In winter, it may be harder to leave your warm home, but if you do so and dress appropriately, you can have wonderful experiences. You can go to a spa, play sports, go ice skating, or browse the Christmas markets.
Ice dancing – in a magical location
You can go ice skating in almost every major city in Hungary in winter, but the most atmospheric place in Budapest is undoubtedly the City Park ice rink, which has been operating since 1870. The Boating Lake, located next to Heroes’ Square, turns into an ice rink in winter, which is a dating spot with a long history, but also a meeting place for groups of friends and families.
It is amazing to think that it began operating on January 29, 1870, and that Crown Prince Rudolf ceremoniously opened the gates in front of the skating crowd. If you do not have your own skates, you can rent them on site!
City Park ice rink. Photo: MTI/Balogh Zoltán
Visit Lake Balaton in winter
Although it rarely freezes over now, on really cold winter days, Lake Balaton, the largest lake in the country, offers an incredible sight. You can discover special shades of blue while walking along the shore, and you may even catch a glimpse of frozen waves. For example, on the southern shore, you can look out over the water and the surrounding frosty landscape from the 165-meter-high Gömb lookout tower in Balatonboglár. On the northern shore, in Tihany, you can also take a nice walk at this time of year: there is no trace of the summer crowds, but the atmosphere – in the floating fog – is quite mysterious.
Lake Balaton by Balatonfüred. Photo: MTI/Vasvári Tamás
Skiing in the sparkling sunshine
Winter sports can be enjoyed in more and more places in Hungary. Although we do not have really high mountains, thanks to the snowmaking systems that have been installed, depending on the weather, lovers of skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and sledding can indulge their passion on more and more cold days. The Hungarian ski slopes – in Eplény (near Lake Balaton), Mátraszentistván (northern Hungary), Sátoraljaújhely (eastern Hungary), and Visegrád (near Budapest) – generally operate with snow cannons until the beginning of April, and there is also a cross-country ski trail with snow cannons in Normafa Park in Budapest.
Skii park Mátraszentistván Photo: MTI/Komka Péter
Drink mulled wine at an Christmas market
Christmas markets are held in many cities across the country. Throw yourself into the hustle and bustle, taste the food on offer, drink a spicy punch or warm honey tea, and look around while listening to Christmas carols! You might even find a nice gift to put under the Christmas tree. In the capital, it is atmospheric at this time of year to hop on festive trams decorated with fairy lights and admire the beautiful buildings and bridges.
Christmas market by St Stephen’s Cathedral Photo: MTI/Kocsis Zoltán
Photo: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt
Splash around in the steaming water
If you want to warm up after long winter walks, try one of the thermal and adventure baths in Budapest or the countryside. In addition to the soothing power of natural springs, many places offer saunas, salt rooms, and a variety of wellness experiences for complete relaxation. The water parks with slides, which are open all year round, guarantee fun if you are traveling with children.
Gellért Spa, Budapest. Photo: Wikipedia
Via csodasmagyarorszag.hu; Featured image: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt
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