Debrecen and Hortobágy Guide 2014 by gotodebrecen.com

This will be part of FAMILY lore

DebreceN & Hortobรกgy Fascinating tidbits of CULTURE When it comes to WELLNESS

Debrecen, as dedicated to YOUNG FOLKS by Tankcsapda

Recommended ACCOMMODATIONS Recommended RESTAURANTS & EATERIES 4 seasons, countless PROGRAMS

Accessibility

In today’s hectic world, time – read free time – is your most precious luxury.

BY ROAD

Therefore, when you plan holidays, you try to pick destinations that promise to single-handedly satisfy all needs, offer recreational facilities without compromise and splendid experiences that leave a potentially indelible impression. You may also have to choose between visiting well-tested places or totally unfamiliar landscapes. In the case of Debrecen and Hortobágy, though, you don’t even have to make that choice. The “puszta” and the “civic city” are old friends now boasting many a novel feature. Historic monuments, herdsmen’s traditions (still very much alive and kicking), cultural events, and a unique natural environment are complemented by new developments to guarantee that Debrecen and Hortobágy can display newer and newer profiles year in, year out. Our museums and “puszta” exhibits will display new interactive shows to engross visitors in fascinating secrets and mysterious stories. Gastro-adventurers will be lured by exotic flavors and aromas to explore the world of trendy cafés, street-food joints, fine-dining restaurants and unpretentious backstreet eateries. Spa-lovers will be pampered with the whole range of modern treatments. The new stadium compound promises to exhilarate audiences with an extravaganza of entertainment options. The youngest generation will discover an enchanted world of parks as well as a center of scientific adventures. And the year-long series of hilarious events will enliven your precious free time with bright colors.

The main regional hub of Eastern Hungary, Debrecen is easily accessible from other major cities on Highway M3 as well as Routes 4, 33, 35, 47, 48, and 471.

BY RAIL Hourly InterCity services from Budapest Nyugati Station via Budapest Airport; InterCity services every two hours from international railway hub Budapest Keleti Station. www.mav-start.hu

BY AIR Regular Wizz Air flights serving between London-Debrecen and Eindhoven-Debrecen. www.debrecenairport.com

PUBLIC TRANSPORT www.dkv.hu

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Family

Table of contents

This will be part of FAMILY lore

Debrecen, as dedicated to YOUNG FOLKS by Tankcsapda

Fascinating tidbits of CULTURE, whichever direction you step

4 seasons, countless PROGRAMS

NATURE in the city

Around Debrecen in 1 to 4 days and in the Flower Parade week

This will be part of FAMILY lore

Sightseeing with family? In Debrecen, not only is this possible, but it can even be fun. Kids, you will never forget those water-chute time trials at the Pleasure Baths. The memories of your visit to the museum will also stay with you for long, because you may become amateur archaeologists and artists, or master fancy techniques of handicraft. The experience of traveling in the small railway cars drawn by the cute little steam engine will also be memorable. And you will give big hugs to Mom, when she takes you to a special place where you can pet cuddly live critters.

SIGHTS TO SEE AGORA Scientific Adventure Center

HORTOBÁGY, the genuine “puszta”

When it comes to WELLNESS

Recommended ACCOMMODATIONS

Recommended RESTAURANTS & EATERIES

The only one of its kind in Europe, this thematic center offers three floors’ worth of scientific and technological adventure. It features more than 40 interactive games, spectacular experiment displays, and unorthodox classes to urge science buffs, techies and would-be innovators to think and make use of their innate curiosity and creativity. Stargazers will be delighted to test the limits of Eastern Hungary’s only digital planetarium as well as the observatory built at a height of 23 m. (Opening scheduled for summer of 2014) Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1

Nagyerdei Entertainment Complex

TASTE of the GREAT PLAIN

UNESCO World Heritage Sites & European superlatives from Debrecen

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(zoo, plant collection & theme park) The nation’s first facility of its kind beyond the capital, this complex is located under the canopy of Big Forest’s grand old trees. On display are some 1,400 specimens of 170

species indigenous to various habitats of five continents including rare exotic as well as ancient Hungarian ones. You will also be able to relive the best fun moments of your childhood in the adjoining amusement park. Debrecen, Ady Endre út 1 Tel.: +36 52/310-065, +36 52/413-515 www.zoodebrecen.hu

Sightseeing by small city train

The train’s line connects downtown Debrecen to the Big Forest. An approximately one-hour ride provides passengers with a short introduction to what is worth seeing in the city center and the woodlands. Stops: Piac u 29 (Belga Restaurant) - Ady Endre sugárút 1 (Zoo) - Nagyerdei körút (Spa) Tel.: +36 52/416-207 www.debrecenikisvonat.hu

and amusing family events answer the most nagging existential questions your kids might want to ask. Debrecen, Kálvin tér 13 Tel.: +36 52/418-160 www.vojtinababszinhaz.hu

Zsuzsi Narrow-Gauge Railway

The locomotives of the 132-year-old Zsuzsi, the country’s oldest narrow-gauge railway, happily chug away across Debrecen’s leafy outskirts dubbed Erdőspuszták. The facilities found at the final stop (Hármashegyalja) include picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, and observation points. Debrecen, Ruyter u 1 (until May 2014: Faraktár u. 60) Tel.: +36 52/417-212 www.zsuzsivasut.hu

Vojtina Puppet Theater

Set in the many-colored kaleidoscope of a miniature world of magic, the theater’s interactive exhibits, lectures on classic fairy tales,

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PLAYGROUNDS Máltai Playground Debrecen, Lehel u

Five-Acre Forest Playground Debrecen, Oláh Gábor u

Erdőspuszták

(Hármashegyalja, Ördögárok, Lake Vekeri, Lakes Fancsika) Rest and recreation areas, forest trails, onsite exhibits, fishing, paddle-wheel and rowing boats for hire

SPAS Aquaticum Health & Spa Center

(indoor Mediterranean pleasure baths, thermal baths, swimming pool, wellness island) Situated in the Big Forest, the center caters for visitors from any age group with indoor and outdoor thermal tubs, a separate indoor unit with various fun features such as rides and water chutes, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and recreation area. The relaxed ambience of the adjoining four-style hotel and fine-dining restaurant will make your spa experience complete. Debrecen, Nagyerdei park 1 Tel.: +36 52/514-100 www.aquaticum.hu

Kerekestelepi Spa

Debrecen, Szávay Gyula u 22 Tel.: +36 52/470-745 www.kerekestelepifurdo.hu

MUSEUM PEDAGOGY Why shouldn’t a museum be kid friendly? It surely can, if it’s presented in exciting and fun ways. Your little ones will effortlessly gain knowledge of folk traditions, the various forms of visual art and can experience the satisfying feeling of artistic creation.

Debrecen, Déri tér 1 Tel.: +36 52/322-207 www.derimuzeum.hu

Debrecen, Baltazár Dezső tér 1-3 Tel.: +36 52/525-010 www.modemart.hu

Arbo Ranch

Horse riding, pony-trekking, horse & carriage rides, “puszta bus” wagon rides, and equestrian show Debrecen, Panoráma – Diószegi út junction Tel.: +36 20/299-9444 www.erdospuszta-clubhotel.hu

Koppány Valley Forest Adventure Park

Adventure trails for kids and adults, horseback riding, horse & carriage rides, ATV rides, woodland paintball ranges, archery, table tennis, soccer, barbecue & picnic areas for families, student groups, or parties of friends Debrecen – Koppány Valley Tel.: +36 70/945-8175 www.koppanyfogado.hu

Round Forest Adventure Park

Déri Museum

MODEM – Ákom-Bákom Art Club

Tel.: +36 52/441-118 www.nyirerdo.hu

Tímárház – Artisans’ House Debrecen, Nagy Gál István u 6 Tel.: +36 52/321-260 www.debrecenimuvkozpont.hu

A place chock-full of adventure and excitement where toddlers as well as older kids will definitely have a whale of time exploring the fairy-tale pavilions, playground, fancy rides, handicraft house, 4D cinema, and fairy-tale inn in a scenic locale. 4002 Debrecen - Olimpia fasor, Bellegelő kert 23 Tel.: +36 70/436-2438 www.facebook.com/kerekerdo.elmenypark

INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS Labyrinth World

Debrecen, Csapó u 30 (Fórum Shopping Mall) Tel.: +36 20/425-8448 www.labyrinthworld.hu

Titanic I-II

Debrecen, Mikepércsi út 10 Tel.: +36 30/310-0619 Debrecen, Füredi út 27 (Malompark Shopping Mall) Tel.: +36 70/285-4065 www.titanicjatszohaz.hu

Hangyaboly (Anthill)

Debrecen, Domb u 1 Tel.: +36 30/205-6606 www.hangyabolyjatszohaz.hu

Manóvár (Elves’ Castle) Debrecen, Mester u 28 Tel.: +36 30/207-2464 www.manovarjatszohaz.hu

Folk Crafts’ House

Debrecen, Hatvan u 57 www.hbmne.hu

Szeged Street Recreation Park (SzUSz) Debrecen, Szeged u Tel.: +36 20/984-1030 www.szusz.hu

