Budapest rolls out its first-ever on-demand bus service!

Exceptionally passenger-friendly, innovative, and cost-effective – these are just a few ways to describe the new Route 274 “Csobajbusz”. The BKK’s new demand-responsive, flexible-route service was launched on Tuesday, 26 August, in Budapest’s 16th District.

This new bus line connects the previously hard-to-access Csobaj-bánya area to the city’s public transportation network. What makes this pilot project unique in Budapest is that within its flexible route zone, buses don’t travel along a fixed path; instead, they stop at designated pick-up and drop-off points based on user demand, BKK reports.

Route 274, branded as the “Csobajbusz,” will operate between the Cinkota HÉV station and the Csobaj-bánya area in District 16. In recent years, this part of the district has seen significant residential and commercial development, including new homes, apartment buildings, shops, and public institutions like kindergartens.

The new bus line allows locals to reach the Cinkota HÉV station more quickly and comfortably, and from there continue their journey into inner Budapest. The service is a first in Hungary. The concept behind demand-responsive, flexible-route transportation is that passengers can access the service only by making a reservation in advance. Unlike conventional routes, buses don’t follow a fixed path; instead, they adjust their stops based on current travel requests within a designated service area.

Passengers can book their trips at csobajbusz.bkk.hu up to one week in advance – or at the latest, 30 minutes before departure on the BKK website, with the first buses rolling out the following morning.

source: Daily News Hungary

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2. This new bus line connects the ………….. …………… Csobaj-bánya area to the city’s public transportation network.
3. The new bus line …………. locals to reach the Cinkota HÉV station more quickly and comfortably.

Budapest riverbanks to close on Monday evening, mayor warns of prolonged flood

In response to rising water levels on the Danube, Budapest authorities are preparing for serious flooding by closing the city’s riverbanks and reinforcing defences on Margaret Island with sandbags.

Mayor Gergely Karácsony has warned residents to expect a significant and prolonged flood, with the capital’s flood defence status raised to the highest alert level starting Monday.

In a video posted on Facebook, Mayor Karácsony expressed concern that the upcoming flood could last for an extended period due to continuous rainfall in the Danube’s catchment area.

Starting at 8 PM on Monday, both the Pest and Buda lower riverbanks will be closed to the public.

According to the mayor’s office, the flood alert level will increase to third degree as of Monday, based on updated forecasts. The latest projections suggest that water levels could rise by one meter per day in Budapest, with the river potentially cresting above 8 meters by midweek.

Given the severity of the situation, Mayor Karácsony announced that as of midnight on Monday, flood defences will be ramped up citywide. The city’s flood management team will implement a number of measures in response to the rising water. Among the planned actions, the Budapest Sewage Works Company will close flood barriers along Nánási and Királyok roads and construct a four-kilometre-long clay embankment, standing one meter tall and four meters wide.

As a result, Királyok Road will be closed to traffic starting Monday, Economx reports. On Margaret Island, lower-lying areas will be fortified with sandbags, with high-powered machinery brought in to assist. If necessary, authorities may also close the island entirely to both vehicles and pedestrians later in the week. Floodwaters are expected to reach the lower riverbanks on Tuesday, 17 September.

Sections of the Pest embankment, already closed for a weekend event, will remain shut until floodwaters recede.

Additionally, the entirety of the Pest and Buda lower riverbanks will close from 8 PM on Monday. From midnight on Saturday, parking along the riverbanks will be prohibited, with any remaining vehicles towed away by the city’s enforcement agency on Monday.

Public transportation in flood-prone areas along the river could also be affected, with further details to be announced early next week, depending on how the situation develops.

On Budapest’s Castle Hill, by the bank of the river Danube, sits Fisherman’s Bastion in all its beauty. The structure is a symbol of both architectural brilliance and historical importance, overlooking the capital with an enchanting appearance that seems drawn from fairy tales.

Visitors can enjoy the breath-taking panoramic view it offers while also paying homage to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Designed and built by Frigyes Schulek as a component of Hungary’s wide-ranging urban restoration plan that celebrates its millennium, the Fisherman’s Bastion was built from 1895 to 1902.

