & sightseeing. If you want some relief from the hustle and bustle of the city, visit the green countryside of the Netherlands beyond its capital. There are several traditional windmills near to Amsterdam, as well as beaches located a short train ride away from the city. You can also play golf in Amsterdam. All the major attractions in the city can be easily explored by taking one of the many sightseeing tours in Amsterdam.

Practical information for your stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a temperate marine climate with cool summers and mild winters. Summer is the peak season for tourism in Amsterdam, as the weather is warm and many popular events take place in summer.

However, the city can be considered a year round destination as there is always something going on in Amsterdam, and you can enjoy many of the attractions of the city regardless of weather.

Canal in Amsterdam

Flights to Amsterdam arrive at the Schipol International Airport situated 15 kilometers southwest of the city. There are good domestic and European train and bus connections to Amsterdam. You can also travel to Amsterdam by a cruise ship or a ferry. As the city has very limited parking space and many streets are one-way, narrow or closed to cars, car rental in Amsterdam is not recommended unless you want to explore other destinations in the Netherlands via the excellent road network in Holland.

The public transport in Amsterdam consists of buses, trams, metros and free ferries which carry passengers to Amsterdam-Noord. Biking in Amsterdam is a pleasure as the bicycle-friendly city has an excellent network of bike paths and bicycle racks. The city centre of Amsterdam is small enough to be toured on foot.

Canal cruise in Amsterdam

Services & safety. There is a wide selection of hotels in Amsterdam, and restaurants in Amsterdam offer a wide range of cuisines. Most local people in international Amsterdam speak also English. Amsterdam is a relatively safe city, though it is advisable to keep an eye on your belongings and watch out for pickpockets, especially in crowds and around popular tourist sites. Some parts of the city should be avoided especially when traveling alone after dark.

Hungary Travel Information

Hungary Travel Information

Centrally located in the middle of Europe, full of natural beauty, interesting cities, and with numerous enjoyable wellness and health services, charming Hungary has surprisingly much to offer. With its rich historical heritage arising from the 900s, when Kingdom of Hungary was regarded as one of the cultural centers of Europe, this small European nation attracts also those who are interested in historical treasures.

Bridge over Danube in Budapest

Charming cities and relaxing resorts: Hungary’s attractions

Hungary offers versatile attractions from lively cities and historical treasures to traditional spas, grasslands perfect for horseback riding, vineyards, and tranquil villages. The most popular travel destination in Hungary is its capital,Budapest that is generally regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. With its unique city landscapes, sites of historical interest, and rich bathing tradition, this centrally located European capital attracts more than 20 million visitors annually. The cityscape of Budapest is enchanted with River Danube, making Budapest known as the Queen of Danube. Although not nearly as popular as Budapest, the second largest city of Hungary, Debrecen, and the spa city of Miskolc are also well worth visiting.

Budapest city view

Countryside destinations. Lake Balaton is a natural paradise popular especially among those who love outdoor life and water sports. On the shores of Lake Balaton there are several small towns suitable for recreational holiday. The most popular of them is Siofok, which is considered as the capital of Balaton area. Not that far from Balaton, the ancient city of Pecs is also worth seeing. With its tombs and churches, the city has plenty of historical charm complimented by the lovely nature around it. Also of interest for travelers, Tokaj is a small town famous for its vast vineyards. Around Tokaj you can find excellent places for outdoor sports such as hiking, biking and kayaking. Hortobágy National Park is another good place to enjoy the grasslands and cultural landscapes of Hungary.

Landscapes of Hungarian countyside

Practical information for your trip to Hungary

Weather in Hungary is generally warm in the summertime between May and August. For those who want to avoid the summer crowds or enjoy the energetic Hungarian spring or the colorful autumn of the puszta (Hungarian plains), also April and September or October are good times to visit Hungary.

During the winter months most Hungarian tourist sites outside Budapest are closed. Many of the famous Hungarian spas, however, are open and will welcome you also during the chilly Hungarian winter.

