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Horseback riding vacations in
Hungary
 Hungary is a land with a long horse riding tradition, and to this day, Hungarians still have a lot of affection for horses in general. Hidden Trails has assembled some of the most reputable horse trekking and riding operators in Hungary, for a truly memorable Hungarian horse riding holiday.
Horse Riding in Hungary:
Hungary is a country with a well-established riding heritage. In fact, the country was founded by seven tribes of horsemen with incredible riding skills.
The Great Hungarian Plain Tour allows you to learn more about the local history and the lifestyle of the nomad tribes who roamed these plains thousands of years ago. On this tour you will have the opportunity to ride beautiful Akhal Teke horses and stay in authentic yurts.
For those who wish to discover the natural beauty of Hungary, the Tisza to Danube Ride is an excellent choice. This tour takes you from the flood plains of the Tisza river through the sand dunes of the Kiskunság region and the salty plains of Solt to finally end on the banks of the Danube river.
Hungary Geography and Climate:
Budapest is Hungary’s capital city. This fantastic city is split in two by the Danube – with the older, graceful “Buda” on one side and the more commercial, art nouveau “Pest” on the other. Budapest contains the country's best bars and clubs, and has been a long time haven for writers, artists and musicians. Other centres, such as Eger, Pécs, Szentendre and Sopron are vibrant cities with rich histories and stunning architecture.
Hungary is known for its temperate continental climate. Weather patterns are influenced by the Mediterranean and Atlantic. Winters in Hungary can be cold, cloudy and wet, whilst the summers are warm and sometimes very hot.
Most rain falls in May, June and November with the southwest usually wetter than the east. Hungary averages some of the highest sunshine hours in Europe - between 1900 and 2500 a year. From April to the end of September you can expect the sun to shine for about 10 hours a day. July is the hottest month (average temperature 23° C) and January the coldest (-1° C). The average annual temperature is 11° C.
Geographically, Hungary is characterized by its relatively low elevation and seemingly unending prairie landscapes. The highest point is Kékes (1,014 meters) in the Mátra Mountains. Two major rivers run through Hungary – the Tisza and the famous Danube. Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake – Lake Balaton – is also found in Hungary. Such is its extent that many people often refer to it as the “Hungarian Sea”. With 11 national parks and many protected areas, Hungary is a superb place to escape on a horse riding tour.
Explore more European Horse Riding Vacations
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Holidays on horseback in Hungary
See Mini Country Guide
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Below is a list of our trips in this area with video clips.
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Hungary
Travel restrictions
As of March 7th 2022, Hungary no longer has any COVID-related travel restrictions.
Measures taken by the government
As of March 7th 2022, the lifting of the special rules of access for certain services and events means that vaccination certificates are no longer required for entry to indoor congresses or conferences, accommodation establishments, spas, sporting or cultural events, music and dance festivals, or outdoor events of any kind.
Testing
The providers below provide COVID-19 viral tests. The officially regulated price for the PCR test is 19,500 HUF. Antigen tests are offered at prices from 8,500 to 15,000 HUF. Some facilities offer express results for an additional fee.
Ferenc Liszt International Airport – https://www.bud.hu/en/testing_center
The airport’s coronavirus testing center is open 24 hours in Terminal 2B.
Phone: +36-20-537-9300
First Med Center – https://firstmedcenters.com/cov19test/
Address: 1015 Budapest, Hattyú utca 14, 5th floor, Hattyúház
Phone: +36-1-224-9090
Rozsakert Medical Center – https://www.rmc.hu/en/specialities/covid-19
Address: 1026 Budapest, Gábor Áron ut 74-78
Phone: +36-1-392-0505
SYNLAB Diagnostic Centers – https://www.synlab.com/coronavirus-tests
COVID testing is available in Budapest, Kaposvár, Gyor, Székesfehérvár, Dunaújváros, Kiskunhalas, Kecskemét, Miskolc, and Debrecen.
Phone: +36-1-588-8500
Whitelab – https://whitelab.hu/
COVID testing is available in Budapest, Vác, Veszprém, Kaposvár, Gyor, Szeged, Székesfehérvár, Dunaújváros, Kiskunhalas, Kecskemét, Miskolc, Esztergom, Pécs, Szombathely, Debrecen, etc.
