How to prepare for autumn in Hungary

What??? Yes, it's almost here! Both autumn and the start of the new academic year. Although today is still only the last day of August and the weather doesn't really show signs of turning colder, we can't really push the idea of going back to school entirely out of our head. Here's a handy guide of what you can expect in Hungary in the autumn.

About the weather

As you might already know, Hungary has four distinct seasons. According to astronomers, autumn officially starts at the time of the autumn equinox, on the 22nd of September, however, you might notice changes in the weather even sooner than that.

Hungary has humid continental climate, which means very hot summers and freezing winters. Although we fall into the cool summer sub-type of the continental climate, you could feel how scorching our summers can be. We like extremes. Spring and autumn are somewhere in-between regarding temperature, but they have lots of rain and often frost in the mornings.

In the coming weeks, you'll experience a slight cooling ofday temperatures with short showers and sometimes wind. You can expect anything between 18°C and the low 20s. During the night, temperatures will go under 15°C, so you'll have to carry a jacket with you if you go out.

The beginning of September is usually still warm, however, and we also have what we call "Indian summer" or "Old women's summer", which means an unseasonably warm and dry period during the autumn.

What to wear?

Try to keep in mind that the weather might change quickly. Wear layers so that you won't feel cold in the brisk mornings, and so you can take some layers off when it's warmer in the early afternoon. Cardigans, shawls, and light jackets do the work just fine.

Buy an umbrella or a raincoat. Quick showers are fun in the summer, but not when you are soaked on your way to the university. A small foldable umbrella or a rain poncho that fits in your bag is a good solution for humidity, and you don't have to remember every morning to pack it.

A lot of people buy rain boots or wellingtons for the rainy months. Although we have a good amount of rain, streets usually don't get flooded, so technically, you can do without them just fine. Make sure, however, that your shoes are waterproof, otherwise you are in for a bad case of cold and wet toes.

What to do?

Traditionally, September is the start of the school frenzy. Meeting new people, looking for textbooks, and discovering the campus and the nearby area usually fill up the first few weeks quickly. You won't even notice how quickly time passes in the beginning of the semester!

If you get bored with thinking about school all the time, here's a couple of things to try and liven up your autumn:

Here's a couple of events you might find interesting:

Vingardium Vine Festival: Sept 1-3 Budapest
26th Budapest Vine Festival: Sept 7-10 Budapest
1st National Sloth Meetup: Sept 2 Budapest
13th Fehérvár Lecsó Festival: Sept 16 Székesfehérvár
Autumn Gastronomy Festival: Sept 22-24 Budapest
Jewish Cultural Festival: Sept 3-14 Budapest
Liquid Love - Harvest at Badacsony: Sept 8-10 Badacsonytomaj
Győr Pálinka Festival: Sept 15-17 Győr

Summer freedom on the bridge

You probably already know that Budapest is divided into two parts by the river Danube: Buda on the western bank, and Pest on the eastern bank. The two parts of the city have a very different atmosphere and layout, which is clearly visible if you are standing on one of the 12 bridges connecting them.

 

#budapest #hungary #eurotrip

Marcin Chwesiuk (@chwes) által megosztott bejegyzés,

Some of the bridges are big and winding, with hundreds of thousands of people passing them each day, while others only connect smaller islands to the mainland upriver. Be them big or small, old and new, the bridges are the focal points of the city, and everyone living in the city has a favorite. Some people like the timeless elegance of Lánchíd:

 

What colours shall we paint this bridge today? How about sunset? #budapestagram #budapest #lánchíd #bridges #citylife #architecture #aroundtheworld #aroundeurope #sunset

Cristina Roman (@cristinasmess) által megosztott bejegyzés,

While others prefer the bustling, happy noises of people heading to Margitsziget through Margithíd:

 

#margithíd #margithid #duna #danube #danuberiver #hajó #dunaihajós #június #juny #budapest #budapestview #budapestcity #budapestagram #budapeststreets #budapesthungary #budapestlife #budapestlove #budapestvisuals #budapeststyle #hungary #magyarország #magyarország #iloveyoubudapest #momentsinbudapest #storyofbudapest