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Interview

Interview with Judit Schell She is one of Hungary’s most popular actresses, and – not unimportantly – a mother with three kids. She may have moved to the capital, but she still cherishes dear memories of her Debrecen roots. She regularly visits the city with family in tow. 2014 has been designated the International Year of the Family. What does the word “family” mean to you? Although this seems the simplest of questions, the answer is so much more complicated. Family is everything to me, the air I breathe, everything that is essential for life. Debrecen-born and Debrecen-bred, you even picked up the basics of the thespian art here. Can you give me the five words that you first associate the city with? My childhood; Csapó Street, where I grew up; Miss Jutka, my dance teacher; my majorette team; my childhood friends who I still keep in touch with. A lot of things: it’s difficult to sum up in five words. Tell me about your fondest memories linked to Debrecen, the ones you enjoy talking about to your kids. I spent my first 18 years in Debrecen, so I have a lot of dear memories. One of them is linked to August 20, the day of the Flower Parade. Hardly had I been drafted into the majorette team when we started performing at the annual event. We always marched at the front of the procession, just behind the carnival float sponsored by Debrecen. I loved it because we always had a great time. Even as an adult, I still have fond memories, but being part of it as a teenager, it was a really uplifting experience. More recently, I have twice been invited to serve on the jury. It was also very interesting. When I was marching as a dancer, I couldn’t see the whole parade, but as a member of the jury I was able to watch it from a good vantage point. The second time, my younger son was also with me, so I had the chance to appreciate his perspective to some extent. Apart from the Flower Parade, what do you find worth showing to your children when you visit Debrecen? I’ve shown them where I grew up and the playground where I used to hang out as a kid. Whenever we come home, the smaller ones are invariably tempted by the attractions of Aquaticum Mediterranean Pleasure Baths, so if there is a slight chance, we always go there. Don’t take it as some kind of bias on my part, but this is the best place of its kind in the country. First, it’s beautiful and chock-full of vegetation. Second, it features water chutes that even

toddlers can use safely, so it’s definitely well caters for families with small kids. Do you mean to say that Debrecen is a family-friendly city? Absolutely. When I was a child, the city had fewer recreational facilities for families. True, we already had a place called “Jubilee Playground” (renamed “Five-Acre Wood”), which has had a new lease on life. We often frequented the “Frog Pond” too. Today, the city offers such a rich variety of venues and events (see the “Mangalica Pork Days”) that cherry-picking poses no problem either for families with kids or adults. The layout of downtown is ideal for such events, given that it’s not accessible to car traffic. I’m looking forward to my first walk in the newly landscaped “Big Forest Park.” We always visit the zoo and the old Theme Park. Although the latter has a retro feel to it, the swan carousel or the enchanted castle have the same effect on any 4- to 5-year-old as it had on me in my time. It’s the same miracle for them.

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CMY

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Culture

Fascinating tidbits of CULTURE, whichever direction you step

Tímárház – Artisans’ House

The cultural values of Debrecen and Hortobágy are unique and emblematic in their own right. The streets and varied architectural styles of the “civic city” create a pleasant atmosphere. You will encounter a treasure trove of old as well as contemporary gems of art if you stroll along the halls of the museums and galleries. Besides the visual arts, various fields of the performing arts are also very strongly represented. The Csokonai National Theater, the 90-year-old Kodály Philharmonic, the Campus Festival, or the 40-year-old annual Jazz Festival have all contributed greatly to the really high standard that marks the city’s cultural life.

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES MODEM Center of Modern & Contemporary Art

MODEM is one of Central Europe’s greatest museums of modern and contemporary art. Its quality exhibitions and fascinating events of fine art and the attendant fields have been open to the public since 2006. Debrecen, Baltazár Dezső tér 1 Tel.: +36 52/525-010 www.modemart.hu

Museum of Debrecen Reformed College

Having functioned continuously as an educational institution since its establishment in 1538, the college is the cradle of Hungarian civilization. It has been the alma mater of such greats of our culture as Mihály Csokonai Vitéz, Ferenc Kölcsey, or Zsigmond Móricz. Designated as a national monument in 2013, the college also features a museum

that has permanent exhibits displaying the school’s history, student life, and the religious art of the Reformed Church in the Trans-Tisza Region. Bedecked with majestic murals, the building’s stairwell leads to the entrance of the gigantic library and the oratory that housed Hungary’s National Assembly in 1849. Debrecen, Kálvin tér 16 Tel.: +36 52/516-923 www.reformatuskollegium.ttre.hu

Lícium tree

Don’t miss Debrecen’s most famous tree when you walk from the Reformed College in the direction of the Déri Museum. Debrecen, corner of Múzeum u – Füvészkert u

human civilization. One of the museum’s main attractions is the awe-inspiring Christ Trilogy painted by Mihály Munkácsy. Guided tours to the monumental paintings, complete with spectacular light shows, will be an unforgettable experience. Besides the Munkácsy Hall, a unique collection of Egyptian artifacts and a wide range of temporary exhibits are also on offer. The group of four statues by Ferenc Medgyessy, erected outside the main building, was awarded the Grand Prize at the 1937 Paris Exposition. Debrecen, Déri tér 1 Tel.: +36 52/322-207 www.derimuzeum.hu

This is the only building that guards Debrecen’s glorious history of arts and crafts in its original location. The permanent display presenting the proud tradition of the city’s tanners (“tímár”) is complemented by temporary exhibits, workshops and handicraft classes. Debrecen, Nagy Gál István u 6 Tel.: +36 52/321-260 www.debrecenimuvkozpont.hu

Műterem Gallery

Debrecen, Batthyány u 24 Tel.: +36 52/532-836 www.modemart.hu

The Gate of Many Keys

Have you “padlocked” your love in Paris or Florence? Why don’t you bring along your key and reinforce the power of your relationship at this Debrecen landmark? Debrecen, Batthyány u 26

Downtown Gallery

Debrecen, Kossuth u 1 Tel.: +36 52/413-939 www.debrecenimuvkozpont.hu

Medgyessy Hall

Debrecen, Batthyány u 2 Tel.: +36 52/413-804 www.medgyessyterem.hu

Simonffy Gallery

Debrecen, Simonffy u 2/B Tel: +36 52/530-169 www.simonffygaleria.eu

Hal Köz Gallery

Debrecen, Hal Köz tér 3 Tel.: +36 52/781-701 www.halkozgaleria.hu

Sesztina Gallery

Debrecen, Hal köz 3 (Sesztina Courtyard) Tel.: +36 20/921-5747 www.sesztina.wordpress.com

Delizsánsz Exhibit Hall – Post Museum Debrecen, Múzeum u 3 Tel.: +36 30/771-3813 www.postamuzeum.hu

Main Building of the University of Debrecen

d’honneur of the main edifice, built in eclectic and neo-baroque style, is skirted by an arcaded corridor system, whose walls are inscribed with the names of the school’s most renowned professors and former students. The fountain in the spacious French-style park in front of the building plays a special role in student tradition: Graduates are supposed to take a bath in its pool after their finals. Hungarian and foreign students of all ages can take the language classes and special-interest thematic courses of Debrecen Summer School to get insights into various fields of Hungarian studies. Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1 www.unideb.hu; www.nyariegyetem.hu

UD CMHS Museum Collection of Medical History Debrecen, Nagyerdei körút 98 (University Hospital Compound) Tel.: +36 52/411-717 | 56669 www.deoec.hu

László Holló Memorial House Debrecen, Holló László sétány 8 Tel.: +36 52/498-201 www.medgyessygimnazium.hu

The nation’s biggest university celebrated its centenary in 2012. The glass-ceilinged cour

Déri Museum

The Déri Museum is one of Hungary’s foremost establishments of its kind. In addition to its exhibits of local cultural interest, it has become renowned for the huge collection of items, brought together by Frigyes Déri, which represents various aspects of universal

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CHURCHES Reformed Big Church

Debrecen’s symbol is the nation’s largest Reformed church and a building of major historic significance. It was here that Lajos Kossuth read out the Declaration of Independence on April 14, 1849. The wing chair used by the Regent-President on that glorious occasion is one of the church’s most precious relics. The main structure has been rebuilt several times. Today’s familiar classicist form was developed after the great fire of 1802. You can enjoy magnificent views of the city from the top of the towers, or the steel bridge behind the tympanum. If you are courageous enough to attempt the steep climb up, your added bonus will be a spectacular close-up of the 5.6-ton Rákóczi Bell. In addition to regular services, exhibits of religious history, organ concerts and other musical events are also on the schedule. The church has held the status of national monument since 2013. Debrecen, Piac u 4-6 Tel.: +36 52/412-694 www.nagytemplom.hu

Reformed Lesser Church

Commonly known as “Truncated Church,” the legend of this familiar landmark goes back to centuries. Debrecen, Révész tér 2 Tel.: +36 52/342-872 www.kistemplom.hu

St. Anne’s Cathedral

Built in baroque and Louis Seize style, the church was elevated to cathedral rank by Pope John Paul II in 1993 as a result of the establishment of the Debrecen-Nyíregyháza Diocese. A certified replica of the Turin Shroud has been on display in the building since 2011. You can also visit an exhibit of religious history brought together from old artifacts. Debrecen, Szent Anna u 15 Tel.: +36 52/536-652 www.szentannaplebania.dnyem.hu

Greek Catholic Church Debrecen, Attila tér 1 Tel.: +36 52/533-207

Pásti Street Synagogue Debrecen, Pásti u 4 Tel.: +36 52/415-861 www.dzsh.hu

Kápolnás Street Synagogue

Debrecen, Kápolnási u 1 (serves worshippers only during fall holidays) Tel.: +36 52/415-861 www.dzsh.hu

EVENTS Kölcsey Center

Debrecen, Hunyadi u 1-3 Tel.:+36 52/518-400 www.kolcseykozpont.hu; www.fonixinfo.hu

Főnix Hall

Debrecen, Kassai út 28 Tel.:+36 52/518-475 www.fonixarena.com; www.fonixinfo.hu

Debrecen, Kossuth u 1 Tel.: +36 52/413-939 www.debrecenimuvkozpont.hu

Lovarda

Debrecen, Kassai út 26 Tel.: +36 52/420-492 www.lovarda.hu

Csokonai Theater

Debrecen, Kossuth u 10 Tel.: +36 52/417-811 www.csokonaiszinhaz.hu

Bartók Hall

Concert hall of the Debrecen Philharmonic on the premises of Grand Hotel Aranybika Debrecen, Piac u 11-15 Tel.: +36 52/500-200 www.kodalyfilharmonia.hu

Liszt Hall

Concert hall of the Faculty of Music at the University of Debrecen Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt 82 Tel.: +36 52/419-366 www.zene.unideb.hu

Vojtina Puppet Theater Debrecen, Kálvin tér 13 Tel.: +36 52/418-160 www.vojtinababszinhaz.hu

Veres Church

Debrecen, Kossuth u 65 Tel.: +36 52/537-235 www.verestemplom.hu

OPEN-AIR EVENTS When walls can no longer keep the forces of culture inside, sounds, melodies and scents get unchained, and they occupy the streets and squares.

Piac utca - Kossuth tér

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Halköz

A piazza that pleasantly stimulates all your sensory organs with its cafés, exhibits and spectacular fountains. Take a walk to the building in Széchenyi utca which houses the city’s oldest inn. Even a Swedish king stayed here.

