Tom explored the land of his Hungarian ancestors on his September 2017 bike tour through Western Hungary. The adventure started in Vienna and headed through the vineyards along Lake Neusiedl (Lake Ferto in Hungary). He cycled to the northern shores of Lake Balaton and ended the tour sightseeing in Budapest, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Click on an image to read the story behind the photo.

Viennese Back Street

I was caught in a sudden rain on a Viennese back street looking for a cafe to duck into for lunch when I caught this scene.

Viennese Back Street

St. Peter's Catholic Church

Looking up to the dome of this beautiful baroque church is only a few blocks walk from Stephansplatz,, a very popular tourist spot around St. Stephan's Cathedral.

St. Peter's Catholic Church

Statues at the Hofburg Palace

The Hofburg Palace and Spanish Riding School crown Michelerplatz royally adorned by many fountains and sculptures.

Statues at the Hofburg Palace

Catholic Church Maria am Gestade

The church was originally on a hill on the banks of the Danube. The river has been relocated a mile away for flood control. Water now flows on a canal a few blocks away.

Catholic Church Maria am Gestade

Vienna Jewish Quarter

I visited this as part of my walking tour of Vienna. I was fortunate to have a guide very knowledgeable in history and architecture.

Vienna Jewish Quarter

Horse drawn carriage in Vienna

Horse-drawn carriage rides are very popular with tourists, especially in the area of Stephansplatz.

Horse drawn carriage in Vienna

Cycling through the Wachau Valley

I thoroughly enjoyed this bike ride through vineyards and small villages along the Danube. Maybe only 20 miles, but 20 spectacular fun-filled miles. A very good day!

Cycling through the Wachau Valley

Wine Cellar at the Domaine Wachau Winery

A spectacular winery tour near Durnstein that was on my Wachau Valley Bike Tour. I highly recommend any Vienna visit include a visit to this valley

Wine Cellar at the Domaine Wachau Winery

Street Scene in Durnstein, Austria

This small touristy village was the destination of a one-day bike ride through the Wachau Valley. It reminds me of a scene from a fairy tale. It is frequented by many river cruise boats.

Street Scene in Durnstein, Austria

Walking through Rust, Austria

My first day of cycling through Hungary began in Austria. This was the most scenic town I cycled through that day. The village center of Rust was quite colorful with many shops and cafes.

Walking through Rust, Austria

Looking like autumn in Rust

Rust is a photographer's dream. There are many opportunities for a great shot. Many of the village buildings have stork nests on their roofs.

Looking like autumn in Rust

A typical Hungarian picnic lunch

Hungarian breakfasts and lunches are quite different from our American diet. My bike tour enjoyed this healthy and fresh Hungarian style picnic lunch on several days.

A typical Hungarian picnic lunch

View of Sopron from the Monastery

My first night in Hungary was spent at the Carmelite Monastery on a hill high above Sopron. The view from the monastery steps was spectacular.

View of Sopron from the Monastery

Library of the Carmelite Monastery

The monastery also serves as a retreat center. It has many rooms set up with WiFi and laptop hookups. High tech for a 14th-century building.

Library of the Carmelite Monastery

Dinner at Sopronbánfalvi Kolostor Hotel

This was the most elegant dinner of my tour through Hungary. It was in the monastery's dining room.

Dinner at Sopronbánfalvi Kolostor Hotel

Sopron, Hungary

Sopron was the first Hungarian city I visited. This view of the city center ist typical of these cities. A religious statue in the center of a square surrounded by a church, city hall, cafes, and shops.

Sopron, Hungary

A view with my coffee

I enjoyed coffee and cake with a view of this downtown Sopron park.

A view with my coffee

Fall of the Iron Curtain Sculpture

This sculpture sits high on a hill inside the Fertőrákosi Quarry. It commemorates the fall of the Iron Curtain. I did not know that the Hungarian-Austrian border was the first border to open with the fall of the Soviet Union.

Fall of the Iron Curtain Sculpture

Deep in the Fertőrákosi Quarry

The quarry, now idle, has become a tourist attraction with hiking trails, concert venue and this underground museum.

Deep in the Fertőrákosi Quarry

Lake Ferto/Lake Neusiedl

This lake straddles the Austrian-Hungarian border. I enjoyed a lovely boat ride on the lake from Fertorakos.