Pindroch Szilárd (@pindrochsz) által megosztott bejegyzés,

It is quite certain, however, that this summer, one bridge wins the heart of all. Szabadság híd, the Bridge of Freedom, was built in 1896, and connects the 9th and the 11th districts. Its place in the city is a rather prominent one, since it continues directly from Szent Gellért square, reaching Pest at Vámház avenue, the southern part of Kiskörút. In the summer of 2016, civilian groups started a 'bridge occupation movement', whose goal was to free Szabadság híd from traffic on the weekends and transform it into an outdoor meeting place for those who would like to chill on their days off on a special location.

 

#welovebudapest #summerinthecity #summerinbudapest #thisisbudapest #budapestagram #studyinbudapest #studyabroad #andrassyuni #budapest #hungary #szabihid #szabihíd #valyo

Andrássy Universität Budapest (@andrassy_uni) által megosztott bejegyzés,

Not surprisingly, people loved the idea.

 

? City lights ? #szabihíd #BudaPest

Gabesz Csobánki (@gaben_) által megosztott bejegyzés,

Activities include early morning yoga classes, acrobats, live music, people smoking hookah, or drinking wine. Basically, you can do anything and everything that you want, as long as it's not illegal, and doesn't disturb others. In the meantime, the river in gently lulling under you, and you can watch the sun set above the city from the best possible vantage point.

The project got the name Szabihíd, which combines the shortened form of szabadság, meaning freedom, and híd, meaning bridge. Szabi also means holiday, or a time when you don't have to work, emphasizing the fact that you don't have to go out of the city if you want to have a quick weekend getaway. Sometimes, transforming a space that you already know, using it in a way that you haven't thought possible before is enough to do the trick.

 

#szabihíd #piknik #valyo photo: @tomee80

Valyo - Város és Folyó (@valyovalyo) által megosztott bejegyzés,

Hiking Challenge: Kéktúra

Being a student in Hungary means that you get to discover an entirely new culture during your university years. A lot of people take the chance to get to know not only the culture, but also the natural beauty of their permanent home. While big cities like Budapest, Debrecen, or Szeged are immensely exciting and hold a lot of treasure to discover, there is nothing quite as beautiful as the countryside. If you like hiking and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, you'll definitely love one of Hungary's most famous challenges, the Kéktúra.

What is the Blue Trail or Blue Tour?

Országos Kéktúra translates as National (or Country-wide) Blue Trail in English. The curious name covers a path-following hiking challenge, which crosses the whole country! The color blue stands for the iconic blue waymarker, which guides the rambler along the 1160 km long footpath. The Blue Trail was introduced in 1938, being the first such long distance walking path in Europe.  Although its route was a bit shorter back then, not much has changed in how it looks. Hungarian hikers started completing the route as early as WW2, and to make it a bit better known, Lokomotív Sport Club of Budapest announced the National walk on the "blue" hiking path in 1952. From the name Lokomotív, you might have already guessed that the hike has something to do with trains. The funding sport club was basically using trains to reach hiking areas in the country, which is visible is how the trail was marked. The Blue Trail has 27 smaller sections, ranging from 14 km to 73 km, whose starting points are easily accessible by train.

Up for a challenge?

Moreover, the trail also has 149 checkpoints, or stamping places. Although the trail can be completed for the sheer fun of it, most hikers get the official stamping book (which can be purchased from the Hungarian Rambling Association and from tourist info points), which serves as a proof of completing the challenge. The hikers validate their booklets at each checkpoint with a stamp, which they send to organizers when they finish the hike. If everything is well, they receive the Blue Trail pin, which is a great source of pride. There are also three bigger sections on the route of the Blue Trail which have their own badges. These can be obtained without completing the whole Trail; however, by completing the Trail one is also eligible for these.

Why should you do this?

