Hungary is a very beautiful country with a pleasant climate and incredibly diverse nature. There is a lot to see, and some activities will turn your stay into an adventure. Of course, you can also relax. You can wander through various cities, take a walk or hike in the national park, visit caves, observe animals, or bathe in steaming thermal baths. This post covers the information you need for your trip to Hungary, as well as recommendations and tips.
For German citizens, a valid national ID card or passport with at least 6 months of validity is required to enter Hungary. Children need a child passport.
The official language in Hungary is Hungarian. The Hungarians call their language "Magyar". About 10 million Hungarians speak Hungarian.
Although the German language has left some traces in Hungarian, the two languages are very different. Hungarian is considered one of the hardest languages to learn. The linguistic structures, such as 40 cases compared to the 4 cases in German, make the language challenging. Nevertheless, Hungarian is very logical and harmoniously structured.
While many traffic rules are similar to German traffic rules, there are some important differences. You should be aware of these to ensure your safety and avoid penalties. We’ve listed the most important differences in this section.
If you would like to learn more about traffic rules and driving behavior or read a detailed article on specific topics regarding traffic rules, feel free to check out the traffic rules here.
Whether you need a digital vignette in Hungary depends on which roads you drive on during your trip. On Hungarian highways and expressways marked with "M", electronic vignettes are required for all vehicles up to 3.5 t maximum permissible weight, and are automatically checked via the license plate.
Vehicles over 3.5 t maximum permissible weight are subject to distance-based tolls (HU-GO system) and cannot use a vignette.
The corresponding fees depend on the vehicle class your vehicle falls into. The following classes apply:
To cover the maintenance costs of the highways and expressways in Hungary, a vignette is required. The vignette in Hungary is only available digitally, as there are no adhesive vignettes to attach to the windshield.
With us, you can easily purchase a vignette for Hungary. Here you will find more information and explanations about tolls and vignette requirements in Hungary.
Hungary has a well-developed network of gas stations, covering both urban and rural areas. The largest chains include OMV, Aral, BP, Shell, and MOL. These providers are present nationwide and offer all common fuels.
There are now over 2000 charging stations for electric vehicles in Hungary. Large cities like Budapest, Győr, and Debrecen are particularly well-equipped. There are also many charging stations along highways M1, M3, and M7. The network is still being expanded in rural areas.
In remote regions like the Balaton Highlands or the Puszta, the number of gas stations and charging points is much lower. Therefore, plan your refueling and charging stops in advance to avoid unnecessary detours and frustration.
The fuel types in Hungary are labeled as follows:
At most gas stations in Hungary, you can pay both in cash and with a credit card. However, keep in mind that the forint (HUF) is the official currency of Hungary. Payment in euros is only accepted at a few gas stations. Mobile payment methods like Apple Pay or Google Wallet are also widespread, especially in larger cities.
Here you can find more about fueling and charging in Hungary.
Petty crime such as pickpocketing occurs mainly at markets, train stations, public transport, shopping centers, and tourist-heavy areas.
Especially around Lake Balaton (Balaton), break-ins and thefts in vacation apartments are not uncommon, sometimes even while the residents are present.
Keep an eye on your valuables and avoid paying too much in cash. Be particularly cautious with your belongings in large crowds. Don’t leave valuables or documents in your vacation apartment when you are out for long periods. Park your vehicle only in guarded parking lots, and be cautious with strange emails, calls, alleged lottery winnings, and random acquaintances inviting you (for example, to a club – you may end up with a hefty bill if you don't inquire about the price first).
Expect border controls, especially when entering Austria, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Check the validity of your travel documents before your trip (at least 6 months of validity required) and, of course, carry them with you. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to fines and other penalties. A pet passport is also required for certain animals (dogs, cats, ferrets), including proof that the animal is vaccinated against rabies.
There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into Hungary. However, some vaccinations are recommended. Make sure to check the current requirements before traveling.
Despite well-trained doctors, the standards of medical care in Hungary may differ from Western European standards. Medical care is not always at the highest level, and language and communication could be a problem. However, in larger cities, there are private facilities with good treatments. Bring your health insurance card and consider purchasing travel health and repatriation insurance for the duration of your stay.
Nonetheless, Hungary is considered safe.
The consumption, trade, and possession of drugs (even in small amounts) is punished with significantly higher penalties in Hungary.
Hungary has a transitional climate between the continental climate in the east, the maritime climate in the west, and the Mediterranean climate in the south. The generally temperate continental climate brings hot summers and cold winters.
Temperatures are very similar to those in Germany. The coldest month is January, with an average of -4°C. From October onwards, the days get noticeably shorter and colder. Between June and August, it is hottest, with summer temperatures around 25 to 27°C, and June is the month with the most rainfall.
The best time to visit is from May to September.
Hungary is located in the heart of Europe and borders several countries: Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia.
Hungary is a landlocked country, meaning it has no direct connection to the open sea.
In the west, the foothills of the Alps shape Hungary’s landscape, while the Mátra Mountains dominate the north. The Kékes (1014 m) is the highest mountain in the country.
There is no time difference between Hungary and Germany as both countries are in the same time zone.
The currency in Hungary is the forint (HUF). In addition to cash (forints), credit cards and some bank cards are generally accepted as payment methods.
Hungary has a number of attractions. Here are five of the most popular sights to inspire you.
Hungary is a beautiful country with diverse nature, stunning landscapes, interesting cities, and great activities. A visit is definitely worth it! Be sure to get a vignette to save yourself the stress and avoid fines.
If you’re interested in other exciting topics about Hungary, feel free to check out our articles on Hungarian culinary specialties, popular cities in Hungary, Bükk National Park, and our travel report.