A combination of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque styles was employed by the architect, who got his inspiration from medieval architecture and historical romanticism to make an impressive fortress-like structure with whimsical aspects.

The Fisherman’s Bastion got its name in honor of the guild of fishermen who protected this part of the city walls during medieval times. Although it was originally built for defence purposes, today it serves as a serene attraction where visitors come from all over the world to appreciate its striking architecture and breath-taking views.

The Fisherman’s Bastion’s seven charming towers represent the seven Magyar tribes that established Hungary in the 9th century. Ornated with stone engravings, turrets, and arches, these structures enrich the view of the Budapest sky as an astonishing sight to behold at sunset.

The panoramic terrace, with its wide view of Budapest’s famous landmarks, is undoubtedly the highlight of any visit to Fisherman’s Bastion. From this spot, you can also see the Hungarian Parliament Building, the beautiful Chain Bridge that crosses the Danube, and many other historic churches, castles, and thermal baths that are spread out across the city. The Fisherman’s Bastion’s balconies and colonnades are decorated with complex patterns, sculptures, and carvings that show important events from Hungarian mythology and folklore.

The sight is also a beloved venue for weddings, concerts, and other events with its romantic feel and classic beauty. Walking throught the streets of the nearby Castle District, you can admire the beautyful surrounding scenery, including Buda Castle, Matthias Church and the Hungarian National Gallery. Strolling along these cobblestone streets gives you the sense of traveling through time and shows you fascinating details about Budapest’s past.

As night falls over the Danube River and the city lights up, the Fisherman’s Bastion’s magic continues to shine everyone to enjoy its timeless beauty forevermore!

… and now let’s see how well you understood the article! Decide whether the statements are true or false!

• The Fisherman’s Bastion was originally built for defensive purposes but now serves as a tourist attraction.
• Frigyes Schulek, the architect, drew inspiration from medieval architecture and historical romanticism.
• The Fisherman’s Bastion has seven towers, each representing one of the seven Magyar tribes that established Hungary in the 9th century.
• The Fisherman’s Bastion offers views of Budapest’s landmarks, including the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Chain Bridge.
• Nighttime enhances the appeal of the Fisherman’s Bastion as it continues to shine with its timeless beauty.

At almost 600 square kilometres, Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe. It’s so big, in fact, that it’s often referred to as the Hungarian Sea, and sunseekers have flocked to its shores for decades. The nearby sulphuric waters of Héviz, meanwhile, are said to have medicinal qualities, and are believed to cure rheumatic ailments, aches and pains.

2. You can make the most of the healing waters indoors, too

Thanks to an abundance of natural hot springs, Hungary can boast around 450 public spas and bathhouses. A prominent bathing culture has existed since Roman times; it is supposedly the best cure for a hangover – or “cat’s wail” as the Hungarian term macskajaj translates.

3. Hungarians are mightily inventive

Notable inventions include the Rubik’s Cube (by sculptor and professor Ernő Rubik, 1974), the krypton electric bulb (by physicist Imre Bródy in 1937), and the biro, patented in 1938 by journalist László Bíró.

4. And jolly Nobel, too

Hungary has produced 13 Nobel laureates to date – more per capita than the likes of Finland, Spain, Canada and Australia – bagging every category except peace.

5. There’s a statue that will make you a great writer

Touching the pen of the statue of Anonymus in Budapest’s City Park will, legend has it, bless you with great writing abilities. You may not believe it, but the shiny surface of the pen suggests that many still do.

6. It is home to the world’s first official wine region

Put your glass of Bordeaux aside; King Károly made official Hungary’s Tokaj region – where wine has been produced since the 5th century – 120 years earlier.

7. And the master of escapology

Erich Weisz, better known as illusionist Harry Houdini, was born in Budapest in 1874 before earning his fame escaping from handcuffs, strait jackets and a Chinese Water Cell.