Phone: +36-70-362-0613
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
Information not available.
Source:
US Embassy in Hungary https://hu.usembassy.gov/covid-19/
Published on June 21st 2022 (checked on April 5th 2023)
Hungarian Tourism Agency https://visithungary.com/category/covid-19-information
Checked on April 5th 2023
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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Hungary
At A glance
Capital City: Budapest
Land size: 89,608 sq km
Population: 9,699,577 (2022 est.)
Official language: Hungarian
Currency: Hungarian Forint (Ft / HUF)
UNESCO properties and sites:
- Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
- Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)
- Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape
- Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
- Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment
- Old Village of Hollóko and its Surroundings
- Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape
- Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/hungary/
Hungary is a truly captivating country. Explore the stunning capital city of Budapest, with its grand architecture, thermal baths, and iconic landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament and Buda Castle.
Immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Hungarian people, experiencing their traditions, indulging in delicious local cuisine, and being swept away by the lively rhythms of Hungarian folk music and dance. Hungary's historical treasures, natural beauty, and vibrant culture offer a truly unique travel experience.
Venture into the romantic landscapes of the Hungarian Great Plain, also known as the Puszta, where vast grasslands, sweeping horizons, and traditional horse culture create a perfect setting for horseback riding adventures. Ride through the serene countryside, visit traditional horse farms, and witness skilled equestrian displays.
Brief History
Hungary became a Christian kingdom in A.D. 1000 and for many centuries served as a bulwark against Ottoman Turkish expansion in Europe. The kingdom eventually became part of the polyglot Austro-Hungarian Empire, which collapsed during World War I. In 1920, with the conclusion of the Treaty of Trianon, Hungary loses two thirds of its territories and population.
The country fell under communist rule following World War II. In 1956, a revolt and an announced withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact were met with a massive military intervention by Moscow.
Under the leadership of Janos KADAR in 1968, Hungary began liberalizing its economy, introducing so-called "Goulash Communism." Hungary held its first multiparty elections in 1990 and initiated a free market economy. It joined NATO in 1999 and the EU five years later.
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/hungary/
https://visithungary.com/articles/history
Cultural Insights
On the streets, it is customary for men to walk on the left side of women, ostensibly because in the past men kept their swords on the left side and women had to be on the opposite side of the sword. A Hungarian man enters first into a pub, restaurant, coffeehouse, or other public establishment.
Friends, family members, and close acquaintances who have not seen one another for a while greet and part from one another with pecks on both the left and right cheeks. Touching the hands, arms, and shoulders of partners in conversation is common. It is customary for a woman to offer her hand first both to men of all ages and to younger women and children.
Informal styles of greeting and terms of address are used from the moment of initial meeting.
Bodily contact is rather intimate on public transportation and in malls and shopping centers. In isolated rural settlements, villagers might still stare at strangers.
The first Hungarian word you will come to learn will most likely be “egészségedre”. This word is used to cheer before drinking alcohol, but is also a common refrain following a sneeze.
Hungarians love offer a meal and drinks to their guests, even those who come unexpected. You can try but you most likely will not get away from trying the famous national spirit of Hungarians, the pálinka, which is a strong brandy made of fruits.
One of the most colorful Hungarian folk traditions is the custom of Easter. At Easter, girls paint or dye eggs and prepare traditional festive dishes. On Easter Monday, they dress up in festive attire and wait for the boys to visit them and sprinkle them with water or some perfume. Nowadays, this tradition is only celebrated in the countryside.
Source: https://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Hungary.html
https://visithungary.com/articles/traditions
Transportation
By Air
International airlines are received by Liszt Ferenc International Airport in Budapest, the airport of Debrecen in Eastern Hungary and the airport of Sármellék in Western Hungary.
Liszt Ferenc International Airport is located some 24 kilometres to the southeast of Budapest. Generally, Terminal 2A receives planes from member states of the Schengen Area, while Terminal 2B operates flights of low-cost airlines from countries outside of the Schengen Area. However, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule of operation.
Debrecen Airport is much smaller, easier to navigate and it operates year-round. It services airplanes of Lufthansa and Wizz Air and operates charter flights, receiving flights from cities such as London, München, Paris or Tel Aviv.
