12 Fun Facts About Hungary That Will Surprise You

Hungary is full of surprises, from the world’s largest biologically active thermal lake to a Parliament building with 88 pounds of gold. Many Hungarians refuse to clink beer glasses, a tradition dating back to 1849 after Austria’s execution of Hungarian generals.

As a student, I spent a weekend in Budapest, wandering both Buda and Pest and discovering the distinct character of each side. For a meaningful way to travel, check out these service trips for teens to explore the world while making an impact.

Here are 12 fascinating facts about Hungary to inspire your next trip.

1. Hungary is one of Europe’s oldest countries with a history dating back to 895

Hungary was founded in 895 by the Magyars, a nomadic people who settled in the Carpathian Basin. The country became a Christian kingdom in 1000 under King Stephen I.

>> LEARN MORE: Did you know Bulgaria is the oldest European country?

2. The Austro-Hungarian Empire shaped Hungary’s cultural and political landscape

From 1867 to 1918, Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, an influential European multinational power. Budapest’s Parliament Building and Opera House were built during that time.

Night view over Budapest’s Parliament Building

3. The Treaty of Trianon cost Hungary most of its territory and population. The loss still haunts the country to this day

Hungary, as the central part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, faced major losses through the 1920 Treaty of Trianon as part of the post-World War peace settlements.

Territorial losses by Hungary during the World War II

The Treaty of Trianon reduced Hungary’s territory, leaving it landlocked and shrinking its population from 20.8 million to 7.6 million—a 58% loss. About 32% of ethnic Hungarians became minorities in neighboring countries, struggling to preserve Hungarian language and traditions.

This fragmentation caused deep economic and social instability, as Hungary lost key industrial and agricultural regions.

The treaty remains a symbol of national trauma, shaping interwar policies and fueling efforts to reclaim lost territories, which influenced Hungary’s alignment during World War II.

The treaty’s legacy impacts Hungarian culture and politics to this day, stoking discussions of identity and sovereignty.

Territorial Losses by Hungary in the Treaty of Trianon

4. The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 showcased the country’s fight for freedom

In 1956, Hungarians rose up against Soviet oppression in the 12-day Hungarian Revolution. Though it was crushed quickly, the revolution was a symbol of Hungary’s desire for freedom during the Cold War.

5. Hungary transitioned to democracy after the fall of the Soviet Union and later joined the European Union

Hungary underwent a major political transformation in 1989, transitioning from a communist regime to a democratic parliamentary republic. Hungary became the first Eastern Bloc country to open its borders with Western Europe.

In 2004, Hungary joined the European Union. Three years later, it entered the Schengen Area, enabling visa-free travel across much of Europe.

6. The Hungarian language is one of the most unique and complex languages in Europe

Hungarian is a 44 letter Finno-Ugric language unrelated to most European tongues. It is unlike anything else in Central or Eastern Europe, leaving lovers of linguists and language learners lost and learning.

>> LEARN MORE: Everything You Need to Know About Learning a New Language in High School.

7. Budapest boasts the world’s highest concentration of thermal springs, including Lake Hévíz

Budapest is Hungary’s capital, called the “City of Baths” for its over 100 thermal springs.

Top travel destination: Lake Hévíz

Nearby Lake Hévíz is the world’s largest biologically active thermal lake. 70 million liters of warm water surface the lake every day, attracting visitors to its natural hot springs.

8. Lake Balaton is Central Europe’s largest lake, steeped in folklore and geological wonder

Lake Balaton is often called the “Hungarian Sea.” Its waters were created by mythical beings to protect villagers from invaders, according to legend. Today, it’s a gorgeous vacation spot.

9. Hortobágy National Park’s Nine-Hole Bridge holds secrets of Hungary’s past

The Nine-Hole Bridge at Hortobágy National Park is Hungary’s longest stone bridge and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

10. Hungary’s Parliament Building has 88 pounds of solid gold built in to it

The Parliament Building in Budapest is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. It has 691 rooms, 20 kilometers of stairs and 88 pounds of gold in its designs.

11. The Dohány Street Synagogue combines Moorish and Jewish architectural styles

The Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest is the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world.

12. Hungarians refuse to clink beer glasses, honoring a historical vow

Austrians clinked their beer glasses after executing Hungarian generals in 1849, according to legend. As a result, Hungarians vowed not to clink glasses for 150 years, a tradition still followed by many as a mark of respect.

The Hungarian word for “cheers” is “egészségedre,” but it’s never used with the clink of beer glasses.

Bonus Key Facts About Hungary

References:

1. Hungarian Tourism Agency: Hungary Tourism Official Website
2. UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO: Hungary
3. Hungarian Parliament Official Website: Hungarian Parliament
4. Lake Hévíz Information Center: Lake Hévíz Official
5. Dohány Street Synagogue Official Site: Dohány Street Synagogue
6. History of Hungary: Hungarian Academy of Sciences
7. European Union Official Site: EU: Hungary
8. Visit Budapest: Budapest Official Tourism Site
9. Finno-Ugric Studies: University of Helsinki: Hungarian Language