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The name Szeged might come from an old Hungarian word for 'corner' (szeg), pointing to the turn of the river Tisza that flows through the city. Others say it derives from the Hungarian word sziget which means 'island'.
Szeged lies on Hungary’s southern border, about 2 hours’ drive from Budapest. According to the 2022 World Population Review, Szeged is Hungary’s 4th largest city.
Known as the “City of Sunshine”, Szeged has the most sunshine hours in the whole of Hungary. Szeged is famous for its Paprika production – more about that later…
South Africans living in Hungary have described Szeged as the “Potch (Potchefstroom) of South Africa”, both being a university town with a similar look and feel. That said, Szeged’s population is much higher at an estimated 160,000 – about 4 times the size of Potchefstroom. So, I guess you can call Szeged the Big Brother of Potchefstroom!
The University of Szeged, founded in 1872, is famous for its research activities and prides itself on numerous notable scientists and researchers. Among them is the Nobel Laureate Albert Szent-Györgyi. He discovered Vitamin C!
Students from across the world come to study at the University of Szeged where instruction is available not only in English but also in French, German, and other foreign languages – depending on the study field.
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (IATA: BUD, ICAO: LHBP), is commonly known as Budapest Airport.
Szeged has a small airport about 5km west of the city. The airfield is mostly used for private chartered jets and shows.
Szeged is about 2 hours’ drive from Budapest, give and take the traffic you may encounter in Budapest. Once you’re on the open road it is an easy drive to Szeged.
Because it is such an easy drive, you can easily rent a car without stressing about traffic in Szeged. Szeged has excellent public transport infrastructure. For the most part, you will probably use the bus and tram network. Alternatively, there are taxis everywhere at affordable prices.