Modern Debrecen’s main street may no longer function as a busy market (“piac”), but it’s still bustling with life all year round. Try to find the recently excavated site of the “mud bridge” outside Hotel Aranybika. It marks the original street level.

Garden of Ruins & Memorial Garden

Kálvin tér

Déri tér

Promenade atmosphere tempting you with bright shop windows and mouth-watering displays of confectionery.

Debrecen Cultural Center

Enjoy your cuppa in an atmosphere infused with the spirit of history. Visit the galley-slaves’ memorial. Even Pope John Paul II laid a wreath here.

A haven of peace and tranquility surrounded by edifices of cultural interest. Check out the statue of Zsigmond Móricz, an image dubbed the “Hungarian Buddha.”

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Baltazár Dezső tér

The city’s youngest square, but not for young folks only.

Csapó utca walking area

The unmistakable scents of 19th-century cafés in complete harmony with the buzz of a modern shopping mall.

Simonyi út

Every single tree used to be defended by a hussar here. Take a respectful look at the statue depicting the “pain of Trianon.”

Nagyerdő - Amphitheatre

The green lung of Debrecen, this recently redesigned park is set in idyllic surroundings. It’s an ideal place for relaxation with its walking trails and recreational facilities.

SUMMER THEATER NIGHTS

INTERNATIONAL BARTÓK BÉLA CHOIR CONTEST

June to August 2014

July 30 to August 3, 2014

Kapcsolódás a művészetekhez I Connection to arts - world standard exhibitions presenting classical modern arts and contemporary tendencies throughout the year

2014

Debrecen Summer

- tour guides, talks, literary programmes, film clubs, concerts and other artistic activities

- museum pedagogy workshops for all age groups ranging from the smallest ones to adults

.fo n i x i nf o.

- community spaces for various usages, friendly café

MODEM Modern és Kortárs Művészeti Központ I MODEM Centre for Modern and Contemporary Arts 4026 Debrecen, Baltazás Dezső tér 1. I www.modemart.hu I modem@modemart.hu I +36 (52) 525-018, +36 (52) 525-010

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15TH DEBRECEN WINE FESTIVAL August 7 to 10, 2014

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45TH DEBRECEN FLOWER PARADE

August 15 to 21,17 2014

auDio GuiDe

Kossuth exhibition Prayer room

3D movie

From Jerusalem to Debrecen exhibition

museum PeDaGoGy From the Flame reborneD city

room oF the Firewatch stuDent bible moDel exhibition church history exhibition

Visit the museum of Debrecen’s Reformed College. Explore our exhibits. H–4026 Debrecen, Kálvin tér 16. • Phone: (+36 52) 516-923 or (+36 52) 516-857 Fax: (+36 52) 519-919 • www.reformatuskollegium.ttre.hu

viDeo Game For chilDren

bell room

unique Photo

Garret ráKóczi bell

interactive bible reaDer

Panorama Pavement looKout tower

“EntEr his gatEs with thanksgiving”

• Csokonai’s memorial room

The Reformed Great Church is renewed in the frame

• Big Library

of “New Széchenyi Plan NGPOP”

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• Exhibit of religious art • Exhibit of school history

Opening 1 July, 2014

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s: Exhibition

NAGYTEMPLOM

DEBRECEN

• Calvinist Rome – Why Debrecen? • Oratory

Find out about the Big Library, listed in the reference book titled

“The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries.”

Check out “the nation’s alma mater” and learn the history of an institution that has continuously nurtured students for 475 years. www.gotodebrecen.com

Nature

NATURE in the city

All great cities can be identified by famous parks. In the case of Debrecen, this is called Nagyerdő Park Forest, the nation’s first conservation area. Only a five-minute ride from downtown, the park offers total peace and quiet in the shade of hundred-year-old trees as well as countless entertainment options. The city is fringed by woodlands which can be explored following the national “blue trail” trekking on foot, horseback or bicycle or sitting comfortably in the cars of the 132-year-old narrow-gauge railway affectionately known as “Zsuzsi.”

Lake Vekeri

Resting and picnic areas, playground, buffet, rowing, fishing & campground Accessible: by car or bicycle, turning towards Hosszúpályi from Route 47

Ördögárok

Literally: the devil’s trench. Reconstructed remains of an earthwork system from the 4th century Accessible: by Zsuzsi Narrow-Gauge Railway until the stop called Csereerdő; alternatively by car or bicycle on Route 48 (to Vámospércs)

Nagyerdő Park & Frog-Pond

The redesigned and rejuvenated Nagyerdő Park is ready to welcome visitors with a multi-functional stadium with 20,000 seating capacity, spa and Mediterranean pleasure baths, amphitheater, scenic walkways, spectacular water park, sculpture garden, and many restaurants.

Nagyerdő Entertainment Complex (zoo, plant collection & theme park) Debrecen, Ady Endre út 1 Tel.: +36 52/310-065 www.zoodebrecen.hu

Botanical Garden

Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1 Tel.: +36 52/512-900/22421 www.botkert.unideb.hu

Lakes & ruins of an ancient church at Fancsika

Fishing, trekking, observation point, playground Accessible: by car or bicycle on Route 48 (to Vámospércs), then right on Route Panoráma

Arbo Ranch

Koppány Valley Forest Adventure Park

Debrecen – Koppány Valley Tel.: +36 70/945-8175 www.koppanyfogado.hu Accessible: by car or bicycle on Route 48, left at milestone 16 between Haláp and Vámospércs

Horse riding, pony-trekking, horse & carriage rides, “puszta bus” wagon rides, equestrian show Debrecen, Panoráma – Diószegi út junction Tel.: +36 20/299-9444 www.erdospuszta-clubhotel.hu

Erdőspuszták (Wooded Plains)

The leafy semicircle of Debrecen’s Erdőspuszták surrounds the city at a distance of some 10 km to the east. Popular with nature lovers, this resting and recreation area features hiking trails, cycle paths, observation points, playgrounds, an exhibit house and arboretum as well as picnic, camping, and fishing facilities.

Erdőspuszta Exhibit House

Exhibits displaying the local flora and fauna, arboretum, trail with displays Debrecen, Fancsika 93 Tel.: +36 52/441-118 www.nyirerdo.hu Accessible: by car or bicycle on Diószegi út towards Bánk

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Hármashegyalja

Observation point, playground, “school in the forest”, trail with displays Accessible: by Zsuzsi Railway until the final stop; by car or bicycle on Route 48 (to Vámospércs), left at Haláp junction

Zsuzsi Narrow-Gauge Railway Debrecen, Ruyter u 1 (until May 2014: Faraktár u 60) Tel.: +36 52/417-212 www.zsuzsivasut.hu

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Hortobágy

HORTOBÁGY, the genuine “puszta”

Hortobágy is the perfect archetype of pristine natural landscape, the place where everyone longs to find refuge from the monotony of modern human existence. It has the feel of primeval freedom to it, reflected in the image of the endless horizon, in a place where you might even reach the stars. It is a place where you will reinterpret the meaning of silence. It is the land of lore where hundred-year-old traditions are still part of people’s means of subsistence and not mere promotional gimmicks. Hortobágy National Park Visitor Center & Craftsmen’s Yard

You can get detailed information on the programs available in the various tourist spots of the region including how to see those areas in the National Park which are open to visitors. You can also check out the admission-free multi-media exhibit presenting the uniquely rich wildlife of the puszta. If you’re into the arts, why don’t you explore the workshops set up in the yard where local artisans put their trades on display? A wide range of their products and other merchandise lays up for grabs in the gift shop. Hortobágy, Petőfi tér 9 Tel.: +36 52/589-321 www.hnp.hu Check out HNP’s information updates for guided treks in the puszta, fall crane-watching expeditions, and stargazing tours.

Hortobágy Herdsmen’s Museum & Exhibit-in-the-Round

The former wagon shed now houses a museum exhibit displaying artifacts characteristic of the life of herdsmen around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Mannequins clad in tra-

ditional garb, dioramas, video and audio clips help visitors to get the feel of those bygone days. Hortobágy, Petőfi tér 1 Tel.: +36 52/369-040 www.hnp.hu

Hortobágy Csárda Exhibit

Hortobágy Big Inn is the oldest and grandest of these traditional watering holes where you can sample “puszta cuisine” in its original locale. The exhibit room presents old postcards, photos and scale models to illustrate the long-past “csárda” milieu populated by tough denizens of the prairie. Also on display are the various old means of transportation, while an ancient wagon serves as impromptu seating arrangement from which to watch a “puszta movie” spliced together from Hortobágy scenes. There is also a photo booth where you can get your pictures taken rigged out in traditional garment and headgear, against the backdrop of images of the puszta. The thematic itinerary dubbed “The Trail of Inns” includes stops to display the exhibits at the recently renovated Kadarcs and Meggyes inn museums.