Lake Ferto/Lake Neusiedl

Cabins on Lake Ferto

This lovely scene was in Fertorakos on Lake Ferto. Note the reed roofs. The Hungarian end of the lake is almost totally reed covered. Reed roofs are now a luxury and quite expensive.

Cabins on Lake Ferto

Langos

This is a very popular Hungarian street food. It is a fried flatbread topped with sour cream and cheddar cheese. It is sprinkled with garlic water and folded over to be eaten. Quite delicious!

Langos

Dodolle

I was raised in a Hungarian American family. I was familiar with all the food I experienced during this tour except for this dish... Dodolle is a regional dish. They are potato dumplings fried in butter and topped with sour cream. Healthy, huh!

Dodolle

Wine cellar at the Raspi Vineyard

What a spectacular night with dinner at the winery. The owner and host gave our group a private tour of his cellars.

Wine cellar at the Raspi Vineyard

Raspi Winery and Restaurant

Dinner at the winery was an experience with wines paired with the courses. I brought back two bottles of their wine for about $5 a bottle.

Raspi Winery and Restaurant

Öreg Malom Hotel in Csepreg, Hungary

This lovely inn was my home for the night. It was a quaint inn with Hungarian flavors. The csarda (restaurant) was very good.

Öreg Malom Hotel in Csepreg, Hungary

Entrance to the Öreg Malom csarda

It was a beautiful evening walk across the courtyard to the casarda where I was greeted by this still-life outside the restaurant door.

Entrance to the Öreg Malom csarda

Koszeg Town Square

A view of the town square of Koszeg, Hungary. Koszeg is known for its beauty and nicknamed the jewel box of the foothills of the Alps.

Koszeg Town Square

Sanctuary of Sacred Heart Church in Koszeg

The beautiful cathedral sanctuary of Sacred Heart Church on the town square of Koszeg.

Sanctuary of Sacred Heart Church in Koszeg

A bicycle in front of the coffee shop on the Koszeg town square

I enjoyed coffee and cake in this coffee shop. These type of coffee shops are so relaxing.

A bicycle in front of the coffee shop on the Koszeg town square

Typical coffee and cake in Hungary

This hazelnut torte and cappuccino is typical of what you get in Hungary and Austria. It is always accompanied by a glass of water, sugar cube and small pitcher of milk. The cost is about $3 in USD.

Typical coffee and cake in Hungary

Entrance to a casarda in the vineyards

Leaving Koszeg, we found ourself in vineyards. Lunch at this csarda was memorable. It sits on a hill in the midst of a vineyard. Lunch was fresh trout from the nearby Pinka river.

Entrance to a casarda in the vineyards

The Iron Curtain

This rustic museum near Felsőcsatár is the creation of a former Iron Curtain guard who reconstructed sections of the many faces of the fence over the years. Yes, the Iron Curtain had three versions across the Hungarian border. Well worth the visit to better understand the tragedy of this fence.,

The Iron Curtain

A view from the Iron Curtain Museum

This lovely view of the Hungarian and Austrian countryside is from the back of the vineyard whose grounds include the Iron Curtain Museum.

A view from the Iron Curtain Museum

Tom toasting with Palinka

Palinka is a strong cordial fruit liqueur that is common in Hungary. We tasted many varieties courtesy of the Iron Curtain Museum owner. The museum sits on the grounds of a winery and fruit orchards that produce this liquir.

Tom toasting with Palinka

Small Hungarian Country Home

This house and the small farm was across the parking lot of the Iron Curtain Museum. It is typical of what I saw in Hungary.

Small Hungarian Country Home

Batthyány Kastélyszálló near Zalacsány, Hungary

This lovely estate turned into a spa was my home for a night while cycling along Lake Balaton. The room was large and nicely appointed. The food was outstanding, a selection of Hungarian specialties served buffet style.

Batthyány Kastélyszálló near Zalacsány, Hungary

Festetics Castle in Keszthely, Hungary

A spectacular baroque estate with manicured gardens and nicely period restored rooms. This was one of the nicest historical properties I have ever toured.

Festetics Castle in Keszthely, Hungary

Library of the Festetics Castle

The library of the Festetics Castle was large, over two stories with many sculptures.

Library of the Festetics Castle

View of Lake Balaton

A very memorable day of cycling had me crossing through vineyards and villages along Lake Balaton. I was greeted with this view of Lake Balaton after climbing a hill in the Badacsony wine region.

