Vatican City - Vatican City
Foto: Siofok at Lake Balaton (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Hungary - Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe. It lies in western Hungary and has an elongated shape: 79 km long and up to 15 km wide. Its maximum depth is 12 meters, but the average depth is just three meters, making the water relatively warm in summer. Because of this, the lake is one of Hungary’s main tourist attractions. During summer, long-distance swimming events are held between the lake’s shores in various resort towns. The water is fresh and of high quality. Nicknamed “the Hungarian Sea,” the lake is almost split in two by the Tihany Peninsula, which leaves a 1.5 km wide channel to the south. The main inflow is the Zala River. The lake has no natural outflow and is drained only via the Sió Canal. The northern shore (a national park) is known for vineyards on the basalt slopes of extinct volcanoes. The southern shore is shallow, making it especially popular with families. Siófok is the largest resort town and draws not only Hungarian tourists but also many Germans, Dutch, and Russians. The town is packed with hotels, campgrounds, apartments, bungalows, restaurants, bars, discos, and shops. Many locals also rent out rooms. In general, communication is easy in German, English, and Hungarian.
Along the Danube in Budapest
Hungary - Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is also known as the “Queen of the Danube.” The river runs straight through the city. Only in the 19th century was a bridge built across the Danube, connecting Buda with Pest on the opposite bank—thus forming the ...
The Cave Bath of Miskolctapolca
Hungary - In one of the suburbs of Miskolc lies the Cave Bath of Miskolctapolca. When we arrive, it’s quite busy. At the parking lot near the bath, a boy tells us we can park for 2,000 forints, or for 800 per hour in a lot behind us. That lot also looks pretty ...
The Istvan Cave stalactite caves
Hungary - We continue our route via the highway toward Miskolc, a city in northeastern Hungary. Because of the time difference, we arrive around 11:30 a.m. at the edge of town. At an ATM, we withdraw some cash—not too much, since we’re only spending one day ...