Fishing

Similar to the UK in that fishing is very popular but much smaller population – 10 million versus 60 million in UK.

Hungarians have a tendency to eat the fish they catch so you may receive some strange looks when you throw a fish back

Warm clean waters results in some big catches – in particular Carp, Bream, Pike and Cat fish

Hungary hosted the 2007 World Fishing Championship at Lake Velence – an area between Budapest and Lake Balaton

Some beautiful fishing areas - and as keen fishermen ourselves we can give you some specialist advice.

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Sailing

Sailing is the most popular water sport on Lake Balaton after swimming.

The competitions and races appeal mostly to skilled competitors although the broad expanse of water is ideal for pleasure sailing as well.

The number of landing stages and marinas is increasing year on year with in-expensive moorings available along the entire shore line.

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Horse Riding

Horse riding is a popular attraction all over Hungary

Horses played a very important part in Hungarian history and in the lives of Hungarian people and this is reflected today in the high number of so many good riding facilities – riding schools, stables and clubs.

There are many organised treks throughout the beautiful countryside with trained horse experts at hand to guide you at prices a fraction of what you would pay in the UK.

We have a full list of over 150 equestrian centres and the ones which speak English

For further information please contact
01942 254867 for details

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Bird Watching

Hungary has a fantastic reputation and rightly so

Its birdlife is special because many eastern species reach their westernmost breeding point here. The superb unspoilt natural environment of lakes, reeds, forest, wetlands, rivers remain both very diverse and unique to other parts of Europe.

It is not uncommon to spot over 200 different species in a weeks holiday

The most productive times to visit are during Spring – March / April / May and Autumn – August / Sept / Oct migrations

The Cormorant is common as are all different species of Heron

The white stork can be seen nesting on tops of telegraph poles in many villages

Other species include little bittern, great white egret, roller, great bustard, crane, red footed falcon, imperial eagle, ferruginous duck and black stork

Certain areas in the National Parks you need to visit with a licensed guide

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Walking

Hungary is known for its extremely diverse natural landscape, including unspoilt marshland, steppes, bogs, river flats, pastures, forests and meadows, all populated by the fascinating flora and fauna typical of the region

With 9 National Parks and an equal number of Nature Parks along with 11,000 km of marked tourist paths Hungary is ideal walking country

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Biking

With many km of dedicated cycle paths riding a bike in Hungary is an absolute pleasure.

With a small population and relatively low car ownership rate roads even in urban areas remain clear

Bikes can be hired from outlets all over Hungary

Dedicated cycle routes exist and range from the 200km trek around Lake Balaton to the 5km cycle route around town through to the more strenuous off road sections through beautiful unspoilt countryside

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Health

Hippocrates, the father of medicine was the first to say that "nature cures illness". Nature for sure has been very kind to Hungary. You will find here one of the world's most abundant supplies of thermal and medicinal waters. The spa culture has a history of 2000 years in Hungary going back to the Roman era.

There are over 1300 known thermal springs with almost 300 used for bathing

Experienced doctors and well qualified staff are on hand to care for visitors at the medicinal baths, sanatoriums, health spas and wellness hotels which have been built around these waters. The treatments are custom-tailored and a special treatment package is put together based on a preliminary consultation to establish a person’s physical condition. The possible variations of treatment are virtually unlimited.

We recommend the Thermal Spa at Agard near Lake Velence( between Budapest and Lake Balaton ) where the water temperature is 62 deg C at the spring

There are several clinics in Heviz specialising in Rheumatology and Physical therapy.

• Hungary is famous for its abundance of thermal and medicinal waters and as a consequence there are many hotels and clinics specialising in health treatments.li>
• Hungary has a spa culture dating back over 2000 years and was even popular during Roman times. Medicinal water is mineral water having been shown to produce curative effects including treatment of mobility and skin complaints or in the form of drinking cures, for kidney and metabolism disorders and stomach ailments.
• Hungary is a major centre for the promotion of natural well being.
• Hungary is a centre for medical excellence with many specialist hospitals, including one of the most respected specialist Heart Centres in Europe.
• Hungary is an ideal location to recuperate and rejuvenate.
• As Hungary is a member of the EU, UK citizens should qualify for health benefits under the Hungarian National Health Service (OTBF) provided you are of pensionable age (E121).
• Those below pensionable age will need to be covered by insurance if living permanently in Hungary - Up to two years free medical care is available to British people moving to Hungary who are up to date with their UK National Insurance contributions. This can be obtained by applying for form E106 from the DHSS at Newcastle upon Tyne 
• Holidaymakers who have an E111 will be covered for emergency treatment although it is always recommended that you take out specialist travel insurance. Treatment can be received from surgeries displaying the OEP sign which indicates they are contracted to the Hungarian National Health Fund. Doctor's consultations are free and many doctors speak English
• Emergency Dental treatment is usually free. Where a doctor or dentist issues a prescription you will have to pay between 10% and 90% of the cost of the medicine
• There are an abundance of private medical and dental practices in Hungary whose charges are modest in comparison with the West. Many from West Europe travel to Hungary for their medical and dental needs.
• The tap water in Hungary is generally safe to drink.

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Golf

Two new 18 hole golf courses have been opened on the north shore of Lake Balaton. With spectacular views over the lake, green fees are relatively inexpensive at £40 a round. Annual club membership is also available.

A new 18 hole course at Balatonudvari near to Tihany opened in 2008. There is also a driving range. The Royal Balaton Golf & Yacht Club boasts some fantastic views over Lake Balaton.

On the north west corner of Lake Balaton the Imperial Balaton Golf course near Keszthely has a driving range open and the 18 hole course has now been completed.

Golf is becoming more and more popular in Hungary as the number of Hungarian golf courses increase.

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Hunting

Many hunting areas are located around Lake Balaton. The areas are rich in game eg. Wild Boar, Deer and rabbits and are accessible to everyone at very reasonable rates

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Skiing

The ski slope in Epleny, just north of Veszprem is Hungary's longest - a 500 metre slope and one lift can be used

The facility located on Eplény's Ámos Hill is open until 9 p.m. daily and can accommodate 400 to 500 skiers, and if weather permits, all four and a half kilometers will be opened. Three old slopes have been extended and three new ones built, including a 120-meter training slope. The facility's five lifts can carry 3,000 people every hour. Guests can rest at a restaurant or pension.

Austria is only 2 hrs by car and the Tatras mountains in Slovakia are only 3.5 hrs away for excellent low cost skiing.