View of Lake Balaton

Vineyards of the Badacsony wine region

I cycled by miles of these vineyard-laden hills on that day. On the other side of the camera were homes hugging the shore of Lake Balaton. Most of them had small hoibby vineyards in their yards.

Vineyards of the Badacsony wine region

Hungarian Gulyas

Very authentic and delicious Hungarian gulyas served at lunch in the Badacsony wine region. Most Americans know goulash as a macaroni, tomato and ground beef dish. This is far cry from this delicous dish!

Hungarian Gulyas

Viktória Inn in Tihany, Hungary

This quaint Hungarian inn was my home for the night in Tihany. What a lovely place with a beautiful csarda that served a delicious Hungarian seafood dinner.

Viktória Inn in Tihany, Hungary

Shopping in Tihany, Hungary

A typical shopping and dining area of Tihany which is a popular tourist destination. Hungarian tourist spots have the mix of good and bad quality shops in these areas. I bought a beautiful hand embroidered table runner with the help of Peter, my tour guide.

Shopping in Tihany, Hungary

Sunflowers in Tihany

Hungarians love flowers. Most homes have flower gardens and many have flower baskets.

Sunflowers in Tihany

Lake Balaton from the top of Tihany

A view of Lake Balaton from Tihany. Tihany sits high on a hill above Balaton.

Lake Balaton from the top of Tihany

Yihany Street Festival

Food stand at a street festival in Tihany. Notice the serving sizes. This is typical. Hungarians are hearty eaters. THe prices are low for American. The lemonade is 550 HUN which is $2 for 1/2 litre glass.

Yihany Street Festival

Hafflingers in Tihany

Something I was surprised to see. This team was driven past our inn, most likely on the way to a celebration in the town center.

Hafflingers in Tihany

Morning Stroll in Tihany

I strolled through this small town before breakfast. Every street was neat with nicely maintained homes. A large mown lawn was a rare sight on my bike ride. Hungarians use much more landscaping including trees, bushes, perennials, and flowers.

Morning Stroll in Tihany

A Hungarian Breakfast

This is a typical Hungarian breakfast. Fresh vegetables, sausages, cheese, hard-boiled eggs and crusty bread. Not shown is yogurt, fruit, and pastries.

A Hungarian Breakfast

Herend Porcelain Factory

I was treated to a tour of the Herend Porcelain factory on my way to Budapest. This factory is amazing. It is world renowned and of extremely high quality.

Herend Porcelain Factory

Porcelain Artist at Work

Each Herend piece is handmade. Workers may spend a day working on a piece. They are paid by the piece. This artist is creating intricate filigree in this piece.

Porcelain Artist at Work

Porcelain Flowers Hand-made

All decorative pieces of Herend porcelain are handmade. An interestinf fact is that the Communist regime allowed Herend to make these decorative pieces since it yielded income to the state. The factory did produce cheaper Soviet leader busts during this period.

Porcelain Flowers Hand-made

Intricate Painting of Herend Porcelain

An artist hand paints all Herend porcelain pieces. Some may take as much as 2 days.

Intricate Painting of Herend Porcelain

Herend Porcelain Artist at Work

Decorative porcelain pieces are handmade and attached by hand to the finished piece. Wondering about the cost of this porcelain? A coffee cup and saucer retail for about $250.

Herend Porcelain Artist at Work

Hungarian Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building sits on the Danube as the centerpiece of a beautiful government complex. Interesting fact: There are 365 spies on this building, one for each day of the year

Hungarian Parliament Building

Hungarian Government Building

One of the buildings surrounding the square at the Hungarian Parliament Building. The Hungarians held a competition for the design of the Parliament building. They ended up building the three finalist designs around the square.

Hungarian Government Building

A View across the Danube from the Buda Castle

I climbed the Buda Castle hill many times during my stay. This day was on my bike, quite climb! It was a beautiful day at the Buda Castle. This is the best view of the Pest side of Budapest.

A View across the Danube from the Buda Castle

St. Stephen at the Fisherman's Bastion

The Fisherman's Bastion is a popular spot with a super view of Budapest. It was built adjacent to Matthias Church on the site of the fishermen's stands of many years past.

