Most people visiting Hungary think Budapest is the historic center of the country but Hungary was actually born inEsztergom
To catch the train from Budapest to Esztergom, depart from the Budapest Nyugati Pályaudvar station, which has frequent trains that take about an hour to arrive. Tickets cost around US$3.25 one way. From the Esztergom train station, you can easily walk to the castle or take a bus to go to the city center.Confirm train schedules before starting out.
Of course Budapest is the modern heart of Hungary but don’t pass up a visit to historic Esztergom. Located in northwestern Hungary it was the original capital of a unified Hungary and sits on the Danube River on the border with Slovakia.
Esztergom is one of the most important cities in Hungary featuring a number of significant historic buildings. It is the site of the largest church in Hungary, Esztergom Basilica, that sits on Castle Hill, with its 72 meter high central dome being seen for many miles around. The building of the present neoclassical church was begun in 1822 on the site of the original 12th-century Christian church dedicated to Saint Stephen I.
Next to the Basilica is Esztergom Castle, one of the most important surviving examples of Renaissance architecture in Hungary. It was the home of regional ruling Cardinal who died in the Battle of Mohács in 1526. By 1530, King Habsburg Ferdinand I took up residence in the castle. The unification of the country of Hungary is credited to Stephen I, also known as King Saint Stephen of Esztergom, who became the first King of Hungary around 1000 AD, who ruled until his death in 1038. Some of his major accomplishments during his reign included:
Establishing Christianity as the official religion of Hungary
Building a strong central government and creating a system of counties to govern the country
Promoted education and founded a number of schools and monasteries
Encouraged trade and commerce, and established diplomatic relations with other European kingdoms
Expanded Hungary’s borders through military campaigns and securing its position as a major power in Central Europe.]
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What five cities had the largest number of international visitors in 2024?
Every year there are more and more people traveling the world and each year there seems to be a particularly popular new destination city. Official records for major cities keep track of passport entries from specific countries and each year the numbers change. So in 2024 what was the world’s most popular tourist destinations?What were the next closest four?
What’s your selection? Hint – those cities are in the hollowing collection.
🔲 Rome 🔲 Istanbul 🔲 Sydney 🔲 Bangkok 🔲 London 🔲 Athens 🔲 Tokyo
🔲 Kuala Lumpur 🔲 Hong Kong 🔲 Macau 🔲 Paris 🔲 Lisbon 🔲 Amsterdam
🔲 Singapore 🔲 Cape Town 🔲 Los Vegas 🔲 Dubai 🔲 Lisbon 🔲 New York
Drum Roll Please…
And the worlds most popular destination city for 2024 was:
Bangkok!
Followed by #2 Istanbul #3 London #4 Hong Kong #5 Mecca*
*’it should be noted that Mecca is usually included on this list because of the Hajj, which requires all faithful Muslims to visit Mecca once in their life.
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Most visitors to Iceland have come first for the amazing scenery and well over 80% start in Reykjavík the island nations capital. If you’re considering your first visit to Iceland the fastest way to hit the ground running is to take Iceland’s Golden Circle tour. Because of its popularity there are a number of tour company options to consider or you can rent a car and take the tour on your own.
Icelands roads are well maintained, marked and easy to navigate and rental cars are reasonably priced. A one day rental will usually cost less than a tours cost for one person.
The three major sites composing Iceland’s Golden Circle sightseeing route include:
Þingvellir National Park – The park is the location where the Earth’s crust is pulling apart creating new land in its rift valley.
Geysir Geothermal Area – One of Iceland’s more active geo-thermal areas with the erupting Geysir being its centerpiece.
Gullfoss Waterfall – Iceland’s most visited waterfall and unique as it switches direction 90ª half way down.
Most guided tours will usually include a number of additional sights on their Golden Circle circuit.
The rift valley trail
Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park – There are several places on land where the Earth’s tetonic plates are actually pulling away from each other creating new land. In Iceland it’s called a rift zone and Þingvellir is the oldest of the national parks in Iceland geologically sitting atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The Þingvellir National Park is located in the southern part of the country about a 40 minute drive from Reykjavík . It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains the rift, the country’s second-largest lake, the Þingvallavatn Lake (Lake of the Parliament) and the amazing Öxarárfoss Waterfall. It also contains many hiking trails and camping grounds, and while admission to Þingvellir National Park is free there is a charge to park.
Thingvellir National Park
Geysir Geothermal Area – If the name Geysir seems a lot like geyser, the truth is that Geysir is where the name originated. While most of the geothermal area is on private land and there have been attempts to start charging, the park area is still free. The oldest accounts of Geysir in Haukadalur Valley date back to 1294, when earthquakes in Iceland caused changes in the geothermal area and created several new hot springs. Geysir is the main geyser and has been measured to reach the height of 500 feet. Seismic activity in the area has an effect on Geysir and after being dormant for a number of years, Geysir was revived by an earthquake in 2000.
