Hungary is a historically rich country positioned between Western and Eastern Europe. It’s a variable playground of contrasts that add to the exciting atmosphere, from lush countryside vistas to opulent architecture; from sordid historic decay to impressive restoration and innovation. It’s also a widely popular travel destination thanks to a wide variety of attractions for any type of traveller. Trust us; it’s nearly impossible to get bored in Hungary!

That’s why, in honour of (one of) Hungary’s National Day(s), Expat Explore has dug up some interesting facts about Hungary that might just pique your interest enough to give this magical country a visit! Read on for Hungarian fun facts you might not have known before.

Honour Hungary National Day with interesting facts about Hungary:

1. Hungary has more than one National Day

Hungary has such a rich history that one National Day simply won’t suffice to commemorate it all. The first Hungarian National Day takes place on 15 March in memory of the 1849 Revolution and War of Independence. Next, on 20 August, Hungarians commemorate the country’s founding as well as the founder, King Saint Stephen. Finally, on 23 October, the most recent Revolution and War of Independence of 1956 is honoured.

2. The world’s third-largest parliament building

Considering that Hungary has so much history that three National Days are required, it should come as no surprise that the Hungarian Parliament Building is the third-largest in the world! This opposing and impressive work of architecture comprises a whopping 691 rooms connected by around 20km worth of stairs. What’s more, when constructing the Parliament Building, they spared no expense. No, really – we’re talking 40kg of 23-carat gold just for the adornments!

3. Budapest is split in two

Did you know that the iconic and breathtaking capital city of Budapest is actually split into two? On the one side, there’s the Buda region, which was the historic capital of the Kingdom of Hungary. Then, right down the middle is the Danube river, the longest river in the European Union at a mind-blowing 2,850km. Then, on the other side, is the Pest region, which was once a city on its own.

Related: Budapest, among other cities, is one of Europe’s most affordable city breaks.

4. Hungary is one of Europe’s best birding destinations

Wildlife travel enthusiasts will be ecstatic to learn that Hungary is considered one of the best birdwatching countries in Europe! With over 400 species of birds residing here, you’re sure to capture an incredible bird photograph or two. You can even see and snap the mythical national bird, the Turul – or, rather, statues depicting it.

5. Traditional Hungarian food has ancient roots

Hungary is a variable kaleidoscope of flavours, ingredients and must-try dishes! From Gulyásleves, a delicious Hungarian goulash soup, to the famous Csirkepaprikás (Chicken Paprikash), there are delicious local delights to try. But did you know that one of the most popular ingredients in Hungarian dishes, those delicious, snail-shaped egg noodles (csiga), is said to date back as far as the 9th century?

Related: Feeling Hungary? Tuck into these must-try Hungarian dishes!

6. The Hungarian alphabet is twice as difficult

Sure, the English alphabet isn’t the most difficult to learn when one considers the existence of, for example, the Hangul alphabet or even the Mandarin logographic writing system. However, compared to English, the Hungarian alphabet is quite a mouthful. Consisting of 44 letters, the Hungarian alphabet even sometimes combines our so-called letters in threes to form new ones. Hungarian is often considered one of the world’s most difficult languages to learn!

Here are a few useful Hungarian travel phrases to try out on your trip:

Good day – Jó napot

Good evening – Jó estét

Goodnight – Jó éjszakát

Hi/hello – Szia

Goodbye – Viszlát

Yes – Igen

No – Nem

Thank you – Köszi

7. Natural thermal baths are replenished daily

Budapest is not only the country’s capital but also home to a wealth of natural hot springs and baths. What you might not know is that these springs and baths are replenished each day by around 70 million litres of thermal water that rises to the surface. In other words, don’t feel guilty at all about water usage when savouring the warm embrace of the famous thermal spas in Budapest.

Related: Learn more in our ultimate guide to the Budapest Baths.

8. Hungary is a natural paradise

Even though this majestic country is home to and known for its rich history and spectacular architecture, it is also a dream destination for travellers wishing to connect with nature. With 10 national parks, 145 smaller nature reserves and 35 protected landscapes, nature-loving visitors are in for a treat!

Related: Discover more of Europe’s must-visit national parks.

9. Budapest is a record-breaking city

Let’s be honest, part of the reason we travel is to experience the best the world has to offer. We love seeing the tallest buildings in the world, visiting the oldest cities in the world or getting on the fastest train in the world. Hungary’s capital city, Budapest, is home to a variety of these best-ofs.

Firstly, Budapest holds the record for the largest synagogue in Europe (it’s also the second-largest worldwide) located on the corner of Dohány Street. Secondly, the underground labyrinth of caves connecting and feeding the Budapest Baths is the largest thermal cave system in the world! One of them, the pinkish Szemlőhegy, is actually open for the public to visit.

Related: There are many reasons to visit Budapest!

10. Hungary is home to some of the world’s most creative thinkers

Few people may know this but Hungary brought the world some of its most notable inventions, such as the Volkswagen Beetle, the Rubik’s Cube as well as the ballpoint pen. If these inventions don’t sound too impressive, imagine life without all three for a moment.

Additionally, the founders of media corporations Paramount Pictures as well as Fox Film Corporation hailed from here. Plus, Michael Curtiz, the director of the famous film Casablanca was born in Budapest!

Related: Awaken your wanderlust with the top travel books and movies.

Now that you’ve uncovered some lesser-known yet interesting facts about Hungary, why not pay a visit and experience more of the country’s hidden gems and top attractions?

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Expat Explore offers a variety of guided multi-country group tours to this must-see destination! Book a tour and get immersed in Hungary, affectionately nicknamed the “Heart of Europe” and the “Pearl of Danube”.