1160 km seems like a lot, but you have to keep in mind that you don't have to do the whole trail in one go. Some sections can easily be completed with a day's leisurely walking, while others are perfect for a short weekend. In the meantime, you'll see parts of Hungary that not many tourists get to see - and not many locals either, as a matter of fact. And, let's be honest, how cool is that when you can say that you've walked across the whole country? So far, almost 6000 people completed the challenge, some of them did it more than once! If you get a few outdoorsy friends together, this is a perfect way to do something big and fun while you are in Hungary!

So, are you ready to take on the challenge? Contact us at studentguide.hu to get more info about the Blue Trail!

City Profiles: Balatonfüred

Whether you are planning to spend your summer holiday at Lake Balaton, or just looking for a quick weekend getaway, Studentguide.hu is here to help you choose your destination. This time, we are looking at the Capital of the Northern Shore, Balatonfüred.

Where it is and how to get there

Balatonfüred lies on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, close to the Tihany peninsula. Since it's rather close to the eastern basin, you can get there very quickly from Budapest, both by car and by public transport. Although the distance is only 130 km, the motorway can get really crowded and jammed in the summer months, so you might want to check traffic news and seek alternative routes. The most popular way to get there is by taking M7 from Budapest to the eastern shore and then turn left onto Route 71, which takes you along the shore to Balatonfüred. The less crowded option is to exit M7 at Székesfehérvár and continue on Route 8 to Veszprém, where you can take Route 73 towards Csopak, only a few minutes away from Balatonfüred. Fewer people come this way, although it's only 5 km longer and a lot less crowded than the first option.

If you don't have access to a car, you can get to this pearl of a city easily by train. MÁV, the Hungarian railway, operates on summer schedule from the 16th of June till the 26th of August, which means that there are at least two trains every hour. Depending on the kind of train you select, the journey can take from 1:59 up to 2:39. You can board these trains both at Déli train station and at Kelenföld. The train station in Balatonfüred is located close to the city center? it is 1 km, so about a 10-12 minutes walk away from Tagore Promenade, which stretches for miles along the shore of the lake. 

What to do

Balatonfüred is the cultural capital of the Balaton region, but it's also perfect for partying. The city has recently been replanned and renovated, so you can admire the city's signature classicist buildings in all their glory. Füred also has a busy port, with ships transporting people and bikes both to nearby Tihany, and to the southern shore as well, so you can easily explore the nearby area if you stay for more than a few days.

Füred offers a pretty cool selection of gastronomical curiosities, whether you are looking for minimalist food experiments, or for typical Hungarian cuisine. Prices are pretty cheap compared to the other parts of Balaton, and the quality is always consistent. Some must-try places include Malackrumpli, Hatlépcsős, and Baricska csárda. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll probably keep returning to Karolina, as many people do from all around the shore, and you can also discover Bergmann and Kedves, both top-of-the-line pattiseries.

Balatonfüred offers numerous bathing possibilities. Esterházy beach is a bit on the pricier side, but Kisfaludy beach is close enough if you'd like to have something on the cheaper side. The area is also famed for its thermal water, whose benefits you can enjoy in Annagora Aqua Park.

Füred is home to a number of festivals, most of them focusing on wine. The summer starts with the Wine-Book-Jazz festival on the 6th of June, followed by VinAgora, an international competition on the 16th. But the most famous is probably the Borhetek, which means weeks of tasting superb wines on the shore from the 13th of August till the 3rd of September.

The most popular place for parties is SunCity, a small mediterranian party village near Füred's shopping mall. This is almost like being in a city within the city, where the music never stops, and you suddenly have thousands of friends. The curiosity of this place is that it copies the architecture of Greek villages, but it's actually a lively party town with pubs, bars, and discos. There are also a couple of houses that you can rent, which adds a cool twist to your holiday on the shore of the Hungarian Sea.

