Monday, August 29, 2011

Caves in Budapest

Sights to be Seen – Caves Edition by Funzine

CASTLE CAVES (VÁRBARLANG)

Formed by the movement of thermal waters, and already in use over half a million years ago, the extensive cave system stretches nearly ten kilometers under the belly of Castle Hill. When the city was under Ottoman rule, the system was expanded for military purposes and it has proved useful many times throughout history, most notably during World War II, when thousands used it as a shelter – there is even an urban legend that post used to be delivered to families who were taking refuge in the caves during this period. Now you’re more likely to find tourists than postal staff roaming the caves, trying to cool off or soak up some moist, mineral-rich air. It’s is a great place for an only-in-Budapest afternoon of exploring.

Úri utca 9.

PÁLVÖLGYI CAVE

It is a lesser known fact that Budapest boasts approximately 200 caves, which were created by the same springs that supply the city’s medicinal thermal waters. The stunning and highly protected Pálvölgyi Cave was discovered in 1904, thanks to a hungry sheep under which the nearby quarry caved in. Famous for its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, Pálvölgyi is Hungary’s second longest cave with its length exceeding 19 kilometers, 500 meters of which is open to the public (from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.). The temperature is around 10 degrees, so wrap up warm, leave your high heels at home and be prepared to climb ladders. To get there, take bus 65 at Kolosy tér and get off at Pálvölgyi Cseppkőbarlang.

Szépvölgyi út 162.

CAVE CHAPEL

Located on the side of Gellért Hill and accessible from Gellért tér (famous for its charming spa bath and hotel), this little chapel is actually built in a cave in the underbelly of the hill itself. The traditional church elements and the natural beauty of the rocks complement each other perfectly. Founded by Pauline monks in the 1920s, it only reopened in 1989 after having been closed for almost 50 years as part of an unsuccessful attempt by the Communist leadership to eliminate the Catholic Church (the Secret Police raided the chapel in 1951 and arrested the entire order sentencing the superior Ferenc Vezér to death!). Today, it can be visited by tourists, but be sure to check that it’s open on the day to save yourself a steep uphill walk. The tranquility of the tiny chapel makes it an ideal place for contemplation.

Gellért tér

SZEMLŐHEGY CAVE

A little sibling of Pálvölgy Cave, the gorgeous Szemlőhegy Cave inside the Buda Hills is well worth a visit for its spacious passages, dotted with dazzling pea grit formations (unique in Europe!), rock and crystal formations of various sizes. However, not only is the cave pleasing for your eyes but thanks to its cool, humid and wonderfully clear air, it does wonders for your health, particularly for your respiratory system! Presently, a 300m section of the 2km long cave passage is open to the public (Tue.-Sun. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., the tour takes about 40 minutes). And since it is a less challenging stroll than the one in Pálvölgy Cave, feel free to bring your little ones. English language guided tours are available, just make sure to book ahead.

Pusztaszeri út 35.

MOLNÁR JÁNOS CAVE

You don’t have to leave the city for a bit of an underground dive – just go the 2nd district to find the largest active thermal water cave system in the whole world. Named after the pharmacist who analyzed the chemical components of the water in the passages above ground level in 1856, the cave provides the thermal water for Lukács Thermal Bath. The average 20-23 °C temperature of the water (thanks to the combination of cold karstic and hot thermal water) would be ideal for a swim, but you need special permits for visiting and diving. Should you be a trained scuba diver, you might explore parts of the 62 m deep and 2.5 km long passages – though the exact parameters of the cave are still unknown. And it’s all just a few steps away from the Buda side of Margaret Bridge…

Frankel Leó út

FERENC HILL CAVE

The 5600 m long cave is considered the most exciting in the city for its intertwining, labyrinthine passageways. Like all the Buda caves, this was also formed on the tectonic plate borders. You need to make an appointment to visit the protected cave, but it’s worth it if you’re into narrow passageways and getting down and dirty. The cave is also used for a preventive and therapeutic alternative in the treatment of children with asthma. There are several routes to explore, the easiest one is recommended for five-year olds and motivated adults who aren’t familiar with the term ‘claustrophobia’. Entering through an iron trapdoor, you’ll get to see flat and smooth surfaces, stalagmites (very rare in the Buda caves), and a refreshing average temperature of 9.9°C.

Törökvész u. 70.

CAVE DWELLING MUSEUM

It might come as a surprise to many that in the middle of the 20th century over 1000 poverty-stricken people lived in 300 wretched cave-homes, hollowed out of limestone in Budafok. Living in a cave sounded a very romantic and cheap (costing only 400 forints) idea in the 19th century, but by the 20th, the reality of sometimes ten people living in a dark, dank hole with no electricity and filled with nasty smells hit home. Realizing the serious health risks, the communist government relocated the cave-dwellers – the last family moved out in 1967. Opened in 1971, this one-of-its-kind museum is the only cave that was left intact, storing its original furniture. Open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Veréb utca 2-4.