The Héviz-Balaton Airport is located just 15 kilometres away from Keszthely. Today, it is a modern airport with a terminal upgraded to meet international standards operating from April to October and the majority of its traffic consists of international charters flights, mainly from German cities.
By Rail
Budapest is easily accessible from any direction by the diverse international railway travel offered by the National State Railways. Long distance slow-trains are available from many European cities, which allow for a more peaceful, observing journey to Hungary. You can get to the city from London through Munich and Paris, from Stockholm through Hamburg or Copenhagen, or from Istanbul through Belgrade.
Budapest has three major railway stations, Keleti (Eastern), Nyugati (Western) and Déli (Southern) Railway Stations. International trains usually arrive at Keleti (Eastern) Railway Station. Déli (Southern) Railway Station mostly receives trains from countries on the southern border of Hungary, such as Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia.
Different parts of the city can easily be accessed from the railway stations by metro.
You can find more information on railway timetables on the website of Hungarian State Railways.
General information:
• You must book seat tickets for international trains
• Tickets are valid for 60 days from the date of purchase, stopovers are permitted
• The majority of international trainsets are equipped with 1st and 2nd class sleeping cars, as well as 2nd class couchettes
• Not all trains are equipped with buffet cars or other catering facilities. Make sure to bring your own drink and some sandwiches or snacks for the journey
• In many cases, special discounts are available for international railway journeys, please inquire about discounts at the ticket office
• Please mind the Hungarian transcription of foreign cities on trains
• Only designated trains permit the transportation of bicycles, for which an additional bicycle ticket is required, which is not very expensive. Please inquire about bike transportation when booking your ticket!
• By purchasing a supplementary, so-called Fast track ticket (1680 HUF), you can undergo the necessary passenger security check without queuing when departing from Budapest. This way you can skip the long queues and get to the transit area much faster.
Source: https://visithungary.com/articles/how-to-get-to-hungary
Money
Hungary's official currency is Hungarian Forint but many stores and other places accept Euros as well *.
However, the exchange rates at such places often don't follow the most up-to-date bank rates, and this is not in favor of the customers. Be prepared to get the change in HUF.
Don’t use street money changers. Take care not to accept bank notes that are no longer valid but which are still in circulation. There have been a small number of reports of taxi drivers deliberately passing these notes to tourists - as well as notes from neighboring countries that are not valid in Hungary.
Smaller shops or ice cream parlors may not have enough change if you try to pay with high denominations, so it's recommended to have change or smaller denomination notes at hand.
In each city around the country, there are ATMs for money withdrawal, that accept major debit cards or credit cards. You can also pay by debit or credit cards in most stores. Smaller shops or country guesthouses may only accept cash.
The usual amount of tips is 10%. This goes for cabs, restaurants etc. If you pay by card at a restaurant, the staff prefers to receive the tip in cash. The 10-15% service charge added to the sum total of the bill is just starting to spread in Hungary. If it is already included, you don't need to tip.
* There are some places where you cannot pay by Euro, like markets, small grocery shops, bakeries, souvenir shops and some restaurants. Theoretically, from January 1st 2021 it is obligatory by for shops to accept credit or debit cards, mobile payments or bank transfers, but unfortunately, in reality, it is not always possible.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hungary
Health
Hungarian healthcare is publicly funded, but there are private institutes as well. Foreign citizens may be eligible for free public healthcare services only if they come from countries that have a special agreement with Hungary. But even in such cases, public health care services may only be provided up to the necessary extent, in case of acute illness or emergency.
Private healthcare is fast, professional and of high quality. On the other hand, it is not free, which is why we recommend taking an accident and health insurance before starting your trip.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment, you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.
Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. Doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash at the time of service and usually cannot bill your insurer directly, even if you have coverage overseas. Be prepared to pay bills first and claim reimbursement from your insurer later.
Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders and state-of-the-art medical equipment may be below U.S. standards.
Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Hungary to ensure the medication is legal in Hungary. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines are widely available at pharmacies.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hungary
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Hungary.html
https://visithungary.com/articles/health
Electricity
Hungary operates on a 230V supply voltage and uses type C and F plugs.
The Type C electrical plug (or Europlug) is a two-wire plug that has two round pins. It fits into any socket that accepts 4.0 – 4.8 mm round contacts on 19 mm centres. They are being replaced by E, F, J, K or N sockets which work perfectly with Type C plugs.
