Őrség National Park

Őrség Overview

Őrség National Park, known locally as Őrségi Nemzeti Park, is a remarkable protected area in western Hungary, near the borders of Austria and Slovenia.

Covering approximately 167 square miles (430 square kilometers), this national park was officially designated in 2002 to preserve the unique landscapes, cultural heritage, and biodiversity of the Őrség region.

The park is named after the historical Őrség area, which translates to “Guard’s Region,” reflecting the early Hungarian border guards who settled here during medieval times. Its location in Vas County makes it one of Hungary’s most ecologically diverse regions, offering visitors a mix of natural beauty and centuries-old traditions.

The landscape of Őrség National Park is characterized by rolling hills, vast meadows, dense forests, and small rivers, with the Rába River playing a central role in the park’s ecosystem. The undulating terrain is home to extensive oak, beech, and alder forests, while colorful wildflower meadows burst into bloom during the warmer months.

A defining feature of the park is its wetlands and moorlands, which support a variety of plant species, including rare orchids, marsh gentians, and carnivorous plants like sundews. The park’s mosaic-like landscape is dotted with traditional wooden farmhouses, small villages, and medieval churches, adding to its rich cultural tapestry.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find Őrség National Park a haven for diverse fauna. Among its most notable mammals are the red deer, roe deer, and wild boar, which roam the forests and open meadows. The elusive European otter can sometimes be spotted near rivers and streams, while the park’s many ponds provide a habitat for amphibians like the fire salamander and European tree frog.

Birdwatchers will appreciate the park’s impressive avian population, which includes black storks, lesser spotted eagles, Eurasian hoopoes, and red-backed shrikes. The wetlands and lakes also attract migratory birds, making it a rewarding destination for birdwatching year-round.

One of the most popular attractions in the park is the Őrségi Skanzen, an open-air museum that showcases the region’s traditional architecture and way of life. Visitors can also explore the picturesque villages of Őriszentpéter, Szalafő, and Magyarszombatfa, where artisans continue centuries-old crafts such as pottery and weaving.

The park is renowned for its pumpkin seed oil production, a local specialty that visitors can sample in various villages. Another highlight is the Pityerszer Nature Reserve, where wooden houses with traditional thatched roofs offer a glimpse into the region’s rural heritage.

Hiking and cycling are among the most popular ways to explore the park, with well-marked trails leading through forests, meadows, and historic sites. Canoeing along the Rába River provides a different perspective on the landscape, while guided wildlife tours allow visitors to observe rare species in their natural habitat.

During autumn, the forests become a spectacular display of colors, making it an ideal time for nature photography and leisurely walks.

Conservation efforts within Őrség National Park have focused on preserving both natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. Programs aimed at protecting wetlands, native forests, and endangered species have been successful, while sustainable tourism initiatives promote environmentally friendly visits.

Challenges such as climate change and habitat fragmentation remain ongoing concerns, but active management strategies and community involvement help to mitigate these threats. The park’s balance between nature and tradition makes it a unique and valuable destination for those seeking both environmental and cultural richness.

Park Map

Őrség National Park Highlights

Wildlife

European Wildcat (Felis silvestris)
A rare and elusive predator, the European wildcat roams the dense woodlands of Őrség National Park. It resembles a large domestic cat but has a bushier tail with distinct black rings and a thicker fur coat. These cats are solitary hunters, preying on small mammals and birds.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
This magnificent feline is one of the top predators in the park. With its distinctive tufted ears and spotted fur, the Eurasian lynx is a master of stealth, preying on deer, hares, and other small animals. Though rare, lucky visitors might spot its tracks in the snow during winter.

Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
One of the largest mammals in Hungary, the red deer is a common sight in the park, especially during autumn when the males engage in dramatic rutting battles. These majestic animals thrive in the park’s forests and meadows, feeding on grasses, leaves, and bark.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Smaller and more delicate than the red deer, roe deer are abundant in Őrség’s woodlands and open fields. They are most active at dawn and dusk, feeding on a diet of leaves, shrubs, and berries.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
A powerful and adaptable species, wild boars roam the forests of the park in search of roots, tubers, and small animals. They are highly social, living in groups called sounders, and play an essential role in maintaining the ecosystem by turning over soil while foraging.

European Badger (Meles meles)
This nocturnal mammal is known for its distinctive black-and-white striped face. Badgers are burrowers, creating elaborate underground tunnel systems called setts. They are omnivores, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, and plant matter.

Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)
Found along the rivers and streams of Őrség, the Eurasian otter is an excellent swimmer, using its webbed feet to hunt fish, amphibians, and crustaceans. Its presence is a sign of clean and healthy waterways.

European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis)
This rare and endangered reptile can be found in the park’s wetlands and slow-moving waters. It has a dark, domed shell with yellow spots and is known for its longevity, living for several decades.

Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
A striking amphibian with black skin and bright yellow markings, the fire salamander is a common sight in the humid forests of the park. It prefers cool, shaded environments and secretes mild toxins as a defense against predators.

Western Green Lizard (Lacerta bilineata)
A vibrant and agile reptile, the Western green lizard can be spotted basking in the sun on rocks and logs. Males develop an even more vivid green color during the breeding season, making them stand out in the park’s grassy habitats.

Birds

Őrség National Park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with a rich avian diversity that thrives in its forests, wetlands, and meadows. Many migratory and resident bird species call this park home, making it a fantastic destination for bird enthusiasts.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Unlike its more famous white counterpart, the black stork is a shy and secretive bird that nests in dense forests near rivers. It has striking black plumage with a greenish sheen and a red beak.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
Europe’s largest bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle, soars above the park’s rivers and lakes, hunting for fish and waterfowl. With its impressive wingspan and distinctive white tail, it is a breathtaking sight.

Ural Owl (Strix uralensis)
A nocturnal predator, the Ural owl is a powerful hunter with keen eyesight and silent flight. It inhabits the mature forests of Őrség and preys on rodents, birds, and insects.

European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)
One of the most colorful birds in the park, the European bee-eater is known for its striking blue, yellow, and chestnut plumage. These birds nest in sandy banks and hunt flying insects, particularly bees and wasps.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
A jewel of the waterways, the common kingfisher is a small, brilliantly colored bird that darts over rivers and streams in search of fish. It perches on low-hanging branches before diving swiftly into the water.

Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
This predatory songbird is known as the “butcher bird” for its habit of impaling prey on thorns or barbed wire. It hunts small rodents, insects, and birds in the open fields and forest edges of the park.

Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)
A stunning yellow and black songbird, the golden oriole is more often heard than seen. Its melodious, flute-like call echoes through the park’s woodlands during spring and summer.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
One of the most widespread birds of prey in Hungary, the common buzzard can be seen soaring over fields and forests, searching for small mammals, reptiles, and carrion.

Woodlark (Lullula arborea)
This small, ground-nesting bird is known for its sweet, melodious song that can be heard across the park’s open landscapes. It thrives in areas with scattered trees and shrubs.

Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus)
A relative of the more famous green woodpecker, the grey-headed woodpecker is an expert at hammering into tree trunks in search of insects. It prefers mature forests and is often spotted drumming on tree bark.

With its incredible variety of wildlife, Őrség National Park is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a glimpse into Hungary’s rich biodiversity.