June 2024 'Intoxicating Eastern Europe. Classic Five-Country Tour: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria 12 Days' Group Tour Travelogue (III) Hungary

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Continued from: June 2024 'Intoxicating Eastern Europe. Classic Five-Country Tour: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria 12 Days' Group Tour Travelogue (II) Czech Republic, Slovakia

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion - Observation Deck - Overlooking the Danube River's Two Banks

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 traveled with a tour group to five countries in Central and Eastern Europe: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria. The specific dates were June 23 to July 4. The brief itinerary was: fly from Shenzhen Baoan Airport to Frankfurt Airport in Germany, then take a bus穿梭 among Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria and other countries and cities, covering nearly 2,600 kilometers by bus. According to the tour group's schedule, we visited relevant cities, towns, and attractions one by one, then returned to Frankfurt Airport in Germany to fly back to Shenzhen, successfully concluding the 12-day trip.

Although this trip was not long, we visited many cities in five countries and toured numerous famous attractions and World Heritage sites, especially iconic and world-renowned historical cities and tourist destinations such as Prague (capital of Czech Republic), Budapest (capital of Hungary), and Vienna (capital of Austria). These cities are brimming with countless historical sites and stunning scenery that attracts global attention. While strolling through them, you often feel spiritual shock and unique experiences; in many places, the scenery changes with every step, overwhelming the eyes; some spots transport you back to the Middle Ages to appreciate Europe's long history and court anecdotes. Fortunate to visit, everyone will leave with unforgettable and wonderful memories!

Hungary - Budapest - Danube River Cruise - Riverside 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 into Hungary from southern Slovakia, splitting the country into eastern and western parts. The west is the Alps, and the northeast is the Carpathian Mountains. It has a continental climate, cool and humid. Hungary covers an area of 93,000 square kilometers, has a population of 9.7 million, and the 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 ancient city in Europe. It has a long history, beautiful scenery, and a strong ancient atmosphere. It lies on both banks of the picturesque Danube River, stretching 30 kilometers from north to south and 29 kilometers from east to west. The Danube flows through the city, with Buda on the west side and Pest on the east. The Buda Castle District became a World Cultural 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: The Hungarian capital Budapest was also one of the main destinations of this 'Intoxicating Eastern Europe Tour.' Today's itinerary was rich and varied, including a Danube River cruise (optional activity), Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, Matthias Church, Fisherman's Bastion, Heroes' Square, etc., making it a true one-day tour of Budapest.

Buda Castle is the ancient palace of Hungary, located at the southern end of Buda Castle in Budapest. It is a group of Neo-Baroque ancient buildings. Buda Castle stands on Castle Hill and is one of Budapest's landmarks. It was once the residence of the Hungarian royal family. Today, the central part of the castle has been converted into 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. The current palace occupies one-third of the castle district, with magnificent architecture showcasing Hungary's long history and architectural features. Buda Castle 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 gate of Buda Castle, which is a great spot to overlook the Hungarian Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, and the beautiful scenery of the Danube.

Hungary - Budapest - Buda Castle Complex

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

Hungary - Budapest - Buda Castle Complex

Hungary - Budapest - Matthias Church

Hungary - Budapest - Buda Castle - Observation Deck - Overlooking the Danube River's Two Banks

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion

Hungary - Budapest - Heroes' Square

Fisherman's Bastion stands by the Danube River, adjacent to Matthias Church. Construction began in 1895 and took six years to complete. Originally a fish market, it was later built by fishermen to protect their interests and serve as a defense. This two-story grayish-white building features a Neo-Romanesque white spire at its center, surrounded by several round towers representing Hungary's ancestral tribes. The towers are connected by corridors, like a maze, and from a distance resemble the castle in the Disney logo. Several bronze statues on Fisherman's Bastion are also notable, among which a well-known one is an equestrian bronze statue of a Hungarian king, erected in 1906 between Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion. The bas-relief on the pedestal depicts the king's life story. The environment around Fisherman's Bastion is beautiful and scenic. Standing here, you can get a bird's-eye view of the entire city of Budapest. Today, Fisherman's Bastion has become a tourist attraction and an important spot for Budapest residents to take a leisurely stroll after dinner.

Hungary - Budapest - Street View

Hungary - Budapest - Buda Castle Complex - Presidential Palace

Hungary - Budapest - Buda Castle - Observation Deck - Overlooking the Danube River's Two Banks

Hungary - Budapest - Buda Castle Complex

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion - Observation Deck - Overlooking the Parliament Building

Hungary - Budapest - Matthias Church

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion - Observation Deck - Overlooking the Danube River's Two Banks

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion

D6: Today's itinerary was relatively simple, mainly visiting the picturesque Lake Balaton, known as the 'Hungarian Sea,' and the lakeside town. In addition, when passing through Hévíz, known as the 'Land of Hot Springs,' we briefly stopped to view 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 has become a world-famous Hungarian tourist destination.

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Scenery of Lake Balaton

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Pier

Hungary - Lake Balaton

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Lakeside

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Lakeside Town

1. For such a European trip, the round-trip flights each take about 12 hours; the bus travel covers nearly 2,600 kilometers, with three days each exceeding 400 kilometers. The journey is tiring, and you also need to adjust to the time difference, so be mentally prepared.

2. Although the bus rides are sometimes long, thanks to the good vehicle condition and smooth roads, there is hardly any bumpiness. Moreover, the scenery along the way is endlessly beautiful and pleasing to the eye, which objectively helps relieve fatigue. Overall, it doesn't feel too boring or exhausting.

3. During this season, it gets light around 4 or 5 in the morning and doesn't get dark until around 8 or 9 in the evening. This makes the sightseeing time during the day much more ample.

4. Since Europeans are not accustomed to drinking boiled water, most hotels do not have kettles. Among the nine hotels we stayed at, 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 European 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 'Intoxicating Eastern Europe. Classic Five-Country Tour: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria 12 Days' Group Tour Travelogue (IV) Austria