A bathhouse in Hungary

Travelling to Hungary is easy with direct flights to Budapest available from most European countries, as well as with good train and bus connections from the neighboring countries. Public transport system in Hungary is efficient and cheap, which makes moving around inside the country easy either with train or with bus. Car rental services in Hungary are also well available for extensive touring.

Hungarian nature

Shopping in Hungary offers you plenty of choices. In big cities like Budapest you can find massive shopping centers selling almost anything including modern luxury goods. In the countryside you run into outdoor markets selling more traditional Hungarian shopping items like porcelain and folk embroidery. Local wines are another popular shopping item in Hungary. Price level in Hungary is by European standards low, even though prices in Budapest are higher than elsewhere in Hungary. Vivid nightlife can be found in the main cities of Hungary. Although petty crime does occur in the cities, Hungary is a safe destination suitable also for families with small children.

Budapest Travel Information

Budapest Travel Information

The heart and soul of Hungary, Budapest is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. With its famous bathing traditions, pleasant cityscapes, and sites of historical interest, this centrally located European capital attracts more than 20 million visitors yearly. Therefore, Budapest is widely regarded as one of the top travel destinations in Europe and the main attraction of Hungary.

Budapest, hilly city of river Danube and thermal spas

The cityscapes of Budapest are enchanted with River Danube flowing through the city, thanks to which Budapest is also known as the Queen of Danube. River Danube also divides the city into two separate districts; the west side is known as Buda, and the east side is called Pest. Buda is known as the place where most tourism attractions in Budapest are located, and Pest is the administrative center of Hungary.

A bathhouse in Budapest

Shopping and entertainment. On the east bank of the river Danube you will find the main commercial area with good possibilities for shopping in Budapest available. For those searching for cultural experiences, there are good concerts in Budapest available regularly. Nightlife in Budapest is very lively throughout the year, and the city offers a good variety of cultural entertainment possibilities from theatres to opera.

Historical sights. The Castle Hill located in Buda is the oldest part of Budapest and the home of the most famous tourist attractions in Budapest. This is the place where you can admire the Hungarian Royal Palace, explore the National Gallery art collections, or simply enjoy the wonderful views opening from the lookout terraces across the River Danube and over the roofs of the Hungarian capital. If you are in for historical buildings in Budapest, the 2,000 year old Roman ruins and the 400 year old Turkish monuments will also surely please your eye.

Details inside St Andrews church in Budapest

Turkish bath tradition. Another interesting historical remain left over from the Turkish occupation of Budapest is the rich Hungarian bathing tradition, which nowadays is regarded as the trademark of the city. The numerous spas in Budapest are built around thermal springs, and range from luxury spas to cheaper public baths where you can relax with local people. Most Budapest spas offer also a variety of wellness treatments.

Practical information for your trip to Budapest

Weather in Budapest is warm during the summer and cool during the winter. Summertime in Hungary lasts from May to September, with the high season and European summer holidays enjoyed in July and August. The best time to travel to Budapest is between April and October, but the city can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Although petty crime such as pick-pocketing does occur, Budapest is a safe travel destination suitable also for families with small children.

A view of Budapest city and Danube

Shopping in Budapest is concentrated in Pest area. Here you can find massive shopping centers selling modern luxury goods, small shops offering fashionable clothing, and outdoor markets selling more traditional Hungarian shopping items like porcelain and folk embroidery. A good variety of delicious Hungarian wines is also available in the shops of Budapest. Price level in Budapest is relatively low by European standards, but prices tend to go up in the most touristy areas of the city.

Travelling to Budapest is easy in a variety of ways. Flights to Budapest are available from most major European airports. Thanks to its central location in Europe, there are also good land transport connections available, including regular international buses and trains to Budapest from many European countries.

Fisherman's Bastion, looking across the Danube to Pest.

Visitor services and touring. Restaurants in Budapest offer you a wide variety of choices, and there is also a large amount of hotels in Budapest available in many price categories. Renting a car in Budapest is a good idea if you want to explore the beautiful Hungarian countryside. If you plan to stay inside the city, you might find the services of public transport a better option. In Budapest there are three metro lines, trams, trolley buses, local trains and a dense bus network offering good possibilities for getting around in the city.