St. Stephen at the Fisherman's Bastion

St Stephen, the First King of Hungary

This statue graces the Fishermans Bastion at Matthias Church in the Buda Castle District. No visit to Budapest would be complete without a stroll around this beautiful square and neighborhood

St Stephen, the First King of Hungary

Artist at Fisherman's Bastion

I met this interesting artist selling his artwork at the Fisherman's Bastion. He was so intriguing with unique art. I bought a pen and ink watercolor as a souvenir of Budapest.

Artist at Fisherman's Bastion

Neighborhood Square on the Buda Side of Budapest

I walked down the stairs of the Fisherman's Bastion and through the neighborhoods of Buda on my way to the Danube and my hotel. Walking Budapest, I came several neighborhood parks.

Neighborhood Square on the Buda Side of Budapest

Budapest Jewish Quarter Back Alley

I caught this scene at the bike tour office in the Jewish Quarter. It spoke of the age and character of Budapest buildings.

Budapest Jewish Quarter Back Alley

Budapest Eye in Erzsébet Square

Biked past this and walked several times through Erzsébet Square. This little park had nice food booths and bordered the high-end shopping area of the city. Budapest and Vienna copied the London Eye but with much smaller ferris wheels.

Budapest Eye in Erzsébet Square

The Terror Museum

Notice how the overhang reflects the word terror on the building. This building was the Hungarian Nazi headquarters during the WWII occupation and later housed the KGB during the Soviet era. Appropriately named.

The Terror Museum

Hero's Square

A national Hungarian monument and a large park. This was an imposing set of sculptures. The figures on the semicircular arches are Hungarian rulers. This serves as the entrance to a large city park, think of it as Budapest's Central Park.

Hero's Square

The Famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Hungary is famous for their thermal waters and baths. This is the most imposing bath in Budapest.

The Famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Approaching St. Stephen's Basilica

This lovely avenue leads from the Danube to St. Stephens Basilica. It was my favorite street on the Pest side.

Approaching St. Stephen's Basilica

St. Stephen Basilica

This basilica is named after St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary. It sits on a small square that hosted two festivals in the 4 days I was there.

St. Stephen Basilica

The dome at St. Stephen's Basilica

This basilica was extremely ornate and full of many religious artifacts. I regret that I did not know I could walk to the Basilica's tower. Next time.

The dome at St. Stephen's Basilica

St. Stephen's Right Hand

I did not understand what this was during my tour. It sat at the end of the small chapel in the back of the basilica. His had was exhumed and placed in this jewel and gold encrusted display case. I understand it is very sacred to Hungarians.

St. Stephen's Right Hand

The Great Market Hall

This magnificent structure is the largest marketplace in Budapest. The building is full of vendors of all types. It sits on the Danube, a nice walk from the Chain Bridge. For an authentic experience, take the tram along the river for spectacular views.

The Great Market Hall

Inside the Great Market Hall

You will find fruit, vegetable, meat, souvenir and many other vendors in this marketplace. There is a whole aisle dedicated to Hungarian paprika, honey, jams, and lavender.

Inside the Great Market Hall

View from the Great Market Hall Upper Floor

If you are visiting Budapest, head up to the second floor of the Great Market Hall. You will find the best deals on souvenirs, Hungarian lace, embroidery, leather and woodcrafts. It is also the home of food booths and a cafeteria. The langos stand is perpetually busy.

View from the Great Market Hall Upper Floor

Buda Castle Funicular

Hop on this funicular on the Buda side of the Chain Bridge to head up the Buda Castle District. I enjoyed it both during the day and at night. The night view is spectacular. Walk at least one of the ways up or down the hill. The stairs along the funicular pass through nicely landscaped gardens and crosses the funicular twice.

Buda Castle Funicular

The Danube at from my hotel

I ended my Budapest days sitting in the park in front of my hotel on the Danube. The city glows at night. The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the centerpiece of the city.

The Danube at from my hotel

Buda Castle at Night

I took a Danube evening cruise that was spectacular! This is one of the must-dos when visiting Budapest. The Hungarians enjoy putting on a light show on their buildings.

Buda Castle at Night

Hungarian Parliament Aglow

Wow! This building glows from all points on the river. Such a beautiful place. I regret that I did not have enough time to tour the insides.

Hungarian Parliament Aglow

Buda Side of Budapest at Night

Looking across from the Parliament are the spires of the churches in the Buda Castle District.

