Winter in Hungary
What is winter in Hungary really like? Snow, cold, road conditions and winter activities around Lake Balaton and Budapest.
What is winter in Hungary really like? Snow, cold, road conditions and winter activities around Lake Balaton and Budapest.
Mass tourism or authenticity at Lake Balaton? Our experience with Kis-Balaton, and Zalakaros
From summer to autumn in no time: temperatures drop fast, misty mornings, autumn colours and getting ready for frost.
We went on a three-day cycling tour along Lake Balaton, with an extra loop through the Bakony region to cover sufficient distance. We started in Berhida and cycled via Eplény along quiet country roads to the north coast. Via Balatonfüred and the coast of the Tihany peninsula, we crossed over to the south shore at Szántód. On the third day, we temporarily left the shore, cycled over cliffs and forest roads, and ended up back in Berhida. We encountered unpaved or impassable sections, sometimes overgrown paths, and busy stretches without cycle paths; but everywhere we enjoyed views, tranquillity, and flexibility.
We explore Hungary, focusing on the Mátra and Bükk mountains and the Bakony further afield. Visit charming Eger, with its local wine (Egri Bikavér) and natural beauty. And, of course, the highest peak, Kékes (1014 m).
A visit to the historic Hungarian village of Hollókő, near the Mátra Mountains. Comparable to Bokrijk, but authentic: the houses are still in use. The village mainly lives off tourism: shops, cafés, museums in every house. You can walk to a castle and further on to a work of art called “the palm of God” with views over the valley. Conclusion: definitely worth a visit, especially if you are staying in the Mátra.
In Székesfehérvár, just half an hour from our home, there stands a truly unique castle. Not a historical monument, not a palace of nobles, but a work of art: Bory Castle. The sculptor-architect-painter Bory worked on it for 40 years, and it really is one great artwork. As with all art: tastes differ. Personally, I…
A year ago, we moved with an open mind (‘we’ll see’) and converted our upper floor into a two-room apartment for friends and family. We decided to rent it out as well, not to make a living from tourism, but to welcome guests seeking peace, nature and simplicity. After registration (with inspection and 1 star) and listing on Airbnb, among others, the first guests arrived.
A house without a cat was unthinkable, but adoption through a shelter proved difficult because the cats were only allowed to stay indoors. However, the neighbours had two litters, so two kittens were adopted: a ginger tomcat and his “sister”, who turned out to be a brother (Tux). After a month, it appears that two kittens are more sociable together; they entertain each other and often seek company on our laps at the same time. The border collie Mazy is cautiously learning to play with them.