8. Pálinka is considered the cure of all ails

Refuse a shot of the ubiquitous fruit brandy and risk causing great insult – not to mention confusion. Hungarian nagymamák (grandmas) swear by its powers. Have a headache? Pálinka. Menstrual pains? Pálinka. Feeling nervous? Pálinka. As the saying goes: “Pálinka in small amounts is a medicine, in large amounts a remedy”. Palinka is the cure of that headache, not the cause.

9. It is considered rude to clink your beer glasses

Legend has it that when the 1848 Hungarian revolution against the Habsburgs was defeated, 13 Hungarian generals were executed, with the Austrians clinking their beer glasses after each execution. As a result, Hungarians vowed not to cheers with beer for 150 years – and while the time has passed, the custom remains. Eye contact is a must when Egészségedre-ing anything else, though.

10. Water polo is a national sport

Quite possibly the most famous game of water polo in history was the bloody play-off between Hungary and the USSR at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, in which Hungary won 4-0 before the game was called off to avoid a riotous outbreak. The 2000 Olympics (held in Sydney) also introduced a women’s tournament to the sport.

11. The world’s best female chess champion is Hungarian

Judit Polgár acquired the title of grandmaster at the tender age of 15 in 1991 – a record. The game is played everywhere in Hungary – including on floating boards in the thermal baths. Judit Polgár is still considered one of the best female chess players in the world.

12. The number 96 is very important

The crowning of Árpád as first king of the Magyars (Hungarian people) marked the beginning of the Hungarian state in 896. Budapest’s metro was built on the country’s millennial anniversary in 1896. By law, buildings in Budapest must not exceed 96 feet, and the Hungarian national anthem should be sung in 96 seconds – if done at the proper tempo.

13. So is paprika

Once traded with communists for hard currency, today more than 1,000 tons of the spice are produced annually in Hungary. There are two paprika museums, in Szeged and Röszke, which give an insight into the industry as well as a spicy sample.

14. It’s where the word ‘coach’ comes from

Or Kocs to be precise – the town where the vehicles are said to have first appeared in the 16th century.

15. Budapest has continental Europe’s oldest metro

Beginning operations in 1896, it is also the second oldest electrically operated underground railway in the world, predated only by the London Underground.

16. As well as a natural underground labyrinth

The world’s largest geothermal cave system can be found underneath the capital and is made up of some 200 subterranean chambers. While most explorations are only available to qualified visitors, a number of show caves such as Szemlő-hegy and Molnár János can be viewed from a distance with just a hard hat.

17. Budapest has the second largest synagogue in the world

Seating 3,000, the Dohany Street Synagogue is the largest in Europe and part of the Budapest Unesco World Heritage Site.

The Dohány Street Synagogue survived substantial bombing during Nazi Occupation but was restored – and remains one of the most impressive synagogues in the world.

18. And some of the most intriguing watering holes

A beer in one of Budapest’s ruin pubs is a must when visiting the city. The pubs or kerts quite literally sit inside the many bombed out and bullet marked “ruins” of buildings, and as well as being an interesting place for a Pálinka, many hold farmers’ markets and community gatherings too.

19. Hollywood would not be Hollywood without Hungarians

Paramount Pictures founder Adolf Zukor, Vilmos Fried – more commonly known as William Fox – and Casablanca director Michael Curtiz (formerly Mano Kaminer) all heralded from Hungary.

20. Neither would Dracula

Count Dracula is believed to have been based on the 15th century villain Vlad the Impaler, who terrorized Wallachia (formerly part of Hungary) until he was jailed by King Matthias.

21. Elvis Presley is an honorary citizen of Budapest

Posthumous citizenship was awarded to the musician in 2011 in recognition of his somewhat heroic status after a performance of “Peace in the Valley” on American television brought attention to the 1956 revolution. The accolade is also recognised in a local landmark, Elvis Presley Boulevard, dedicated to the star.

22. Tourists to the capital prefer pinball to historic sites

Opened in 2015, Budapest Pinball Museum houses over 130 classic machines and scores higher on TripAdvisor’s attraction ratings than Heroes’ Square, Buda Castle or Liberty Bridge.