Buda Side of Budapest at Night

Buda Castle and Chain bridge

The castle is aglow at night. My hotel was at the foot of the castle. It was the perfect home. It was close to busy Pest but also a short walk to the quiet Buda neighborhoods.

Buda Castle and Chain bridge

Beauty of the Chain Bridge

I walked this bridge several times a day. It is crowded with tourists during the day. I loved my walk across it after dark. It's construction unified the cities of Buda and Pest into one city, Budapest.

Beauty of the Chain Bridge

Matthias Church at Night

It's well worth a visit one evening to the Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church.

Matthias Church at Night

Matthias Church in the Buda Castle District

This church square is a lovely place to walk during the evening. The immediate neighborhoods are tourist oriented. WAlk a few blocks away and be treated to the real Budapest.

Matthias Church in the Buda Castle District

The Buda Castle

This castle is quite impressive on the outside. It turns out that the inside is institutional rooms. The castle was almost leveled in WWII. The Russians left it unrestored for almost 10 years as a sign of distaste for the monarchy. It was reconstructed Soviet style with not decorations in the interior. What a shame to lose that grandeur.

The Buda Castle

Fisherman's Bastion

My favorite view of Fisherman's Bastion. This happened to be on my favorite evening walk thru the Buda Castle District.

Fisherman's Bastion

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  Viennese Back Street

  I was caught in a sudden rain on a Viennese back street looking for a cafe to duck into for lunch when I caught this scene.
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  St. Peter's Catholic Church

  Looking up to the dome of this beautiful baroque church is only a few blocks walk from Stephansplatz,, a very popular tourist spot around St. Stephan's Cathedral.
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  Statues at the Hofburg Palace

  The Hofburg Palace and Spanish Riding School crown Michelerplatz royally adorned by many fountains and sculptures.
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  Catholic Church Maria am Gestade

  The church was originally on a hill on the banks of the Danube. The river has been relocated a mile away for flood control. Water now flows on a canal a few blocks away.
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  Vienna Jewish Quarter

  I visited this as part of my walking tour of Vienna. I was fortunate to have a guide very knowledgeable in history and architecture.
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  Horse drawn carriage in Vienna

  Horse-drawn carriage rides are very popular with tourists, especially in the area of Stephansplatz.
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  Cycling through the Wachau Valley

  I thoroughly enjoyed this bike ride through vineyards and small villages along the Danube. Maybe only 20 miles, but 20 spectacular fun-filled miles. A very good day!
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  Wine Cellar at the Domaine Wachau Winery

  A spectacular winery tour near Durnstein that was on my Wachau Valley Bike Tour. I highly recommend any Vienna visit include a visit to this valley
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  Street Scene in Durnstein, Austria

  This small touristy village was the destination of a one-day bike ride through the Wachau Valley. It reminds me of a scene from a fairy tale. It is frequented by many river cruise boats.
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  Walking through Rust, Austria

  My first day of cycling through Hungary began in Austria. This was the most scenic town I cycled through that day. The village center of Rust was quite colorful with many shops and cafes.
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  Looking like autumn in Rust

  Rust is a photographer's dream. There are many opportunities for a great shot. Many of the village buildings have stork nests on their roofs.
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  A typical Hungarian picnic lunch

  Hungarian breakfasts and lunches are quite different from our American diet. My bike tour enjoyed this healthy and fresh Hungarian style picnic lunch on several days.
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  View of Sopron from the Monastery

  My first night in Hungary was spent at the Carmelite Monastery on a hill high above Sopron. The view from the monastery steps was spectacular.
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  Library of the Carmelite Monastery

  The monastery also serves as a retreat center. It has many rooms set up with WiFi and laptop hookups. High tech for a 14th-century building.
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  Dinner at Sopronbánfalvi Kolostor Hotel

  This was the most elegant dinner of my tour through Hungary. It was in the monastery's dining room.
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  Sopron, Hungary

  Sopron was the first Hungarian city I visited. This view of the city center ist typical of these cities. A religious statue in the center of a square surrounded by a church, city hall, cafes, and shops.
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  A view with my coffee

  I enjoyed coffee and cake with a view of this downtown Sopron park.
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  Fall of the Iron Curtain Sculpture

