Hungary re-research tips

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krmarci
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Hungary re-research tips

#1 Post by krmarci » 08 May 2022 16:25

Hello!

I would like to give some tips to a potential future Hungary rework. I am aware that including all of this is impossible - but I think it is better to have to choose what to leave out rather than miss something important because you didn't know about it.

Here's an interactive Google map I made with my ideas: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit? ... sp=sharing
Feel free to ask any Hungary-related questions here, or in private chat - I would be happy to help.

Table of Contents (including future additions)
  1. Roads and cities
    1. Budapest and Expressway M0
    2. Truck-accessible roads of Budapest
    3. Northern Central Hungary - Expressway M2 and the Danube Bend
    4. Motorway M1
    5. Motorway M7 and Expressway M70
    6. Road 8 - and a potential special transport
    7. From Graz to Pécs - Roads 84, 71, 68 and 6
    8. Pécs and Expressway M60
    9. Motorway M6 and Road 55
    10. Motorway M5
    11. Szeged and and Expressway M43
    12. Expressway M4, Road 4 and Szolnok
    13. From Szeged to Debrecen - Road 47
    14. Debrecen and its surroundings
    15. Motorway M3, Tiszaújváros and Nyíregyháza
    16. Miskolc, Expressway M30 and the Tokaj wine region
  2. Assets
    1. Signage
    2. Vehicles
    3. License plates
    4. Vegetation
  3. Traffic rules
Budapest

[ external image ]
M0 ring road highlighted

Budapest is surrounded by the M0 expressway on three sides, going from the southwest to the north. The western connecting road between the two ends does not exist, however, an alternative going via Esztergom is detailed in a later post.

[ external image ]
The western section of M0 - click here to see on Google Maps

The western end of the M0 is at the intersection with the M1 motorway and Road 1. There is a small Outlet Center at the exit. The M0 continues to the southeast crossing a natural, hilly area before intersecting the M7 motorway. M1 and M7 merge near Budaörs, where a large shopping centre can be found along the M1-M7. The three roads currently intersect at a single intersection in the game, incorrectly.

[ external image ]
The southwestern section of M0 - click here to see on Google Maps

[ external image ]
Annahegyi pihenőhely, a rest stop on the southwestern section - click here to see on Google StreetView

The M0 continues through the nature until it reaches the M6 motorway, where it enters a more urban area. The M6 begins at this intersection, and does not branch off the M7 as it does in the game currently.

[ external image ]
Csepel Island near M0 - click here to see on Google Maps

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Lakihegy Radio Tower, the tallest structure in Hungary

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Szent Imre tér

After that, the M0 crosses the Danube river. Immediately after the river, there is an exit leading to the district Csepel, which has a large harbour and factory district. The harbour has, amongst others, a container port and an oil storage facility. (Edited on 2023-11-01) Csepel's main square is Szent Imre tér, featuring a church. On the right side of the M0, the Lakihegy Radio Tower, the tallest structure in Hungary can be seen.

[ external image ]
Logistics areas around the M0xM51 interchange

At the next two exits, there is a large logistics area to the south of M0. There is also a gas station north of the M0. After this, the M0 crosses a few fields before crossing another branch of the Danube. On the other side, near the intersection of M0 and M51 expressways, there are two large logistics centres, one to the north of the road, and one to the south. A significant proportion of the northern area is owned by Wáberer's, currently parodied in the game as Brawen. The northern area also includes a rail cargo terminal.
In the southern area, there is a Schwarzmüller trailer factory in the southern area, opening up possibilities for a Werlte-esque collaboration; a MAN truck dealer (though the Budapest dealership is currently Renault in the game); and a Coca-Cola bottling plant.

[ external image ]
The Soroksár Shopping Centre and the nearby logistics area

Further east, the M0 intersects with the M5 motorway, giving another opportunity to enter the city. Slightly north to the M5xM51 intersection (probably not enough room to include it), there is a large shopping centre and a large Wáberer's depot. To the northeast of the Wáberer's depot, there is another large logistics area, on the other side of the railway tracks. There is an overpass to the north of it (Szentlőrinci út, Méta utca), via which it can be accessed.
M5 continues to the north, and enters the city. There is a Citroën dealership along the way, with a miniature Eiffel Tower. After that, there are sound barriers on both sides of the road (2 lanes and a bus lane). The road (Nagykőrösi út) leads to one of Budapest's main industrial areas. Formerly, it was mainly chemical industries that were here, but nowadays, there are all kinds.
The northwestern part of this industrial area might be the best spot to put a viewpoint in Budapest. There are many landmarks that are visible from here: the MOL Campus, the tallest building in the country; Rákóczi Bridge; a university campus; the National Theatre; Gellért Hill; and, potentially further away: Buda Castle; Chain Bridge; Saint Stephen's Basilica; and the Parliament building.

