Zalaegerszeg, Hungary

Capital City

The population of Zalaegerszeg stands at 53,960, a figure that fails to capture the city's bureaucratic headaches and harsh winters. With a climate that can dip below -20°C, the locals endure frigid conditions for much of the year. Yet despite these challenges, the former county seat has managed to maintain its status as an administrative center, even after briefly losing its town designation in the late 19th century. For those undeterred by heavy taxes and the occasional Soviet occupation, Zalaegerszeg may prove a suitable option - but the city is hardly a paradise.