Things to do in Hortobágy National Park
Discover the best attractions and experiences Hortobágy National Park has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore the iconic structures and heritage that define Hortobágy’s cultural landscape on the Hungarian plains.
Nine-arched Bridge (Kilenclyukú-híd)
A centuries-old stone bridge spanning the Hortobágy canal, a symbol of the region's rural engineering.
UNESCO Cultural Landscape of Hortobágy
The park's vast steppe and settlements are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape.
Museums
Learn about pastoral life, traditional crafts, and the park’s heritage at local centers.
Hortobágy National Park Visitor Centre
Starting point for exhibits about the park's wildlife, history, and traditional livelihoods.
Hortobágy Ethnographic Museum
Displays on shepherding, folk crafts, and rural culture of the puszta.
Religious Monuments
Visit rural places of worship that reflect the faith and architecture of the Hortobágy region.
Hortobágy Village Church
A modest rural church offering a glimpse into village faith and community life.
Local chapel near the puszta
Small spiritual site serving shepherds and residents of the area.
National & Theme Parks
Hungary’s puszta treasure, Hortobágy National Park, protects the sacred plains and its wildlife.
Hortobágy National Park
Hungary’s first national park, a vast prairie reserve famous for its wildlife, landscapes, and shepherding tradition.
UNESCO Cultural Landscape of Hortobágy
World Heritage property recognizing the park’s cultural and natural heritage.
Neighborhoods
Explore the gateway village of Hortobágy and nearby rural communities that shape the park’s character.
Hortobágy Village
The main village inside the park, a hub of shepherd culture and traditional practices.
Nearby rural hamlets
Small settlements that offer rustic charm and local life.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy the open plain with no admission required at several scenic spots and trails.
Puszta strolls at sunset
Wander the vast plains as the light softens over the horizon.
Birdwatching along the Hortobágy canal
Spot storks, cranes, and marsh birds in their natural habitat.
Sunset viewing from the Osten-bridge area
Watch colors change over the plains from accessible viewpoints.
Gastronomy
Taste hearty Hungarian dishes inspired by the puszta and its shepherds.
Hortobágyi húsos palacsinta
Savory stuffed pancakes filled with paprika-seasoned beef.
Puszta gulyás
Classic Hungarian gulyás stew, rich and comforting after a day outdoors.
Nightlife
Evenings in the puszta are intimate, with traditional hospitality and music.
Csárda evenings with live folk music
Traditional taverns host music, food, and a welcoming crowd.
Evening shepherd stories by a fire (if available)
Rural storytelling and atmosphere under the stars.
Entertainment
Watch performances that showcase traditional Puszta culture.
Csikós horse show
Skillful horsemanship demonstrations by the park’s mounted herders.
Folk performances at traditional settlements
Songs and dances representing shepherd life and rural customs.
Sports
Active ways to experience the wide-open plains.
Horseback riding across the puszta
Guided rides or lessons through grassy plains and scrub.
Cycling along puszta trails
Flat, scenic routes great for easy to moderate biking.
Birdwatching and nature walks
Slow-paced activities highlighting wildlife and landscapes.
Off the Track
Seek out special, lesser-trodden experiences in the area.
Stargazing on clear, dark skies
The plains offer expansive, low-light skies for astronomy.
Dawn wildlife photography
Capture herons, cranes, and other animals at first light.