The Danube River flows north to south through the middle of Hungary, splitting this landlocked central European country almost in half. Hungarians (Magyars) migrated here from Asia more than a thousand years ago

Hungary Trip

Sept 2003

In 1939, Hungary entered WWII as a German ally. In 1948, the Communists took power. In 1956, rebellion against Communist rule was crushed by Soviet troops. In 1989, Hungary's borders opened and the Iron Curtain began to lift. Soon after, Hungary joined NATO and the European Union.

Hungarians have strong folk traditions and customs, especially for music and dance. They produce and sell beautifully crafted items, such as embroidered blouses, scarfs, etc.

Budapest

Budapest, the intriguing capital, has been called the Paris of the Orient; it sits on the broad Danube River and is embraced by the plain of Pest on one side, and by hilly Buda on the other. The royal palace, Citadella, and Fisherman's Bastion offer breathtaking views of Pest and the connecting bridges. The famous Chain Bridge, connects Buda to Pest and has a pedestrian walking area.

Visit Fishermen's Bastion Castle area, Heroes Square Monument; go to Central Market for great buys. Don't miss the beautiful neo-Gothic parliament building on the Danube. Take a boat trip up the Danube to Szentendre, a most charming town with great little shops and medieval churches. Visit Visegrad for 15th century castle remains on the hill…an old Roman fortress. And for some entertainment, the women of Holloko will sing and dance for you, dressed in folk costumes in their tradition. Holloko is a folksy country village of approximately 500 people; it is on the outskirts of Budapest. The village is filled with traditional architecture…snow white houses and lime-washed wooden porticos.

You will remember Budapest!

Hungary Photo Gallery

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