This year has been a difficult year, especially now that theaters, cinemas, museums and restaurants have closed, events cancelled or postponed and curfews are making it difficult for us to move around.
We look forward to moving out of home again next year and traveling for a long weekend domestically or a small foreign vacation. Until then, all we can do is tour at home domestically exploring our own city, Debrecen, with a slightly different eye.
In this, we will be helped by key players in the local tourist life, who, among other things, “ask” week by week what their favorite places are in the city, what secret travel tips can they offer to those walking in the city, and why Debrecen is such a good place to discover.
This time Zsuzsanna Szerdi, the hotel manager of Hotel Lycium **** Debrecen, answered our questions.
Most recently, what amazed you while in Debrecen?
I was absolutely impressed when, on the occasion of a professional program, I tasted the Kosher salt brew made in the kitchen of the Jewish Community of Debrecen, which was actually cooked for an entire day – I had never eaten it before, it was fantastic! I recommend it to everyone to try!
What is your favorite place – attraction, building, street, etc. – In Debrecen?
My favorite attraction is the light painting on buildings. It was amazing to me when I saw the light painting on the main building of the university and on the Reformed Great Church, and I was completely enchanted with the light show on the buildings of the renovated Dósa Nádor Square this year. I hope we can enjoy it every year!
Do you have any “secret” places in Debrecen that you are happy to recommend to locals or visitors to Debrecen?
Many people walk by Lake Békás in the Nagyerdei Park, but few know the mini hill on the edge of the Nagyerdei Strand Water Park, which is worth visiting for several reasons. On the one hand, I feel like I’m in a “mini Inca empire” (if you go, you will understand why) – on the other hand, you can see the new Strand Water Park, which is beautiful after dark with the lighting in alternating colors, and the Nagyerdei Water Tower in the background which is also visible in its full colorful splendor. A special sight, special feelings come to the fore.
You’ve been to many parts of the world. Based on your travel experience, what makes Debrecen an attractive destination for foreign tourists?
Debrecen is a charming little town with both traditional and modern values and sights. Its colorful and unique programs offer excitement, pleasant pastimes and unique experiences for all ages.
If I were asked to help you shoot a feature film in Debrecen, what locations would you suggest for filming?
The Nagyerdei Stage is my favorite cultural venue, mainly due to the rich summer cultural offering it supplies. On August 20th this year it got a magical environment with the flower figures on display. The Mist Theater is an unmissable venue, and Lake Békás is generally beautiful, and it is completely transformed for gastronomic events. Another pole would be the evening downtown with pleasant terraces, lots and lots of people, full of life. The rest is just a matter of fantasy – a good little story can come out of it!
Which season is the best in Debrecen?
I really like the Advent period with the downtown dressed in festive light, the enlighted tram, the Advent fair with hot mulled wine and chimney cake scent. The Advent concerts of the Great Church crown it all worthily.
