Hortobágy National Park Travel Guide: Discover Hungary’s Great Plain

Hortobágy National Park is where endless skies meet sweeping grasslands, where cranes dance at sunset, and Hungarian cowboys (csikós) still herd ancient breeds across the horizon. As Hungary’s first and largest national park, Hortobágy is a land steeped in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and traditional pastoral life.
 

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast area of the Puszta (Great Hungarian Plain) offers a truly unique experience—far from the typical European tourist trail. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, photographer, cultural explorer, or nature enthusiast, Hortobágy will surprise and captivate you with its raw, authentic charm.

📍 Where is Hortobágy National Park?

Location: Hajdú-Bihar County, Eastern Hungary

Nearest City: Debrecen (~40 km / 1-hour drive)

Total Area: Over 800 km²

Coordinates: 47.5833° N, 21.1667° E

🕰️ A Brief History of Hortobágy

Established in 1973, it was Hungary’s first national park.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 for its cultural landscape and traditional grazing system.

The region has been inhabited and grazed for over 2,000 years, preserving ancient nomadic practices and habitats.

🌍 Why Visit Hortobágy?

Unique steppe ecosystem (the largest continuous natural grassland in Central Europe)

Rare wildlife and bird species, including thousands of migratory cranes

Authentic Hungarian traditions: shepherding, horse shows, and folk culture

Scenic cycling, hiking, and photo tours across the plains

Eco-tourism experiences with guided safaris and observatories

🦅 What to See and Do in Hortobágy National Park

1. The Nine-Arch Bridge (Kilenclyukú híd)

Iconic symbol of the park and Hungarian folk culture

Built in 1833, it spans the Hortobágy River

Great photo opportunity and near the visitor center

Often used in csikós (horseman) shows and festivals

2. Hortobágy Shepherd Museum

Located next to the bridge, it showcases:

Traditional shepherd tools, costumes, and livestock breeds

Exhibits on Hungarian pastoralism and Puszta life

Interactive displays and seasonal folk demonstrations

3. Puszta Safari

Board a specialized open-air vehicle and explore the wild grasslands

See racka sheep, grey cattle, water buffalo, and Przewalski’s horses

Birdwatching highlights include eagles, bustards, spoonbills, and cranes

🦢 Pro tip: Visit during October to see the spectacular migration of tens of thousands of cranes.

4. Csikós Show (Hungarian Horsemen Performance)

A must-see for first-time visitors

Held regularly at the Máta Stud Farm (Mátai Ménes)

Witness traditional horse-herding, whip-cracking, and five-horse stunts

Features ancient horse breeds unique to Hungary

5. Hortobágy Fishponds (Hortobágyi Halastó)

A protected wetland and birdwatching paradise

Over 340 species recorded, including herons, storks, and ducks

Wooden observation towers and bird hides available

Accessible by narrow-gauge tourist train or walking trails

6. Hortobágy Wild Animal Park (Pusztai Állatpark)

Home to traditional Hungarian animals: racka sheep, mangalica pigs, and buffalo

A family-friendly experience with feeding times and petting areas

Education center for kids and school groups

🧭 How to Get to Hortobágy National Park

🚗 By Car

From Budapest: ~2.5 hours via M3 motorway to Debrecen, then Route 33

Parking available at key sites (bridge, visitor center, fishponds)

🚆 By Train

From Budapest-Nyugati to Hortobágy Station (~3 hours)

Limited public transport inside the park; recommend booking tours or renting bikes

🚌 Guided Tours

Day tours from Debrecen or Budapest often include a csikós show, museum visit, and safari ride

🎟️ Entrance Fees & Information (2025)

🌿 Wildlife and Nature

Mammals: Red deer, foxes, hares, and steppe rodents

Birds: White-tailed eagles, great bustards, bee-eaters, spoonbills, and cranes

Reptiles & Amphibians: European pond turtle, green toads

Flora: Salt-tolerant grasses, marsh flowers, reed beds

📸 Best seasons for birdwatching: Spring (April–May) and Autumn (Sept–Oct)

🚴 Outdoor Activities

🚶 Hiking & Walking Trails

Multiple well-marked trails through meadows, wetlands, and steppes

Short nature walks or full-day treks

Some trails feature interpretive signs and watchtowers

🚴 Cycling

Rent a bicycle at the visitor center or bring your own

Dedicated cycling paths connect key attractions

Popular: Route from Hortobágy Bridge to Fishponds (~5 km)

📷 Photography

Open plains offer amazing light and wide-angle vistas

Capture sunsets, wildlife close-ups, and cultural scenes

🏨 Where to Stay

🍽️ Where to Eat

Hortobágyi Csárda (Traditional Tavern): Classic Hungarian dishes like goulash, stuffed pancakes, and fish soup

Buffalo Snack Bar: Casual outdoor dining near animal park

Picnic Options: Buy local snacks at village shops and eat among the plains

🍲 Try the local specialty: Hortobágyi palacsinta – savory pancakes filled with meat and paprika sauce.

🧳 Travel Tips for Hortobágy National Park

Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection—the plains can be hot and exposed

Bring binoculars and a camera with zoom lens for wildlife

Some sites have limited English signage, so consider a guided tour

Visit during festivals or migration season for a unique experience

Combine with a trip to Debrecen or Tokaj wine region

📅 Best Time to Visit

🎉 Annual Events

Hortobágy Equestrian Days (July): Horse shows, folk music, craft fair

Crane Festival (October): Birdwatching tours and cultural events

Shepherd Days (June/September): Traditional herding demonstrations and food stalls

✨ Final Thoughts

Hortobágy National Park is not just a natural destination—it is a living, breathing portrait of Hungary’s heritage, where you can step into a world of timeless traditions, majestic horses, and unspoiled grasslands.

It’s a place where nature and culture intertwine, offering unforgettable encounters with history, wildlife, and the soul of the Hungarian plain.

Whether you’re gazing at cranes in the mist or watching a whip-cracking csikós gallop past the horizon, Hortobágy leaves a lasting impression of beauty and authenticity.