The Budapest Keleti train station is the largest among the three stations in Budapest and and is located about two miles from Budapest's city center. The building was constructed in eclectic style between 1881 and 1884 and, at that time, was considered one of the most modern railway stations of Europe.
After figuring out the protocol of how to buy the tickets at the international ticket counter, we walked around the station to get familiarized with the train system at the station. Basically, you have to show up about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure and find the track number from the electronic board, then go to the track and board the designated car. You take your luggage with you on the train.
Railjet is one of the most modern and luxurious trains in Europe. It operates mainly in Austria, with international connections to Germany, Switzerland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. The trains travel at 175 miles an hour and offer maximum comfort, such as ergonomic seats, free WiFi, dining, and a cinema corner to keep children entertained along the way.
The Citadel which is strategically located on the hill had significant military importance during WWII. Budapest was not properly armed or provisioned to be a front-line city during World War II, and most Hungarians – even the few leaders who actively supported the Third Reich – never expected to face Russian soldiers in their own backyards. However, as the Red Army had rapidly advanced across eastern Hungary by early December of 1944, and Hitler declared Budapest's Citadel as a fortress that should be defended to the death of the last man standing, the Hungarians were suddenly trapped between a fanatically desperate “ally” that forbade any evacuation and the Soviet Union’s overwhelming military might. The encirclement of Budapest was complete by December 26, yet the house-to-house battle continued until mid-February, by which point some 160,000 people were dead on both sides – including approximately 38,000 civilians.