Hortobágy Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Hortobágy, located in the Hajdú-Bihar region of Hungary, is a mesmerizing destination that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. As a national park, Hortobágy is teeming with natural wonders, cultural heritage, and a rich history that is sure to captivate all who visit.
One of the main attractions of Hortobágy is its vast and breathtaking landscape. The park is characterized by its endless plains, known as puszta, which stretch as far as the eye can see. These seemingly endless plains are home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bike, or even on horseback, immersing themselves in the tranquil beauty of this untouched wilderness.
In addition to its natural beauty, Hortobágy is also renowned for its cultural heritage. The park is home to traditional Hungarian herdsmen, known as csikós, who have preserved their age-old traditions and way of life. Visitors can witness their remarkable horsemanship skills and even take part in horse shows and demonstrations. The park also hosts various folk festivals and events throughout the year, where visitors can experience traditional music, dance, and cuisine, gaining a deeper insight into the vibrant Hungarian culture.
Hortobágy is also a paradise for birdwatchers, as it is a haven for a wide variety of bird species. The park is home to several bird sanctuaries, where visitors can observe rare and migratory birds in their natural habitat. From majestic herons to elegant egrets, bird enthusiasts will be enthralled by the sheer diversity and beauty of the avian population in Hortobágy.
For those seeking a taste of history, Hortobágy offers several historical sites and landmarks. The Nine-Hole Bridge, a unique wooden bridge that spans the Hortobágy River, is a testament to the engineering marvels of the past. The park is also home to several traditional Hungarian farmhouses, known as tanyas, which provide a glimpse into the rural life of old Hungary.
Hortobágy Attractions - What to See and Explore
Hortobágy offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Lake Tisza. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit Hortobágy
Learn when is the best time to travel to Hortobágy weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Przewalski's horse
Przewalski's horse, also known as Equus przewalskii or Equus ferus przewalskii, is a rare and endangered equid native to the steppes of Central Asia. Once extinct in the wild, this extraordinary horse has rebounded due to successful reintroduction efforts in Mongolia.
Mammals
Great bustard
The great bustard, a distinctive bird from the bustard family and the sole member of the genus Otis, flourishes in open grasslands and farmlands extending from Morocco to East Asia. Unfortunately, it has been classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1996.
Birds
Saker falcon
The saker falcon is a sizable bird of prey that breeds across Europe, the Palearctic region, and extending into Manchuria. During the winter, these majestic birds migrate to warmer regions like Ethiopia, the Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan, and China.
Birds
European turtle dove
The European turtle dove, a member of the Columbidae family, spends its summers in the southwestern Palearctic and winters in northern sub-Saharan Africa. First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, this bird was originally classified in the genus Columba but was later...
Birds
Long-tailed duck
The long-tailed duck, once known in North America as the oldsquaw, is a fascinating medium-sized sea duck and the sole surviving member of the Clangula genus. Initially classified under Harelda, it later became the type species of its own genus.
Birds
Hajdú-Bihar