JÁNOS HILL GATEWAY

You can trust us to show you some hidden treasures of Budapest – now it’s a hole in the ground, boasting the title of “gateway”. You could easily walk past the János Hill Gateway, but if you follow the red signs leading to János Hill from Szépjuhászné, turn left at third junction and look to your right, you’ll find the entrance to the 17 meter-long tiny cave, the János Hill Gateway. The passage doesn’t require any climbing skills, it’s at least 1.5 m wide in all directions. It doesn’t offer a great selection of geological wonders, but towards the exit, the upper section of the cave forms a dome, with two smallish windows to the top of János Hill. How’s that for art (or, in this instance, architecture) imitating nature?

János-hegy

Join one of our caving tours in Budapest and Hungary: Caving tours

Friday, August 12, 2011

Aquaworld Waterpark - Budapest

One of the biggest indoor water theme parks in Europe offers unforgettable entertainment to visitors of every age throughout the year.

The adventure centre is covered by a giant dome, 5-storey high and of a diameter of 72 m. It is so big it could host comfortably a family of blue whales, the biggest animals on Earth.

The monumental replica Angkor temple surrounded by suspension bridges, towers and pools is a breath-taking sight. The world of the “serene statues” is a perfect counterpoint to the use of the most modern architectural and technical solutions, in line with the Aquaworld conception, to create a modern shrine of aquatic culture offering complex adventures to visitors.


Aquaworld is located on the northern outskirts of Budapest, at the Pest abutment of Megyeri Bridge, along the M0 ring, in a green area, yet close to the town centre. It has an outdoor car park with a capacity of more than 1000, easily accessible via the Aquaworld exit of the new Budapest M0 ring.


Prices and opening hours

Openig hours: every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cashier: from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Swimming Pool: from 6 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. (only 2 saunas and the swimming pool can be used)
Sauna World: from 6 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Visitors are asked to leave the pools at 9. 30 p.m.


Prices from 16th June 2010 at Aquaworld
PRICES ON WEEKDAYS   
in HUF
ADMISSONDAILY TICKET SWIMMING TICKET SAUNA- WORLDEVENING TICKET
Period of use 2 hoursminute 
charge

All day
6 a.m. -
10 p.m.
6 a.m. -
9.30 a.m.
HUF/day4.30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Adult2 500154 900 1 600600 2 800

Student-Senior
1 900153 9001 2006002 100
Children 0-3 years
FreeFreeFree---
Children 3-14 years 1 200151 9001 200-1 400

Ticket prices include VAT.
The prices are indicative and subject to change without prior notice.


PRICES ON WEEKEND
AND HOLIDAYS
in HUF
ADMISSONDAILY TICKET  SWIMMING TICKET  SAUNA- WORLD



EVENING TICKET
Period of use 2 hoursminute 
charge
All day6 a.m. - 10 p.m.6 a.m. -
 9.30 a.m.
 HUF/day

6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Adult2 90015 5 600 1 600600 2 800
Student-Senior 2 200154 300 1 200 6002 100
Children 0-3 years
FreeFreeFree - -

-
Children 3-14 years 1 500152 500 1 200-1 400
Ticket prices include VAT.
The prices are indicative and subject to change without prior notice.
The prices are indicative and subject to change without prior notice.

Further information and discounts
• Discount for groups: above 15 people 10% discount, available only in case of previous order.
• Discount for Újpest residents: 10% from the prices of the weekday tickets, available in case of valid address card.
• Discount for hotel guests: 50% from the prices of the tickets.
• Gift voucher can be bought on weekdays from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m.
• Children under 14 are only allowed to stay in the Water Theme Park under the permanent supervision of their parents or an adult person.
• Children under 14 are not allowed to visit the Sauna World.
• Minute-based admission tickets include +10 minutes for changing.
• Towel rental: 300 HUF/piece, deposit: 2000 HUF/piece
• Bathrobe rental: 800 HU/piece, deposit: 5000 HUF/piece
• Deposit for the access authorized watch with chip card: 2000 HUF/person
• Safe deposit: 200 HUF/piece
• Cloakroom: 400 HUF/piece


Free shuttle bus runs every day between Heroes' Square and Aquaworld.

Every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The free shuttle service departures from Heroes' Square (Budapest) from Art Gallery. The bus departures from Aquaworld and arrives to Heroes' Square (Budapest). Get off in front of Museum of Fine Arts.


From 11th June 2011

Departure
Heroes' Square-Art Gallery
9 a.m, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m, 8.30 p.m

Departue
Aquaworld
9.30 a.m, 10.30 a.m., 1.30 p.m., 3.30 p.m., 4.30 p.m. 5.30 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m

The discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offers.

