As we left Budapest behind, we decided to squeeze in one last adventure a visit to Aquaworld Resort Budapest, one of Europe’s largest indoor water parks. It was a bit of a treat for all of us after days of exploring the city, and it turned out to be the perfect way to say farewell to Hungary.

The girls were in their element the moment we arrived, Georgia had no idea so was expecting a castle or something. With over 11 giant water slides, a wave pool, and even a lazy river, there was something for everyone. Georgia couldn’t get enough of it squealing with delight. Dotty, on the other hand, was fascinated by the kids’ splash area and spent ages happily toddling through the fountains and on the small slides.

What really stood out about Aquaworld was how family friendly it was. There were plenty of shallow areas for younger children and cosy thermal pools where we could all unwind. The architecture, with its huge domed roof and tropical vibes, made us feel like we’d stepped into a mini paradise which was perfect for recharging before the next leg of our journey.

Once everyone was happily exhausted and thoroughly wrinkled from the water, we loaded up the car and set off for Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia. The drive was peaceful, with rolling hills and forests giving us a taste of what’s to come in this beautiful country.

However, our arrival didn’t quite go as smoothly as we’d hoped. When we reached our accommodation, we discovered that the place hadn’t been cleaned. With two tired kids in tow, it was frustrating to face an unexpected delay. After some back-and-forth, the issue was eventually resolved, and we finally got settled in. It was a bit of a rocky start, but at least it gave us a chance to regroup and plan our adventures for the next day.

Banská Štiavnica is a historic gem nestled in the Štiavnica Mountains, and from what we’ve read, it’s steeped in history and charm. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s known for its centuries-old mining heritage, cobbled streets, and breathtaking views. We’re staying in a little apartment right in the heart of town, and I can already tell it’s going to be a place we’ll remember fondly.

Despite the minor hiccup, it’s been another day full of contrasts and adventure, and reminds us that some days don’t go as planned but you shouldn’t let it bother you, especially when it’s out of your control.

Learn more about Aquaworld Resort Budapest!

The post With a splash of fun, we said goodbye to Hungary. appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

Budapest winter charm

Budapest in winter is pretty cold it seem, but today was the day the cold really made itself known. Was it worth braving the freezing temperatures? Absolutely.

Our day began on Castle Hill, one of Budapest’s most iconic and historic sites. This hilltop retreat, crowned by the Buda Palace, offered a stunning backdrop of the fog covered Danube and cityscape. We wandered through its cobblestone streets, taking in the grand architecture and imagining life in centuries past, loads of construction to rebuild historic buildings is ongoing and must be costing a fortune.

As the frosty air started to bite, we were saved by a local favourite chimney cakes (kürtőskalács). Ali grabbed a couple of these sweet, doughy treats, freshly roasted over open flames and coated in cinnamon sugar. Warm, soft, and absolutely delicious, they gave us the boost we needed to carry on despite the cold.

After exploring Castle Hill, our adventure continued as we dived into Budapest’s fantastic public transport system. A quick bus ride took us through the city streets, followed by a journey aboard a tram, both of which were simple to catch brought us closer to the frosted hills, where the real magic of the day awaited.

The Cogwheel Railway A Journey Through Time

Next, we hopped on the Cogwheel Railway, a charming vintage train designed to climb the steep slopes of the Buda Hills. This railway dates back to the late 19th century and has retained much of its original charm. As we chugged up the hill, the snowy scenery unfolded around us. Frosted trees lined the track, and fine snowflakes began to fall, creating a true winter wonderland.

For the kids, the Cogwheel was a bit scary but exciting at the same time, loud clunking and juddering with white trees outside made it a strange magical adventure. And at the top, the highlight of our day was waiting.

At the summit of the Cogwheel Railway, we boarded the Children’s Railway, a truly unique experience that has captivated visitors since the 1940s. Operated almost entirely by children (under adult supervision), this railway is a fascinating blend of history and charm.

The train took us deep into the snow-covered Buda Hills. As snowflakes drifted lazily through the air and the trees stood cloaked in frost, the scenery felt like something out of a fairy tale.

The young conductors and ticket collectors dressed in full uniform added to the charm. Their enthusiasm and professionalism brought a sense of nostalgia and joy to the journey and the children stood and salute at every station which added to the charm, the Children’s Railway is an absolute must-do in Budapest.

This was by far the coldest day of our travels, with temperatures biting deep and frost clinging to everything in sight. But the warmth of chimney cakes to the enchantment of the Children’s Railway, every moment made braving the chill worthwhile.

I think it’s safe to say that Budapest in winter offers a unique charm you won’t find anywhere else. Wrap up warm, embrace the frost, and experience the magic of its historic hills and its railway adventures.

Have you experienced the charm of Budapest in winter? Share your favourite memories in the comments below!

Learn more about Budapest winter charm!

The post New years Day in Budapest: Light Snow, Castle Hill, and the Magic of the Children’s Railway appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

Hungary feels a little different from what I expected. There’s a rugged charm to it, but it’s more run-down in parts than I imagined. It has the air of how I’d picture the UK in the 1960s – a mix of fascinating history and lots of concrete, with a lingering Soviet-era influence in some places.

On our first day, we visited Festetics Palace by Lake Hévíz. The palace itself is truly beautiful and well-maintained. While not all rooms are open to the public, the ones you can explore are impeccably clean, thoughtfully presented, and include English translations, which was a nice touch.

The library was a standout moment – a stunning two-tiered space that felt like something out of an ancient university or monastery. It’s the kind of place you’d want to spend hours soaking in the atmosphere.

That said, not everything lived up to the grandeur of the palace. The bird enclosures left a lot to be desired, and the greenhouse could definitely use some love.

In the evening, we ventured out to Lake Hévíz, and it was absolutely stunning. The calm waters, bathed in the soft evening light, were a sight to behold. But goodness, it was freezing! We bundled up as best we could and braved the cold, which added a bit of adventure to the experience. Instead of ice skating, which we skipped this time due to the bitter chill, we had fun playing in a nearby play area, which made for a lovely end to the evening.

On our way back, we even spotted a couple of old Ladas, which gave us a good chuckle – we haven’t seen those in about 20 years!

All in all, it’s been a decent couple of days here. While some aspects fell short of my expectations, the charm and history of the place made it worthwhile and Georgia enjoyed it. Anyhow, now, it’s on to Budapest, which I suspect will offer a stark and fascinating contrast.

Looking forward to seeing how the city shapes up!

Learn more about Hungary Travel Experience!

Learn more about Hungary Travel Experience!

The post Hungary: First Impressions a rugged charm appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.