The Danube Bend -- The annual Visegrád International Palace Tournament has grown in scale in recent years and is now a must-see for medieval enthusiasts or those who love Renaissance fairs. The tournament recreates an authentic medieval festival replete with dueling knights on horseback and early music and dance.
In Esztergom, you'll find a new sign of better days ahead for peaceful coexistence in central Europe. Though deeply rooted tension between the Hungarians and the Slovaks never seems to abate, Esztergom is once again connected by bridge across the Danube to the Slovak town of Sturovo. The Germans blew up the old bridge connecting these towns in World War II. All that remained was a curious stump on the river's edge, along with four unconnected pylons in the river, stark testimonials to the German rampage in Europe as well as to the continuing regional hostilities.
Southern Hungary: the Mecsek hills & the Great Plain -- Szeged, the proud paprika capital of the world, located in the Great Plains is a lovely little city to spend a day or two after immersing yourself in the capital. Szeged and Pécs jointly share the European Capital of Culture for 2010 designation, being of the same regions.
