Debrecen

Debrecen is Hungary’s second largest city. It is located east of Budapest, in the Northern Alföld (Great Plain), a region which, when it comes to geothermal resources, is Hungary’s richest. A mere two-hour drive from the capital via the new motorway, it also boasts one of the country’s few international airports that offer scheduled flights from and to major European cities all year round.

With its dynamic development, the city functions as an important commercial and administrative center. It offers a meeting point between exciting activities and the quiet of nature. The numerous sights can easily be accessed with public transport but going on a stroll and immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the city is also encouraged.

Debrecen

Your host city, Debrecen is located in the northern-east part of Hungary and has the second-biggest population. With its dynamic development, the city functions as an important commercial and administrative center. It offers a meeting point between exciting activities and the quiet of nature. The numerous sights can easily be accessed with public transport but going on a stroll and immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the city is also encouraged. Debrecen has an international airport with direct links to several destinations (e.g. London, Munich, Istanbul, etc.) in Europe and can be reached by car or train from Budapest within 2,5 hours.

Facts & Figures

Debrecen

History of Debrecen

Deri Muzeum-Munkacsy trilogia

Failing to explore Debrecen during your visit to Hungary is a heresy like failing to see the Vatican on a Roman holiday. The comparison is absolutely fitting, given that Debrecen is often dubbed the “Calvinist Rome,” thanks to the role it has played in the development of the Reformed faith. The city has served as the nation’s capital twice, in 1849 and at the turn 1944-45, respectively. Each time represented dramatic episodes of revolution and war, when the Reformed Big Church and the College became iconic venues of momentous historic occasions.

History of Debrecen

Failing to explore Debrecen during your visit to Hungary is a heresy like failing to see the Vatican on a Roman holiday. The comparison is absolutely fitting, given that Debrecen is often dubbed the “Calvinist Rome,” thanks to the role it has played in the development of the Reformed faith. The city has served as the nation’s capital twice, in 1849 and at the turn 1944-45, respectively. Each time represented dramatic episodes of revolution and war, when the Reformed Big Church and the College became iconic venues of momentous historic occasions.

What to visit?

Today, Debrecen exudes the feel of a pleasant provincial town with its colorful piazzas and spacious parks. At the same time, it also serves as Eastern Hungary’s commercial, administrative, cultural, and educational center. The presence of several multinationals as well as the university, with a student population of 30 thousand, including thousands of overseas students, lends a cosmopolitan atmosphere to the city. This is further accentuated by international sporting and cultural events. In addition to the internationally renowned annual Debrecen Flower Parade in August, the whole year is packed chock-full with boisterous festivals of cultural and gastronomic interest like the Debrecziner Gourmet Festival in June, the Campus Festival in July, and the Debrecen Wine & Jazz Days in August just to mention a few. 

However, the city is large enough to fully accommodate those who would rather get away from it all and find safe havens devoid of the noise of weekdays. The nation’s first designated conservation area, the Nagyerdő (Great Forest) neighborhood, gives home to a number of recreational facilities like the zoo, the amusement park, the botanical gardens, sports fields, playgrounds, hotels and restaurants, and last but not least the Aquaticum Health & Spa Center, which offers the healing power of thermal water as well as a wide range of recreational facilities from the indoor aquapark through the sauna world to Hungary’s most modern outdoor aquapark. All this within a ten-minute ride from the historic city center.

Debrecen is a place where state-of-the-art metropolitan facilities are in close proximity to the peace and serenity of nature. The cozy downtown “hidey-holes” are supplemented with the unique natural beauty and excursion options of nearby Erdőspuszták (Wooded Plains) and Hortobágy National Park, the latter only a half hour-drive from the city center. This cornucopia of leisure activities offers holiday experiences without compromise to tourists of any age group. Whatever your pick, you sure won’t forget your stay in Debrecen.

# 1 the Great Church

one of the nations’ largest Reformed churches and the symbol of Debrecen, the Great Church offers a spectacular view on the city and hosts several music events.

# 2 the Nagyerdei Park Forest

located close to downtown, the Nagyerdei Park Forest comes across as the perfect place when someone wishes to indulge in a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, surrounded by beautiful hundred-year-old trees.