Guests use Aquaworld and its facilities at their own risk.

Further information: Aquaworld Waterpark Budapest

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Sziget Festival 2011

The official program of the Sziget Festival in Budapest
8th August - 14th August 2011


Pop-Rock Main Stage

August 8. Monday
August 9. Tuesday
August 10. Wednesday
August 11.
 Thursday
August 12.
Friday
August 13.
Saturday
August 14.
Sunday
15:00
The Macca-
bees (UK)
15:00
Ben L’oncle
 Soul (F)
15:00 Batu-
cada Sound Machine (NZ)
15:00 Over-
flow (HR)
15:00 Mariachi
El Bronx (USA)
16:30
Flog-
ging Mol-
ly (USA)
16:30
La Roux (UK)
16:30 British
Sea Po-
wer (UK)
16:30 Had-ouken! (UK) 16:30 Gogol Bor-dello (USA)
18:00
Rise Against (USA)
18:00 Good Charlotte (USA) 18:00 Skunk Anansie (UK) 18:00 Kate Nash (UK) 18:00
The National (USA)
19:00 Prince (USA)
19:45 Interpol (USA) 19:45 Kasa-bian (UK) 19:45 Dizzee Rascal (UK) 19:45 Kaiser Chiefs (UK) 19:45 Manic Street
Prea-chers (UK)
20:30Gesztivál
21:30
Pulp
(UK)
21:30
The Chemi-cal
Brot-hers (UK)
21:30
The Prodigy (UK)
21:30
Thirty Seconds To
Mars (USA)
21:30
White Lies (UK)

Pesti Est World Music Main Stage

August 9. Tuesday
August 10. Wednesday
August 11. Thursday
August 12.
Friday
August 13. Saturday
August 14. Sunday
17:00
LaBrass-
Banda (D)
17:00
Shtetl
Super-
stars
(UK) featl. Laszlo
Kollar-Klemencz
17:00
Magni-
fico
(SLO)
17:00
Ska
Cubano (UK)
17:00 Socalled (CAN)
18:15
Les Hur-
lements
d'Leo (F)
18:15
Felix
Lajko
and his
Band,
feat. Bea Palya
18:15
Muzsi-kas feat. Ildiko Toth "Fecske" and Zoltan Farkas "Batyu"
18:15
Debout
Sur Le
Zinc (F)
18:15
Choc
Quib
Town
(CO)
19:45
Ojos de
Brujo
(ES)
19:45
Rotfront (D)
19:45
Sly & Robbie feat. Jr. Reid (JAM)
19:45
Csík
band
feat.
Tibor
Kiss
19:45
Cheikh
Lô (SN)
20:00
Magyar Rádió Szim-
fonik
Live
21:30
Afro-Cubism (CU/ML)
21:30
Gotan Project
(F)
21:30
Oi Va
Voi
(UK)
21:30
Goran Bregovic Wedding And
Funeral Band
(BIH)
21:30
Cowboy Junkies (CAN)

A38-WAN2 Stage

August 9. Tuesday
August 10. Wednesday
August 11. Thursday
August 12.
Friday
August 13. Saturday
August 14.
Sunday
17:00
Terry
Poison
(ISR)
17:00
Xiu Xiu
(USA)
17:00
DeWolff
(NL)
17:00
Hindi
Zahra
(F)
17:00
Baskerville LIVE (NL)
18:40
Soerii & Poolek
18:40
Color-
Star
18:40
Žagar
18:40
Kowalsky meg a
Vega
18:40
Kerekes Band
20:10
The
Bloody Beetroots Death
Crew 77
(I)
20:10
Crystal Castles (CAN)
20:10
Peter
Bjorn
& John
(S)
20:10
Watcha
Clan (F)
20:10
Marina
& The Diamonds (UK)
21:50 Suicidal Tenden-
cies
(USA)
21:50
De Jeugd
van Tegen-
woordig (NL)
21:50
Turbo-
staat
(D)
21:50
Buraka
Som
Sistema
(P)
21:50
Selah
Sue (B)
23:15
Roots & Routes - Art'N'Go
23:30
Hurts
(UK)
23:30
Bomb
The Bass (UK)
23:30
Cadik Travel Agency
feat.
Ben
Sharpa
(H-ZA)
23:30
Digital Mystikz featuring
MC Sgt
Pokes
23:30
Kees van Hondt & friends
(NL)
Feest / Mulatsag / Fest
01:00
Dorian Concept
(A)
01:00
Hudson Mohawke (UK)
01:00
Kode9
(UK)
01:00
Gaslamp Killer
(UK)

