Hungary is a small landlocked country located in Central Europe which has much more to offer than might at first be imagined. Along with all of the many wonderful aspects of Hungary, here are ten fascinating facts about Hungary you probably didn’t know.
Hungary is one of the oldest countries in Europe
Hungary is one of the oldest countries in Europe; it was founded in 895 AD, at the time before the unification of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, when France and Germany were a single entity.
Inventors
Hungarians were the inventors of many amazing things, including the Rubik’s Cube, ball point pens and holography.
Touch the pen!
There is a Hungarian tradition that if you touch the pen of the Anonymous statue which sits in a park near Budapest’s Heroes square, you will become a great writer. The statue looks ominously like the Grim Reaper, but, according to the natives, it is actually a statue of the chronicler of King Béla.
The world’s largest geothermal cave system
The world’s largest geothermal cave system is found in Hungary, in the environs of Budapest. Additionally, Budapest also boasts Europe’s largest underground lake, which was discovered only recently and is located under Gellért Hill.
Baths
The country is known for its elaborate bath practices, dating from Roman times. Hence, the largest bathing spa complex in Europe is also located here.
Language
Hungarian is officially among the most difficult languages to be learnt and spoken. This dubious claim to fame has been certified by the British Foreign Office survey.
The largest synagogue in Europe
Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is home to Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world after the one in New York City. The Synagogue is a proud example of the Moorish architectural style and was built in the mid-nineteenth century.
The largest lake in Central Europe
The famous Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, is situated here. Hungary is also home to a number of spa towns and hot springs.
Classical music
The country boasts a number of famous traditions in folk as well as classical music. Hungary was the birthplace of a number of famous performers and composers, including Franz Liszt, Béla Bartók, Zoltán Kodály and many more.
The collapse of communism
Hungary played a vital role in facilitating the collapse of communism in Central and Eastern Europe. Hungary opened its shared border with Austria, to allow the East Germans to escape to the West; eventually, the Berlin Wall was history.