23. It has some real railway children

The Gyermekvasút Railway that runs through Buda hills between Széchenyi Hill and Hűvösvölgy stations is run almost exclusively by 10-14 year-olds from local schools who make up the ticket sellers and conductors, man the switch points and sell station memorabilia.

24. Hungarian names are regulated by law

Parents are subject to a naming law when it comes to choosing what to call their children. Names must come from a pre-approved list – any deviations from which must be approved by application to the Research Institute for Linguistics of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. No Brooklyns there, then.

25. The language is very, very tricky

The Hungarian language is part of the Finno-Ugrian language family and thought to be one of the most difficult languages in the world to learn. It is said that English has more in common with Russian.

source: The Telegraph

Who invented or discovered what? Can you make pairs?

Key

1. d.

2. a.

3. e.

4. b.

5. c.

Street art, murals, and graffiti

The spontaneous and somewhat mischievous efforts of local painters gave rise to the street art culture in Budapest. As the city around them grew, they saw more and more courtyards surrounded by ugly, empty walls. They decided to give these courtyards some life.

Locals were so moved by the new colour it brought to their lives that, rather than denouncing them as graffiti, they celebrated them as masterpieces, and soon, searching for new ones became a game for the community.

Street art reflecting culture, history, and lifestyle

One of the recurring themes of the murals painted on the city’s walls is honouring the individuals who have contributed to Hungary’s diverse culture.

Hungarian culture is an intriguing thing that has evolved over more than a thousand years and has been impacted by the various civilizations and empires that have claimed the nation throughout time. Hungary is known for its creativity. Many mathematicians and physicists have done groundbreaking work in the country over the years.

Another reoccurring theme in the street art scene in Budapest is commemorating Hungarian history, mainly by paying tribute to the heroes of the country. Hungary’s more than a thousand-year history has inspired plenty of artists to paint on the boring city walls.

Returning to the present, numerous murals perfectly represent the energy and excitement of Budapest’s metropolitan culture. The city is rapidly expanding, is beloved by foreigners and visitors from all over the world, and has much to be proud of, which gives plenty of explanation as to why so many streets and walls are covered with quirky, colourful paintings reflecting the life in Budapest.

The Rubik’s cube mural, Dob Street

The Rubik’s Cube, created by Hungarian Ernő Rubik, is a straightforward toy that has delighted millions of people over the years. This is commemorated in Erzsébetváros by a 3D Rubik’s cube made from thousands of radiating and vibrant dots. According to the artist, the piece is a reflection on the idea that, like the Rubik’s Cube, “there is always a solution—and not just one”—to problems in life.

Man of the Year, Wesselényi Street

A key event for the city was the 1956 revolution. Despite failing to entirely destroy Communism, citizens were able to secure significant reforms that gave Hungary a much more liberal environment than many of its neighbours.

The Man of the Year mural honours the soldiers who fought for freedom by simply copying the iconic Time Magazine cover created by Boris Chaliapin for the occasion.

Portrait of Angel Sanz Briz, Dob Street

An eye-catching, almost Cubist mural is perched on a firewall above a restaurant as you enter Dob Street in the Jewish Quarter. It shows a man against a bizarre, vivid background. The painting was created by Spanish artist Okuda San Miguel in honour of Spanish diplomat Angel Sanz Briz, who in 1944 saved as many as 5,000 Hungarian Jews from the Holocaust.

The Spanish Embassy in Hungary helped fund the mural in the former Jewish Ghetto to honour the man referred to as the “Angel of Budapest” or the “Spanish Schindler.”

6:3, Rumbach Sebestyén Street

Hungary used to be quite good at football. Stars of the time, Öcsi Puskás and his “Golden Team” defeated every opponent they faced on the pitch. However, their 6-3 victory over England stands out as their most famous triumph, and this mural honours it.

This charming piece, which is set up as a photo, news articles, and a football, serves as a reminder of a happier Hungary’s athletic past.

Sunrise or Sunset, Kazinczy Street

This artwork, located in the centre of the party district, is based on the Hungarian dichotomy “Sunrise, or sunset.” It serves as a kind of map for visitors, suggesting all that the neighbourhood has to offer, both during the day and at night. The map highlights some of the most popular bars and restaurants in the surrounding streets.