Rock-Metal Main Stage

August 9.
Tuesday
Kelet-
Európa
Express
August 10. Wednesday
August 11. Thursday
August 12.
Friday
August 13.
Saturday
August 14.
Sunday
16:00
Omen
16:003
Feet
Smaller
(A)
16:00
Subscribe
16:00
The
Sorrow
(A)
16:00
Never-
green
17:00
The Klez-
matics
(USA)
17:30
Road
17:30
Lord
17:30
Depresszió
17:30
Superbutt
17:30
Dalriada
19:00
Boban Markovic Orkestar
(SRB)
19:00
Within Temptation (NL)
19:00
Helloween (D)
19:00
The
Haunted
(S)
19:00
Ektomorf
19:00
Sonata
Arctica
(FIN)
20:30
Motörhead (UK)
20:30
Judas Priest (UK)
20:30
Deftones (USA)
20:30
Lostprophets (UK)
20:30
Tankcsapda
21:00
Leningrad (RU)

Burn Party Arena

August 10. Wednesday
August 11. Thursday
August 12.
Friday
August 13. Saturday
August 14. Sunday
19:30
Empire
of The
Sun
(AUS)
19:30
Goose (B)
19:30
Trentemoller (DK)
19:30
Zombie
Nation (D)
19:30
Kid Cudi (USA)
22:00
Richie
Hawtin
(CAN)
pres.
Control
Stage with
& Ambiva-
lent (USA)
Marc Houle (CAN) live
Philipp
Straub (A)
Igor
Do'urden
vs. Coyote
22:00
2manydjs
(B) live
Gesaffelstein (F)
Andro
Sikztah Stereokillaz
22:00
Dubfire
(USA)
Cristian
Varela
(E)
Technasia
(F)
Carlo Lio
(CAN)
Hot X Jay
Lumen vs. SanFrancisco-
Beat
22:00
Above& Beyond
(UK)
Blake
Jarell
(USA)
Dj
Observer
& Daniel Heatcliff
(A)
Poleposition Jutasi
22:00
Steve
Angello
(S)
Sunnery
James &
Ryan
Marciano
(NL)
Chriss vs. Dandy
Soneec & Belocca
Junkie & Hawky

MR2-Petőfi Radio Hungarian Main Stage

August 10. Wednesday
August 11. Thursday
August 12.
Friday
August 13. Saturday
August 14. Sunday
16:00
Freshfabrik
16:00
Pluto
16:00
Szabó
Balázs
Bandája
16:00
Anna and
the Barbies
16:00
Vastaghúros Swetter
17:00
Balkan
Fanatik
17:00
EZ Basic
17:00
Turbo
17:00
The
Carbonfools
17:00
Belmondo
18:00
Magashegyi Underground
18:00
Intim
Torna
Illegál
18:00
Ladánybene
27
18:00
Erik Sumo
Band feat.
Kiss Erzsi
18:00
Isten Háta Mögött
19:45Brains 19:45
Irie
Maffia
19:45
Budapest
Bár
19:45
Hiperkarma
19:45
Vad Fruttik
21:30
Quimby
21:30
Kiscsillag
21:30
30Y
21:30
Heaven
Street Seven
21:30
Pannonia Allstars Ska Orchestra
Ticket Price

Day ticket

  • In advance and on the site: 45€
  • Sziget Half-price Night Ticket (on the spot; after 11pm): 23

Day - 1 / Gesztival

  • In advance and on the site: 30€

Day 0 (Prince)

  • In advance and on the site: 52€

Camping ticket

  • In advance until 30th of April: 170€
  • From 1st of May and on the site: 200€

Non-camping ticket

  • In advance until 30th of April: 140€
  • From 1st of May and on the site: 170€

Caravan camping ticket for vehicles

  • In advance until 30th of April: 110€
  • From 1st of May and on the site: 130€

VIP Camping Tickets

  • In in advance and on the spot: 90 SOLD OUT!

“Movin in” Tickets

  • On the spot (for 6th and 7th August): 10

Sziget - Budapest Citypass

  • valid for 13 days: 25€
  • valid for 2 days: 8€
You can find more information about Sziget - Budapest Citypass.

Festivalwatch

  • Party proof wallet – Pay with your Festival Watch: 29€
More information:

Attention please!!!

There are many counterfeit vouchers and wristbands which look pretty well the same like the real ones BUT ALL will be recognized at the entrance. DO NOT BUY TICKETS AND WRISTBANDS FROM THE DEALERS!

Buying and selling and the unauthorised use of STAFF/CREW/PRESS wristbands is PROHIBITED! These wristbands will be confiscated! DO NOT buy these from the dealers!

More information and online ticket buying here: Sziget Festival

Monday, August 1, 2011

Formula 1 Hungary - highlights of the race

On 31st July 2011 was the 26th Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix on the Hungaroring. A short video with the highlights of the race: