Exploring Hungary – Get to Know Visa requirements Checklist

A majority of the European countries are part of the Schengen agreement including Hungary. This means that some nationalities will need to apply for a Schengen visa prior to visiting the country. Along with the Schengen visa application form, a number of additional documents are required. These include flight itineraries, hotel reservations, travel insurance, and a no objection letter. Providing these documents will significantly increase the chances of visa approval. A flight itinerary is commonly known as a dummy ticket, it is essentially a reserved flight ticket to and from the destination. Flight itineraries should be obtained from a specialized visa application company to ensure the correct document is received. Hotel reservations are needed to prove that accommodation is secured for the length of the trip and travel insurance is required so that medical cover is activated whilst abroad. A no objection letter should be written by an employer or teacher and must confirm that the traveler is financially stable due to employment/scholarship status and that the traveler in question will be returning to their home country to continue with employment/study commitments. Further information on flight itineraries, hotel reservations, travel insurance, Schengen visas, and a no objection letter can be found on VisaBookings.

A trip to Hungary will require swimwear even if the weather is looking dull. There are over 120 thermal springs here and every visitor should take a dip in at least one of them. One of the most popular baths is the Gellert Baths in Budapest. Inside there are several pools with the water temperature ranging from 20-30 degrees and outside there is also a thermal bath along with a sauna. Onsite there are massage facilities with a range of treatments available as well as steam rooms and freezing plunge pools to cool off. The Szechenyi Baths, also in Budapest have up to 21 pools, making it one of the biggest bath sites in Europe. Here the water temperature reaches up to 40 degrees and there are even floating chess boards to play with. Hungary’s Lake Heviz is the largest natural thermal lake in the world and sees thousands of tourists every year. The waters of this geological wonder hold beneficial properties that help to soothe arthritis, skin conditions, and general aches and pains. Lake Heviz is a 2-hour drive from Budapest and sits at the north of Lake Balaton.

Hungary’s capital city Budapest features the archaeological glory of the parliament building. With 691 rooms it is the third largest parliament building in the world. This magnificent building has guided tours available and inside are the precious Hungarian crown jewels. Other attractions in Budapest include the geological institute, the agricultural museum, and the Epreskert garden. Lillafured near the Bukk Mountains is home to a range of caves. These caves are perfect for a day of adventure. Exploring the caves presents relics and weapons dating back to the ice age along with extinct plants that are imprinted into the walls. The old town of Visegrad, a short drive from Budapest is where the ruins of the royal palace can be found. Once an impressively stunning building, the site of the royal palace boasts mesmerizing views of the Danube river

Historical Sites

Probably the most unique castle in Hungary is the Vajdahunyad castle in Budapest. This castle was originally designed to be a temporary structure and so it was built out of wood and cardboard. After soaring popularity, it was soon decided that the structure needed to be rebuilt as a permanent building. Nowadays the Vajdahunyad Castle is a major tourist attraction. Bory Castle is situated in Szekesfehervar and displays a mix of several architectural styles. Inside the self-built castle are galleries and sculptures all created by Jeno Bory who also built the castle.

As with many countries, Hungary has a lot of historical sites which have been preserved and turned into museums. Along the boardwalk in Budapest are multiple shoes made of iron. During WWII thousands of people were killed along the Danube River where the iron shoes now stand as a monument. The Citadella is also found in Budapest and is a huge fortress overlooking the city. This structure was used by the Nazis and the Soviets through time until it was eventually taken back by the Hungarians. The Citadella is now a museum with wax figures and objects that have been recovered over the years. Tac is where the Gorsium Archaeological Park can be found. This remarkable site is the ruins of a Roman city which has taken many years and resources to fully uncover. Mummies can be seen in a museum in Vac where just over 20 years ago 265 coffins were discovered in a hidden crypt. The coffins were carefully stacked on top of each other and due to the unusually ideal temperatures, the bodies had mummified. Clothing and even teeth have all been creepily preserved in this rather strange yet fascinating circumstance.

From beautiful spas to major historical ruins, Hungary definitely has a lot to be seen. A trip to the towns and cities showcases a range of traditional shops and restaurants along with many iconic buildings and landmarks. When planning a trip to Europe, consider Hungary as part of your plans, you will surely not be disappointed.