Major Attractions of Hortobágy National Park, Hungary
Hortobágy National Park is Hungary’s largest protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its vast grasslands (Puszta), diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Here are the major attractions of the park:
Hortobágy Nine-Hole Bridge (Hortobágyi Kilenclyukú Híd)
Location: Hortobágy Village
Hungary’s longest and most famous stone bridge (167 meters long).
Built in 1833, this historic bridge is an icon of the Hungarian Great Plain.
Located near the Hortobágy Shepherd’s Museum and Visitor Center.
Ideal for photography and learning about local history.
The Puszta (Hungarian Steppe) – Traditional Shepherd Culture
Location: Across the park
Hungary’s iconic grassland plains, home to herds of grey cattle, racka sheep, and buffalo.
Experience traditional Hungarian horse shows with skilled csikós (Hungarian horsemen).
Visit a shepherd’s farm (tanya) and see how herdsmen live and work.
Ride a horse-drawn cart to explore the vast steppe landscape.
Hortobágy Wildlife Park & Rare Animal Species
Location: Near Hortobágy Village
Home to ancient Hungarian animal breeds such as grey cattle, water buffalo, and racka sheep.
Visit the Puszta Safari Tour to see wild Przewalski's horses, red deer, and rare birds.
Guided tours available to learn about Hungary’s oldest semi-wild animal species.
Hortobágy Bird Park & Crane Migration
Location: Hortobágyi Halastó (Fishponds)
One of Europe’s best birdwatching destinations, home to 340+ bird species.
See white-tailed eagles, great bustards, and rare waterbirds.
Crane Migration Festival (October-November): Witness tens of thousands of cranes flying in at sunset.
Best birdwatching spots: Hortobágy Fishponds, Lake Tisza, and Fekete-rét marshlands.
Hortobágyi Fishponds – Scenic Train Ride & Wetlands
Location: Hortobágy Halastó
Take a scenic narrow-gauge train ride (5 km) through the Hortobágy wetlands.
Spot migratory birds, herons, and pelicans in the vast fishpond system.
Great for hiking and nature photography.
Ideal for families and birdwatchers.
The Starry Sky Park – Best Stargazing Spot in Hungary
Location: Hortobágy Puszta
Recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, perfect for stargazing.
Guided night tours available to observe planets, constellations, and the Milky Way.
Visit the Hortobágy Astronomy Park for telescope observations.
Hortobágy Shepherd Museum & Puszta Tourism Center
Location: Hortobágy Village
Discover traditional shepherding culture, tools, and crafts.
Learn about Hungary’s famous grey cattle and horse-riding traditions.
Visit the Máta Stud Farm to see Hungarian Nonius horses.
The Hortobágy EcoCenter & Lake Tisza
Location: Tisza Lake, 20 km from Hortobágy
Boat tours available through wetlands and floating forests.
Visit the Tisza Lake Ecocenter to see Hungary’s largest freshwater aquarium.
How to Explore Hortobágy National Park?
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) & Autumn (September–November) for birdwatching and wildlife tours.
Transport Options: Car, guided bus tours, and bicycle rentals.
Tours Available:
- Horse-drawn carriage tours
- Puszta Safari wildlife tours
- Birdwatching tours
- Boat & eco-tours on Lake Tisza
Final Tips for Visiting Hortobágy National Park:
Wear comfortable shoes & bring binoculars for birdwatching.
Try traditional Hungarian food at Hortobágyi Csárda (goulash, fish soup, and stuffed pancakes).
Book guided tours in advance during the Crane Migration Festival.
