Seven Facts about Hungary You May Not Know Before
“I admit I have a Hungarian temper. Why not? I am from Hungary. We are descendants of Genghis Khan and Attila the Hun.”
– Zsa Zsa Gabor
How would you feel if you arrived in Hungary knowing a little about the country? Despite not being mentioned in every guidebook, there are some interesting and fun facts about Hungary that can give you insight into Hungarian traditions, past and daily lives. The following are 7 Hungary facts you probably didn’t know before.
Budapest has the second-oldest underground in the World.
With its opening in 1896, Budapest’s Metro Line 1 is the World’s second oldest underground railway after the London Underground. The site has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and riding it is like going back in time. There are currently four metro lines, each with a different color. You must check out this World Heritage Site whenever you are in Budapest. Furthermore, the site has a museum where you can learn more about this historic metro system.
Is Hungary home to the World’s first official wine region?
Have you ever visited the World’s first wine region? If you have ever been to Tokaj, then your answer is YES! Hungary has produced wine since the 5th century A.D. The Tokaj wine region became the World’s first official wine region almost 120 years before Bordeaux in France. Tokaj’s wines may not be as famous as those of France, Spain, and Italy, but they have something special. Also known as the King of Wines, Tokaji Aszu is one of the most famous wines in the World. Louis XIV called Tokaji Aszu the “Wine of Kings, King of Wines.”
It was a Hungarian who discovered Vitamin C.
Is Vitamin C part of your daily routine? Are you thinking of Hungary while doing so? Probably not. Hungarian physiologist Albert Szent-Gyorgyi discovered the most famous vitamin supplement in the World in the 1930s. This achievement earned him his Nobel Prize in 1937.
Is Pálinka the healing for all pain?
Do you agree with this fun fact? When you arrive in Hungary, you will be offered pálinka as your first drink. Hungarian grandmothers swear by its powers. Are you suffering from a headache? Pálinka. Nervous? Pálinka. Uninspired or sleepy? Pálinka. It is a traditional Hungarian fruit brandy made from apricots, plums, and apples. The saying goes: “A small dose of palinka is a medicine; a large dose is a remedy.”
The magic number in Hungary: 96
As early as 896, Hungarians led by Prince Arpád settled the area that would become Hungary. 1896 was Hungary’s millennial year, the same year its first metro system was constructed. By law, Budapest’s tallest buildings cannot exceed 96 meters, and correctly singing the Hungarian national anthem takes 96 seconds.
Hungarian paprika comes in more than 40 varieties.
Prepare yourself for Hungry; prepare yourself for PAPRIKA! In Hungary, paprika represents the cuisine, which makes it the country’s national spice. Over 40 varieties of paprika are grown in Hungary, and Hungarians consume more than 500 grams of it each year.
In general, paprika can be divided into three categories: hot paprika, sweet paprika, and smoked paprika.
Hungarian paprika has a distinctive, rich flavor and bright red color from the favorable climate and geographical conditions that have made it one of the World’s leading producers.
The heart of the production is in Kalocsa and Szeged in southern Hungary.
Here you can become a good writer with a single touch.
Budapest has a legend that if you touch the pen of a statue of an anonymous writer, you will become a writer. Located near Heroes’ Square, that statue could inspire you to visit and become a talented writer. Although the sculpture looks like the grim reaper, it represents Hungarian King Béla’s chronicler.
For me, touching the anonymous statue is on my to-do list. Because why not be a great writer with a single touch? See you there :)