Gullfoss Waterfall – Just a few miles past Geysir, on Iceland’s Golden Circle route is Gullfoss waterfall. Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions because of the sheer size of the falls and the ninety degree switch the falls takes half way down. There is plenty of parking and the visitor center has a nice restaurant, snack and gift shop with free restrooms.
Other attractions within the area of the Golden Circle include:
Kerið crater lake – is a beautiful volcanic crater lake on the Golden Circle route, filled with blue-green water with black and deep red slopes. It is believed to be an explosion crater formed 3,000 years ago.
Secret Lagoon Hot Spring – features a single pool supplied from hot and cold springs, keeping it at a perfect 100 to 104 °F. Spend time relaxing in the hot springs while viewing the beautiful landscape that includes a geyser spouting jets of hot water and steam every few minutes.
Blue Lagoon – Located in the heart of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and surrounded by moss-covered lava fields, the Blue Lagoon Iceland is a wonderland named one of the 25 Wonders of the World by National Geographic in 2012. Once perceived as little more than an unusable byproduct of Iceland’s geothermal energy production, the Blue Lagoon is now water attraction with its warm waters known for their healing, rejuvenating, and nourishing qualities.
The Sólheimajökull and Mýrdalsjökull Glaciers – Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier of the mighty icecap of Mýrdalsjökull on the South Coast of Iceland. It is one of the most easily accessible glaciers to reach from Reykjavík, just 98 miles away and is a favorite spot for glacier hiking.
The Black-sand Beaches of Vik – Reynisfjara is a black sand beach in Vík and one of the most popular black sand beaches in Iceland. It is located only two and a half hours away from Reykjavík and is worthy of a stop if you are near.
The Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls – Skogafoss is a waterfall at the cliffs of the former coastline. As the coastline receded seaward the former sea cliffs remained. Skogafoss waterfall comes from two glaciers, Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull and drops almost 200 feet. From the top of Skogafoss waterfall is an inspiring view out over south Iceland’s coastline. Seljalandsfoss is another well known waterfall in Iceland. It drops almost 100 feet and is remarkably beautiful. If there is enough time add these waterfalls to a trip on south coast.
Hellisheiði Power Plant
There are also a number of good museums and culture sites in Reykjavík along with the interesting Geothermal Energy Exhibition an interactive museum on Iceland’s volcanic processes at Hellisheiði Power Plant, just a twenty-minute drive outside Reykjavík.
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There’s something about falling water that seems to attract attention and we’ve visited more than a fewover the years.
The above waterfall complex in South America is considered by many to be on of the Eight Wonders of the Natural World.
They’re found almost everywhere and come in all sizes from incredible heights to amazing power and the good news is they often require a good hike to reach…
From top left to bottom right: Skagway Falls Alaska, Crabtree Falls The Blue Ridge Parkway, Lower Falls Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon ,Mystic Falls Yellowstone,Rainforest Dominica, Australia’s Blue Mountains, Upper Linvaiile Falls The Blue Ridge Parkway, Bridal Veil Falls Yosemite, Amicalola Falls Georgia, Chestnut Falls Chimney Rock North Carolina, Laurel Falls Smoky Mountains.
Iceland, A Fantastic Land Landscape of Waterfalls
Icelandhas more waterfalls per square mile than any other place on Earth.
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Late last summer we spent a couple of weeks driving around the north Georgia mountains, hiking and visiting wineries. Georgia wines are really worth experiencing. In general, their quality is good and the wineries were fun to visit. We had planned this trip for the spring but than had to postpone and didn’t update our information before heading out. We discovered too late that many of the wineries had reduced their hours for summer or were closed when we tried to visit, so we had to modify some of our plan. Be sure and update days and hours before you head out and also pricing, as each winery has a different charge for sampling.
We started out driving north through Atlanta stopping for lunch at the famous
Atlanta Botanical Garden in Gainesville
Varsity Hot Dogs next to the campus of Georgia Tech. We had heard a lot about this institution and it turned out to be much bigger than we expected and the food was remarkably good. After lunch we left Atlanta heading for the small town of Oakwood and our first night on this roadtrip.
Amicalola Falls
Early the next morning we headed for the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Gainesville. The gardens are interesting and diverse featuring over 1,200 different plants including 80 varieties of magnolias, oaks and maples. There are some nice lily ponds and a mountain stream flowing through the garden. The gardens are also home to an impressive concert series in the summer.
From the gardens we drove to Amicalola Falls Lodge inside the state park. The lodge was great, with modern, well furnished rooms. It sits atop the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast (729 feet). The falls are paralleled by a staircase with 604 steps and the park is also crossed by The Appalachian Trail. That evening it was a treat sitting out on the deck of the lodge watching a mountain sunset. The Lodge also has a nice restaurant with reasonable prices.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards
While in the area we visited The Cottage Winery in Cleveland, and Cavendar Creek Vineyards, Montaluce Winery and Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery near Dahlonega, Georgia. Dahlonega is a quant mountain town that also offers tasting rooms for many of the areas wineries – sort of one stop shopping and tasting.