  This sculpture sits high on a hill inside the Fertőrákosi Quarry. It commemorates the fall of the Iron Curtain. I did not know that the Hungarian-Austrian border was the first border to open with the fall of the Soviet Union.
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  Deep in the Fertőrákosi Quarry

  The quarry, now idle, has become a tourist attraction with hiking trails, concert venue and this underground museum.
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  Lake Ferto/Lake Neusiedl

  This lake straddles the Austrian-Hungarian border. I enjoyed a lovely boat ride on the lake from Fertorakos.
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  Cabins on Lake Ferto

  This lovely scene was in Fertorakos on Lake Ferto. Note the reed roofs. The Hungarian end of the lake is almost totally reed covered. Reed roofs are now a luxury and quite expensive.
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  Langos

  This is a very popular Hungarian street food. It is a fried flatbread topped with sour cream and cheddar cheese. It is sprinkled with garlic water and folded over to be eaten. Quite delicious!
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  Dodolle

  I was raised in a Hungarian American family. I was familiar with all the food I experienced during this tour except for this dish... Dodolle is a regional dish. They are potato dumplings fried in butter and topped with sour cream. Healthy, huh!
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  Wine cellar at the Raspi Vineyard

  What a spectacular night with dinner at the winery. The owner and host gave our group a private tour of his cellars.
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  Raspi Winery and Restaurant

  Dinner at the winery was an experience with wines paired with the courses. I brought back two bottles of their wine for about $5 a bottle.
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  Öreg Malom Hotel in Csepreg, Hungary

  This lovely inn was my home for the night. It was a quaint inn with Hungarian flavors. The csarda (restaurant) was very good.
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  Entrance to the Öreg Malom csarda

  It was a beautiful evening walk across the courtyard to the casarda where I was greeted by this still-life outside the restaurant door.
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  Koszeg Town Square

  A view of the town square of Koszeg, Hungary. Koszeg is known for its beauty and nicknamed the jewel box of the foothills of the Alps.
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  Sanctuary of Sacred Heart Church in Koszeg

  The beautiful cathedral sanctuary of Sacred Heart Church on the town square of Koszeg.
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  A bicycle in front of the coffee shop on the Koszeg town square

  I enjoyed coffee and cake in this coffee shop. These type of coffee shops are so relaxing.
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  Typical coffee and cake in Hungary

  This hazelnut torte and cappuccino is typical of what you get in Hungary and Austria. It is always accompanied by a glass of water, sugar cube and small pitcher of milk. The cost is about $3 in USD.
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  Entrance to a casarda in the vineyards

  Leaving Koszeg, we found ourself in vineyards. Lunch at this csarda was memorable. It sits on a hill in the midst of a vineyard. Lunch was fresh trout from the nearby Pinka river.
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  The Iron Curtain

  This rustic museum near Felsőcsatár is the creation of a former Iron Curtain guard who reconstructed sections of the many faces of the fence over the years. Yes, the Iron Curtain had three versions across the Hungarian border. Well worth the visit to better understand the tragedy of this fence.,
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  A view from the Iron Curtain Museum

  This lovely view of the Hungarian and Austrian countryside is from the back of the vineyard whose grounds include the Iron Curtain Museum.
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  Tom toasting with Palinka

  Palinka is a strong cordial fruit liqueur that is common in Hungary. We tasted many varieties courtesy of the Iron Curtain Museum owner. The museum sits on the grounds of a winery and fruit orchards that produce this liquir.
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  Small Hungarian Country Home

  This house and the small farm was across the parking lot of the Iron Curtain Museum. It is typical of what I saw in Hungary.
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  Batthyány Kastélyszálló near Zalacsány, Hungary

  This lovely estate turned into a spa was my home for a night while cycling along Lake Balaton. The room was large and nicely appointed. The food was outstanding, a selection of Hungarian specialties served buffet style.
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  Festetics Castle in Keszthely, Hungary

  A spectacular baroque estate with manicured gardens and nicely period restored rooms. This was one of the nicest historical properties I have ever toured.
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  Library of the Festetics Castle

  The library of the Festetics Castle was large, over two stories with many sculptures.
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  View of Lake Balaton

  A very memorable day of cycling had me crossing through vineyards and villages along Lake Balaton. I was greeted with this view of Lake Balaton after climbing a hill in the Badacsony wine region.
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  Vineyards of the Badacsony wine region

