HUNGARIAN PRESIDENCY 2017/2018 OF THE VISEGRAD GROUP SETTLEMENTS 30. 1. Budapest 26. Auschwitz-Birkenau 2. Bratislava 27. Český Krumlov 3. Warsaw 28. Olomouc 4. Prague 29. Selmecbánya 13. 5. Visegrád 30. Gdańsk 6. Krakow 31. Komárom 12. 7. Szentendre 32. Trencsén 3. WARSAW 8. Gödöllő 33. Árva 14. GERMANY 9. Eger 34. Zólyom 10. Pécs 35. Zakopane 11. Esztergom 36. Mariánské Lázně 42. 12. Żelazowa Wola 37. Janské Lázně 37. 13. Sierpc 38. Zalakaros 6. 17. 4. PRAGUE 26. 14. Łódź 39. Hévíz 25. 36. 15. 28. UKRAINE 18. 16. 49. 15. Kutná Hora 40. Harkány 35. 45. 33. 16. Teletín 41. Bükfürdő 50. 24. 44. 47. 17. Karlovy Vary 42. Kamień Śląski 32. 27. 22. 48. 20. 18. Plzeň 43. Pöstyén 43. 29. 34. 23. 19. Vöröskő 44. Trencsénteplic 19. 46. 2. BRATISLAVA 20. Szomolány 45. Zsolna 11. 9. 31. 21. Pannonhalma 46. Mád AUSTRIA 5. 7. 8. 21. 22. Besztercebánya 47. Chopok 41. 1. BUDAPEST 23. Garamszentbenedek 48. Donovaly 24. Brno 49. Kutná Horá 39. ROMANIA 25. Tyniec 50. Luhačovice 38. 10. SLOVENIA 40. WARSAW PRAGUE Distance Budapest Bratislava 200 km IMPRINT Budapest Prague 525 km Published by Hungarian Tourism Agency, Dr Zoltán Guller, CEO of Hungarian Tourism Agency BRATISLAVA BUDAPEST Budapest Warsaw 780 km 15-23 Kacsa Street, 1027 Budapest, Hungary Phone: +36 1 488 8700 Bratislava Prague 328 km Designed, produced and edited by Lounge Design Ltd. Bratislava Warsaw 649 km Printed by Keskeny és Társai Ltd. Prague Warsaw 683 km 1 #V4CONNECTS DEAR READER, Because of its strategically important V4 tourism brand and to facilitate adap- location, throughout history, Central tation to new trends in tourism. It was Europe frequently became a theatre of along these lines that we drew up our war. This is why for the people living here, publication, which gives a taste of our freedom and security have become a countries’ adventurous history, colourful unique priority. The Visegrad Group (V4), traditions and diverse natural values. the coalition founded on a historical Discovering these four countries provid- background, was formed in 1991 after ing unique underlying opportunities to the change in the political system, in our combine experiences. The diversity of beautiful historical town of Visegrad, our destination range in terms of active which also lent its name to the group. tourism, culture, health tourism, vinicul- By the beginning of the 21st century, V4 ture and gastronomy is matched by very members (Czechia, Slovakia, Poland and few countries. In addition to the above, Hungary) were forged into unprecedent- the traditional, far-famed hospitality ed unity by a shared past, common values and kindness of the people living in the and mutual goals. Over the course of the heart of Europe is also attracting growing past 27 years, our initiative has grown to numbers of visitors to Poland, Czechia, become the strongest regional cooper- Slovakia and Hungary. ation in Europe, spurring the residents of the region to extraordinary economic Visit Hungary for an and cultural performance, which has unparalleled experience! placed them among the global elite. Between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018, Dr Zoltán Guller one priority objective of the Hungarian CEO, Hungarian Tourism Agency presidency is to continue building the 3 VISEGRAD GROUP: VALUES IN THE HEART OF EUROPE DEAR READER, Throughout its varied history, our region at the centre of Europe has not only embraced the common values defining Europe but also shaped them, and thus the life of the continent. The cultural diversity 1. so typical of the region has created a built and intellectual heritage that is uniquely cooperation. The present publication of Central European. Beyond the shared the Hungarian Tourism Agency provides an culture and traditions, the Visegrad coop- exciting taste of the diverse tourism offers FOUR eration, existing since 1991 also connects and destinations of the V4 countries, en- the region’s countries politically and eco- couraging visitors from our region as well nomically. The V4 formation has greatly as other parts of Europe and the world to EXCITING contributed to the successful accession of discover them. However, the multi-layered Hungary, Czechia, Poland and Slovakia to cooperation of the Visegrad countries not the European Union and to NATO. It is now only strengthens Central Europe, since CITIES a significant political factor that actively their economic, cultural and scientific participates in discussing key European performance as well as the stability and If you would like to get to know the issues with joint proposals. Hungary is security characterising the region, they European continent, you should holding its fifth presidency in the Visegrad also enrich the entire European communi- explore the V4 countries. In addition Group between 1 July 2017 and 30 June ty. It is these very same values, along with to architectural