Have you already discovered the beautiful cities of Hungary, but would also like to explore the nature of this unique country? Then you should not miss the unforgettable experiences in Hortobágy National Park! Escape the city and immerse yourself in a place that recalls the past. Especially for horse lovers, a visit to this national park will be worthwhile.
Hortobágy is also considered a microregion of the country and is known as the largest steppe in Central Europe. That is why the national park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The area of the park extends over 82,000 hectares. An incredible size, making Hortobágy National Park the largest continuous nature reserve in Hungary. Here you will have plenty of time to explore various natural features: saline meadows, pastures, loess steppes, floodplain forests, marshes, and lakes. But not only these natural beauties are interesting, but also their inhabitants. The national park provides good protection for many animal species. In addition, you can also learn more about culture and traditions in Hungary. Immerse yourself in the history of the Hungarian herdsmen and spend a wonderfully diverse day in Hortobágy National Park.
If you would like to experience the romance of the steppe, immerse yourself in the former herdsmen’s life and explore the steppes by wagon or on horseback. Of course, you can also get to know the surroundings better by bike. One thing is certain: in Hortobágy, you can expect a diverse program that offers something interesting for everyone. Visit the visitor center to learn more about the park’s highlights and choose one of the excursions.
Particularly fascinating is the sight of the water buffalo that feel very comfortable on the endless plains. You can also visit the grey cattle wagons or watch the impressive horse show. Equally interesting is the exclusive tour to the fishpond, which allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature. You can also experience a bit of safari feeling by going on a jeep tour to search for cranes. As already mentioned, there is also the opportunity to learn about the local herdsmen and gain insights into their working life.
If you are particularly interested in the animals of the national park, you should take the bus to the wildlife park in Hortobágy-Malomáza. There you can discover herons, wild horses, wolves, vultures, wildcats, ferrets, and white-tailed eagles. Another special event is the boat trip on the Hortobágy River. During this trip, you can get to know the impressive flora and fauna even better and view nature from a different perspective. At the same time, you travel back in time and learn about the tools and equipment of the fishermen of the past.
A special highlight is the starry night walk in the wildlife park of the national park. This gives you a unique view of the night sky, right in the heart of nature. Surely you have never seen such a clear starry sky, far from the bright city lights. If you would like to attend this event, be sure to check the current schedule before your visit. Unfortunately, the starry walk only takes place on specific dates.
During your visit, you must not miss the symbol of Hortobágy. The famous 167-meter-long bridge is located at the edge of the village of Hortobágy along Route 33. It has adorned the village since 1833, replacing a former wooden bridge. But the Nine-Arch Bridge is known not only for its appearance, but also for the legends surrounding it. According to tales, 400,000 locally fired bricks were used to build the bridge, together with mortar made from sand wine. When visiting this symbol of Hortobágy, do not miss the Shepherds’ Museum and Hortobágy Csárda. Both are located right next to the bridge. Hortobágy Csárda is an inn that not only tells you the history of the tavern but also serves delicious food. It is a wonderful place for a relaxing break, which you can also enjoy on the terrace. Re-energized, you can then perfectly explore the Shepherds’ Museum.
Hortobágy National Park unfolds its magic not only in one particular season. Several travel periods offer unique experiences that will make your discovery tour unforgettable. In spring, the beautiful nature of the national park blossoms, with the steppe turning green. You can also witness the return of the birds and observe their nesting. Temperatures are pleasant, and fewer tourists are around. Summer is also wonderful for a visit, when you can experience the steppe in its well-known dry form. Many events also take place at this time. However, note that it can get very hot, which may reduce the enjoyment of longer tours. Just as beautiful as spring is autumn. During this time, the crane migration occurs, and nature displays its warm colors. Temperatures are again pleasant, and you can enjoy longer tours and admire the starry sky on a starry night walk. In winter, however, it is rather quiet, and the steppe is sometimes snow-covered, making the wildlife less visible. Days are shorter, and event offerings are fewer.
Therefore, the best times are in spring and autumn. Summer is an option only if you can handle high temperatures. Nonetheless, you can theoretically visit the national park at any time of the year and enjoy the charm of the steppe.
We wish you a wonderful trip to Hungary and lots of fun on your exploration tour of Hortobágy National Park. Don’t forget to check the toll regulations of the country. Further information on tolls can be found in our guide. You can also use our route planner to better plan your trip and see the related toll products. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us via email.