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Hortobágy, Petőfi tér Tel.: +36 52/589-000 www.hnp.hu

Puszta Zoo

A park housing ancient Hungarian breeds of domestic animals; an exhibit on the history of the various species. Hortobágy Tel.: +36 52/701-037 www.pusztaiallatpark.hu

Máta Stud Farm

Boasting a proud history of 300 years, the farm is one of Europe’s traditional establishments of this kind. It also has tourist programs on offer, the most popular of which is the “puszta” horse-and-carriage ride. It sets out to the heart of the grassland where you can get close to herds of Nonius horses, gray cattle, buffalo, “racka” sheep, and “mangalica” pigs in their natural habitat. The herdspeople tending these animals will also be on hand to give you first-hand accounts of life in the puszta. Hortobágy-Máta Tel.: +36 52/589-369 www.hortobagy.eu

Hortobágy Wildlife Park – Puszta Safari

The park serves as a reserve for animal species that had populated the region before human habitation and encroaching civilization drove them off. Their ranks are completed by species that still inhabit the wilderness areas of the National Park. Take a ride on one of our specially souped-up buses and check out these beasts. If you are not one of the faint-hearted, you might even risk taking an “extra safari” and get up close to them. Hortobágy-Malomháza Tel.: +36 52/589-000 www.hnp.hu

Hortobágy Bird Park

This refuge for birds features exhibits, a clinic and flying ranges where recuperating avian patients can get much-needed practice before getting reintroduced into their original habitat. You can learn about what dangers wild birds have to face on a daily basis and even watch

erected at the final stop and the boardwalks skirting the ponds will even provide opportunities to take close-ups of pond denizens. Tel.: +36 52/589-000 www.hnp.hu Accessible: by road on Route 33, towards Hortobágy Fish Ponds from the junction at Milestone 67 km; by rail on the Debrecen-Füzesabony line, about 100 m from Hortobágyi-Halastó stop

Ohat Fish Ponds the treatment of injured or sick individuals. Hortobágy, Petőfi tér 6 Tel.: +36 52/369-181 www.madarpark.hu, www.madarkorhaz.hu

Hortobágy Fish Ponds Narrow-Gauge Railway

Trail with displays, birdwatching, fishing Tel.: +36 52/369-110 www.hhgrt.hu Accessible: by road on Route 33 towards Tiszacsege, on Telekházi Road; by rail, from Gyökérkút stop on the dyke of the western main irrigation canal

You can discover the diverse flora and fauna of Central Europe’s most intricate system of fish ponds at your leisure, sitting in the small cars of this railway. The observation platform

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Wellness Nagyerdő Health Center

When it comes to WELLNESS

No matter how splendid your holiday destination is, the moment when museums start to lose from their luster inevitably comes. You simply long for relaxation, the wonderfully soothing ripples caressing you with hot medicinal water, the touch of expert hands massaging your aching muscles, or the fulfillment of a sauna session cleansing body and soul. You will definitely get a new lease on life in the Big Forest thanks to the potency of the city’s thermal water, the expertise of the staff of Debrecen Medical Center as well as the excellent services of the many other local health, beauty, and fitness facilities.

The medical staff of this clinic utilizes the therapeutic properties of thermal water in nearly 40 treatment options. Specialists develop customized treatment plans based on the results of thorough medical check-ups. In addition to traditional balneotherapy, sessions of physiotherapy, movement therapy and various fields of psychology are also on offer. The clinic provides state-of-the-art medical services in the following specialties: rheumatology, (pediatric) orthopedy, dentistry, urology, dermatology, pediatric pulmonology and (pediatric) psychiatry. Debrecen, Nagyerdei park 1 Tel.: +36 52/514-114 www.nagyerdeigyogyaszat.hu

Sauna facilities in Debrecen Aquaticum Health & Spa Center Debrecen, Nagyerdei park 1 Tel.: +36 52/514-100 www.aquaticum.hu

Hotel Lycium

Hotel Divinus

Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt 1 Tel.: +36 52/510-900 www.hoteldivinus.hu

Hunguest Hotel Nagyerdő Debrecen, Pallagi út 5 Tel.: +36 52/410-588 www.hunguesthotels.hu

Debrecen, Hunyadi u 1-3 Tel.: +36 52/506-600 www.hotellycium.hu

Hotel Óbester

Debrecen, Péterfia u 49 Tel.: +36 52/696-161 www.hotelobester.hu

Aquaticum Health & Spa Center Debrecen, Nagyerdei park 1 Tel.: +36 52/514-100 www.aquaticum.hu

Indoor Mediterranean Pleasure Baths

It is summer all year round in this fantastic spa complex thanks to the lush tropical vegetation and special features. The latter include artificial waves, pools for kids, water chutes, climbing walls, whirlpools, underwater jets, massage showers, grottos, even an “adventure trail” and a “water chopper.” The facility also features a Thai massage center, a sauna complex (including steam rooms) and a restaurant.

Thermal Baths

The separate units of the Pleasure and Thermal Baths are connected by a glass-walled passageway. Open to visitors all through the year, the domed bath hall features regular tubs filled with water at three different temperatures, swimming and plunge pools, a Kneipp treading pool as well as steam rooms. Both the indoor and outdoor pools are equip-

ped with underwater jets and high-pressure showers which supplement medical treatments with thermal massages and contribute to the best-quality spa experience. Two separate, specially designed pools are available for therapeutic gymnastics and weight-bath sessions. The most recent development project includes add-ons such as a salt chamber for patients with respiratory conditions, a new massage complex as well as a special room for mud treatment. The new facilities will open in September 2014.

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Aquaticum Wellness Island

Located at the heart of Aquaticum Thermal & Wellness Hotel****, this island offers the whole range of spa and health-care services including Asian exercise programs, traditional and Oriental massage as well as hydrotherapy and Thalasso treatment. All these features, complete with the medicinal properties of the water and the cozy ambience of the hotel, guarantee an excellent time spent in an oasis of tranquility.

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Gastronomy BEERFEST: HUNGARIAN AND CZECH CRAFT BEERS

TASTE of the GREAT PLAIN

Sampling chilled artisanal suds in the shade. Honestly… Can you think of any better way of whiling away a sweltering summer day? Hungarian and Czech beers, traditional Czech music and, of course, tasty morsels to grease the way down. This will be an ideal warm-up event to the extravaganza of Flower Parade week. August | Big Forest

WEEKEND OF STUFFED DISHES & HUNGARIAN WINES Your first visit to a new destination is always seasoned with local culinary delights. Your Hungarian gastro-adventure may start with just some choice morsels of a sample menu, but you will never forget our cuisine’s unique medley of spices, flavors and aromas. Where else would a foodie find the most authentic traditional fare if not at the heart of Alföld (better known as “the puszta”), more particularly at the manifold eateries and watering holes of Debrecen or Hortobágy? The dishes of your choice will always be uniquely special, whether they are served from traditional sooty stew pots, redesigned as gourmet creations, or picked up at the stalls of any of the following culinary events. THE TOP 10 alföld SPECIALITIES that you must sample: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Double sausage à la Debrecen Stuffed cabbage à la Debrecen Gingerbread plate à la Debrecen Goulash of gray-cattle beef cooked in stew pot Pancakes filled with meat ragout à la Hortobágy Spicy fish soup à la Hortobágy Veal stew Slambuc (“the herdsman’s pasta dish”) Mangalica sausage and pork fat Artisanal gomolya (soft cheese)

CULINARY EVENTS MANGALICA PORK DAYS

Delicacies prepared from traditional Hungarian mangalica pork will provide something of a novelty for kids and unequalled treats for their parents. April | Kossuth tér

NATIONAL FAIR OF ORGANIC FOODS ON ST. GEORGE’S DAY

This event will give the ultimate answers to what organic produce is and why it tastes different. Marking the beginning of the spring season, the St. George’s Day festivities traditionally coincide with the day when herdsmen first put out their livestock to open pasture. This will provide visitors with opportunities to explore, even master, many tricks of folk wisdom and lore no matter if they belong to the set books of animal husbandry, cooking or serving food. April | Hortobágy

Debrecen TURKEY DAYS

summer? Debrecen Turkey Days won’t disappoint. This cheerful festival pits teams of pro and amateur chefs (competing in separate divisions) against one another for the prize awarded to the most ingenious and delicious turkey dish. A great time is guaranteed, no matter if you come to compete or serve on the jury. The comfort level of your taste buds will be elevated by great wines, your mood by concerts, kid programs and bargains at the artisans’ market. June | Kossuth tér

Debrecen WINE CARNIVAL

Not only is it a wine festival in red-and-white, but also a pretty colorful show attended by all domestic players of the oenophile field. This summer night event will definitely be must-visit, no matter if you like your tipple dry or sweet, made from traditional Hungarian or global grape varietals, straight or as part of sparkling ‘spritzer’ or perhaps accompanied by canapés. August | Big Forest

“Debrecen” double sausage can only be outranked by stuffed cabbage of the same moniker. In the Hajdúság region, however, it’s not only cabbage leaves that chefs wrap around dollops of spicy stuffing. No wonder, it takes a whole weekend to present the full range of such dishes. Stuff your weekend tightly with all sorts of goodies from the display kitchens, good music and entertainment. September | Kossuth tér

Debreczen Pálinka & DOUBLE SAUSAGE FESTIVAL

Pair up your succulent “Debrecen double” on a slice of crispy, freshly-baked bread with a shot of aromatic pálinka, and you’ll get the winning team of a perfect festival. This heart-warming gastro-fest will feature all the fare of Debrecen’s finest restaurants, tipple from the nation’s best distilleries and live concerts by top-ranked Hungarian bands. September | Big Forest

Stylish Countryside Restaurants’ Meeting

GOOSE FEAST ON St. MARTIN’S DAY STARRING EGER WINES

Organic Food Market

November | Kossuth tér

Debrecen, Kandia u 14 Tel: +36 70/279-3708

FISH SUNDAY

Szatyor Debrecen – Farmers’ Market

The traditional Hungarian Christmas menu wouldn’t be complete without fish. Neither would Debrecen’s festive season, without the popular Fish Days. Immerse yourself in the Christmas throngs, try some delicious fish dishes, and wash them down with a cup or two of hot, spiced wine. It may even jazz up your shopping experience. December | Kossuth tér

DESIGNATED STORES Hortobágy Fish Farm Debrecen, Füredi út 27 Tel.: +36 52/369-110 www.hhgzrt.hu

Debrecen, Csapókert Community House (Süveg u 3) Debrecen, Homokkert Community House (Szabó Kálmán u 68) Debrecen, Tímárház (Nagy Gál István u 6) www.szatyordebrecen.hu

HBZ – Wine Yard Special Sales Debrecen, Széchenyi u 48 Tel.: +36 52/533-555 www.borudvar.hu

The Carnivore’s Boutique Debrecen, Simonffy u 2/a Tel.: +36 30/559-4011 www.husmanufaktura.hu

Hortobágy Organic Meat

PM Choco Shop of Artisanal Chocolates

Hortobágy, Czinege J u 1 Tel.: +36 52/589-146 www.magyarszurkemarhahus.hu

Debrecen, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky u 2 Tel.: +36 30/316-2904 www.pmchoco.hu

Nárcisz Estate

CHEF ACADEMY

Debrecen, Nagy Mihály kert 57/b Tel.: +36 20/335-9620 www.asajt.hu

I-Shop

Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138 Tel.: +36 30/759-7004 www.i-bolt.hu