Helen, Georgia
Tubing thru Helen
From Dahlonega we traveled over to the Alpine town of Helen. The town has been a tourist destination for years. Our first stop in Helen was the Habersham Winery with a nice tasting presentation and gift shop. Years ago after a factory closing the town rebuilt itself as an Alpine village featuring Bavarian food and gifts and offers a number of interesting restaurants and accommodations. The town is also popular for the tubing stream that flows through it. We had lunch at The Old Bavaria Inn, an old-world tavern specializing in imported beers and classic German fare.
Helen, Georgia
After Helen we drove up Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia at 4,784 feet above sea level. While at the National Park Service facility at the top we got caught in a thunderstorm which brought a bit of excitement to the afternoon, with lightening, thunder and clouds rolling by. After the storm we drove to Hiawassee on Lake Chatuge, checked in to The Lake Chatuge Lodge and then visited the Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris for Friday happy hour. It appeared that we should have made reservations as it is a very popular evening event in the area. The staff, however, was very accommodating and we bought cheese, crackers and a bottle of their dry rosé that make a great ending to the day.
The Chatuge Lodge is within walking distance of the Fred Hamilton Gardens and the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds opened in 1978, and are home
Crane Creek Vineyards
to several popular events throughout the year including the Georgia Mountain Fair, Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruizin, Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, Superstar concerts, and Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers’ Convention. Any of those events have impact on room availability and rates, so if you’re planning on going, check dates and make plans well in advance. In the same area we also visited Odom Springs and Paradise Hills Wineries.
We left the lake early Sunday morning and headed for brunch at Tiger Mountain Vineyards & Winery which turned out to be the high point of the trip. The wine and food were delicious. Their Red Barn Café was selected as a top-ten winery restaurant by USA Today and our wine choice, Petit Manseng won a gold medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. We would highly recommend this Sunday Brunch.
Red Barn Café
After leaving brunch we made a brief stop at “Goats on the Roof” in Tiger, a throwback tourist stop featuring gifts, food, ice cream and yes – goats on the roof. We then headed for Tallulah Gorge and another long hike. This is a beautiful and rugged area and was the setting of the Burt Reynolds movie Deliverance as well as Disney’s movie, The Great Train Chase.
Tallulah has an interesting visitors’ center and a number of trails with steps that go to Tempeste and Hurricane Falls and then further down into the gorge. To go beyond the main trail into the creek to slide on the rocks, you need to get a permit from the Visitor’s Center. Only a small number are issued each morning so you need to be there when the park opens.
Tallulah Gorge
After a day in the gorge we headed for Mark of the Potter in Clarkesville, an interesting store featuring local pottery and crafts. Then it was on to Savannah and the next part of our adventure. More on Savannah, Georgia soon…
North Georgia Wineries
CAVENDER CREEK VINEYARDS AND WINERY 3610 Cavender Creek Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533 Phone: 770-823-9255
CENITA VINEYARDS, WINERY AND TASTING ROOM 591 Dock Dorsey Road, Cleveland, GA 30528 Phone: 706-865-7478
CHATEAU MEICHTRY VINEYARDS . 1862 Orchard Lane, Talking Rock, GA 30175 Phone: 706-502-1608
CRANE CREEK VINEYARDS 916 Crane Creek Road, Young Harris, GA 30582 Phone: 706-379-1236
ENGELHEIM VINEYARDS 127 Lakeview Road, Ellijay, GA 30540 Phone: 706-635-9463
FAINTING GOAT VINEYARDS 201 Vineyard Way, Jasper, GA 30143
HABERSHAM WINERY 7025 S. Main St., Helen, GA 30545 Phone: 706-878-9463
HIGHTOWER CREEK VINEYARDS, LLC 7150 Canaan Drive, Hiawassee, GA 30546 Phone: 706-896-8963
MONTALUCE WINERY & ESTATES 501 Hightower Church Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533 Phone: 706-867-4060
Iceland – A Land Glaciers, Volcanos And Boiling Water
Going to Akureyri on the Eyjafjörður (a fjord) we sail past a very unusual sight – a steamingwaterfall plunging into the fjord. Later when inquiring we learn that the Icelandic Highway Department was digging a highway tunnel through a hillside when they hit a boiling water under groumd stream. While there are future plans to use the find to generate electricity, for now they are simple piping it out the the side of the hill to become a boiling waterfall. There is also interest from a company that would like to build a spa on the hillside to take advantage of the free hot water.
Explore Iceland and discover a land of amazing contrasts. Frozen landscapes accented by falling water, volcanic eruptions, boiling streams and geysers.
Float in a popular hot water lagoon and visit a valley that is literally being formed before your eyes by a widening rift. This is Iceland…
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