SOCIAL EVENTS
20th of May, FRIDAY
17.00 - 18.00 SHIP TOUR ON THE TISZA RIVER
The Tisza, Tysa or Tisa, is one of the major rivers of Central and Eastern Europe. Once, it was called "the most Hungarian river" because it flowed entirely within the Kingdom of Hungary. Today, it crosses several national borders. The Tisza drains an area of about 156,087 km2 (60,266 sq mi) and has a length of 966 km (600 mi). Its mean annual discharge is 792 m3/s (28,000 cu ft/s). It contributes about 13% of the Danube's total runoff. Attila the Hun is said to have been buried under a diverted section of the river Tisza.
The length of the Tisza in Hungary used to be 1,419 km (882 mi). It flowed through the Great Hungarian Plain, which is one of the largest flat areas in central Europe. Since plains can cause a river to flow very slowly, the Tisza used to follow a path with many curves and turns, which led to many large floods in the area.
After several small-scale attempts, Hungary organized the "regulation of the Tisza" which started on August 27 1846, and substantially ended in 1880. The new length of the river in Hungary was reduced to 966 km (600 mi) in total, with 589 km (366 mi) of dead channels and 136 km (85 mi) of new riverbed.
The Tisza is navigable over much of its course. The river opened up for international navigation only recently. The Tisza has a rich and varied wildlife. Over 200 species of birds reside in the bird reserve of Tiszafüred. The flood plains along the river boast large amounts of diverse plant and animal life. In particular, the yearly "flowering" of the Tisza (hatching of mayflies) is considered a local natural wonder.
18.20 - 19.00 CITY TOUR BY TRAIN
During the 45-minute drive, you have the opportunity to get to know the most important buildings, streets, squares, sights and history of Szeged, the city of sunlight. The train station is located at the northern corner of the main square (Széchenyi-tér) in the downtown, in front of SZEGED RESTAURANT (address: 9 Széchenyi square).
19.00 - DINNER IN A LOCAL RESTAURANT - NAPFÉNY MŰTEREM
Located on the main square (Széchenyi-tér) in the downtown. Address: 2 Széchenyi-tér
Please note, that we ordered a limited drink package you can choose from. For additional drinks you will have to pay.
21st of May, SATURDAY
15.00 - 18.00 BRIDGE FAIR + WINE FESTIVAL
Szeged gained the highest rank of free royal city as early as 1498, but it lost much of its importance during the Turkish occupation. At the beginning of the 18th century it needed a lot of time and even more stratagem to regain its one time privileges. The ruler Károly III signed the 21-page document on 21st May 1719, establishing its coat of arms still used today and restored the legal status of the city. Szeged Day on 21st May each year commemorates this event. It is a large-scale festival, at the beginning of the tourist season. The Gastroyard offering delicious dishes, the delightful folk art products and the artisans' masterpieces of the Bridge Fair, the concerts and family events all provide a memorable experience. At the second largest Wine Festival all of the wine-producing regions are represented and Széchenyi Square becomes populated by smaller and larger wine producers. During the ten days of the Wine Festival several tens of thousands taste the best wines of Hungary, enjoying a lively atmosphere with their friends or family. They can choose from red, white, rosé, champagne, fruit wine, taste a fiery, full-bodied cabernet or a light, fragrant hárslevelű (linden leaf) under the blooming linden trees. Clink glasses at the Szeged Wine Festival in mid-May. Enjoy your drink.
Unlike beer, wine has been essential all throughout Hungary's history: wine was a key export and a vital sustenance available to rich and poor alike. Today, still, Hungary is a major wine producer globally with a total of 22 wine regions and 63,000 hectares (156,000 acres) of planted vines. Only three European languages have words for wine that are not derived from Latin: Greek, Basque, and Hungarian. The Hungarian word for wine, "bor", is ultimately of Middle Persian origin.The official list of wine regions in Hungary is defined by a ministerial decree. The current list includes 22 wine regions, which are usually grouped into five to seven larger regions. 28 table grape, 53 white grape, and 19 red grape varieties are known to have originated in Hungary or are endemic to the country. The most known are: Ezerjó, Hárslevelű, Irsai Olivér, Cserszegi fűszeres, Királyleányka, Zenit, Néró. Other varieties of grape that may have originated in Hungary include: Furmint, Juhfark, Kéknyelű.
18.00 - 21.00 DINNER IN
A LOCAL RESTAURANT -
Address: 6727 Szeged, Felső Tisza-part 336
Phone: +36-62/555-886, +36-30/682-7938
With its history dating back to the 1930s it is one of the most renowned fish restaurants in Szeged, carefully guarding its fame gained decades ago. Guests can have its Hungarian specialities in authentic surroundings, on the bank of the Tisza, in immediate proximity to the river.