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Hortobágy Overview

Hortobágy National Park, known locally as Hortobágyi Nemzeti Park, is the largest national park in Hungary, covering approximately 800 square kilometers (309 square miles).

Established in 1973, it is located in the eastern part of the country, within the Great Hungarian Plain. This vast, open landscape is characterized by its flat terrain, extensive wetlands, and iconic grasslands known as the puszta.

The region’s climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters, making it a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of plant and animal species. The park is famous for its alkaline steppe, meadows, and marshlands, which provide a critical habitat for both resident and migratory wildlife.

The landscape of Hortobágy National Park is dominated by vast plains, punctuated by shallow lakes and meandering rivers. The Hortobágy River, which flows through the park, plays an essential role in sustaining its wetlands.

The park also features traditional Hungarian cultural elements, such as the famous Nine-Holed Bridge (Kilenclyukú híd), an architectural relic from the early 19th century. The puszta, an extensive grassland, is an iconic part of the park, preserving Hungary’s pastoral heritage.

Wildflowers, reeds, and rare salt-tolerant plants flourish across the landscape, adapting to the alkaline soils that define the region.

Hortobágy National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, particularly its birdlife. It serves as an important stopover for migratory birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Species such as the great bustard, Eurasian crane, and red-footed falcon can be spotted throughout the year, while the rare saker falcon and eastern imperial eagle also find sanctuary in the park.

The wetlands attract thousands of waterfowl, including herons, spoonbills, and various species of ducks and geese. Beyond birds, the park is home to mammals such as the European ground squirrel, Eurasian otter, and red deer.

One of the most famous animals in the region is the Hungarian grey cattle, a traditional breed that has grazed the steppe for centuries, alongside Przewalski’s horses, which were reintroduced to the park as part of conservation efforts.

Visitors to Hortobágy National Park can explore its unique landscapes and wildlife through various activities. Birdwatching is a major attraction, with several observation points and guided tours available to help visitors spot rare species.

The park also offers traditional horse shows, where visitors can witness the skills of Hungarian csikós (horsemen), a cultural tradition dating back centuries. Hiking and cycling trails allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the puszta, while boat tours provide an opportunity to explore the park’s wetlands.

The annual Crane Festival, held in autumn, draws bird enthusiasts from around the world to witness the spectacular migration of thousands of cranes.

Conservation efforts within Hortobágy National Park have been focused on protecting its fragile ecosystems and preserving traditional land use practices. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural landscape and biodiversity.

Sustainable grazing practices have been implemented to maintain the balance between agriculture and nature conservation. Challenges such as habitat degradation and climate change continue to pose threats to the park’s wetlands and bird populations.

However, ongoing research, habitat restoration projects, and international collaborations have contributed to successful conservation efforts, ensuring that Hortobágy remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a testament to Hungary’s natural and cultural heritage.

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Park Map
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Hortobágy National Park Highlights

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Hortobágy National Park, located in eastern Hungary, is the country’s largest protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast steppe, known as the Puszta, is home to a rich variety of wildlife, particularly large grazing animals and carnivores. Below are some of the most notable species found in the park.

European Bison (Bison bonasus)
Once extinct in the wild, European bison have been successfully reintroduced to various parts of Europe, including Hungary. These massive herbivores are vital for maintaining grassland ecosystems, grazing on vegetation to prevent overgrowth.

Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
A semi-aquatic predator, the Eurasian otter thrives in the park’s numerous wetlands and water channels. It preys mainly on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans, playing a key role in maintaining the ecological balance of the waterways.

European Wildcat (Felis silvestris)
This elusive feline is larger and stockier than a domestic cat, with a thick, striped coat that helps it blend into the dense vegetation. It hunts small mammals and birds in the park’s woodlands and grasslands.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
One of the most adaptable carnivores in Europe, the red fox can be found across Hortobágy’s diverse landscapes. It primarily feeds on small rodents, birds, and carrion, making it an important predator in the ecosystem.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
A common sight in the park, roe deer are well adapted to both forested and open environments. They are known for their agility and keen sense of hearing, which help them evade predators such as foxes and wildcats.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
These powerful omnivores are a key species in the park, rooting through the soil in search of food. Their foraging helps aerate the ground, benefiting plant growth and maintaining biodiversity.

Steppe Polecat (Mustela eversmanii)
This rare and secretive carnivore is well-adapted to the open grasslands of Hortobágy. It hunts rodents and small mammals, playing a crucial role in controlling pest populations.

European Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus citellus)
Also known as the souslik, this burrowing rodent is a keystone species in the grassland ecosystem. It serves as prey for several predators, including birds of prey and polecats, while its burrows provide shelter for other small animals.

Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus)
A symbol of the European grasslands, the brown hare is known for its speed and powerful hind legs, which allow it to escape predators. It feeds on grasses and herbs, helping to maintain plant diversity.

Northern White-breasted Hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus)
This nocturnal insectivore is commonly found in the park’s meadows and wooded areas. It helps control insect populations by feeding on beetles, caterpillars, and other small invertebrates.

Birds

Hortobágy National Park is one of Europe’s premier birdwatching destinations, known for its abundant wetlands and open plains that attract thousands of migratory birds each year. Here are some of the most remarkable avian species found in the park.

Great Bustard (Otis tarda)
One of Europe’s heaviest flying birds, the great bustard is a symbol of the Hungarian steppe. Males perform impressive courtship displays in spring, and their large size makes them a striking sight in the open grasslands.

Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca)
This majestic raptor is one of the rarest eagles in Europe. It nests in the park’s trees and preys on small mammals and birds. Conservation efforts in Hortobágy have helped stabilize its population.

Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug)
A powerful and fast-flying falcon, the saker hunts small birds and rodents over the steppe. It has faced declines due to habitat loss and illegal trapping, making its presence in Hortobágy especially significant.

Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus)
These small, colorful falcons are summer visitors to the park, nesting in old corvid nests. Males are striking with blue-grey plumage, while females have orange and brown tones.

Pygmy Cormorant (Microcarbo pygmaeus)
This smaller cousin of the great cormorant thrives in the park’s wetlands, where it dives for fish. Its increasing population in Hortobágy is a sign of successful wetland conservation.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Unlike its more common white relative, the black stork is shy and prefers forested wetlands. It feeds in shallow waters, using its long bill to catch fish and amphibians.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
Europe’s largest eagle, the white-tailed eagle is a top predator in Hortobágy. With a massive wingspan, it soars over the park’s rivers and lakes in search of fish and waterfowl.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
A large, elegant heron, the great egret is a common sight in the park’s marshes. It wades through shallow waters, striking swiftly at fish and frogs with its sharp bill.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
One of the most iconic species of Hortobágy, thousands of cranes stop here during migration. Their loud calls and synchronized dancing displays make them a highlight of the park’s birdlife.

Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
This striking black-and-white wader is known for its upturned bill, which it uses to sweep through shallow water in search of small invertebrates. It breeds in the park’s saline lakes.

Hortobágy National Park remains a critical refuge for wildlife in Hungary, offering a diverse range of species that thrive in its unique landscape. Whether exploring the open steppe or the rich wetlands, visitors are sure to encounter some of Europe’s most fascinating creatures.

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