Hungary is located in Central Europe. The country can be considered as the central part of the Carpathian Basin. Its present area is 93,036 km², and basically a lowland (only 3% of its area is higher than 300 m). The highest mountains are located on the northern part, with the highest peak Kékestető (1015 m). In spite of the low land, 21% of the area is covered by forest, with considerable population of wild animals. Water also plays an important role in the life of the country. The longest river of Europe, Danube, flows across the country, which has always  dominated the main character of the land. The climate is a combination of the humid continental, oceanic west coast and mediterranean. At the time of the 13^th IOAA the daytime temperature is expected to be between 25-35 °C. 

Lake Balaton is one of the region’s foremost touristic destinations. It is frequently visited since the 19th century. However, known by the archaeological studies, it is proved to be populated since neolith. There are many pieces of evidence that its vicinity was a popular living place in the Roman period some 2 millenia ago, especially because of the excellent microclimate for grapes and wine producing. It is still one of the leading wine-producing areas in Hungary, which makes Balaton an even more famous destination, by gastronomy aspects, too.