Budapest isn’t too small, Kazinczy Street

As if the opposite of the Sunrise or Sunset painting, this mural, which also resembles a map and is placed in Kazinczy Street, serves more as a call to leave the Jewish Quarter and have a brief tour of the rest of the city. When the party area is compared to the rest of the city as it is done here, the party district may appear large to visitors, but you’ll quickly be yearning to explore and get to the other parts of the city.

Funzine debunks some of the most exciting secrets of this artistic creation.

ORIGINAL IDEA: A MALE FIGURE?

Myth: Word claims that the Liberty Statue was supposed to be honouring István Horthy, the son of Miklós Horthy. István died from his wounds, suffered when his plane crashed in 1942. Although his statue was finished by 1944, it was never erected due to the German occupation and bombing of Budapest.

Truth: there were no talks about a Liberty Statue illustrating István Horthy. The idea of erecting a statue atop Gellért Hill came in 1945 to commemorate the Soviet soldiers fallen in WWII and was modelled after Erzsébet Thuránszky. The 54-metre-tall statue was finished in April 1947 and was supposed to be erected at the Horváth garden behind Buda Castle, but the Soviets were not keen on the location, as it would not have gotten much attention there.

SACRIFICES MADE FOR THE SAKE OF ART

The Liberty Statue was made by Zsigmond Kisfaludi Strobl, who actually had something to do with the Horthy family, as he was commissioned for three Horthy statues. Strobl arrived in Budapest from Sopron for this purpose, and he met the model by accident on the corners of Dózsa György Street and Thököly Street.

Since he asked her to be his model right on the spot, Erzsébet thought him to be a satyr. The young woman finally said yes when the artist revealed who he was. Erzsébet was not offered payment for modelling, and she did not even ask for any money. The woman worked as an x-ray assistant at a sanatorium in Sopron.

Some of the sacrifices that Erzsébet had to make included cutting her hair short and holding a palm branch above her head for hours, while cold air was blown at her with the help of a ventilator to create the natural, windy flow of the statue.

FROM LIBERATION STATUE TO LIBERTY STATUE

The statue was originally referred to as the Liberation Statue, but when the communist regime ended in Hungary, and the statue was renovated, the inscriptions and plaques written in Cyrillic letters resembling Soviet ideologies were removed. Thanks to the change in the political system and the removal of Soviet items, the name of the statue was changed from Liberation to Liberty.

A SPACE TRIP

Even though only a small version of the Liberty Statue was taken to space by the first Hungarian astronaut, Bertalan Farkas in 1980, Hungarians like to associate the miniature with the original,thereby claiming that the Liberty Statue has been to space. After all, it does sound nice that the Moon is a great admirer too of Budapest’s iconic statue, right?

source: Daily News Hungary

Budapest is becoming a popular place among digital nomads

Hungary’s capital is extremely popular with digital nomads, as evidenced by nomadlist.com, a statistics site that provides them with basic information.

In July 2021, a government resolution was adopted on Hungary’s support for the entry and temporary settlement of digital nomads, and in November, the Parliament voted in favour of it, as schengenvisainfo.com reported.

Digital nomads have to apply for a so-called White Card in the country of their choice. However, not everyone can apply for one: for instance, a person who has already applied for a residence permit in Hungary for other purposes, such as studying, cannot apply for a White Card. Citizens of EEA member states (EU member states, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) cannot apply for a White Card, as they are subject to different entry-stay rules.

In Hungary, the White Card is available from 1 January 2022 and it can help the further development of start-ups in the Hungarian tech sector and also reduce the labour shortage in the sector.

