Hortobágy National Park boasts UNESCO World Heritage status. You can immerse yourself in the magic of the Puszta (Great Plain), take in equestrian performances by csikósok (nomadic herdsmen), and discover its diverse habitats and wildlife. And by night, the park is a certified Dark Sky location that offers nighttime walks to take in its celestial splendors.
Despite its transportive feel, Hortobágy National Park is still within day-trip distance of Budapest, making it easy to discover independently. You can also book a guided tour of the park to visit local highlights like the symbolic Nine Span Bridge and go for a horse-and-carriage ride.
It’s wise to bring layers, sun protection, and bug spray with you if you visit in summer, thanks to the park’s wetlands and exposed plains.
Despite its natural appeal, Hortobágy National Park is also host to cultural attractions such as its 18th-century Great Inn (Hortobágyi Nagycsárda) and the Cégénydányád Castle Park.
One of the park’s most unusual attractions is the Hortobágy Bird Hospital—visit to see rare injured birds being nurtured back to health.
Hortobágy National Park is 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Budapest. The heart of the region is the village of Hortobágy, which is also a popular jumping-off point for travelers. It is roughly 2 hours by car from Budapest via the M3 and Route 33, and local trains, which connect at Debrecen, offer another way to get there.
Hortobágy National Park is open year-round, with different visiting hours depending on the seasons. Spring and summer are the most popular times to explore the park, though tours are still held in winter—just be sure to bundle up warm, as the park can get frigid.
One of the national park’s most popular attractions, the Hortobágy Wild Animal Park offers an accessible way to discover many of the distinct wildlife species that inhabit the area. While on a Jeep safari, look for critters ranging from endangered Przewalski’s horses, wolves, and vultures to wildcats, eagles, and cranes.