WIZZ AIR recently inaugurated a new route connecting Israel directly to Debrecen, Hungary. The airline offers budget-friendly tickets, making the approximately three-and-a-half-hour journey highly accessible. My recent visit to Debrecen, a city I had never explored before, revealed a treasure trove of attractions and interesting places
When my friends questioned my choice of Debrecen as a destination, I struggled to articulate an answer. Upon returning, however, I found myself with an abundance of experiences to share. Debrecen boasts attractions conveniently clustered within walking distance, primarily in two main areas: the city center and Nagyerdo Park. Additionally, the vicinity around Debrecen offers intriguing tourist sites for captivating "star trips
The iconic symbol of Debrecen, its main Reformed Church, stands as a great yellow building in the city center. Adjacent to the church, a monument commemorates King Nagy Lajos, crowned in Debrecen. The church's rooftop terrace provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city, accessible by an elevator to the sixth floor and a short climb to the balcony
A visit to the church's second floor is highly recommended for the "Small Models of the Bible" exhibition. Featuring Christian artists' interpretations of the Temple and the Tabernacle, this exhibition is a hit with visitors of all ages
Behind the main church lies the local college of Debrecen, housing one of Europe's most important libraries since 1400. University leaders have historically urged students and lecturers traveling abroad to purchase and contribute books, resulting in a collection of over 600,000 books, some dating back centuries
The library exudes an aura of sanctity, The lighting is somewhat dim. Very quiet among the tall bookcases, and the pleasant smell of old trees and moss is found throughout. Only the sound of the creaking wood floor terrifies the silence and the extremely dignified atmosphere
During my visit, the chief librarian unveiled a cart covered in red velvet, revealing ancient Hebrew books from 1654 and an antiquarian copy of Megillat Esther. The librarian expressed willingness to showcase these treasures to groups of Jewish tourists, provided they request a viewing at least two days in advance
Explore the vibrant city of Debrecen, Hungary, starting from the iconic church. Adjacent to it lies Piac, the bustling pedestrian street and the heart of Debrecen. Piac boasts a dynamic mix of theaters, shopping malls, luxury stores, and the grand town hall, making it the go-to shopping and cultural center. This thriving area is perfect for daytime strolls and nighttime adventures
During summer, don't miss the spectacular flower stands along Csapo Street, an enchanting sight emerging from Piac Street. Debrecen is a shopper's paradise with cutting-edge fashion and technology at budget-friendly prices in its numerous shopping malls
Another must-visit is Nagyerdo Park, an expansive forested area where the city extends. The park offers a range of attractions, creating a delightful retreat
Debrecen also has a wonderful reputation for its many medicinal thermal baths. In various places in the city, some pools feed on hot springs. I was staying at the Aquatikum hotel, which has great thermal baths with lots of pools and a spa that has different temperatures. These different mineral pools have water that comes directly from the various hot springs nearby. Most of the thermal pools are located in closed halls. Also, there is a water park that was created just for children, which is great.
Next to the park is the University of Debrecen, housed in an ancient and beautiful building. Across from the university, there is a huge area with water pools and fountains. And, it is worth visiting the university courtyard as a modest memorial to the victims of the Hungarian popular uprising against the influence of the Soviet Union in Hungary that occurred in 1956. This particular revolt was brutally suppressed by the Red Army.
In the evening, you take a stroll to the Nagyerdei Water Tower, which is illuminated by colorful projector lights that paint and adorn the evening darkness and beautiful way. At the foot of the water tower are coffee shops, where it can be pleasant to sit and finish a day of sightseeing in the city.
Discover Debrecen's rich cultural life with numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Flower Festival in mid-August and the wine and jazz festival at the beginning of the month. Summer visitors are encouraged to attend these lively events
Debrecen is also the home base for "star trips" throughout northern Hungary. Nearby is the Hortobágy National Park, formerly part of the city, and is now considered a separate municipal authority. UNESCO designated the park a global conservation site.
It's a true paradise for both horsemen and riders, and for bird watchers as well. Tourists also have a special coach ride to the large reserve, during which they can watch skilled riders, wagon drivers with oxen, and also black sheep pens that are special to the area, since it is where their milk produces special cheese. Families traveling along with their children always enjoy the visit to the reserve, which is about a half hour drive from Debrecen to the city center.
Embarking on a star tour to the Tokaj district unveils a captivating destination renowned for its world-famous wines cultivated in numerous private wineries dotting the landscape. Nestled upon light basalt soil, remnants of ancient volcanic eruptions, the vineyards bestow a distinctive quality to the region's wines. Welcoming tourists with open arms, many wineries provide guided tours of their facilities, complete with tastings, offering visitors the chance to procure bottles directly from the source
Another stellar tour option unfolds in the mountainous expanse of Hegyalja, featuring wineries housed within the museum at Rákóczi Castle in the charming town of Szerencs. The town itself hosts vibrant festivals celebrating the marriage of chocolate and wine, making it advisable to plan a visit during the lively festival seasons
In the realm of technology, Debrecen stands as a high-tech haven, boasting global manufacturing plants, with the notable presence of Teva, an Israeli pharmaceutical giant. The city's residents are renowned for their friendliness, courtesy, and laid-back demeanor
Eager to transform into a thriving tourist hub, the Municipality of Debrecen is diligently working towards this goal. Despite currently welcoming fewer than 300,000 visitors annually—paling in comparison to Budapest's three million—the city council harbors ambitious plans to attract a million tourists within the next 7-8 years. To achieve this, they are committed to providing top-notch, affordable services, alongside the development of captivating tourist attractions. Significantly, the city council places special emphasis on catering to Jewish travelers, recognizing the economic impact of their shopping habits. It is widely acknowledged that Israeli tourists contribute significantly to Debrecen's economy, outspending their European counterparts
Having frequented Budapest due to my Hungarian heritage, my journey to Debrecen was a revelation, uncovering the vibrant life that exists beyond the capital city