  I cycled by miles of these vineyard-laden hills on that day. On the other side of the camera were homes hugging the shore of Lake Balaton. Most of them had small hoibby vineyards in their yards.
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  Hungarian Gulyas

  Very authentic and delicious Hungarian gulyas served at lunch in the Badacsony wine region. Most Americans know goulash as a macaroni, tomato and ground beef dish. This is far cry from this delicous dish!
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  Viktória Inn in Tihany, Hungary

  This quaint Hungarian inn was my home for the night in Tihany. What a lovely place with a beautiful csarda that served a delicious Hungarian seafood dinner.
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  Shopping in Tihany, Hungary

  A typical shopping and dining area of Tihany which is a popular tourist destination. Hungarian tourist spots have the mix of good and bad quality shops in these areas. I bought a beautiful hand embroidered table runner with the help of Peter, my tour guide.
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  Sunflowers in Tihany

  Hungarians love flowers. Most homes have flower gardens and many have flower baskets.
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  Lake Balaton from the top of Tihany

  A view of Lake Balaton from Tihany. Tihany sits high on a hill above Balaton.
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  Yihany Street Festival

  Food stand at a street festival in Tihany. Notice the serving sizes. This is typical. Hungarians are hearty eaters. THe prices are low for American. The lemonade is 550 HUN which is $2 for 1/2 litre glass.
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  Hafflingers in Tihany

  Something I was surprised to see. This team was driven past our inn, most likely on the way to a celebration in the town center.
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  Morning Stroll in Tihany

  I strolled through this small town before breakfast. Every street was neat with nicely maintained homes. A large mown lawn was a rare sight on my bike ride. Hungarians use much more landscaping including trees, bushes, perennials, and flowers.
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  A Hungarian Breakfast

  This is a typical Hungarian breakfast. Fresh vegetables, sausages, cheese, hard-boiled eggs and crusty bread. Not shown is yogurt, fruit, and pastries.
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  Herend Porcelain Factory

  I was treated to a tour of the Herend Porcelain factory on my way to Budapest. This factory is amazing. It is world renowned and of extremely high quality.
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  Porcelain Artist at Work

  Each Herend piece is handmade. Workers may spend a day working on a piece. They are paid by the piece. This artist is creating intricate filigree in this piece.
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  Porcelain Flowers Hand-made

  All decorative pieces of Herend porcelain are handmade. An interestinf fact is that the Communist regime allowed Herend to make these decorative pieces since it yielded income to the state. The factory did produce cheaper Soviet leader busts during this period.
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  Intricate Painting of Herend Porcelain

  An artist hand paints all Herend porcelain pieces. Some may take as much as 2 days.
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  Herend Porcelain Artist at Work

  Decorative porcelain pieces are handmade and attached by hand to the finished piece. Wondering about the cost of this porcelain? A coffee cup and saucer retail for about $250.
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  Hungarian Parliament Building

  The Hungarian Parliament Building sits on the Danube as the centerpiece of a beautiful government complex. Interesting fact: There are 365 spies on this building, one for each day of the year
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  Hungarian Government Building

  One of the buildings surrounding the square at the Hungarian Parliament Building. The Hungarians held a competition for the design of the Parliament building. They ended up building the three finalist designs around the square.
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  A View across the Danube from the Buda Castle

  I climbed the Buda Castle hill many times during my stay. This day was on my bike, quite climb! It was a beautiful day at the Buda Castle. This is the best view of the Pest side of Budapest.
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  St. Stephen at the Fisherman's Bastion

  The Fisherman's Bastion is a popular spot with a super view of Budapest. It was built adjacent to Matthias Church on the site of the fishermen's stands of many years past.
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  St Stephen, the First King of Hungary

  This statue graces the Fishermans Bastion at Matthias Church in the Buda Castle District. No visit to Budapest would be complete without a stroll around this beautiful square and neighborhood
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  Artist at Fisherman's Bastion

  I met this interesting artist selling his artwork at the Fisherman's Bastion. He was so intriguing with unique art. I bought a pen and ink watercolor as a souvenir of Budapest.
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  Neighborhood Square on the Buda Side of Budapest

  I walked down the stairs of the Fisherman's Bastion and through the neighborhoods of Buda on my way to the Danube and my hotel. Walking Budapest, I came several neighborhood parks.
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  Budapest Jewish Quarter Back Alley

