Salgotarjan: The Hidden Gem of Northern Hungary

• HelloSzia
  [see-ah]
• GoodbyeViszlát
  [vees-laht]
• YesIgen
  [ee-gen]
• NoNem
  [nem]
• Please/You're welcomeKérem
  [kay-rem]
• Thank youKöszönöm
  [kew-suh-nuhm]
• Excuse me/SorryElnézést
  [el-nay-zaysh-t]
• How are you?Hogy vagy?
  [hoj vahdj]
• Fine. And you?Jól vagyok. És te?
  [yole vahdj-ok. ays teh]
• Do you speak English?Beszélsz angolul?
  [be-saylz ahn-goh-lool]
• I don't understandNem értem
  [nem ayr-tem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSzeretnék látni a menüt, kérem
  [seh-reht-nayk laht-nee ah meh-noot, kay-rem]
• I don't eat meatNem eszem húst
  [nem es-em hoost]
• Cheers!Egészségedre!
  [ay-gay-shay-ged-reh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseFizetnék, kérem
  [fee-zeht-nayk, kay-rem]

• Help!Segítség!
  [sheh-geet-shayg]
• Go away!Menj el!
  [men yel]
• Call the Police!Hívd a rendőrséget!
  [heevd ah ren-dersh-ehget]
• Call a doctor!Hívd az orvost!
  [heevd ahz or-vosht]
• I'm lostEl vagyok tévedve
  [el vahd-yok tay-ved-veh]
• I'm illBeteg vagyok
  [beh-tehg vahdj-ok]

• I'd like to buy...Vásárolni szeretnék...
  [vah-shar-ol-nee seh-reht-nayk]
• I'm just lookingCsak nézelődöm
  [chahk nay-zeh-loe-dome]
• How much is it?Mennyibe kerül?
  [men-yee-beh keh-rool]
• That's too expensiveEz túl drága
  [ez tool dra-gah]
• Can you lower the price?Le tudnád adni az árat?
  [leh too-dnahd ah-dnee ahz ah-raht]

• What time is it?Mennyi az idő?
  [men-yee ahz ee-doh]
• It's one o'clockEgy óra van
  [edj o-ra vahn]
• Half past (10)Fél (tíz) óra
  [fayl teez o-ra]
• MorningReggel
  [reg-gel]
• AfternoonDélután
  [dehl-oo-tahn]
• EveningEste
  [es-teh]
• YesterdayTegnap
  [teg-nahp]
• TodayMa
  [mah]
• TomorrowHolnap
  [hol-nahp]
• 1Egy
  [edj]
• 2Kettő
  [ket-toe]
• 3Három
  [ha-rom]
• 4Négy
  [naydj]
• 5Öt
  [oet]
• 6Hat
  [haht]
• 7Hét
  [hayt]
• 8Nyolc
  [nyolts]
• 9Kilenc
  [keelents]
• 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-tat-nee ah tehr-kay-pehn]
• When's the next (bus)?Mikor jön a következő (busz)?
  [mee-kor yern ah kew-veht-keh-zoh boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Egy jegyet (....-ra)
  [edj ye-gehht (...-rah)]

Salgotarjan, nestled in the Cserhát Hills, has a history dating back to ancient times. The area was initially settled by Celts and later became part of the Roman Empire. By the medieval period, it was a small but significant settlement, first mentioned in records in the 13th century. The town's name is derived from the Hungarian words 'Salgó,' meaning shining, and 'Tarján,' referring to one of the seven Magyar tribes.

One of the most prominent landmarks in Salgotarjan is the ruins of Salgó Castle, perched on a basalt cone. Built in the early 13th century, the castle played a critical role in regional defense. It was part of a network of fortifications built to protect the northern borders of the Kingdom of Hungary from invasions. The castle witnessed numerous historical events, including battles with the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century.

The 19th century marked a significant transformation for Salgotarjan, as it became an industrial hub. The discovery of coal deposits led to the establishment of numerous mines, attracting workers and boosting the local economy. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Salgotarjan had evolved into one of Hungary's key industrial centers, with a thriving coal and glass industry.

Salgotarjan, like much of Hungary, endured significant hardship during World War II. The town suffered from bombings and battles, leading to considerable destruction. The post-war period saw a concerted effort to rebuild and modernize Salgotarjan. Factories were restored, and new residential areas were developed to accommodate the growing population. This era also marked the beginning of Salgotarjan's transformation into a modern urban center.

In recent decades, Salgotarjan has become known for its rich cultural life. The town hosts several annual events, such as the Salgótarján International Folk Dance Festival, which celebrates the region's diverse heritage. The Nógrád Historical Museum and the József Attila Cultural and Conference Center are key cultural institutions that offer insights into the town's history and artistic achievements. Modern developments have also focused on enhancing infrastructure and promoting tourism, making Salgotarjan a vibrant destination for visitors.

Salgotarjan is located in northern Hungary, close to the Slovakian border. The nearest major airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, approximately 115 kilometers away. From Budapest, you can take a direct train from Keleti Railway Station to Salgotarjan, which takes around 2 hours. Alternatively, you can travel by bus from Budapest's Népliget Bus Station to Salgotarjan, which takes about 2.5 hours. Car rentals are also available at the airport for those who prefer to drive.

Salgotarjan has a well-organized public transport system including buses that connect different parts of the city. Taxis are also available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. For short distances, walking is a convenient and pleasant way to explore the city. If you plan to visit surrounding areas, renting a car might be a good option, as it provides flexibility and convenience.

The official currency of Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Salgotarjan. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals.

Salgotarjan is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always recommended.

In case of an emergency, dial 112, which is the general emergency number in Hungary. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Salgotarjan. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are accessible for over-the-counter medications and minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and modestly. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always behave respectfully in places of worship. Public Transport: Do be courteous. Offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. A friendly smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and be open to new culinary experiences. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Salgotarjan like a local, visit the local markets where you can find fresh produce and traditional Hungarian goods. Engage with the locals; they are typically friendly and eager to share stories about their city. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the nearby Karancs-Medves region for beautiful hiking trails and stunning views. Visiting the Salgo Castle ruins provides a glimpse into the area’s medieval history.