Celebrate the Birth of Hungary on the 20th of August
The 20th of August is an important national holiday in Hungary, when Hungarians celebrate their founding king, Saint Stephen, and the country's birth and independence. It is a public holiday when shops and universities are closed. There are many cultural, culinary and traditional events culminating in a spectacular firework display in the evening. We urge you to check out popular events such as the Festival of Folk Arts at Buda Castle, the Royal Days of Székesfehérvár, or the Debrecen Flower Carnival!
Cool Off in Hungary's Caves
When the temperature rises, cool off with a visit to Hungary's stunning caves. With over 4,000 caves scattered across the country, adventurers and hiking enthusiasts will find plenty of hidden gems. One of the most renowned is the Aggtelek Dripstone Cave (Aggteleki Cseppkőbarlang), part of the Baradla Cave system, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. Hungary is famous for its thermal springs, so if you'd like to combine relaxation with exploration, the Miskolctapolca Cave Bath offers a unique experience where you can swim in the thermal waters of a cave. It's not only refreshing, but also good for your health. For a truly unique adventure, visit the Tapolca Lake Cave. It's the only cave in Hungary where you can take a boat trip to explore the underground waterways and experience the hidden beauty of the cave first hand.
Experience Movies Under the Stars
As the sun sets, why not enjoy a movie under the stars? Hungary offers a variety of outdoor cinemas where you can catch a film in a unique setting. These outdoor screenings are sometimes free to attend and feature a selection of popular films, making them a perfect summer evening activity. While there are plenty of options in the capital, as summer draws crowds to Lake Balaton, outdoor cinemas become a popular attraction by the Hungarian sea. When the evening skies are clear, take the opportunity to explore Hungary's diverse outdoor cinemas. From beach-side screenings to century-old venues and those set in castle parks, there's a unique cinematic experience waiting for you. Dive into the nostalgic charm, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the magic of outdoor cinema!
Spice Up Your August in the Hungarian Paprika Season
August is a special time in Hungarian gastronomy for many reasons, but most importantly it is the time when the 'paprika' ripens, filling supermarket shelves and farmers' markets. Paprika is a staple ingredient in Hungarian cuisine, widely used both as a fresh vegetable and as a signature flavour in cooking. Albert Szent-Györgyi, the famous Hungarian biochemist who discovered vitamin C, also noted that paprika is a rich source of this vital nutrient, and recent studies confirm that it's a great source of provitamin A. If you visit a local market, be sure to pick up some fresh paprika and explore its flavourful spice form in your cooking. Or discover the many Hungarian dishes that use paprika in their recipes, such as stuffed peppers (töltött paprika) or ratatouille (lecsó).
Pedal Your Way Through Hungary
When summer arrives in Hungary, you'll see locals riding their bikes, and even taking them on trains when travelling to the countryside. The reason is simple: Hungarians love biking! From spring onwards, it's common to see people using their bikes not only for commuting in the city, but also for adventures in the countryside, especially near scenic waterfronts.
Some of the top cycling routes include circling the picturesque Lake Balaton, exploring the serene Lake Tisza (Tisza-tó), riding around the beautiful Lake Fertő (Fertő-tó), or following the stunning paths near the Danube bend (Dunakanyar). After your ride, dive into the refreshing water and soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you. For a quieter, yet equally charming route, consider the Villány wine region (Villányi borvidék).
In Hungary, cycling isn't just limited to land — you can also pedal on water! The "vízibicikli" (water bicycle) is a colourful pedal boat that you'll see floating on Hungarian lakes. These vibrant boats are a must-try at any lakeside beach. Renting one lets you paddle out to the deeper parts of the lake, where you can plunge into the cool, refreshing water. Some even come with slides for extra fun, making them a favourite with families with children. It's the perfect mix of sport and fun!
Source: Wikipedia Commons
Get out there, explore as many bike trails as you can, enjoy some paddle boating, and soak up the sunny summer days! Just don’t forget to apply sunscreen and stay hydrated.