Debrecen

A quick guide to Hungary's second city

Everyone knows of Budapest, the jewel on the Danube. How many have ventured to Hungary's second largest city, Debrecen? Few I would guess.

Just a couple of hours on the train, (the inter-city is fast and comfortable), Debrecen holds a wealth of fun for those brave enough to try. Once the capital of the county, it boasts a fine university, where many non Hungarian nationals study, so as you can imagine, English, German and French are widely spoken.

For those with a cultural bent, Modem is a superb museum for it's (relatively), small size. And there's the opportunity to visit the local theatre, as long as you can cope with a play in Hungarian.

If you have leisure on their mind, Aquaticum has a superb thermal bath complex, alongside a meditteranean facility, offering fun for all ages. About 20 mins outside Debrecen, near Vamospercs, is one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses I have ever seen- surely a championship course of the future- which benefits from having very few local golfers play it, offering wide open fairways. http://www.boya-eagles-golf.hu/angol/index.php?page=engallery

About an hour away, across the flat plain of Hortobagy, is Lake Tisza- swimming, fishing, canoeing and the opportunity to view some spectaluar landscapes await. http://www.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&expIds=17259,26696,27463,27585,27690,27744&xhr=t&q=lake+tisza&cp=8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=KEztTNvfEYuFhQev3I3ODA&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&sqi=2&ved=0CDMQsAQwAg&biw=1366&bih=526

There are a range of very reasonably priced hotels in Debrecen, all within striking distance of the main thoroughfare, http://www.panoramio.com/photo/1573683 where events such as Fish Day, Turkey Day and the wonderfully understated Christmas Market are held, as well as many musical events, and the Debrecen Flower Festival- http://hungarystartshere.com/Debrecen-Flower-Parade-and-Carnival-Week-Debrecen. Most of these events are free of carge, although you may have to pay to be seated at some.

Music lovers can attend Campus Fesztival, close to the university, or the wonderful Jazz music festival in mid- late September.

The people are welcoming and freindly, however, if you want the best of all possible introductions to the city, visit American Corner (http://americancorner.hu/htmls/ac_debrecen.html) where you can be sure of a great reception.

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