Located in the central part of the country, on the Great Hungarian Plain. The park was established in 1973 and covers an area of about 82,000 hectares.
The Town and National Park of Hortobágy
Perhaps due to the nearby tourist pilgrimage spots of Hajdúszoboszló and Sóstófürdő, Hortobágy has remained a rather intimate and uncommercialized place. And that is precisely its charm.
In Hortobágy, you won’t find slot machines, nightclubs, or water slides. It’s a place for those who value peace, tradition, and authenticity – and for those disappointed by the dull nearby city of Debrecen.
Gastronomy in Hortobágy
There isn’t much of it, but the local inn (csárda), housed in a historic building, offers dishes made from Hungarian grey cattle, Mangalica pigs, and buffalo. That alone is probably the best advertisement.
Cycling Trip
The advantage is that the puszta is as flat as a frying pan, so there’s no pedaling uphill. A source of stress or discomfort, however, may be the sight of a large herd of Hungarian grey cattle crossing your path. Still, according to the national park rangers, they are not dangerous. The real threat comes from the buffalo – but they only inhabit the small forested areas along streams and river valleys.
Avoid wooded areas and you’ll be safe.
Hortobágy National Park is one of the most distinctive regions in Hungary, with beautiful steppe landscapes, rivers, and lakes, as well as unique species of animals and plants. In the park, you can encounter many wild animals, such as cranes, cormorants, eagles, storks, and nuthatches, as well as numerous species of fish, including salmon and carp.
The park is also an important center of livestock breeding, including cattle, horses, and sheep. Visitors can see traditional Hungarian pastures where herders graze their animals, as well as traditional farm buildings such as stables and barns.
One of the most important landmarks in the park is the puszta – the traditional Hungarian village, which represents an important element of the country’s culture and history. The park also features traditional Hungarian windmills and watermills, along with many other sites linked to Hungary’s history and culture.
Hortobágy National Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and tourists who want to discover Hungary’s unique landscapes and traditions.
Nine-Arch Bridge in Hortobágy
The most recognizable symbol of Hortobágy National Park. This arched bridge was the longest stone road bridge in historic Hungary before 1921, when the country was reduced to one-third of its former territory. The bridge was built between 1827 and 1833 in a neoclassical style.
Hungarian Grey Cattle
A Hungarian beef cattle breed belonging to the Podolian group. It is characterized by long, lyre-shaped horns and a light grey coat. Well adapted to extensive pasture systems, it was once bred in very large numbers on the Hungarian puszta.
In the 20th century, it was close to extinction, but since then its population has recovered.
The origin of the Hungarian Grey is unknown. Earlier it was believed that the Magyars brought it with them in the 9th century when they migrated into the Carpathian Basin, but this theory does not align with archaeological evidence. At various times, it has been suggested that the breed was introduced later, possibly by Cumans or Pechenegs, brought north by refugees from the Balkans, or that it originated from the Apennine Peninsula. Another theory claimed that it descended directly from the aurochs.
Today, Hungarian Grey cattle are mainly kept as a tourist attraction in Hortobágy National Park.
Mangalica
A Hungarian breed of domestic pig, developed in the mid-19th century by crossing the Romanian Salonta and Hungarian Bakony breeds with European wild boar and the Serbian Šumadija pig. The Mangalica is notable for its thick, curly coat.
It produces too little lean meat and has therefore been gradually replaced by modern domestic breeds. However, Mangalica meat is still common in Hungary, with local farmers producing around 60,000 pigs annually.
Water Buffalo
In Hortobágy National Park, the genetic stock of traditional Hungarian water buffalo is preserved. A cow produces between 1,000 and 2,000 liters of milk rich in fat, suitable for mozzarella production.
This breed is black, with typical curved horns, a sturdy, stocky build, and is also an excellent draught animal. It was introduced into the Carpathian Basin in the 6th century by the Avars.
Hortobágyi Körszín Museum
The museum features replicas of workshops of blacksmiths, shoemakers, gingerbread makers, hatters, potters, rope makers, and harness makers. Visitors can also see embroidered and appliqué textiles, various horn and wooden carvings, traditional shepherd leatherwork, as well as bells, columns, and musical instruments characteristic of the region.
Hucul Horses
A primitive mountain horse breed descended from the wild tarpans. The Hucul was later crossbred with local ponies and refined with Arabian blood.
These horses are hardy, strong, and resilient. In the past, they were mainly used as pack animals, easily carrying heavy loads even along mountain paths.
Sebastopol Goose
A rare ornamental breed of domestic goose, developed in the 19th century in the Sevastopol region of Crimea. It is known above all for its unusual appearance – its feathers on the belly, chest, and wings are long, soft, and curled, giving it a fluffy, almost “curly” look.
The Sebastopol goose was first exhibited in Western Europe in the mid-19th century. It most likely descends from local goose breeds of the Black Sea region, possibly with input from Turkish or Danube-area geese. In German it is often called Lockengans (“curly goose”).
Gémeskút
Traditional pastoral structures – wells with sweep poles (gémeskút), wooden fences, and water barrels – are still present in the landscape of Hortobágy.
Asinara White Donkey
Originating from the island of Asinara, off the northwestern coast of Sardinia (Italy). It lives there in a semi-wild state in a small population and has become the island’s symbol.
One hypothesis suggests that the Asinara donkey (Asino Bianco dell’Asinara) derives from Baroque-era donkeys imported from Habsburg territories – including present-day Hungary and Austria.
Baroque donkeys of Central Europe (18th–19th c.):
The Habsburg Empire imported donkeys into various provinces and colonies, particularly for:
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farm and vineyard work,
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transport in difficult conditions (island or mountain areas),
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breeding in monasteries and landed estates.
Introduction to Asinara:
Italian sources suggest that the breed may have developed from donkeys brought to Asinara either by the Habsburgs or during the Savoy occupation (when Sardinia had close ties with Austria).
Since Asinara long served as a penal colony and leper isolation site, the donkeys remained genetically isolated, which reinforced their albinistic traits.
Connection with Hungary:
In Hortobágy, donkeys with traits very similar to these early Baroque breeds are still bred – the parlagi szamár (Hungarian donkey), grey, medium-sized, and hardy. It may well have been one of the founding breeds that gave rise to the Asinara donkey.
Nyíregyháza
The third-largest city in Hungary by area, Nyíregyháza has a population of approximately 120,000.
Sóstófürdő
A spa resort located in the northeastern part of Hungary, Sóstófürdő is best known for its hot mineral springs, which are believed to have beneficial health effects.
Debrecen
Located on the Great Hungarian Plain. The second-largest city in Hungary and an important cultural, educational, and economic center of the region.