# 3 Aquaticum SPA

Aquaticum SPA awaits its guests with fantastic wellness experiences and aquatic activities in February. Of course, the programs are in the spirit of Carnival and Valentine’s Day, so whether you’re a couple looking for romance or a day out with the kids, we’ve got you covered. In addition to the permanent aquatic experiences, the adventure pool offers themed craft activities, interactive games, and dance programs for the little ones, while the older ones can either enjoy a beer in the thermal pool or splash around in the adventure pools on an evening love party.

# 4 the Nagyerdei Water Tower

this sight has a double feature, as during the day it is a lovely meeting place for locals and tourists where you can grab a coffee and relax, whereas during the evening, the Tower is beautifully lit up in different colours and often hosts music events. It also offers a picturesque view on the whole city from the height of 34 metres.

# 4 the Modem Museum

located next to Hotel Lycium, MODEM Museum serves as a cultural center, while focusing on modern art.

# 5 the University of Debrecen

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And a lot more...

Today, Debrecen exudes the feel of a pleasant provincial town with its colorful piazzas and spacious parks. At the same time, it also serves as Eastern Hungary’s commercial, administrative, cultural, and educational center. The presence of several multinationals as well as the university, with a student population of 30 thousand, including thousands of overseas students, lends a cosmopolitan atmosphere to the city. This is further accentuated by international sporting and cultural events. In addition to the internationally renowned annual Debrecen Flower Parade in August, the whole year is packed chock-full with boisterous festivals of cultural and gastronomic interest like the Debrecziner Gourmet Festival in June, the Campus Festival in July, and the Debrecen Wine & Jazz Days in August just to mention a few. 

However, the city is large enough to fully accommodate those who would rather get away from it all and find safe havens devoid of the noise of weekdays. The nation’s first designated conservation area, the Nagyerdő (Great Forest) neighborhood, gives home to a number of recreational facilities like the zoo, the amusement park, the botanical gardens, sports fields, playgrounds, hotels and restaurants, and last but not least the Aquaticum Health & Spa Center, which offers the healing power of thermal water as well as a wide range of recreational facilities from the indoor aquapark through the sauna world to Hungary’s most modern outdoor aquapark. All this within a ten-minute ride from the historic city center.

Debrecen is a place where state-of-the-art metropolitan facilities are in close proximity to the peace and serenity of nature. The cozy downtown “hidey-holes” are supplemented with the unique natural beauty and excursion options of nearby Erdőspuszták (Wooded Plains) and Hortobágy National Park, the latter only a half hour-drive from the city center. This cornucopia of leisure activities offers holiday experiences without compromise to tourists of any age group. Whatever your pick, you sure won’t forget your stay in Debrecen.

# 1 the Great Church

one of the nations’ largest Reformed churches and the symbol of Debrecen, the Great Church offers a spectacular view on the city and hosts several music events.

# 2 the Nagyerdei Park Forest

located close to downtown, the Nagyerdei Park Forest comes across as the perfect place when someone wishes to indulge in a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, surrounded by beautiful hundred-year-old trees.

# 3 Aquaticum SPA

Aquaticum SPA awaits its guests with fantastic wellness experiences and aquatic activities in February. Of course, the programs are in the spirit of Carnival and Valentine’s Day, so whether you’re a couple looking for romance or a day out with the kids, we’ve got you covered. In addition to the permanent aquatic experiences, the adventure pool offers themed craft activities, interactive games, and dance programs for the little ones, while the older ones can either enjoy a beer in the thermal pool or splash around in the adventure pools on an evening love party.

# 4 the Nagyerdei Water Tower

this sight has a double feature, as during the day it is a lovely meeting place for locals and tourists where you can grab a coffee and relax, whereas during the evening, the Tower is beautifully lit up in different colours and often hosts music events. It also offers a picturesque view on the whole city from the height of 34 metres.

# 4 the Modem Museum

located next to Hotel Lycium, MODEM Museum serves as a cultural center, while focusing on modern art.

# 5 the University of Debrecen

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And a lot more...