[ external image ]
National Athletics Centre, with the northern tip of Csepel Island to the right
Click image for unannotated version

The Csepel area and the Ferencváros area can be connected via a bridge at the northern tip of Csepel Island. A recently built athletics stadium, which was the location of the 2023 World Athletics Championship, dominates the landscape here.

[ external image ]
Richter Gedeon HQ (Google Maps, Wikipedia)

Returning to the M0 and continuing northeast, the M0 intersects the M4 expressway. This is another way to enter the city. Along the road, the first landmark is Liszt Ferenc International Airport, potentially including an airport cargo area. After that, the road briefly enters the town of Vecsés (there's a shopping centre that could also be included) before entering Budapest. The road mainly crosses a suburban area with a few industries along the way. Further inside the city, there are two noteworthy companies that might be worth including: Bosch, a large industrial firm; as well as Richter Gedeon, Hungary's main pharmaceutical firm. Another possible inclusion in this part of the city is the Budapest Expo.

The remaining eastern and northern sections of the M0 are relatively uninteresting (in my opinion). I would recommend including the M31 expressway at the expense of the section of M3 between the city and the intersection with M31. (Though there could be benefits to preferring the M3 over the M31: at M0xM3, there is a shopping centre and a MAN truck dealership.) The triangle between M0, M3 and M31 is the location of the Hungaroring, Hungary's main racing track.
Also, the second exit after M0xM31 could lead to a Volvo/Renault truck dealership.

Finally, the M0 intersects with the beginning of the M2 expressway, heading north. I would not recommend adding the brief section of M0 heading west across the Danube, as it would not lead to any major road, landmark or industry that could be added, but I recommend to leave options open in case the western section of the M0 ever gets completed (it's been planned for decades now), making it a full circle.
Last edited by krmarci on 09 Jan 2024 15:36, edited 40 times in total.
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Re: Hungary re-research tips

#2 Post by krmarci » 09 May 2022 17:17

The map below shows the roads in Budapest where trucks are allowed to drive:

[ external image ]

Light blue roads can be used without restrictions.
Light green roads can only be used on the way to and from the destination.
Orange, yellow and green areas represent a weight restriction of 12,000 kg, 7,500 kg and 3,500 kg, respectively.
Dark green areas are parks and nature reserves, no entry allowed.
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Re: Hungary re-research tips

#3 Post by krmarci » 10 May 2022 09:36

North of Budapest: the Danube Bend and roads to Central Slovakia

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[ external image ]
Samsung Factory in Göd - more images, Street View

The M2 expressway has become 2x2 lanes since the release of Going East. It passes through mainly flat areas until its end north of Vác.
Along the way, there is a Samsung factory near Göd that produces batteries, which could be part of Budapest in the game.

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Quarry near Vác

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The quarry from far away

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View from the quarry, looking west/southwest

After the end of M2, Road 2 continues northbound towards the Slovak border. Shortly after Vác, it crosses the North Hungarian Mountains. There is a quarry near the road (with nice views from the mountaintop), which could potentially be included. Road 2 enters Slovakia at Hont/Sahy.

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Scenery east of Verőce, westbound

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Visegrád as seen from Nagymaros

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Scenery northwest of Dömös, eastbound

There is another option though, that is not included yet. From the northern end of M2, Road 12 heads westbound along the Danube. It enters a beautiful river valley known as the Danube Bend. Visegrád Castle, one of the most famous Hungarian castles (and the birthplace of the eponymous political alliance Visegrád Group) is located here, potentially making it a viewpoint location. At this point, a river ferry could be included between Visegrád and Nagymaros, continuing via Road 11. If you want to add a scenic route, this is your best bet.