It is estimated that there are currently around 3-5 thousand digital nomads working in Budapest. In the summer season, this number could jump to 8-10 thousand, but this includes European arrivals.

source: Daily News Hungary

Váci Street

Váci Street is the most renowned pedestrian shopping street of Budapest. It stretches between Vörösmarty Square and the Great Market Hall and runs parallel to the Danube. It’s a bustling, lively street swarmed by tourists. The street is lined with clothing, accessory, souvenir and gift shops and a number of restaurants. In the past, the street used to be a place for women to show off. High-society ladies bought their clothes here. Nowadays the Váci Street shops are more to the eye as they are quite overpriced because of the high number of tourists. The Art Nouveau-styled Philanthia flower shop is a surviving relic of Váci Street’s earlier elegance. At Vörösmarty Square the famous Gerbeaud Confectionery is a treat for the eyes with its stunning architecture and grand chandeliers inside. Their delicious cakes and ice cream are not to be missed if you have a sweet tooth and they serve very good coffee.

Andrássy Avenue

Andrássy Avenue is called the Hungarian Champs-Élysées and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. It was built for the millennial celebrations of 1896. It’s a long walk as its entire length is 2.5 kilometres from Erzsébet Square to Heroes’ Square. But it’s definitely worth the walk as you can see spectacular sights on the way. The avenue is divided into four parts. The part between Erzsébet Square and Oktogon is lined by shops of world-famous luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Burberry. You’ll also find the majestic Hungarian State Opera House, the “Broadway of Pest” with many theatres, Liszt Ferenc Square, and the Paris Department Store here. From Oktogon to Kodály körönd, the avenue is expanded by a service road and a tree-lined leafy walkway on each side. Here there are mostly residential buildings and also the House of Terror museum. Between Kodály körönd and Bajza Street, the palaces have front yards. From Bajza Street to Heroes’ Square there are individual villas with beautiful gardens, several embassies, and art galleries and cafés on the way and the Ferenc Hopp Museum of Asian Arts. If you are tired after the long walk at Heroes’ Square you can get on the spectacular Millennium underground line and get back to Erzsébet Square.

Ráday Street

Ráday Street connects Kálvin Square with Boráros Square in the 9^th district. It’s a pedestrian street and it has a special character because of the lots of cafés, bars, restaurants, eateries, and galleries located here. They offer dishes from various parts of the world e.g. America, Hungary, Asia, and Italy. The neighbourhood is often referred to as ‘Budapest Soho’. Some venues offer live music like Rombusz Terasz, Púder, and iF Jazz Café. Budapest’s first restaurant to receive a Michelin star, Costes, founded by Sziget Festival founder Károly Gerendai is also located in Ráday Street. Besides all the culinary places there is also the Ferencvárosi Helytörténeti Gyűjtemény (History Museum), the Ráday Library and Károli Gáspár University’s Faculty of Theology to admire in this street.

Bartók Béla Boulevard (BBB)

Stretching from Gellért Square to Móricz Zsigmond Square this street is a buzzing cultural street of Budapest. Plenty of events are organized by the residents of the area that are worth attending if you are interested in contemporary art and culture. There are many galleries (Faur Zsófi Gallery, Gross Arnold Atelier), old and new cafés (Hadik, Szatyor, Addicted2Caffeine). About a century ago, the Hadik Café was a regular hangout for some of Hungary’s greatest writers, e.g. Frigyes Karinthy, Dezső Kosztolányi, Zsigmond Móricz. Today following in their footsteps it is again frequently filled with artists of various genres. We can taste Polish specialties at Gdansk Bookshop and Café, Spanish tapas at La Nube, and Eastern treats at Kelet Café. Vegan Love is one of Budapest’s best street-food places with animal-free dishes.

Király Street

Running parallel to Andrássy Avenue, this historic street is a modern cultural hub in the heart of Pest. It is full of modern art galleries, eateries and bars, interior design and furniture shops and little funky boutiques. It is also known as Budapest’s Design Street. Király Street used to be the outer boundary of the former Jewish quarter and the recently renovated Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music is also found here. It’s one of the entrances to the passage of Gozsdu udvar which feels like an entirely separate part of the city with its busy and many-style eating and drinking places. The street has a vibrant nightlife and the sight of the street at night is quite different from what it shows during the day. If you feel like going on a night walk in Budapest, Király Street is the place to go.