12 restaurants, 12 world views, 12 creative chefs & 1 mission: Stylish Countryside Restaurants At these events, the cooking is done by chefs who believe in honest, sincere, and unpretentious hospitality, in the kitchens of one another’s restaurants. Host in September: IKON Restaurant. September | Big Forest

Do you know exactly what taste you’re after? Have you procured the perfect ingredients? The pros of Chef Academy will be happy to help you to also acquire the expertise you will need to become an aficionado of Hungarian cuisine. Experienced housewives will be able to hone their skills, while novices can learn the basics of kitchen techniques. This cookery school also welcomes kids with courses on spices and healthy eating. Serious foodies might even set out on round-the-world trips in quest of gourmet destinations. Debrecen, Karinthy Frigyes u 16 Tel.: +36 30/499-4372 www.sefakademia.hu

Craving a bite of turkey? To quote the popular folk song, “You should go to Debrecen.” Is it

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Young Folks Cinema City

Debrecen, as dedicated to YOUNG FOLKS by Tankcsapda

Debrecen, Péterfia u 18 (Debrecen Plaza) Tel.: +36 40/600-600 www.cinemacity.hu/debrecen

NIGHTLIFE Roncs Bar

Debrecen, Csapó u 27 Tel.:+36 52/688-050 www.roncsbar.hu

Lovarda

You have probably felt the relief of finally venting pent-up energy and stress. You know the satisfaction of time spent in the company of friends, the hearty laughter that may even make you shed tears of happiness. Why don’t you try to relive those moments and get a whole new lease on life? The buzz of excitement generated by a shopping spree; the awe-inspiring roar of fans cheering their favorite team from a packed grandstand: Come and enjoy these moments in Debrecen.

ADVENTURE Agora Scientific Adventure Center

Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1 (For detailed information, see the FAMILY section)

Nagyerdő Entertainment Complex

(zoo, plant collection & theme park) A new theme park with retro features, zootrek at night and much, much more… Debrecen, Ady Endre u 1 Tel.: +36 52/310-065 www.zoodebrecen.hu

Pocket Guide

Interactive sightseeing on foot or by rented bike Debrecen, Piac u 20 Tel.: +36 52/412-250 www.gotodebrecen.com

“Catch him if you can” - Reality adventure game Debrecen, Cserepes u 16 Tel.: + 36 70/378-3423 www.nyomasutana.hu

“Exit the room” - Reality adventure game Debrecen, Péterfia u 39 Tel.: +36 20/779-1925 www.exittheroom.hu

HintHunt - Reality adventure game Debrecen, Kandia u 14 Tel.: +36 70/417-7816 www.hinthunt.hu

Koppány Valley Forest Adventure Park Debrecen – Koppány Valley Tel.: +36 70/945-8175 www.koppanyfogado.hu

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Erdőspuszták (Wooded Plains)

(Hármashegyalja, Ördögárok, Lake Vekeri, Lakes Fancsika, Zsuzsi Narrow-Gauge Railway) Rest and recreation areas, forest trails, on-site exhibits, fishing, paddle-wheel and rowing boats for hire Tel.: +36 52/441-118 www.nyirerdo.hu, www.zsuzsivasut.hu

Hortobágy Puszta Safari

Exploring the grassland of the puszta and other recreation options at Hortobágy Tel.: +36 52/589-000 www.hnp.hu

Debrecen, Kassai út 26 Tel.: +36 52/420-492 www.lovarda.hu

Deli Music Classes

(May through September) Debrecen, Baltazár Dezső tér 1 (MODEM inner yard) Tel.: +36 52/525-018 www.modemart.hu

Bisztró Bar

Debrecen, Simonffy u 1/C Tel.: +36 52/747-604 www.facebook.com/bisztrobar

Butiq

Debrecen, Csapó u 24 Tel.: +36 70/866-1600 www.facebook.com/butiqbistrobar

Inkognitó Bar

Debrecen, Eötvös u 11 Tel.: +36 52/952-142 www.ujinkognito.hu

Mokka Drink Bar

Debrecen, Hal köz 3/a Tel.: +36 52/747-312 www.facebook.com/mokkadrinkbar

Dharma Club

Debrecen, Simonffy u 21 (Youth House) Tel.: +36 30/630-8212 www.facebook.com/DharmaKlub

Sikk Klub

Debrecen, Domb u 1 Tel.: +36 70/315-4104 www.sikkklub.hu

Chicago Club

Debrecen, Piac u 22 Tel.: +36 52/451-806 www.facebook.com/chicagoclub.debrecen

THE MOVIES Apolló Cinema

Debrecen, Miklós u 1 Tel.:+36 52/417-847 www.apollomozi.hu, www.fonixinfo.hu

White Angel

Debrecen, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky u 1-5 Tel.: +36 70/341-4541 www.whiteangeldebrecen.hu

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SportS Debrecen Sport Center Debrecen, Oláh Gábor u 5 Tel.: +36 52/514-400 www.dbsportcentrum.hu

Debrecen Ice Rink

Debrecen, Derék u 33 Tel.: +36 52/537-272 www.debrecenjegcsarnok.hu

Debrecen Indoor Swimming Pool Debrecen, Zákány u 4 Tel.: +36 52/506-676 www.sportuszoda.hu

Debrecen Golf Club

Debrecen, Cserei-ér dűlő Tel.: +36 70/311-9110 www.debrecenigolfclub.hu

Golf Garden

Station Bowling Debrecen

Debrecen, Petőfi tér 10 Tel.: +36 30/228-8555 facebook.com/stationbowlingdebrecen

Fun City Bowling Debrecen Debrecen, Péterfia u. 18. (Debrecen Pláza) Tel: +36 70/314-5957 www.funcitybowling.hu

Imperial Club Pool Saloon Debrecen, Egyetem sugárút 13 Tel.: +36 52/530-777 www.clubimperial.hu

Outdoor gym-parks

Debrecen, Oláh Gábor u 5 Debrecen University, Dóczy József u 9 Debrecen, Derék u 33

SHOPPING MALLS

Debrecen, corner of Sámsoni út - Salakos u Tel.: +36 30/958-44 11 www.golfgarden.hu

Debrecen Plaza

CAMPUS Bowling Bar

Forum Debrecen

Debrecen, Kassai út 26 Tel.: +36 52/529-111 www.campusbowling.hu

Halköz Debrecen

Debrecen, Simonffy u 4-6 www.halkozuzlethaz.hu

Malompark

Debrecen, Füredi út 27 www.malompark.hu

Mybox Debrecen

Debrecen, Mikepércsi út 168

Park Center

Debrecen, Kishatár u 9 www.parkcenters.hu/debrecen

Stop Shop

Debrecen, Kishatár út 34/b www.stop-shop.com/hu/debrecen/hu

City Center

www.varoskozpont.hu

Debrecen, Péterfia u 18 www.debrecenplaza.hu

Debrecen, Csapó u 30 www.forumdebrecen.hu

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Interview

Interview with Tankcsapda’s frontman, László Lukács and drummer, Tamás Fejes

Tankcsapda, Hungary’s foremost rock ‘n’ roll pride was launched in Debrecen. Its members still live in the city and return here after each and every concert. How come that Debrecen is still HOME? László Lukács – Tamás Fejes: We have strong feelings of local patriotism. We love our city and Loki, our local soccer club. We also like to clearly express our Debrecen identity in our lyrics, concert profiles and album covers. The people of Debrecen are proud of us and we’re by no means less proud of them. The love of local concert-goers radiating toward the stage at our New Year’s gigs gives us incredible strength.

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What do you like about Debrecen? TF: We love the city, “warts and all.” Debrecen is a slow-moving city in the true and honest sense of the word. After our concerts, in the constant buzz of the day, it feels comforting to get immersed in its serene, livable atmosphere. LL: Debrecen is big enough so we can disappear in it. At the same time, it gives us ample freedom for everyday life and – not least importantly – fosters the creative process. Can you list your favorite haunts in the city? TF: Undoubtedly our own places such as the Roncs Bar! LL: I enjoy wandering about in the Christmas market, having a couple of cups of hot spiced wine. I remember, on a post-concert dawn, I could hardly keep my jaws shut when I saw downtown, powdered with fresh snow, the Christmas lights glittering. It looked like the set of a Walt Disney movie. I’m also keen on physical exercise and have dogs. Therefore, I like leaving for the green belt around the city, the Pallag Woods, Erdőspuszta or the lakes at Fancsika. You can even reach these places by narrow-gauge railway. It is a little gem even many Debrecen people don’t know of. TF: In summer, I like the downtown terraces and piazzas that are bustling with life at night. Debrecen has a lot of small bars that you can even use as stops along nice, little “boozing circuits.” We have our history and cultural heritage. The Modem never fails to amaze with its fantastic exhibits, and excellent restaurants are easy to find. Night entertainment options are never in short supply. Which local events are you fond of visiting? LL – TF: Our own gigs (as printed in Tankcsapda font). Talking about concerts, the name of the Főnix Hall must be mentioned here. That’s the venue of our traditional New Year’s bashes. The Főnix is the country’s best multi-functional arena with an atmosphere which is ideal for concerts. LL: My second pick would be local sporting events. Soccer, of course, but women’s handball games and water-polo matches are also always full of drama and excitement. Technical sports are also good examples here. Debrecen boasts one of the country’s best speedway circuits. What international status can be achieved by a 25-year-old band, successful for exactly as many years? LL – TF: We’re a Hungarian band performing in Hungarian. So we’re really in our element when people understand what we sing. To answer your question, though, we might be dubbed “the Hungarian Metallica” because of musical and ideological traits as well as considerations of our respective popularity. A parallel may also be drawn, however, between our experience and that of Motörhead. Similarly to our attitude to Debrecen, its band-members also assume a strong patriotic stance with respect to their country. Whenever we are asked how Tankcsapda can be so popular with a “primitive” three-accord sound, we always answer that this is our strength, this is what we build on, and if you’re into this kind of music, you’ll definitely feel its power. The same can be said of Debrecen: It doesn’t need to appear different from what it is, it’ll simply be cool courtesy of the experience.

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The number one mall of the region is ready to serve

you!