The Type F electrical plug (also known as a Schuko plug) has two 4.8 mm round pins spaced 19 mm apart. It is similar to the Type E plug but has two earth clips on the side rather than a female earth contact. The CEE 7/7 plug was developed to work with sockets E and F and has grounding clips on both sides (to work with Type F sockets) and a female contact (to accept the grounding pin of the type E socket).
Source: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs
Communication
Time zone in Hungary: Central European Standard Time (GMT+1)
International country code – 36
Hungary benefits from having a developed telecom infrastructure, with a focus among operators to develop the 5G sector and upgrade fixed networks to provide a 1Gb/s service.
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/hungary/
Phrasebook
| English |
Hungarian |
| Hello! |
Jó napot |
| Goodbye |
Viszontlátásra |
| Good morning |
Jó napot |
| Good evening |
Jó estét |
| Good night |
Jó éjszakát |
| Please |
Kérek |
| Thank you |
Köszönöm |
| Yes |
Igen |
| No |
Nem |
Source: https://theculturetrip.com/hungary/articles/11-essential-hungarian-phrases-you-need-to-know/
Entry Requirements
Visas are not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, the United States or New Zealand. You can find further information and the most up-to-date list under HTTP://KONZULISZOLGALAT.KORMANY.HU/EN
You can find further information related to border crossing under WWW.POLICE.HU
Source: https://visithungary.com/articles/visas-and-documents
Embassies and Consulates
U.S. Embassy in Budapest
Szabadság tér 12
H-1054 Budapest
Telephone: (36-1) 475-4400
Embassy of Canada in Budapest
Ganz utca 12-14, 1027 Budapest, Hungary
Telephone: 36 (1) 392-3342
Source: for USA https://www.usembassy.gov/
For Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates
UNESCO Sites
Budapest (Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue)
This site has the remains of monuments such as the Roman city of Aquincum and the Gothic castle of Buda, which have had a considerable influence on the architecture of various periods. It is one of the world's outstanding urban landscapes and illustrates the great periods in the history of the Hungarian capital.
Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)
In the 4th century, a remarkable series of decorated tombs were constructed in the cemetery of the Roman provincial town of Sopianae (modern Pécs). These are important both structurally and architecturally, since they were built as underground burial chambers with memorial chapels above the ground. The tombs are important also in artistic terms, since they are richly decorated with murals of outstanding quality depicting Christian themes.
Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape
The Fertö/Neusiedler Lake area has been the meeting place of different cultures for eight millennia. This is graphically demonstrated by its varied landscape, the result of an evolutionary symbiosis between human activity and the physical environment. The remarkable rural architecture of the villages surrounding the lake and several 18th- and 19th-century palaces adds to the area’s considerable cultural interest.
Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
The cultural landscape of the Hortobágy Puszta consists of a vast area of plains and wetlands in eastern Hungary. Traditional forms of land use, such as the grazing of domestic animals, have been present in this pastoral society for more than two millennia.
Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment
The first Benedictine monks settled here in 996. They went on to convert the Hungarians, to found the country's first school and, in 1055, to write the first document in Hungarian. From the time of its founding, this monastic community has promoted culture throughout central Europe. Its 1,000-year history can be seen in the succession of architectural styles of the monastic buildings (the oldest dating from 1224), which still today house a school and the monastic community.
Old Village of Hollóko and its Surroundings
Hollokö is an outstanding example of a deliberately preserved traditional settlement. This village, which developed mainly during the 17th and 18th centuries, is a living example of rural life before the agricultural revolution of the 20th century.
Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape
The cultural landscape of Tokaj graphically demonstrates the long tradition of wine production in this region of low hills and river valleys. The intricate pattern of vineyards, farms, villages and small towns, with their historic networks of deep wine cellars, illustrates every facet of the production of the famous Tokaj wines, the quality and management of which have been strictly regulated for nearly three centuries.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
The variety of formations and the fact that they are concentrated in a restricted area means that the 712 caves currently identified make up a typical temperate-zone karstic system. Because they display an extremely rare combination of tropical and glacial climatic effects, they make it possible to study geological history over tens of millions of years.
Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/hu
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