June 2024 "Enchanting Eastern Europe: Classic Five-Country Tour of Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria - 12 Days" Group Tour Travelogue (III) Hungary

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Continuing from "June 2024 'Enchanting Eastern Europe: Classic Five-Country Tour of Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria - 12 Days' Group Tour Travelogue (II) Czech Republic, Slovakia"

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion - Observation Deck - Overlooking the banks of the Danube

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion

Germany - Würzburg - Church

Czech Republic - Prague - Vltava River - Riverside scenery

Czech Republic - Prague - Charles Bridge

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town) - Observation Deck - Overlooking CK Town

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town)

Slovakia - Bratislava - Street view

In June 2024, I joined a tour group traveling to five Central and Eastern European countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria. The specific dates were from June 23 to July 4. The brief itinerary was to fly from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport to Frankfurt Airport in Germany, then travel by bus through various cities and towns in Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria, covering nearly 2,600 kilometers by road. Following the tour group's schedule, we visited the relevant cities, towns, and attractions one by one, and then returned to Frankfurt Airport to fly back to Shenzhen, successfully concluding the 12-day trip.

Although this trip was not long, we visited many cities across five countries and saw numerous famous attractions and World Heritage sites—especially renowned cities such as Prague (capital of the Czech Republic), Budapest (capital of Hungary), and Vienna (capital of Austria). These illustrious cities are world-class historical cities and tourist destinations, boasting countless famous landmarks and breathtaking scenery. Strolling through them, one often experiences profound impressions and unique sensations. Many places change views with every step, dazzling the eyes. Some instantly transport you back to the Middle Ages, allowing you to appreciate Europe's long history and court anecdotes. Fortunate to have visited, everyone will carry unforgettable and wonderful memories!

Hungary - Budapest - Danube River Cruise - Scenery along the Danube

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Lakeside town

Hungary - Lake Balaton

Austria - Vienna - Heroes' Square

Austria - Vienna - St. Stephen's Cathedral

Austria - Vienna - Schönbrunn Palace Gardens

Austria - Hallstatt Village

Germany - Munich - Marienplatz

Third Stop: Hungary (D5, D6)

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Romania and Ukraine to the east, Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia to the south, Austria to the west, and Slovakia to the north. The famous Danube River flows from southern Slovakia into Hungary, dividing the country into eastern and western parts. The west is the Alps, and the northeast is the Carpathian Mountains. The climate is continental, cool and humid. Hungary covers an area of 93,000 square kilometers, has a population of 9.7 million, and its capital is Budapest.

Hungary - Budapest - Danube River Cruise - Scenery along the Danube

Hungary - Budapest - Danube River Cruise - Scenery along the Danube - Parliament Building

Hungary - Budapest - Danube River Cruise - Scenery along the Danube - Chain Bridge

Hungary - Budapest - Danube River Cruise - Scenery along the Danube

Budapest, also known as the Heart of Europe and the Pearl of the Danube, is a famous medieval city in Europe. It has a long history, beautiful scenery, and a strong ancient atmosphere. Located on the picturesque banks of the Danube River, the city stretches 30 kilometers from north to south and 29 kilometers from east to west. The Danube flows through the city, with Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank. The Buda Castle District was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Hungary - Budapest - Danube River Cruise - Scenery along the Danube - Parliament Building

Hungary - Budapest - Danube River Cruise - Scenery along the Danube

Hungary - Budapest - Scenery along the way

D5 Budapest, the capital of Hungary, was also one of the main destinations of this "Enchanting Eastern Europe Tour." Today's activities were rich and varied: a Danube River cruise (optional), Chain Bridge, Buda Royal Palace, Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, Heroes' Square, etc.—a true full-day tour of Budapest.

Buda Royal Palace is the ancient Hungarian royal palace, located at the southern end of Buda Castle in Budapest. It is a group of Neo-Baroque ancient buildings. Perched on Castle Hill, Buda Royal Palace is one of Budapest's landmarks and was once the residence of the Hungarian royal family. Currently, the central part of the palace houses the Budapest History Museum, the National Library, and the National Gallery. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. During World War II, it was damaged by war and later rebuilt. Today, the palace covers one-third of the Castle District, with magnificent architecture showcasing Hungary's long history and architectural features. Buda Royal Palace and the Castle District are the best places to enjoy a panoramic view of Budapest. Be sure to visit the observation terrace in front of the main entrance of Buda Royal Palace; it's an excellent spot to overlook the Hungarian Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, and the beautiful scenery of the Danube.

