Where is Hungary Located?

by countryaah · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated December 19, 2024

Where is Hungary located on the map? Hungary is an independent nation located in Eastern Europe. Check out the following images to see location of Hungary on maps.

Hungary Location in World Map

Hungary is located in Central Europe.

Location Information of Hungary

Hungary is a landlocked country located in the heart of Central Europe. With a rich history that dates back to ancient times, Hungary is known for its cultural heritage, architectural landmarks, and natural beauty. It shares borders with several countries, including Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia.

Latitude and Longitude

Hungary is situated at approximately 47.1625° N latitude and 19.5033° E longitude. Its central location within Europe gives Hungary a strategic importance and places it at the crossroads of various cultures, particularly those of Eastern and Western Europe.

Capital City and Major Cities

Budapest (Capital City)

Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary, with a population of over 1.7 million people. It is located on both sides of the Danube River, which divides the city into two parts: Buda and Pest. Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, offering an eclectic mix of Roman, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture. Some key landmarks include:

Buda Castle, a historic castle and palace complex that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Parliament Building, one of the largest and most iconic legislative buildings in the world, situated on the banks of the Danube.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge, a suspension bridge that connects Buda and Pest, offering a picturesque view of the city.

Budapest is also known for its thermal baths, such as Széchenyi Baths and Gellért Baths, which are famous for their health benefits and architectural beauty.

Debrecen

Debrecen, the second-largest city in Hungary, is located in the eastern part of the country. It is an important center of culture, education, and commerce. Debrecen is known for the University of Debrecen, one of the largest universities in Hungary. Some notable sites in the city include:

The Great Reformed Church, an iconic landmark with a rich religious history.
Hortobágy National Park, a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape and a center of Hungary’s Puszta (the Great Hungarian Plain), which is home to diverse wildlife and traditional Hungarian shepherd culture.

Szeged

Located in the southern part of Hungary, Szeged is known for its vibrant university life, beautiful art nouveau architecture, and delicious paprika. Some notable attractions include:

Votive Church, a neo-Romanesque church with an impressive façade.
Szeged Synagogue, one of the largest synagogues in Europe.
Tisza River, where people can enjoy boating and strolls along the riverbank.

Pécs

Situated in the southern part of the country near the Croatian border, Pécs is an important city in terms of culture and history. Pécs is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is known for its Roman ruins, Ottoman architecture, and university. Key landmarks in Pécs include:

Pécs Cathedral, a stunning Romanesque church.
Early Christian Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site with preserved tombs from the 4th century.

Miskolc

Located in the northeast of Hungary, Miskolc is the country’s fourth-largest city and an important industrial and cultural center. Some key attractions in Miskolc include:

Diósgyőr Castle, a medieval castle that has been partially reconstructed for visitors.
Miskolc-Tapolca, a spa town famous for its natural thermal baths located in a cave system.

Time Zone

Hungary operates on Central European Time (CET) during the standard time period, which is UTC +1. During the summer months, it switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC +2, in line with the practice of Daylight Saving Time.

Climate

Hungary has a continental climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and transitional seasons in between.

Summer (June to August)

The summer months in Hungary are typically warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Occasionally, temperatures can exceed 35°C (95°F), especially in the southern regions of the country. The summer is the peak tourist season, particularly in Budapest, which offers numerous festivals and events during these months.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Hungary is generally cold, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F). Snowfall is common, particularly in the northern and mountainous regions. The winter months are ideal for those looking to experience the winter charm of the country, with Christmas markets and seasonal festivals taking place in many cities, including Budapest.

Spring and Autumn (March to May and September to November)

Spring and autumn are transitional seasons, characterized by moderate temperatures. Spring sees an increase in rainfall, while autumn is known for its beautiful foliage, particularly in the forests of central and eastern Hungary. Temperatures in these seasons typically range between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

Economic Status

Hungary has a high-income economy, classified as an upper-middle-income country by the World Bank. The country has a well-developed industrial base and is a member of the European Union (EU), which significantly influences its economic structure and trade relations.

Key Economic Sectors

Automotive Industry: Hungary is a major hub for automotive manufacturing, with multinational companies such as Audi, Suzuki, and Mercedes-Benz having factories in the country.
Agriculture: Hungary has a strong agricultural sector, producing grains, fruits, vegetables, and wine. The country is also known for its paprika, a key ingredient in Hungarian cuisine.
Services: The services sector is one of the fastest-growing parts of the economy, particularly in fields such as finance, tourism, and technology. Budapest, in particular, is a major financial and commercial center.
Tourism: Tourism plays a vital role in the Hungarian economy. Visitors come to Hungary for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historic landmarks. Budapest is one of Europe’s top travel destinations.

Challenges

Hungary faces challenges such as a declining population due to low birth rates and emigration. The country’s economy is also affected by global economic trends, particularly in the automotive and agricultural sectors. Additionally, Hungary’s political landscape has influenced economic policy and its relationship with the EU, especially concerning issues like immigration and the rule of law.

Tourist Attractions

Hungary is renowned for its cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and historic sites. Some of the key attractions include:

Budapest

Buda Castle: A stunning palace complex overlooking the Danube, offering views of the city and housing museums such as the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
Parliament Building: One of the most iconic buildings in Europe, known for its impressive architecture and location along the river.
Fisherman’s Bastion: A neo-Gothic terrace offering panoramic views of Budapest, the Danube, and the surrounding areas.

Lake Balaton

Located in western Hungary, Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe. The lake and surrounding region offer numerous recreational activities, including boating, swimming, hiking, and wine tasting.

Hortobágy National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hortobágy National Park is a vast steppe landscape in eastern Hungary, known for its traditional Hungarian puszta (plains) culture, including wildlife and pastoral traditions.

Tokaj Wine Region

The Tokaj wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its Tokaji wine, a sweet white wine that has been produced for centuries. Visitors can tour the wine cellars and participate in wine-tasting experiences.

Pécs and its Roman Sites

Pécs is known for its Roman ruins, including the Early Christian Necropolis, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also home to the Pécs Cathedral and the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, which showcases Hungarian art and crafts.

Eger

Eger is famous for its baroque architecture and historic castles, including the Eger Castle, where a significant battle took place in 1552 against the Ottoman Empire. The city is also known for its wine, especially the Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood).

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens do not require a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) in Hungary for tourism, business, or family visits as part of the Schengen Area. The following conditions apply:

Valid U.S. passport: It must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen Area.
Proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket may be required by immigration authorities.
For longer stays (over 90 days) or other purposes such as employment or study, U.S. citizens must apply for an appropriate visa through the Hungarian embassy or consulate.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

New York City to Budapest: The distance between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is approximately 4,350 miles (7,000 kilometers), with a flight time of about 8-9 hours.
Los Angeles to Budapest: The distance between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is around 5,500 miles (8,850 kilometers), and the flight duration is approximately 11-12 hours.

Hungary Facts

Size	93,030 km²
Residents	9.77 million
Language	Hungarian
Capital	Budapest
Longest river	Danube
Highest mountain	Kékes (1,014 m)
Currency	Forints