UPDATE as of 9 August 2023: There is a new alternative option for the Danube Bend. With the completion of the bridge over the Ipoly between Ipolydamásd and Chlaba, it is possible to follow the northern side of the Danube all the way to Sturovo, where you can cross the Danube on a bridge to Esztergom, rendering the river ferry unnecessary.

[ external image ]
Esztergom Basilica from Road 11, southbound

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Suzuki Factory, Esztergom - Street View

After the Danube Bend, the road reaches Esztergom, a former Hungarian capital. Its Basilica was the tallest building in Hungary until it was recently surpassed by the MOL Campus in Budapest. This place is a good viewpoint candidate as well.
A Suzuki factory is also located in Esztergom.
There is also a bridge across the Danube, potentially linking Esztergom to Slovakia.

[ external image ]
Gyermely Pasta Factory, northwest-bound

Esztergom can be connected to the M1 motorway via Roads 111, 10 and 102. The road mainly goes through a hilly landscape.
At Zsámbék, a branch can be added off the road towards Gyermely, which has a famous Hungarian pasta factory.
Last edited by krmarci on 09 Aug 2023 09:27, edited 6 times in total.
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Re: Hungary re-research tips

#4 Post by krmarci » 13 May 2022 11:19

The M1 motorway

The M1 motorway connects Budapest to the Austrian border.

Its joint section with the M7 motorway starts in Budapest, though the earliest meaningful inclusion could be the Budaörs shopping area. After that, the M7 branches off the road, and at the next crossing, the M1 intersects with the M0 expressway. The area around this intersection has an outlet center and a logistics area.

The section between Budapest and Tatabánya was one of the first motorways of Hungary. Despite crossing a quite hilly terrain, there are no tunnels, and, as a result, there are some large slopes along the road, where trucks might potentially struggle to go uphill.

Continuing west from the M0 intersection, M1 intersects with Road 102, which can potentially be added as a road to Esztergom, and/or to the Gyermely pasta factory. Further west, at Bicske, the headquarters of Spar (a supermarket chain) can be found next to the motorway.
(A nearby village, Felcsút, has a large stadium and a light rail line, however, as this is the childhood home of Viktor Orbán, it might be a too political addition for the game.)

On a hill next to Tatabánya, there is a large statue of a bird called the Turul, an important figure in Hungarian mythology. This landmark is in the game currently, and could also potentially be a viewpoint location.

After Tatabánya, the M1 enters the Little Hungarian Plain, and goes through a flat area until the border. Győr, the sixth largest city in Hungary, has an Audi factory that might be worth including. This can be reached via the M19, a 2x1 lane expressway branching off the M1.
To the south of Győr, there is a gas station from which the Pannonhalma Abbey, a world heritage site can be seen. It might be worth it to include a hidden road or a viewpoint there.

The M1 continues towards the Austrian border. Shortly before the border, the M15 branches off towards Bratislava (however, you cannot turn left towards Bratislava when coming from Austria).
The border crossing at Hegyeshalom/Nickelsdorf on the Austrian border is somewhat more complex than it currently is in the game, it might be worth rebuilding.
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Re: Hungary re-research tips

#5 Post by krmarci » 08 Jul 2022 13:38

The M7 and M70 motorways

The M7 connects Budapest to the Croatian border.

It has a joint section with the M1 near the Budaörs shopping area (see above). After that, the two roads separate, and the M7 heads southwest, crossing the M0. The M6 does NOT branch off the M7, but off the M0.

The following area is mostly flat. Near Lake Velence, the road goes through a beautiful hilly area, and there is an iconic statue near the road at Pákozd, commemorating the 1848 Battle of Pákozd.

After that, the road reaches Székesfehérvár, Hungary's 9th largest city and one of the oldest cities in the country, a former capital. There is an industrial area next to the intersection with Road 62. Road 8 branches off at the next intersection, where another industrial area can be found.

M7 continues southwest through mostly flat terrain towards Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. Siófok, the largest town on the shore of the lake, would be an excellent location for a marina and a viewpoint. The Tihany Peninsula, famous for its abbey, is visible from here, alongside the hilly northern shore.

After Siófok, the M7 enters a hilly area. The most noteworthy part of this area is the Köröshegy Viaduct. This is also a potential location for a viewpoint, considering its scenic view on Lake Balaton. Further along the road, the M7 continues to provide a great view on Lake Balaton. Badacsony, an iconic hill on the northern shore, should be included in the landscape. The road currently ends in-game at the intersection with Roads 68 and 76.