120 shops, 800-space parking lot www.forumdebrecen.hu www.facebook.com/forumdebrecen GPS: 47°31´54.73˝; 21°37´41.94´

CALZEDONIA

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PROGRAMS | SPRING 2014

Spring OFF YOU GO TO THE PASTURE – Herdsmen’s festivities on St. George’s DAy

International children’s day with bubu at aquaticum

National Fair of organic foods on St. george’s day

Classic movie scores reloaded

April 26, 2014 Hortobágy, Market Place

Concert by Debrecen’s Kodály Philharmonic & Kodály Choir May 31, 2014, 19.30 Kölcsey Center

Debrecen Spring fair & flea market

VILLAGE DAY

April 26, 2014 Hortobágy, Market Place

Debrecen spring festival & art exhibition March 9 to April 11, 2014 Kölcsey Center, Apolló Cinema, Főnix Hall

rhythmic gymnastics world cup

“PASS IT ON BY WINGS OF ANGELS”

Commemorative exhibit of artist Endre Vadász (1901-1944) April 16 to June 1, 2014 Déri Museum

Easter family events at Aquaticum

March 12 to 16, 2014 Főnix Hall

April 20 to 21, 2014 Aquaticum Mediterranean Pleasure Baths

Ethno-safe

Selected treasures from the ethnographic collection of György Déri OPENS ON March 15, 2014 Déri Museum

6th Debrecen festival of classical guitar orchestras April 25 to 26, 2014 Liszt Hall

Blattner & hungarian avant-garde

Géza Blattner, avant-garde puppeteer, artist, founder of paris’ Arc-en-Ciel theater & his group March 21 to June 22, 2014 MODEM

May 25, 2014 Aquaticum Mediterranean Pleasure Baths

May 10 to 11, 2014 Böszörményi út and its neighborhood

May 31, 2014 Hortobágy, Stage on the Water

Alföld – chapters from the shared history of the great plain & fine art

Neighborhood children’s days & family events

May 11 to September 14, 2014 MODEM

May to June, 2014 in various Debrecen districts

Nature photographer of the year, 2013 – photo exhibit

Festivals: www.fonixinfo.hu Exhibits: www.modemart.hu Concerts of classical music: www.kodalyfilharmonia.hu Concerts of popular music: www.lovarda.hu, www.roncsbar.hu Theater: www.csokonaiszinhaz.hu www.vojtinababszinhaz.hu Sports: www.dbsportcentrum.hu

Opens on May 24, 2014 Belvárosi Gallery

Programs are subject to change.

Debrecen boards festival

A review of contemporary Hungarian drama March 22 to 29, 2014 Csokonai National Theater

Mangalica pork days April 11 to 13, 2014 Kossuth tér

Debrecen poetry festival April 14 to 16, 2014 Kölcsey Center

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Programs | summer 2014

Summer Ivan Ladislav Galeta’s perspectives

Debrecen wine carnival

Run with the mirage

5th national water-cHUTE championship at aquaticum

Retrospective of an icon of croatian experimental moviemaking July 6 to September 28, 2014 MODEM

July 12, 2014 Hortobágy-Máta

16th Csapókert Whitsun king trials

Museums’ night

June 7, 2014 Csapókert Community House

June 21, 2014 Déri Museum, MODEM, Reformed College, Hortobágy

Herdsmen’s Festivities – national cowboys’ MEET & contest June 7, 2014 Hortobágy, Puszta Zoo

June 7 to 8, 2014 Kossuth tér

June 21, 2014 Hortobágy Fish Pond

National Book Fair

World war I centennial exhibition

June 12 to 16, 2014 Csapó utca

June 21 to December 31, 2014 Déri Museum

And they lived happily ever after – seAson-ending show at Vojtina

Hungarian press photo exhibition June 2014 Kölcsey Center, Árpád Bényi Hall

June 15, 2014 Vojtina Puppet Theater

Debrecen summer theater nights

Parade of the saddles & HortOBÁGY equestrian days

Debrecen civic promenade June 20 to August 9, 2014 Kossuth tér

June 21, 2014 Csapókert Community House

Day of Hortobágy fish pond narrow-GAUGE railway

Debrecen TURKEY DAYS

June 20 to 22, 2014 Hortobágy-Máta

15th dance of fire: youth dance festival

June to August 2014 yard of Gábor Bethlen High School of Economics, Nagyerdő Amphitheater

Hungarians’ Fair

July 2014 Hortobágy, Market Place

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International summer academy of young musicians & concert of zoltán kodály world youth orchestra July 14 to 27, 2014 Liszt Hall

July 16 to 19, 2014 Debrecen Indoor Swimming Pool

July 23 to 27, 2014 Debrecen

Debrecen flower parade & carnival week

Hortobágy BRIDGE Fair August 17 to 20, 2014 Hortobágy, Market Place

Special exhibit from the Antal-Lusztig collection July 18 to October 12, 2014 MODEM

Campus festival

August 15, 2014 Aquaticum Mediterranean Pleasure Baths

August 15 to 20, 2014 Kossuth tér, Kölcsey Center, Nagyerdő Amphitheater

2014 national swimming championship

Geometry of the sublime

August 7 to 10, 2014 Egyetem tér

Look here! The ENTERTAINER – season opener at vojtina August 31, 2014 Memorial Garden

Debrecen jazz days July 25 to 27, 2014 Nagyerdő Amphitheater

26th international béla Bartók choir competition & folklore festival July 30 to August 3, 2014 Kölcsey Center

www.gotodebrecen.com

programs | FALL 2014

Fall

CRANEFEST

Debrecen FALL Festival

CORrALING THE HERDS

Debrecen LITERARY DAYS

THE CARTOGRAPHER AND THE LANDSCAPE – CRITICAL CARTOGRAPHY AND GEOPOLITICS IN THE 21st CENTURY

GOOSE FEAST ON St. MARTIN’S DAY

October 24 to 25, 2014 Hortobágy National Park Visitor Center & Artisans’ Yard

Weekend of stuffed dishes & Hungarian wines september 12 to 14, 2014 Kossuth tér

Exhibit of the national lacemakers’ guild from September 12, 2014 Tímárház – Artisans’ House

Hortobágy wilderness park’s day september 13 to 14, 2014 Hortobágy Wilderness Park

DICTIONARY SET IN MOTION – THE POETRY OF Sándor Weöres – LITERARY EXHIBIT September 18 to December 31, 2014 Déri Museum

EVENTS OF “CULTURAL HERITAGE DAYS”

September 2014 various facilities of the Debrecen Cultural Center

October 26, 2014 Hortobágy, Market Place

October to November 2014 Kölcsey Center Árpád Bényi Hall

November 5 to 7, 2014 Kölcsey Center

November 7 to 9, 2014 Kossuth tér

October 26, 2014 to February 15, 2015 MODEM

HUNGARIAN GRAY-BULL FAIR October 4, 2014 Hortobágy, Puszta Animal Park

DEBRECEN FALL FAIR & FLEA MARKET October 4 to 5, 2014 Böszörményi út and its neighborhood

RETROSPECTIVE OF ARTIST ÁKOS BIRKÁS October 5, 2014 to January 25, 2015 MODEM

PHOTO-EXHIBIT OF Erwin Olaf (holland) October 17, 2014 to January 18, 2015 MODEM

UNDERNEATH St. HUBERT’S CROSS – “FOREST WORLD AT GÚT,” SCIENCE EXHIBITION October 23 to December 31, 2014 Déri Museum

www.gotodebrecen.com

PROGRAMS | Winter 2014

Winter

Christmas-season’s festivities in debrecen November 30 to December 24, 2014 Kölcsey Center

Fish sunday

December 21, 2014 Kossuth tér

Get your stockinGs ready & be prepared foR santa’s arrival at the vojtina December 1 to 7, 2014 Vojtina Puppet Theater

25th Jubilee concert of tankcsapda December 27, 2014 Főnix Hall

7th model railroad exhibit & parade at Christmas December 7, 2014 Vasutas Egyetértés Cultural Center

Happy new year, debrecen 2015 December 31, 2014 Kossuth tér

“JUST LIKE AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC…”

Farewell-to old-year concert by Amadinda Percussions, Gábor Presser & Friends December 2014 Kölcsey Center

NEW YEAR’S CONCERT OF THE KODÁLY CHOIR

NEW YEAR’S OPERETTA GALA January 2015 Kölcsey Center

3rd DEBRECEN DALIDÓ – OPENING THE SPRING CARNIVAL FESTIVITIES January 2015 Kölcsey Center, Baltazár Dezső tér

January 1, 2015 Reformed Big Church

European women’s handball championship December 7 to 21, 2014 Főnix Hall

24th international nativity-play festival December 12 to 13, 2014 Kossuth tér, Belvárosi Community House

6th CHRISTMAS CONCERTS SERIES AT THE BIG CHURCH December 2014 Reformed Big Church

OPEN CITY HALL – christmas artisans’ market December 20 to 21, 2014 Old City Hall

www.gotodebrecen.com

www.hertz.hu

Hertz Franchisee

You haven’t really experienced Debrecen if you haven’t climbed up the tower of the Big Church, or haven’t tried to lift the big staff (dubbed gerundium) kept on display at the Reformed College. You mustn’t miss the ”Lícium tree”, symbol of the Reformed tradition, or St. Anne’s Cathedral, a Catholic bishop’s seat based in Calvinist Rome. True, you may get insights into Debrecen’s past and potential future strolling along the streets and squares of downtown. However, you won’t be able to piece together the whole picture without visiting Tímárház, the Déri Museum and the exhibits of MODEM Center of Modern & Contemporary Art. In the meantime, don’t miss the opportunity to sample some Debrecen double sausage. Once you have explored the historic city center, done your shopping at the Big Market, discovered the peaceful little piazzas, whiled away some time at the downtown terraces and Roncs Bar, make sure you go relax a bit in the tranquility of the Big Forest. Pamper yourself at Aquaticum Pleasure Baths, sit back in a deckchair at the Spa, and take a swim at Debrecen Indoor Swimming Pool, the main venue of the 2012 European Swimming Championship. Go for a walk in the recently landscaped Park Forest and check out the walkways bedecked with water features. Enjoy the attractions of Nagyerdő Entertainment Complex, or visit AGORA Scientific Adventure Center (located in the Botanical Garden, on the campus of the University of Debrecen) to have a fun introduction to the structure and behavior of the natural and physical world. Your sightseeing expedition will be pleasantly rounded off with a great show at Csokonai Theater, classical concert by the Kodály Philharmonic, or an adrenaline-fuelled soccer game at Nagyerdő Stadium.

