Transdanubia comprises roughly the western half of Hungary and includes many popular destinations and sights. The Transdanubian Mountains and the Little Hungarian Plain (Kisalföld) make up much of the landscape. Lake Balaton, the second most-popular tourist destination in Hungary after Budapest, is a well-known 'fun in the sun' destination. Major cities in Transdanubia include Gyor, Pécs, Székesfehérvár, and Siofok. UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in this region include the 13th-century Pannonhalma Archabbey, south of Gyor; the Lake Neusiedl/Ferto cultural landscape, near Sopron; and the 4th-century Christian necropolis of Pécs. There are many well-known spa towns located in Transdanubia, such as Sarvar, Hévíz, and Zalakaros. Hévíz in particular boasts the largest thermal lake in Europe.
Budapest, Hungary`s capital, is two cities in one! Buda is on a hill and Pest is on a plain, with both sides separated by the Danube River and connected by four magnificent bridges. Budapest is one of Europe`s most delightful and enjoyable cities. It throbs with life morning, noon and night.
Lake Balaton, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Europe, is the second most-popular tourist destination in Hungary after Budapest. Whether you want to enjoy a thermal spa, visit a wildlife preserve, ride a jet ski, laze the day away in a boat, or sun yourself on the shore, there is something to interest everyone.
The Great Hungarian Plain comprises much of eastern Hungary. It is known for such historic cities as Debrecen and Szeged, both integral places in Hungary`s fight for independence and to the country`s culture. Hortobagy National Park, Europe`s largest grassland, is also located here.
Western Transdanubia consists of the three westernmost counties in Hungary, which sit south of the Danube River and on the foot of the Alps. Sopron, Hungary`s westernmost town, is nestled in mountains, and sits just two miles from the shores of Lake Neusiedl. Gyor is the largest city in the region; other towns include Sopron and Sarvar.
Central Transdanubia consists of three Hungarian counties, situated between Budapest and Gyor. Lake Balaton, popular with Hungary`s celebrities, is the most popular tourist destination in Central Transdanubia, and another popular seaside resort area, Lake Velence, is also located here. The region`s largest city is Székesfehérvár.
Southern Transdanubia consists of three counties in southwestern Hungary, where the Transdanubian Hills eventually roll into the grasslands of the Great Hungarian Plain. The principal city of the region is Pécs, a UNESCO City of Peace sitting in the Danube River Valley, which is a great jumping-off point for exploring the nearby Danube-Drava National Park.