Hiking for Beginners

Since the weather is great this time of the year - hot enough to stay out late, but not so hot as to make you want to lie under the AC instead of heading out - people flock out to enjoy nature and to explore the country. Hiking is one of the favorite sport of Hungarians. In the weekends, you can see families with small children roaming the hills next to dedicated Nordic Walkers wearing special equipment. It's tempting to head to the nearest store and get a full hiking gear, but before you blow a ridiculous amount of cash on stuff you probably end up carrying around, check out our list of essentials.

The following checklist was put together for a one day late spring/early summer hike for someone with no medical conditions. If you have any medical issues, consult your GP and adjust the list accordingly.

1. Weather-appropriate clothes

    Quick-dry technical shirt
    Quick-dry hiking pants, army pants, shorts, or running shorts
    Long sleeved shirt: this provides the best protection from the sun without overheating you
    Hat
    Hiking boots/shoes, trail running shoes
    Seamless running/hiking socks

2. Getting around

    Maps of the area
    Headlight or flashlight
    GPS or SATNAV: your phone comes in handy
    Powerbank for your phone

3. First Aid kit

You might ask why the kit is so important if you are only heading out for a couple of hours. The truth is, it's always better to be prepared, and small accidents can be really annoying. What is more, although this list looks long, it actually barely takes up any space at all.

     Compress dressing
     Adhesive bandages
     Cloth tape
     Antiseptic wipes
     Cold compress
     Nonlatex gloves
     Painkillers
     Antibiotic ointment
     Scissors
     Roller bandages
     Sterile gauze pads
     Tweezers
     Space blanket

4. Tools

    Knife or Swiss Army Knife
    Matches and lighter in a waterproof bag
    Kindling of your choice in a waterproof bag
    Duct tape (you never know)

5. Food and fluids

This is entirely up to you, but chocolate, trail mix, protein bars, and nutbars are always good to have on you.

     Water bottle
     Purifier tablets if there is no drinking water in the area
     Isotonic tablets if it's going to get rough/really hot

6. Protection

Unless you think it a distinct possibility that you'll spend the night under the stars, you don't need to carry a tent or a tarp

    Sunglasses
    Suntan lotion
    Bugspray
    Wet wipes

Escape Rooms

So.. what are these exactly? An escape room is a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles using clues, hints, and strategy to complete the objectives at hand. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms and to escape confinement. The adventures are inspired by point and click escape-the-room games, but are a lot more fun. There is a myriad of different themes and locations to chose from, including hospitals, prison cells, dungeons, and space stations. Escape rooms are particularly good choices of entertainment if you'd like to spice up a weekday, do a kind of team building, or to test how you can perform with your friends in stressful situations.

Hungary is pretty important in the history of these games - although it originates from Japan circa 2007, it is quite certain that Parapark was quite close behind, and become the first big European franchise.

Escape rooms have become very popular in the past few years. From only hosting a few, Budapest has reached the level where you can play a different game every day for a month, and never get bored. We collected a couple of places where you can start exploring the world of this exciting pastime: all rooms below can either be played in English, or do not require language knowledge. Remember, that some of these locations offer multiple rooms, and there are many more to find!

#1 Trap Factory

Located in suburban Csepel, this place is really worth the little bit of additional travel. The location is used to be called Manfréd Weiss Steel and Metal Works, or just Csepel Works, and yes, you guessed right! It is, indeed, an abandoned factory. With a 400m2 basement converted into escape rooms, this is the ultimate experience. Trap Factory has 6 room, each with an individual and unique twist. Themes include Miss Marple, General Serbakov, and Prison Break.

#2 Prisoners of Budapest

If you need a game for more than 10 people, this is your place. Add to the fact that here you have to escape the magnificent Király bath house! The setting for this “epoch-making” game cannot be cooler, or more characteristic of Budapest. You have to investigate a theft from a jewellery shop, which seems to be connected to a number of other thefts and robberies. The main suspect is lurking in the neighborhood of Király bath in Fő utca. Can you catch him?