The road continues towards the Croatian border through a hilly area. The most noteworthy town along the road is Nagykanizsa, which has an industrial area next to the M7.

Before the border, the M70 splits off the M7, which goes to Slovenia, while the M7 goes to Croatia.
Last edited by krmarci on 03 Aug 2022 18:48, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Hungary re-research tips

#6 Post by AntonioMart » 13 Jul 2022 09:23

Ikarus buses symbol of Hungary, in the old days there were a lot of it, now there are not so many left, but they still work in some cities:

[ external image ]

[ external image ]
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Re: Hungary re-research tips

#7 Post by krmarci » 03 Aug 2022 18:44

Road 8
Road 8 branches off the M7 motorway near Székesfehérvár. Immediately after the exit, there is a roundabout, after which the road becomes a 2x2 lane road. Between Road 8 and M7, there is another industrial area, with an Auchan shopping centre.

Road 8 continues westward through a hilly terrain. Though it never officially becomes an expressway, most of the road has a speed limit of 110 km/h. The only exceptions are the level interchanges near the operational Várpalota Aluminum Plant and the non-operational Várpalota Power Plant, where the speed limit drops to 70 km/h.

Veszprém, while one of the smaller county seats of Hungary, is one of the industrially more important ones. It is surrounded by a ring road: Road 8 surrounds the city from the south, which has 2x2 and 2x1 lane sections in this area. The northern section of the ring road is covered by Road 830. This section enters the city and passes through its main industrial area. The tire manufacturer Continental, the largest employer in Veszprém County, is also located here. I would suggest including the northern road if you want to include Veszprém, and including the southern road if you want to omit it.

After Veszprém, the road briefly remains a 2x2 quasi-expressway until it becomes a 2x1 road passing through hilly, mainly forested terrain. The road passes near Ajka, which is famous for its aluminum production (and mildly infamous for the red mud disaster caused by it in 2010).
Another noteworthy inclusion in this area is Somló Hill. The hill is a dormant volcano and has a quite characteristic shape, visible from far away. On the slopes of the hill, there is significant wine production (as a consequence of the volcanic activity), the hill being Hungary's smallest wine region. On the top of the mountain, there is a castle ruin. As of May 2022, the castle is being renovated, with trucks going up the steep and narrow tourist road, with the lower sections being covered in concrete, and the higher sections in gravel. This would be, in my opinion, a great opportunity for a special transport addition.

After the Somló, Road 8 soon intersects Road 84 (roundabout). The section heading southeast is currently included in the game, while the northwestern section is omitted. While adding it would improve connections to Vienna, the omission of a potential connection in the Austria rework seems to make this difficult, if not impossible.

Road 8 continues westward towards Austria. A new 2x1 lane expressway, M80, is a bypass to the many villages before the border.
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Re: Hungary re-research tips

#8 Post by krmarci » 18 Oct 2022 17:40

Road 84

[ external image ]
Sümeg Castle

(Starting from Road 8.) The main highlight of Road 84, connecting Road 8 to Lake Balaton, is Sümeg Castle. The castle is currently in the game, though the renovation has progressed since its addition, and a new tower was added (the white one[s]).
The town also features a gas station and a Tesco, and I would be more than delighted to see them added to the game.
This Facebook post seems to have quite good current photos of the castle.

Not far from Road 84, there are two large mineral water bottling plants. To the west of the road, there is a NaturAqua bottling plant in Zalaszentgrót, and to the east, there is a Theodora bottling plant in Kékkút.

After Sümeg, Road 84 crosses the Bakony mountains, and reaches the shore of Lake Balaton.

Road 71 and 76

Road 71 runs along the northern shore of Lake Balaton. The relevant section, which is currently included, runs from the end of Road 84 to Road 76 on the southern shore.

[ external image ]
Festetics Palace in Keszthely, with Lake Balaton in the background

In between, Road 71 runs around Keszthely. The town features a palace, which might be a worthy inclusion as a viewpoint or a hidden road. (Fun fact: The Netflix series "Shadow and Bone" was shot here.)

Hévíz, a popular resort town with a thermal bath, is also nearby. It is also a possible location to add a relevant industry.

Road 76 connects Road 71 to the M7 motorway.