masterpieces and 2018. In the spirit of the motto of the the unparalleled Central European hos- various cultural monuments, you will Hungarian Presidency, “V4 Connects”, we pitality that rightfully make the V4 region also find unique views of life: some are working hand in hand to represent the an attractive tourism destination both in joyful and some rather bittersweet. region’s interests within the European Europe and globally. Union, to foster stability in our wider region, to enhance the competitiveness of Central We look forward to welcoming Europe in the digital age, and we are con- you in the heart of Europe. tributing to that the V4 group would be a Discover the region’s values! globally active and well-recognised factor. Tourism allows people to learn about each Krisztina Dóra Varju other’s countries, cultures and traditions Ministerial Commissioner Responsible for through direct experiences. Mutual aware- the Implementation of Hungary’s 2017- ness and an openness to the world are 2018 V4 Presidency also fundamental pillars of the Visegrad Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade 4 5 #V4CONNECTS HUNGARIAN PRESIDENCY 2017/2018 OF THE VISEGRAD GROUP Heritage status, you’ll have a wonderful BUDAPEST time – starting from the oldest building in Budapest still used today, the “Red The capital of Hungary is one of the Hedgehog House” built in the 1260s European metropolitan cities that has in the Castle District of Buda, then managed to preserve its historical crossing the Chain Bridge until you atmosphere while maintaining a scene reach the City Park. You can admire the of non-stop bustling city life. Visitors to most significant places of interest while Budapest may be faced with a pleasant wandering along the banks of the River dilemma of not being able to decide Danube that cuts the city into two halves, or take to the water on board a pleasure-boat. Budapest is the capital city of the Danube, and a majestic panoramic view lies ahead of you on either side of the river. The cityscape is unique on both sides: marvellous Baroque buildings frame your way in the Castle District of Buda, while Andrássy Street runs along monumental neo- Renaissance palaces. Hungary is rich in thermal water, as is her capital, and many which programme to choose on the spas await visitors. Of its half-dozen various escape rooms, which have started autumn, one of the prime contemporary evening of any given day. The period thermal baths, the oldest one was built a worldwide trend. Spring, summer, art festivals in Europe, the CAFe Budapest of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy is by the Order of Saint John in the 12th autumn or winter – Budapest will almost offers weeks of entertainment with over represented by romantic and eclectic century, on the site where the Gellért inevitably offer some kind of cultural 250 programmes. In addition to these, buildings, such as the Vigadó or the Spa is located today. The hotels built festival. Ever since its debut in 1993, the countless theatre, classical music, pop Parliament, but the palaces erected in the next to the spas and thermal baths offer Sziget Festival has won almost every music, gastronomy, cultural and art twentieth century in Art Nouveau style a unique experience. If you are looking prestigious international professional festivals are organised in the capital. Year are in the same league, and at least as for other forms of entertainment, you award such an event can possibly win. after year these events entertain and spectacular. can visit the ruin pubs that still guard The Budapest Spring Festival, organized impress their audiences with programmes Even if you only walk through the parts historical remains and which are known annually in the last week of March, draws offered at an increasingly high and of the city that have been granted World all over Europe, or seek thrills at the many foreign visitors to the city; in the thought-provoking niveau. 6 7 #V4CONNECTS HUNGARIAN PRESIDENCY 2017/2018 OF THE VISEGRAD GROUP opened in 1955. Several thousand Soviet opened in 2013. The building is designed labourers took part in its construction. to tell the 1,000-year history of Polish WARSAW The building has been a subject of Jewry, its entrance evoking the Biblical controversy ever since its construction: scene of Moses parting the Red Sea. The (WARSZAWA) for Warsaw residents it is hard to forget Warsaw Uprising Museum is located in the that the Soviets failed them when they city centre, featuring a replica of a B-24 Warsaw was often referred to as “the Paris and vegetarians. When going for a walk, stopped before the city limits at the time Liberator bomber on display on one of of the East” before the Second World it is worthwhile starting in the Old Town, of the Uprising in 1944. As a tourist, it is its floors. For those who are interested War.