#3 Timetrap

Timetrap operates in Kazinczy street, making it ideal for a quick game before you hit the party quarter. Although it only has a couple of rooms at the moment, it's located under a Mexican restaurant, which means that you don't have to think about where you1ll grab dinner. Phew, easy! What is more, one of the rooms is Harry Potter themed! This is an awesome way to surprise any Potterheads in your life. (If you are not big on The Boy Who Lives, there's also a serial killer and a prison room.)

#4 Trap

Trap is Budapest's number one escape room, due to the fact that their rooms have so many surprises that you can never be really certain of what is happening. They have two locations, the one in Mária utca hosting The Armageddon and The Secret Tomb, whereas you can find Ancient Egypt, the Medieval Room, and Amazon in Paulay Ede street. The challenges are not scary and are designed for all ages, so you can also invite family if they come for a visit.

#5 Locked Room

Surgery, serial killer, bank robbery, secret lab, motel, research base.... Whichever you chose, prepare to put your mind to the test. Locked Room was twice “game of the year” and is said to be the most realistic room escape experience of all of Budapest’s escape games. Both Locked locations are in Budapest downtown, one at 14 Kiraly street, and one in 4 Szekely Mihaly street. It doesn't matter is you've survived one of their rooms, the next one is going to be just as big of a challange!

How to cool down in style

The days are warming up and you might be wondering how people are coping with the heat in Budapest. Although the weather is relatively cool now compared to the real summer months, when temperatures can reach 40°C, it's good to be prepared and to have some tricks up your sleeves for the times when sitting in the shades are simply not enough.

#1 Cool by the river

One of the best things about Budapest is the Danube: although you can't always see it, the river is a constant humming presence in the back of your mind. It's enough to look at the gently lulling water to feel refreshed, but it's best if you camp out in one of the riverside cafés to enjoy the view and sip a cold drink. As an added bonus, temperatures are always a bit cooler by the river, since the water generates a light breeze. If you want to add a touch of beach living, you can add Fellini Bistro on Római part, where you can relax in deck chairs, while the waves are lapping at your feet.

#2 City of Spas

If the Danube can't cool you down anymore, and you'd like a more submerged experience, you can choose from a wide selection of bathing places in the city. Although the logical thing to d would be to select a beach, you should really do as the Hungarians do, and visit a spa. Besides refreshing you, the water is also great for your health and will provide an experience you won't soon forget. The city has 15 public thermal baths, each unique in its own way. Some of them offer a wide variety of activities, such as Rudas, where you can go partying on Fridays and Saturdays. If you prefer a quieter experience, you should visit Gellért bath, housed in a beautiful art nouveau building. The old kid's pools of the bath have been transformed into a bar and restaurant, making it one of the best places to relax after an afternoon of swimming.

#3 Caveman style

Probably not the most obvious place to spend your day, but definitely the most logical one. The Buda mountains are teeming with cave systems for you to explore, providing hours of amazement and fun. If you've never explored caves before, you'll be dumbstruck by the intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations in the Pál-völgyi cave, but you can also take the chance to improve your allergy or the effects of smoking in the Óbuda Saltcave. There are numerous other alternatives to choose from, but one thing is common in all of them: the air is refreshingly cold, and you can forget the heat of the city for a couple of hours.

#4 Hello sailor

Yes, it's the Danube again. If the banks don't cool you down enough anymore, hop on one of the BKK ships and take a turn on the river. The ticket is about the price of two beers, but will keep you chill much longer. The breeze above the water combined with speed of the boat is enough to make you feel cold on even the hottest days in the summer. Just don't forget to use suntan lotion, because it's easy to get a burn!

#5 Afternoon getaway

And if you really can't take it anymore, just hop on a train. One of the cool things about Budapest is that it has a very quick train line to both Lake Velencei and Balaton. You can reach the first beaches of Lake Velencei in under 30 minutes, which makes it ideal for a quick afternoon dip after studying all day. With your student ID, the ticket costs next to nothing, and the beaches are free - could it be any better? If you are more adventurous, you can even travel a bit further, and have lángos on the shore of Balaton. Depending on where you are heading, you can reach the Eastern end of the lake in roughly an hour.

