Hungary

Hungary is small landlocked central European country with rich history and proud people.
Hungary is located almost exactly in the center of Europe and borders with seven countries: Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia. This along with its hospitable attitude makes it one of the best places from which to begin an Eastern European round trip. It is both European and distinctly Hungarian, incorporating a mixture of history and the present-day. The country proudly upholds its Magyar traditions, culture and arts, but is attentive to what is new and fashionable in the outside world.
Hungary was inhabited by the Magyars, an equestrian nomadic tribe, in the 8th - 9th century. They were later converted to Christianity and in the year 1000 their Prince Istvan (Stephen) was crowned the nation’s first ruler. Since then Hungary and its people have remained true to their heritage despite Mongol invasion in the 13th century, Turkish occupation in the 16th and 17th centuries, Austrian rule in the 18th and early 19th centuries, and communist domination in the mid 20th century.  Even today in little towns, cities and ruins in the countryside one can see the marks of this turbulent history and enjoy a rich mosaic of architectural styles and fortified hilltop castles.
The Hungarian people, neither Slavic nor Germanic, are formal, reserved and intensely proud of their ancient nation. The pride locals have for their nation is immense, but it doesn't spring solely from the stalwart strength of their nation. Hungary is also home to historic urban centers and evocative landscapes, not to mention quality wines, rejuvenating thermal springs, and a thriving arts and music scene.
The major sites that attract people to Hungary are its historic sites and some natural attractions like the lake Balaton – the biggest lake in Europe. On the historic site, the most visited city of Hungary is its cosmopolitan capital, Budapest. Budapest is situated on a lovely stretch of the Danube, the river that invokes feelings of romantic enchantment and musical memories. It is a city of culture and of astounding beauty and grace, and visitors are drawn to its enchanting magnetism. Outside of the capital the plains, rolling hills and rivers, lakes and vineyards hold much to offer the visitor. The Baroque towns and fine wines of Eger, Pécs, Szentendre and Sopron, the historical riverside villages along the Danube Bend, commanding fortresses, castles and palaces are just some of the country’s many highlights awaiting discovery.
On the natural side the Puszta, a seemingly unending prairie topped by big skies, is the country's defining landscape, but Hungary's outdoor beauty doesn't stop there. There are 11 national parks and hundreds of protected areas to explore, along with resort-lined Lake Balaton, Europe's largest body of fresh water, the thermal spas and volcanically heated lake at Hévíz  and a multitude of meandering rivers and thousands of acres of vineyards and orchards. And at the end of a hard day sightseeing, there's no better place to relax than in one of Hungary's 150 natural thermal spas, some of which date back even to Roman days.