Debrecen office Hunyadi János u 13, Hotel Lycium Debrecen Airport Mikepércsi út 0493/64 Phone: (36 52) 533 994, (36 30) 336 9072 Email: debrecen@hertz.hu

One day in Debrecen

No matter if your pick is a compact with manually or automatically operated gearshift, a sedan, a fourwheel drive or a truck of any variety, you will be eligible for a special package offered by Hertz exclusively to you.

(any period between August 15 and 21, 2014) 5 days, 4 nights From August 15 to 21, 2014, Debrecen will burst out in bloom again and carnival atmosphere will take the city’s squares and piazzas by storm. Flower Parade week always provides a stage for performers, entertainers, and art ensembles of international acclaim as well as a lively marketplace where artisans can sell their beautiful wares. The nearly 6-km-long procession – consisting of floats decked out with hundreds of thousands of flowers – is led by Hungarian as well as foreign folk-dance groups, music bands, flag jugglers, and majorette teams. The Flower Parade coincides with another iconic summer program, the Hortobágy Bridge Fair. 2014 will witness the 122nd such event. Named after the nine-hole landmark spanning the river of the same name, it exudes more than a touch of “puszta” feeling and features a multi-colored medley of Hungarian traditions, not least the region’s hearty cuisine.

Debrecen Flower Parade & Hortobágy Bridge Fair

Take this unique chance and rent the car that best satisﬁes your needs.

(all year round except during priority events and national holidays) 4 days, 3 nights Why is Debrecen called “Calvinist Rome,” and why is Hortobágy much more than the “puszta?” One reason may be hidden in the Calvinist form of greeting placing “Blessing and peace” upon the addressee. Other manifestations of everyday language usage may also be of importance. The locals don’t go for walks but “stroll along the prom,” they don’t hike in but “on” the Big Forest, their ice cream is served in “dollops” as opposed to cones, a casual “Enjoy your meal” may invite “May you also have a share in it” as a response, and a shopkeeper will present a newly purchased piece of clothing wishing “Be healthy while you’re wearing it.” Hortobágy may seem to be an endless, monotonous wasteland but is, in truth, a surprisingly variable landscape where, besides the iconic “Nine-Hole” Bridge, Big Inn, and the ever-popular equestrian shows, visitors are also attracted by the Puszta Zoo, Inn Museum, Fish Pond Narrow-Gauge Railway, Puszta Safari expeditions, or a functioning craftsmen’s yard. In addition to all the above, there are scores of other less tangible features that make this region unique and plainly marvelous. There is only one way to get to know them. Come, watch, taste and experience it all.

Don't be afraid to rent a car on a whim.

DEBRECEN AND HORTOBÁGY: PLAINLY MARVELOUS

You will always ﬁnd the latest models in Hungary's largest and most diverse pool of rental cars.

Program offer

Accommodations Hotel Divinus *****

Erdőspuszta Club Hotel **** 4002 Debrecen, Panoráma-Diószegi út kereszteződése Tel.: +36 52/747-444 E-mail: info@erdospuszta-clubhotel.hu Web: www.erdospuszta-clubhotel.hu

4032 Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 1. Tel.: +36 52/510-951 E-mail: info@hoteldivinus.hu Web: www.hoteldivinus.hu

171

400

42 000-46 500 Ft | 140-155 €

32 600 Ft | 114€

2 km

9 km

0,1 km

4 days 3 nights | person With breakfast

With halfboard

–

45 600 Ft 152 €

With halfboard

–

56 800 Ft 190 €

4 days 3 nights | person With breakfast

25 700 Ft 92 €

5 days 4 nights | person

With halfboard

With breakfast

41 700 Ft 149 €

Aquaticum Thermal and Wellness Hotel****

–

297

190

30 600 Ft | 104 €

2 km

0 km

4 days 3 nights | person

–

With halfboard

71 985 Ft 240 €

5 days 4 nights | person With breakfast

–

63 600 Ft 227 €

4026 Debrecen, Hunyadi u. 1-3. Tel.: +36 52/506-600 E-mail: hotel@hotellycium.hu Web: www.hotellycium.hu

33 290 Ft | 111€

With breakfast

With halfboard

Hotel Lycium**** Debrecen

4032 Debrecen, Nagyerdei park 1. Tel.: + 36 52/514-111, +36 52/514-183 E-mail: hotel@aquaticum.hu Web: www.aquaticum.hu

12 km

5 days 4 nights | person With breakfast

This price is only valid from 2 people.

With halfboard

4 days 3 nights | person With breakfast

99 980 Ft 330 €

www.gotodebrecen.com

With halfboard

33 900 Ft 126 €

2 km

5 days 4 nights | person With breakfast

–

With halfboard

66 800 Ft 247 €

Accommodations Hotel Óbester****

Grand Hotel Aranybika***

4026 Debrecen, Péterfia u. 49. Tel.: +36 52/696-161, +36 20/449 49 49 E-mail: info@hotelobester.hu Web: www.hotelobester.hu

4025 Debrecen, Piac u. 11-15. Tel.: +36 20/363 61 21 E-mail: info@hotelaranybika.com Web: www.hotelaranybika.com

205

21.500 Ft | 75 €

0 km

1,5 km

4 days 3 nights | person With breakfast

With halfboard

37 350 Ft 134 €

47 850 Ft 170 €

59 800 Ft 206 €

With halfboard

73 800 Ft 254 €

Centrum Hotel*** superior 4026 Debrecen, Kálvin tér 4-8. Tel.: +36 52/418-522 E-mail: info@centrumhotel.hu Web: www.centrumhotel.hu

4030 Debrecen, Somlyai u. 10. Tel.: +36 52/537-700 E-mail: info@platanhotel.eu, hotelplatan@t-online.hu Web: www.platanhotel.eu 34

2 km

5 days 4 nights | person With breakfast

Platán Hotel****

179

19.600 Ft | 70 €

16.400 Ft | 54 €

4 km

0 km

0,5 km

4 days 3 nights | person With breakfast

29 400 Ft 101 €

450

25 500 Ft | 89 €

With halfboard

38 400 Ft 132 €

5 days 4 nights | person With breakfast

39 200 Ft 135 €

With halfboard

51 200 Ft 177 €

www.gotodebrecen.com

4 days 3 nights | person With breakfast

31 350 Ft 105 €

www.gotodebrecen.com

With halfboard

40 350 Ft 135 €

3 km

5 days 4 nights | person With breakfast

50 000 Ft 168 €

With halfboard

62 000 Ft 208 €

Accommodations Hunguest Hotel Nagyerdő ***

Centrum Pension I. class

4032 Debrecen, Pallagi út 5. Tel.: +36 52/410-588 E-mail: nagyerdo@hnhotels.hu Web: www.hotelnagyerdo.hunguesthotels.com

104

4026 Debrecen, Péterfia u. 37/A Tel/Fax: + 36 52/416-193, +36 52/442-843 E-mail: debrecen@panziocentrum.hu Web: www.panziocentrum.hu

205

10 400 Ft | 40 €

3 km

0 km

0,2 km

4 days 3 nights | person With breakfast

With halfboard

–

22 500 Ft 84 €

–

With halfboard

39 600 Ft 148 €

Play Pub House Pension 4024 Debrecen, Batthyány u. 26. Tel.: +36 52/411-252 E-mail: panzio@playpubhouse.hu Web: www.playpubhouse.hu

4032 Debrecen, Oláh Gábor u. 5. Tel.: +36 52/514-444 E-mail: sporthotel@dbsportcentrum.hu Web: www.dbsporthotel.hu

1,5 km

5 days 4 nights | person With breakfast

Sport Hotel*** Superior

119

15.100 Ft-17.100 Ft | 53-60 €

11.500 Ft | 41€

3 km

0 km

0,5 km

4 days 3 nights | person With breakfast

24 400 Ft 85 €

14.000 Ft (with half-board), 50 €

With halfboard

31 500 Ft 110 €

4 km

5 days 4 nights | person With breakfast

43 200 Ft 154 €

With halfboard

52 800 Ft 188 €

www.gotodebrecen.com

Accommodations Régiposta Pension

Fecskeház Youth Hostel

4025 Debrecen, Széchenyi u. 6. Tel.: +36 52/325-325 E-mail: info@regiposta.hu Web: www.regiposta.hu

4071 Hortobágy-Máta Tel.: +36 52/589-000, +36 30/699 02 67 E-mail: hostel@hnp.hu, fecskehaz@hnp.hu Web: www.hnp.hu

17.400 Ft | 64€ 0 km

11 700 Ft-13 700 Ft | 42-49 €

2 km

4 days 3 nights | person With breakfast

5 days 4 nights | person

With halfboard

24 000 Ft 89 €

With breakfast

31 500 Ft 116,5 €

46 000 Ft 170 €

4 days 3 nights | person

With halfboard

With breakfast

56 000 Ft 20,5 €

5 days 4 nights | person

With halfboard

17 550 Ft 63 €

With breakfast

–

College Hostels

2921

10.500 Ft | 38 €

2 km

0,5 km

4 days 3 nights | person

12-17 250 Ft 41-58,5 €

–

4030 Debrecen, Lomnicz u. 1-3. Tel.: +36 20/219 30 66 E-mail: info@kerekestelepifurdo.hu, lyrabeachcamping@gmail.com Web: www.kerekestelepifurdo.hu

14.900 Ft | 51 €

With breakfast

23 400 84 €

Kerekestelepi Camping

4028 Debrecen, Kassai u. 26. Tel.: +36 52/529-100, +36 52/529-101 E-mail: campus.hotel@hunep.hu Web: www.collegehostels.hu

