Keszthely: The Jewel of Lake Balaton

• HelloHelló
  [heh-loh]
• GoodbyeViszontlátásra
  [vee-son-tlah-tah-shrah]
• YesIgen
  [ee-gen]
• NoNem
  [nem]
• Please/You're welcomeKérem
  [key-rem]
• Thank youKöszönöm
  [kur-suh-nuhm]
• Excuse me/SorryElnézést
  [el-nay-zayst]
• How are you?Hogy vagy?
  [hoj vahdj]
• Fine. And you?Jól vagyok. És te?
  [yol vahdj-ok. ays teh]
• Do you speak English?Beszélsz angolul?
  [be-sayl-s ang-oh-lool]
• I don't understandNem értem
  [nem ayr-tem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSzeretnék megnézni a menüt, kérem
  [ser-et-nayk meh-nyez-nee ah meh-nooht, key-rem]
• I don't eat meatNem eszem húst
  [nem es-em hoosht]
• Cheers!Egészségére!
  [ay-gays-she-gay-re]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSzeretnék fizetni, kérem
  [ser-et-nayk fee-zeht-nee, key-rem]

• Help!Segítség!
  [she-geet-sayg]
• Go away!Menj el!
  [meyn yell]
• Call the Police!Hívd a rendőrséget!
  [heed ah ren-dur-shay-get]
• Call a doctor!Hívd orvost!
  [heed or-vohst]
• I'm lostElvesztem
  [el-veh-stem]
• I'm illBeteg vagyok
  [beh-teg vahdj-ok]

• I'd like to buy...Szeretnék vásárolni...
  [ser-et-nayk vah-shah-rohl-nee]
• I'm just lookingCsak nézelődöm
  [chak nay-zeh-loh-dohm]
• How much is it?Mennyibe kerül?
  [men-yee-beh keh-rool]
• That's too expensiveTúl drága
  [tool draa-gah]
• Can you lower the price?Le tudnád engedni az árat?
  [leh too-dnahd eng-ehd-nee ahz ah-raht]

• What time is it?Mennyi az idő?
  [men-yee ahz ee-doh]
• It's one o'clockEgy óra van
  [edj oh-rah vahn]
• Half past (10)Fél tizenegy
  [fayl tee-zen-ay]
• MorningReggel
  [rege-gel]
• AfternoonDélután
  [deyl-oo-tahn]
• EveningEste
  [eh-shteh]
• YesterdayTegnap
  [teg-nahp]
• TodayMa
  [mah]
• TomorrowHolnap
  [hol-nahp]
• 1Egy
  [edj]
• 2Kettő
  [ket-toh]
• 3Három
  [haa-rom]
• 4Négy
  [nayj]
• 5Öt
  [oht]
• 6Hat
  [haht]
• 7Hét
  [hayt]
• 8Nyolc
  [nyolts]
• 9Kilenc
  [kee-lentz]
• 10Tíz
  [teeez]

• Where's a/the...?Hol van a...
  [hol vahn ah...]
• What's the address?Mi a cím?
  [mee ah cheem]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Meg tudnád mutatni (a térképen)?
  [mehg too-dnahd moo-taht-nee ah tair-kay-pen]
• When's the next (bus)?Mikor jön a következő (busz)?
  [mee-kohr yern ah kuh-vehk-tay-zoh boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Egy jegyet (....-ig)
  [edj yeh-geht (....-eeg)]

Keszthely has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Archaeological findings suggest that the area was inhabited during the Roman era. The town was known as 'Valcum' in Roman times and served as a significant settlement in the province of Pannonia. Remnants of Roman villas, baths, and fortifications reflect this ancient heritage.

During the Middle Ages, Keszthely became an important hub for trade and agriculture. The town was granted market town status in 1421 by King Sigismund of Luxembourg, which significantly boosted its economic prominence. The Gothic-styled Church of Our Lady of Hungary, built during this period, stands as a testament to the town's medieval past.

The illustrious Festetics family played a crucial role in shaping Keszthely's history. In the 18th century, Kristóf Festetics, a member of this noble family, began constructing the grand Festetics Palace, a magnificent Baroque estate that remains one of Hungary's most iconic landmarks. The palace, completed in the early 19th century, includes a library, stables, and an extensive park.

In the 19th century, Keszthely became a focal point for agricultural and educational reform. György Festetics, a descendant of the Festetics family, founded the Georgikon in 1797, the first agricultural college in Europe. This institution played a pivotal role in modernizing agricultural practices and education in Hungary.

Keszthely, like much of Hungary, endured significant hardships during World War II. The town was occupied by German forces and later by the Soviet Red Army. The aftermath of the war brought profound changes, including nationalization and economic restructuring. Despite these challenges, Keszthely managed to preserve its cultural heritage and historical landmarks.

Today, Keszthely is a vibrant town that beautifully blends history with modernity. It serves as a cultural and tourist hub, attracting visitors to its historical sites, such as the Festetics Palace, the Balaton Museum, and the scenic shores of Lake Balaton. The town hosts numerous cultural festivals and events, celebrating its rich heritage and dynamic community.

Keszthely is located in the western part of Hungary, on the shores of Lake Balaton. The nearest international airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, approximately 190 kilometers away. From Budapest, you can take a direct train to Keszthely, which takes about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, there are bus services from Budapest's Népliget bus station to Keszthely. For those driving, the M7 motorway connects Budapest to Keszthely, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours by car.

Keszthely is a small and walkable town, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, local buses are available and connect to nearby towns and villages. Taxis are also readily available, and car rentals can be arranged for those who wish to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace. Bicycle rentals are popular, especially for exploring the scenic routes around Lake Balaton.

The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Keszthely. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. ATMs are available throughout the town, and currency exchange services can be found at banks and exchange offices.

Keszthely is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Standard precautions should still be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but maintaining vigilance and awareness of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Keszthely. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the town for minor health issues, and they can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' (Szia) or 'Good day' (Jó napot). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and wines. Don't leave large tips, as a service charge is often included in the bill.

To experience Keszthely like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Hungarian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Festetics Palace, a Baroque palace that is one of the main attractions. For a relaxing experience, take a stroll along the shores of Lake Balaton or rent a bike to explore the scenic routes. Try the local cuisine, including fish dishes from the lake, and enjoy a glass of Balaton wine.