Cool Series Shot in Budapest

The exam season is right around the corner, which seems like the best time to catch up on your favorite series you've been neglecting because of your studies. Or start a new one. Or marathon something you've already seen twice... err, okay, maybe let's just say that watching one quick episode as a study break (emphasis on ONE) is a great motivator during the long days of cramming. Did you know that Hungary is one of the most popular filming locations? Almost everybody has been, or has a friend who has been an extra on a big film set. The absolute truth is that it is perfectly normal here to run into a film crew on any given day of the week. At the moment the city is raving about the fact that they are shooting Blade Runner 2 here! How cool is that? On different occasions, Budapest has been dressed up as Paris, Vienna, Buenos Aires, and even Moscow. Because of the great number of studios, experienced professionals, tax cuts for filming, and the wonderful locations, Budapest has become one of the most popular places in the film industry, not only for big motion pictures but for series as well.

Today, we've gathered a few series which have been shot in Hungary. Can you recognize places you know?

X Company

"X Company is an emotionally driven adventure drama, set in the thrilling and dangerous world of WWII espionage and covert operations. It follows the stories of five highly skilled young recruits – Canadian, American and British – torn from their ordinary lives to train as agents in Camp X: an ultra-secret training facility on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Our agents parachute behind enemy lines, where they’re fair game for torture and execution. From elegant hotels to hell-holes in the field, it’s one risky operation after another, masterminded by the brains of Camp X. Sabotage, bombs, arming and training guerrilla fighters, rescue operations, deception campaigns, even assassination: we feel, up close and intimate, both the adrenaline joyride and the dirty-hands nightmare as shining ideals collide with the emotional realities of fighting a war where no rules apply.

Inspired by remarkable true stories, X Company is about the origin of spycraft. It’s an aspirational world, combining glamour, grit, and gadgets. It’s about the birth of mass propaganda, the first fights against terror, and the heroes that led the charge to change our world."  (source: http://www.cbc.ca/xcompany/)

 The Last Kingdom

"The Last Kingdom is a British historical fiction television series based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories series of novels. The series premiered on 10 October 2015 on BBC America, and on BBC Two in the UK on 22 October 2015. A second series of eight episodes co-produced by Netflix after the exit of BBC America began airing on BBC Two in the UK.  Set in the late 9th century AD, when England was divided into seven separate kingdoms. The Anglo-Saxon lands are gradually attacked, plundered and in many areas effectively ruled by Viking Danes. The Kingdom of Wessex remains the last major stronghold against the Danes." (source: Wikipedia)

Tyrant

"Bassam "Barry" Al-Fayeed, the younger of two sons of an infamous Middle-Eastern tyrant, has been running from his past for 20 years. Now a pediatrician living in the United States, he has an American wife, son and daughter, and no desire to revisit his familial origins. However, when he is reluctantly compelled to return to his home country (the fictional Abuddin) for his nephew's wedding, he is quickly drawn into a taut political crisis when his father passes away in the midst of growing popular revolution against the ruling family. Bassam must now attempt to use his influence to guide the new President, his brutal and unstable older brother Jamal, to a political solution that will avert a bloody conflict." (source: Wikipedia)

 Emerald City

"Emerald City is an American fantasy television series developed for NBC by Matthew Arnold and Josh Friedman, and based on the Oz book series written by L. Frank Baum, set in the fictional Land of Oz. After being transported from Lucas, Kansas to the Land of Oz by a tornado, 20-year-old Dorothy Gale sets out to find the Wizard, unaware that she is about to fulfill a prophecy that will change everyone's lives forever." (source: Wikipedia)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRCKdYORpiE

The Alienist

Coming soon! Crime reporter, John Moore, meets with psychologist, Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, to investigate a serial killer in New York during the late 19th century.

They've just finished filming in Lónyay street!