1432

With halfboard

5 days 4 nights | person

With halfboard

With breakfast

–

22 800-28 800 Ft 77-81 €

4 days 3 nights | person

With halfboard

With breakfast

–

www.gotodebrecen.com

15 000 Ft 56 €

www.gotodebrecen.com

With halfboard

18 000 Ft 65 €

0 km

5 days 4 nights | person With breakfast

22 000 Ft 80 €

With halfboard

25 000 Ft 92 €

Accommodations Madárfészek Youth Hostel 4071 Hortobágy, Petőfi tér 6. Tel/Fax: +36 52/369-181, +36 30/943 54 94 E-mail: okotele@t-online.hu, pusztadoktor@t-online.hu Web: www.madarpark.hu 4

7.000 Ft | 22 €

4 days 3 nights | person With breakfast

5 days 4 nights | person

With halfboard

10 500 Ft 34 €

With breakfast

–

With halfboard

12 000 Ft 39 €

–

Ökotúra Guesthouse and Camping**

CMY

4071 Hortobágy, Borsós 12. Tel.: +36 30/206 97 70 E-mail: info@okotura.hu Web: www.okotura.hu

10.700 Ft | 43 €

4 days 3 nights | person With breakfast

18 000 Ft 72 €

With halfboard

24 000 Ft 96 €

5 days 4 nights | person With breakfast

24 000 Ft 96 €

With halfboard

32 000 Ft 128 €

www.gotodebrecen.com

Restaurants Barabรกs Restaurant

Dominus Restaurant

4024 Debrecen, Vรกr u. 11. Tel.: +36 52/502-231 E-mail: info@barabasetterem.hu Web: www.barabasetterem.hu 12

4032 Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 1. Tel.: +36 52/510-951 E-mail: restaurant1@hoteldivinus.hu Web: www.hoteldivinus.hu 30

300

4025 Debrecen, Miklรณs u. 4. Tel.: +36 52/414-582 E-mail: vendeglo@flaska.hu Web: www.flaska.hu

4025 Debrecen, Piac u. 29. Tel.: +36 52/536-373 E-mail: info@belgaetterem.hu Web: www.belgaetterem.hu

110

Flaska Restaurant

Belga Restaurant

220

www.gotodebrecen.com

Restaurants Golf Garden Club

Ikon Restaurant

4002 Debrecen, Külső Sámsoni út (471-es főút) és Salakos utca-sarok Tel.: +36 30/958-4411 E-mail: golfgarden@golfgarden.hu Web: www.golfgarden.hu

4025 Debrecen, Piac u. 23. Tel.: +36 30/555 77 66 E-mail: foglalas@ikonrestaurant.hu Web: www.ikonrestaurant.hu 16

John Bull Pub Restaurant 4026 Debrecen, Péterfia u. 49. Tel.: +36 52/696-161 E-mail: info@hotelobester.hu Web: www.hotelobester.hu

4071 Hortobágy, Petőfi tér 1. Tel.: +36 52/589-144, +36 52/589-010 E-mail: csarda@hortobagy.eu Web: www.hortobagy.eu

120

Hortobágy Big Inn

www.gotodebrecen.com

Restaurants PM Choco Shop of Artisanal Chocolates and Café

Roncsbár

4026 Debrecen, Bajcsy Zsilinszky u. 2. Tel.: +36 30 388-4338 E-mail: info@pmchoco.hu Web: www.pmchoco.hu

4024 Debrecen, Csapó u. 27. Tel.: +36 52/688-050 E-mail: romkocsma@gmail.hu Web: www.roncsbar.hu 400

200

Régi Vigadó Restaurant

DISCOVER DEBRECEN

4032 Debrecen, Nagyerdei Park 1. Tel.: +36 52/514-189 E-mail: regivigado@hotmail.com Web: www.regivigado.hu 60

300

WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE! Scan the QR code or visit debrecen.pocketguideapp.com to download the tour and get started now.

www.gotodebrecen.com

UNESCO World Heritage Sites & European Superlatives from Debrecen Debrecen serves as a convenient base camp to approach some of Europe’s best tourist spots. Registered UNESCO World Heritage Site Hortobágy, the largest uninterrupted grassland in Eastern Europe, is within easy reach. Hajdúszoboszló, boasting the biggest spa complex in Europe, is no more than a 20-minute drive away. Among other high-caliber attractions, the Nyíregyháza Zoo features tropical rainforest habitats, sharks, and the popular seal show. Two iconic wine-producing regions, Eger and Tokaj (the latter also a World Heritage Site), offer the full range of Hungary’s best-known vintages.

Tourinform Eger 3300 Eger, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky u 9 Tel.:+36 36/517-715 www.eger.hu

Try on the original herdsman’s hat at Balmazújváros

Immerse yourself in the depths of Europe’s fresh-water aquarium

Located in the immediate vicinity of Hortobágy National Park, Balmazújváros is rich in natural beauties and folk traditions. Handicrafts such as hatmaking, wickerwork, leatherwork, and thatching are still organic parts of everyday life here. Tel.: +36 52/580-102 www.balmazujvaros.hu

is the place to go. This special exhibit displays the folk traditions and organic architecture of bygone days. Tourist Information Centre 4400 Nyíregyháza, Kossuth tér 1 Tel.: + 36 42/310-735 www.nyiregyhaza.info.hu

Explore the world of Tokaj wine at scenic Mád

Mád is one of the best-known and oldest settlements of Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The unique terroir, the incomparable atmosphere of the cellars, the centuries-old vintner’s expertise as well as the exceptional architectural features make the town a must-see gem of a place. Tel.: +36 47/348-003 www.mad.info.hu

Visit Europe’s biggest spa complex Get a nice soak under the starlit skies in the grotto pool at Miskolctpolca

Miskolc and adjoining, beautiful Lillafüred are a real treasure trove of natural and cultural beauties. Always bustling with life, downtown Miskolc features Hungary’s longest esplanade, many parks, and the meandering Szinva Creek. The unrivalled Miskolctapolca Grotto Bath offers a uniquely special spa experience. You may even take a night swim at the “Hall of Stars” under the pitch-black canopy illuminated by celestial lighting.

www.gotodebrecen.com

Tourinform Miskolc 3525 Miskolc, Széchenyi u 16 Tel.: +36 46/350-425 www.hellomiskolc.hu

Check out Nyíregyháza for a chance to travel in space and time

A 30-hectare oak forest at Nyíregyháza-Sóstógyógyfürdő is home to the most exciting zoo of the nation. As many as 5,000 specimens of some 500 species, including exotic and endangered ones, feeding displays, the oceanarium and model rainforest are only a few of the countless attractions at this must-visit tourist spot. If it’s time travel to the past that you’re after, Sóstó Museum village

Hajdúszoboszló is one of the most-visited spots on Hungary’s intricate map of spas. As a result of continuous development, the facility has become Europe’s biggest thermal-bath complex. The spa and recreational units, the Aquapark and the Aqua Palace, are open all year round and offer an unforgettable experience to all visitors no matter if they seek medical treatment, relaxation, or an ideal place for family vacations. Tourinform Hajdúszoboszló 4200 Hajdúszoboszló, Szent István park 1-3 Tel.: +36 52/558-928 www.hajduszoboszlo.hu

Discover Hajdúböszörmény, foremost among the Hajdú towns

The most important feature of this more than 600-year-old town is its unique radial layout pattern. Stroll along the peaceful, narrow streets, or visit the village museum and you will get insights into the life of the legendary Hajdú settlements. Spend a lazy day at the excellent spa to rejuvenate your body and soul. Tourinform Hajdúböszörmény 4220 Hajdúböszörmény, Kálvin tér 6 Tel.: +36 52/561-851 www.hajduboszormeny.hu

The second largest body of water in Hungary, Lake Tisza features a magnificent fauna of waterfowl, numerous recreational facilities, and lively beaches. Lake Tisza Eco-Centre gives home to Europe’s top freshwater aquarium. It provides a representative cross section of the region’s wildlife. The nearby bird reserve is a popular destination of bird-watchers and nature photographers. Tisza-tavi Ökocentrum 3388 Poroszló, Kossuth Lajos u 41 Tel: +36 36/553-033 www.ttoc.hu

Don’t miss the historic city of Eger and its excellent wines

One of the most popular Hungarian cities, historic Eger is definitely a must-see spot on any tourist itinerary. Its most prominent attractions include the baroque old town, the castle, various landmarks evoking the country’s Ottoman occupation and, not least, Eger Bull’s Blood, an outstanding blend of red wines.

www.gotodebrecen.com

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Bergen

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Oslo Sandefjord Torp Stavanger Kristiansand Gothenburg

Riga Glasgow

Moscow

Malmo Vilnius

Gdansk Doncaster/Sheffield Liverpool

Hamburg Lubeck

London-Luton

Eindhoven

Brussels Charleroi

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Budapest

Memmingen Basel Mulhouse

Geneva Ljubljana Verona Grenoble Venice Treviso Milan Malpensa Milan Bergamo Turin Cuneo Bologna Tuzla

Arad Timisoara Belgrade

Donetsk

Targu Mures Bucharest

Sofia

Perugia Skopje Naples

Palma de Mallorca

Bari

Chisinau

Cluj-Napoca

Craiova

Split

Pisa

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Lviv

Kosice Debrecen

Barcelona Girona Rome Fiumicino Rome Ciampino

Madrid Valencia

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Prague Brno

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Warsaw Chopin

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Cologne Frankfurt Hahn

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Thessaloniki

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Alicante Malaga

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Antalya Rhodes Heraklion

Larnaca

Tel Aviv

Dubai

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Free leaflets, brochures

Tourist information

Money-off coupons Bicycles for hire Gifts Sightseeing tours, guided tours

Tickets to concerts and other events

Tourinform Debrecen

Tourinform Hortobágy

4024 Debrecen, Piac u 20 Tel.: +36 52/412-250 E-mail: debrecen@tourinform.hu Web: www.gotodebrecen.com

4071 Hortobágy, Petőfi tér 13 Tel.: +36 52/589-321, +36 52/589-000 E-mail: info@hnp.hu, hortobagy@tourinform.hu Web: www.hnp.hu

0-24h touch-info terminals: Kossuth square, Main Railway Station, Forum Debrecen Shopping Mall

0-24h touch-info terminals: Hortobágy Herdsmen’s Museum

Published by the Association for the Tourism of Debrecen and Hortobágy 2014