Road 68 and 6

These two roads run through areas of Hungary that are essentially unfamiliar to me. The landscape is mostly hilly in this area. The two roads intersect in Barcs, which also has a border crossing to Croatia. Road 6 crosses Szigetvár, famous for its castle, though it seems to be quite unspectacular, and difficult to access. The relevant section of Road 6 ends in Pécs.
Last edited by krmarci on 30 Apr 2023 17:46, edited 3 times in total.
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Re: Hungary re-research tips

#9 Post by krmarci » 24 Dec 2022 12:39

Pécs and its surroundings

Pécs is the fifth largest town in Hungary. It is located at the foothills of the Mecsek mountains, one of the tallest mountain ranges in Hungary. (Note that its tallest mountain, Zengő is only 682 m tall.)

Pécs is crossed by Road 6, which connects Barcs (in the previous post) with Szekszárd, a county seat near the Danube. There is a retail area in the western part of the city. Many industries are located southwest of the railway station. In the southwestern part of the city, there is a power plant as well, the Pannon Hőerőmű, which uses wood and natural gas.

[ external image ]

[ external image ]
The Zsolnay Porcelain Manufactory

While Pécs's old town is not far from the main road, another attraction, the Zsolnay Porcelain Manufactory might potentially make a better viewpoint. The factory itself is no longer operational, but the buildings located on the old site of the factory are a beautiful showcase of the ceramics that used to be produced there.

Note that the high-rise of Pécs, a landmark that is currently in the game, was demolished in 2016.

As Pécs is located at the foothills of the Mecsek, adding a mine or a quarry there seems like a good idea. Not far north of Pécs, in Komló, there is a quarry and a solar plant that could be added.

The main motorway access of Pécs is located south of the city, which is the M60 expressway. Depending on the West Balkans DLC, a road to Croatia needs to be added towards Osijek via road 56 and/or 58. Note that the M6 motorway is scheduled to connect with the Croatian A5 motorway in 2024, so make sure to leave room for that as well.
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Re: Hungary re-research tips

#10 Post by krmarci » 21 Mar 2023 10:07

The M6 motorway

The M6 is one of the most uninteresting roads in Hungary (with the exception of the three industries listed below, all of which are worthy of inclusion). It runs across mostly flat terrain. Actually, there was a corruption scandal during its construction: they somehow found a way to build three viaducts and four tunnels on one of Hungary's flattest roads (more in Hungarian here: https://hvg.hu/ingatlan/20100329_pecsi_ ... antofoldon).

Places of interest, from north to south:

[ external image ]
Százhalombatta Oil Refinery

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Dunaújváros Steel Plant

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Paks Nuclear Power Plant

Százhalombatta Oil Refinery: Hungary's largest oil refinery, owned by the Hungarian oil company MOL. It could be part of Budapest in the game.
Dunaújváros Steel Plant: Hungary's largest steel and machinery production plant.
Paks Nuclear Power Plant: Hungary's only nuclear power plant. Produces more than half of Hungary's energy.

Further south, it intersects with Road 55 (see below), going to Szeged. You can find the aforementioned tunnels and viaducts south of this intersection.

The motorway currently ends at its intersection with M60, going to Pécs. An expansion to the Croatian border is under construction, and is set to be completed in 2024.

Road 55
Road 55 connects the M6 motorway with Szeged.

[ external image ]
Bridge over the Danube near Baja - Street View

[ external image ]
Roundabout in the inner part of Baja - Street View

Going east (pun semi-intended 🙂) from the M6, Road 55 crosses the Danube River (alongside the only railway bridge on the Hungarian section of the Danube south of Budapest), and enters the city of Baja. In Baja, there are two possible routes: one via Road 51, going through more central parts of the city (though not the city centre), and another one via Road 551 and 511, going through the outskirts of the city.

After Baja, Road 51 crosses Csávoly, Felsőszentiván, Tataháza and Mélykút, with the latter being the largest, and bypasses Kisújszállás and Mórahalom before reaching the M5. If Subotica is included in the West Balkans DLC, another border crossing towards Subotica can be reached via Road 53, branching off near Kisszállás.

Also, just want to add: feel free to ask any Hungary-related questions here or in private chat - I would be happy to help.
Last edited by krmarci on 30 Apr 2023 17:08, edited 1 time in total.
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