Hortobagy National Park
★ 4.6🇭🇺 HortobagySuggested visit 1 dayBest season April to October, when the grassland and animals are at their best
World HeritageGrasslandLocal life
The largest continuous grassland in Europe, with traditional herdsmen, grey cattle and sweep wells.
Overview
In the eastern Hungarian plain across about 800 square kilometres, Hortobágy is the largest continuous grassland in Europe and joined the World Heritage List in 1999. Traditional grazing continues, with Hungarian grey cattle, buffalo and Racka sheep, and herdsmen still perform horsemanship in traditional dress. The sweep wells and the nine-arched bridge are the signature sights, and the area is a stopover for migratory birds.
History
Grazed since the 13th century, it took its present alkaline form after 19th-century river regulation, became a national park in 1973 and was inscribed in 1999.
Highlights
- •Traditional horsemanship shows
- •Hungarian grey cattle and Racka sheep
- •The sweep wells on the puszta
- •The nine-arched bridge and birdwatching
Practical tips
- •There is almost no shade — bring water and sun protection
- •Horsemanship shows run at set times; check ahead
Practical information
- Best time
- April-October
- Tickets
- The park is free; horsemanship shows about HUF 3,500
- Opening hours
- Visitor centre roughly 9:00-17:00
- Local food
- Gulyás, puszta flatbread, pálinka
- Getting around
- About 40 minutes by car from Debrecen, two hours from Budapest.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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