Hungary - Budapest - Buda Royal Palace Complex

Hungary - Budapest - Buda Royal Palace - Observation Deck - Overlooking the Danube and Chain Bridge

Hungary - Budapest - Buda Royal Palace Complex

Hungary - Budapest - Matthias Church

Hungary - Budapest - Buda Royal Palace - Observation Deck - Overlooking the banks of the Danube

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion

Hungary - Budapest - Heroes' Square

Fisherman's Bastion stands on the banks of the Danube, adjacent to Matthias Church. Construction began in 1895 and took six years to complete. Originally a fish market, the bastion was later built by fishermen to protect their interests as a defensive fortification. This two-story grayish-white building features a Neo-Romanesque white spire at its center, surrounded by several round towers representing the ancient Hungarian tribes. The towers are connected by colonnades, forming a maze-like structure that from a distance resembles the castle in the Disney logo. Several bronze statues on Fisherman's Bastion are also notable, among them the equestrian statue of a Hungarian king, erected in 1906 between Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion. The reliefs on its base depict the life story of the king. The surroundings of Fisherman's Bastion are beautiful and picturesque; standing here offers a bird's-eye view of the entire city of Budapest. Today, Fisherman's Bastion has become a tourist attraction and also an important place for Budapest citizens to take a leisurely stroll after dinner.

Hungary - Budapest - Street view

Hungary - Budapest - Buda Royal Palace Complex - Presidential Palace

Hungary - Budapest - Buda Royal Palace - Observation Deck - Overlooking the banks of the Danube

Hungary - Budapest - Buda Royal Palace Complex

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion - Observation Deck - Distant view of Parliament Building

Hungary - Budapest - Matthias Church

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion - Observation Deck - Overlooking the banks of the Danube

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion

D6 Today's itinerary was relatively simple, mainly visiting the picturesque Lake Balaton, known as the "Hungarian Sea," and its lakeside town. Additionally, we passed by Hévíz, the town of hot springs, and took a look at the world's second-largest thermal lake, Hévíz Lake.

Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe. Hungarians proudly call it the "Hungarian Sea." It covers an area of 952 square kilometers, with an average depth of only 3.3 meters and a maximum depth of 11 meters. With its enchanting lake and mountain scenery, Lake Balaton is a world-famous Hungarian tourist resort.

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Scenery of Lake Balaton

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Pier

Hungary - Lake Balaton

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Lakeside of Lake Balaton

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Lakeside town

1. For a trip to Europe like this, the round-trip flight takes 12 hours each way; the bus journey covers nearly 2,600 kilometers, with three days exceeding 400 kilometers per day. The fatigue of travel and jet lag can be tough, so be mentally prepared.

2. Although the bus rides are sometimes long, thanks to the excellent vehicle and road conditions, there is hardly any bumpiness. Moreover, the scenery along the way is endless and pleasing to the eyes, which effectively alleviates fatigue. Overall, it wasn't too boring or exhausting.

3. During this season, it gets light around 4 or 5 a.m., and it doesn't get dark until 8 or 9 p.m., giving ample time for sightseeing during the day.

4. Since Europeans are not accustomed to drinking boiled water, most hotels there do not have electric kettles. Among the nine hotels we stayed in, only two had electric kettles. If you like to drink tea or hot water, be sure to bring your own electric kettle.

5. European power sockets are the standard small two-pin type, different from those in China. Remember to bring a European standard power adapter.

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Lakeside town

Hungary - Hévíz - Hévíz Thermal Lake

Hungary - Hévíz - Supermarket

Hungary - Hévíz - Scenery along the way

Continued in "June 2024 'Enchanting Eastern Europe: Classic Five-Country Tour of Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria - 12 Days' Group Tour Travelogue (IV) Austria"