10 interesting facts about Hungary – one of the oldest countries in Europe

The fabulous architecture of Hungary, the abundance of thermal springs and the fascinating folklore history endow the country with enduring popularity. However, apart from its famous sights, the country has secrets unknown to many visitors.

This is a very curious country in the heart of Europe. You may know quite a few things about Hungary, but here are some interesting facts about Hungary that you may never have heard of.

10 Hungary is one of the oldest states in Europe

Founded in 897, Hungary is one of the oldest countries in Europe (before France and Germany became separate entities, and before the unification of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms).

9. Europe’s largest synagogue is located in Budapest

Dohany Street Synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue, is the largest synagogue in Europe. Construction was completed in 1859. Built in the Moorish Revival style, this neological synagogue can accommodate up to 3000 people. It is also the third largest in the world after the Belz Great Synagogue in Jerusalem and the Emanuel Temple in New York.

The synagogue’s neological Jewish community embraces a less traditional form of Judaism that allows women to sit in the same room as men and allows organ music to be used during the ceremony.

8. The Hungarian Parliament is the largest building in Hungary

The building of the Hungarian Parliament, standing on the banks of the Danube, in the Budapest district of Pest, has witnessed one of the most important moments in the country over the past 200 years.

In the 1880s, a competition was held to find an architect for a new Hungarian parliament building that would represent the country’s sovereignty. Drawing inspiration from the London Houses of Parliament, the winner was the Hungarian architect Imre Steindl, who designed the grand neo-Gothic building that still stands today.

At 268 meters high, 123 meters wide and 96 meters high, the Hungarian Parliament is the country’s largest building, the tallest building in Budapest and the third largest parliament building in the world.. Within its great walls are 691 rooms, 10 courtyards, and a 12,5-mile staircase. Architecturally, the building was built in the Gothic Revival style with a Renaissance dome.

7. 465 Olympic Medals

Did you know that Hungary won the second highest number of gold medals in the Summer Olympics of all countries per capita? They have won gold medals in every Olympics they have competed in..

And what makes it even more interesting is the fact that Hungary was banned from the 1920 Olympics and joined the Soviet boycott of the 1984 Summer Olympics.

6. Included in the top five European countries in terms of the number of thermal healing springs

Hungary is extremely rich in thermal waters, the supply of thermal waters is significant on a global scale, and outstanding in Europe. Most mineral and medicinal waters contain dissolved minerals that provide medicinal and healing properties and make them suitable for bathing and drinking.

There are currently more than a thousand wells in Hungary, of which most of the water is medicinal water. Medicinal waters can be found in almost all regions of Hungary, and about three-quarters of the wells are located on the Great Hungarian Plain.

5. Hungarians invented the ballpoint pen and the Rubik’s cube

Erno Rubik was an architecture professor and also a sculptor who invented one of the world’s most beloved puzzles, a puzzle that still touches the minds of people all over the world.

The Rubik’s Cube is the best-selling toy in the world, a 3D puzzle game that both adults and children love. It was invented in 1974 and has been making people use their minds for over 4 decades.

In the 19th century, people were still writing with fountain pens. For Laszlo Biro, this was a burden. He was a journalist and it took him a long time to refill his pen, and his paper was always soaked with ink. That’s why he came up with the idea of ​​using newspaper-like ink to make it dry faster.

Together with his brother Gyorgy, who was a chemist, they came up with a solution that included a ball head mechanism that made it all possible. So, in 1938, they patented it, and now their invention is used by millions of people around the world. From China to the UK, everyone has heard of the ballpoint pen, but few know it was invented in Hungary..

4. Ikarus buses were produced in Hungary

Ikarus is a bus manufacturer based in Budapest, Hungary. It was founded in 1895 as Imre Uhri’s Kovács- and Kocsigyártó Factory.

By 1913, the company focused mainly on the production of automobiles, and thanks to increased sales during the First World War, it made a large profit.

In 1927, Ikarus won an international tender, and it was in this year that large-scale production could begin with the delivery of 60 shuttle buses. After the Wall Street crash, the company went bankrupt as it did not receive any significant orders and had to close.

In 1935, the company resumed production and was fully operational during World War II. On February 23, 1949, Ikarus was officially established following a merger with aircraft manufacturer Ikarus Gép és Fémgyár Rt.

3. Hungarian Lake Balaton – the largest in Central Europe

Lake Balaton, the largest lake in central Europe, located in central Hungary about 50 miles southwest of Budapest. It has an area of ​​231 miles² and extends for 48 miles along the southern foothills of the Baconian Mountains in Hungary.

At its widest point, Lake Balaton is about 9 miles wide. Its maximum depth is 37 feet. The Zala River provides the largest inflow of water. The outflow of water through the sluice gates of Siofok, to the eastern end of the lake, and the entire contents of the lake are replenished every two years.

2. Hungary produces famous Tokaj wines

A visit to Tokaj is a revelation for any wine lover. Everything about this region in northeastern Hungary—from its unique volcanic soil and microclimate to its native grape varieties and underground labyrinth of moldy cellars—contributes to its distinctive wines.

This area owes its fame to a special vein of the fungus Botrytis (or “noble rot”), which turns overripe grapes into small, shriveled raisin-like berries with concentrated sugar and flavor.

Tokaji is best known for its incredibly complex sweet wine called Tokaji Aszu. But growers in the region create a wide range of white wines, ranging from bone-dry Furmint to Tokaji Eszencia, a nectar so decadent that sugar prevents it from fermenting to over 4% alcohol.

1. The Hungarian factory “Herend” produces world-famous porcelain

Porcelain is the noblest material in the ceramic industry. What distinguishes it from other ceramic products is its hardness, transparency and special whiteness.

The Herend Porcelain Manufactory is today the world’s largest porcelain manufactory and a profitable enterprise.. Herend achieves a balance of tradition and innovation, passing on the traditions of the 19th century into the 21st century.