  I caught this scene at the bike tour office in the Jewish Quarter. It spoke of the age and character of Budapest buildings.
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  Budapest Eye in Erzsébet Square

  Biked past this and walked several times through Erzsébet Square. This little park had nice food booths and bordered the high-end shopping area of the city. Budapest and Vienna copied the London Eye but with much smaller ferris wheels.
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  The Terror Museum

  Notice how the overhang reflects the word terror on the building. This building was the Hungarian Nazi headquarters during the WWII occupation and later housed the KGB during the Soviet era. Appropriately named.
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  Hero's Square

  A national Hungarian monument and a large park. This was an imposing set of sculptures. The figures on the semicircular arches are Hungarian rulers. This serves as the entrance to a large city park, think of it as Budapest's Central Park.
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  The Famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath

  Hungary is famous for their thermal waters and baths. This is the most imposing bath in Budapest.
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  Approaching St. Stephen's Basilica

  This lovely avenue leads from the Danube to St. Stephens Basilica. It was my favorite street on the Pest side.
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  St. Stephen Basilica

  This basilica is named after St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary. It sits on a small square that hosted two festivals in the 4 days I was there.
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  The dome at St. Stephen's Basilica

  This basilica was extremely ornate and full of many religious artifacts. I regret that I did not know I could walk to the Basilica's tower. Next time.
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  St. Stephen's Right Hand

  I did not understand what this was during my tour. It sat at the end of the small chapel in the back of the basilica. His had was exhumed and placed in this jewel and gold encrusted display case. I understand it is very sacred to Hungarians.
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  The Great Market Hall

  This magnificent structure is the largest marketplace in Budapest. The building is full of vendors of all types. It sits on the Danube, a nice walk from the Chain Bridge. For an authentic experience, take the tram along the river for spectacular views.
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  Inside the Great Market Hall

  You will find fruit, vegetable, meat, souvenir and many other vendors in this marketplace. There is a whole aisle dedicated to Hungarian paprika, honey, jams, and lavender.
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  View from the Great Market Hall Upper Floor

  If you are visiting Budapest, head up to the second floor of the Great Market Hall. You will find the best deals on souvenirs, Hungarian lace, embroidery, leather and woodcrafts. It is also the home of food booths and a cafeteria. The langos stand is perpetually busy.
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  Buda Castle Funicular

  Hop on this funicular on the Buda side of the Chain Bridge to head up the Buda Castle District. I enjoyed it both during the day and at night. The night view is spectacular. Walk at least one of the ways up or down the hill. The stairs along the funicular pass through nicely landscaped gardens and crosses the funicular twice.
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  The Danube at from my hotel

  I ended my Budapest days sitting in the park in front of my hotel on the Danube. The city glows at night. The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the centerpiece of the city.
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  Buda Castle at Night

  I took a Danube evening cruise that was spectacular! This is one of the must-dos when visiting Budapest. The Hungarians enjoy putting on a light show on their buildings.
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  Hungarian Parliament Aglow

  Wow! This building glows from all points on the river. Such a beautiful place. I regret that I did not have enough time to tour the insides.
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  Buda Side of Budapest at Night

  Looking across from the Parliament are the spires of the churches in the Buda Castle District.
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  Buda Castle and Chain bridge

  The castle is aglow at night. My hotel was at the foot of the castle. It was the perfect home. It was close to busy Pest but also a short walk to the quiet Buda neighborhoods.
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  Beauty of the Chain Bridge

  I walked this bridge several times a day. It is crowded with tourists during the day. I loved my walk across it after dark. It's construction unified the cities of Buda and Pest into one city, Budapest.
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  Matthias Church at Night

  It's well worth a visit one evening to the Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church.
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  Matthias Church in the Buda Castle District

  This church square is a lovely place to walk during the evening. The immediate neighborhoods are tourist oriented. WAlk a few blocks away and be treated to the real Budapest.
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  The Buda Castle

  This castle is quite impressive on the outside. It turns out that the inside is institutional rooms. The castle was almost leveled in WWII. The Russians left it unrestored for almost 10 years as a sign of distaste for the monarchy. It was reconstructed Soviet style with not decorations in the interior. What a shame to lose that grandeur.
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  Fisherman's Bastion

  My favorite view of Fisherman's Bastion. This happened to be on my favorite evening walk thru the Buda Castle District.