Exploring the Wild Beauty of Hortobagy National Park with Friends

Embracing the Puszta

Today was a day of complete immersion in the Hortobágy National Park. From the moment I woke up, I felt the anticipation of exploring this unique landscape, a place so different from the bustling streets of Berlin. It's a welcome change to be surrounded by the tranquility of nature, even if I did forget the portable phone charger!


Explore the stunning landscapes and rich wildlife of Hortobágyi National Park, Hungary's largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The day began, as it has every day here, with breakfast at the Hortobágyi Csárda [i, 8]. The familiar aroma of Hungarian spices and freshly baked bread filled the air, setting the stage for a day of exploration and discovery. I really feel at home here, as if I'm experiencing a blend of my Irish heritage, where hearty meals and good company are central to life, and my adopted German efficiency. It's quite a comforting feeling.


Discover authentic Hungarian flavors at Hortobágyi Csárda in beautiful Hortobágy – where tradition meets taste.

After breakfast, we set out to explore the vast expanse of the Hortobágy National Park. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife. As we drove through the park, the endless horizon stretched out before us, a sea of grasslands dotted with grazing animals. The weather in September is still quite pleasant, with warm days and cool evenings, perfect for spending time outdoors. The sun shone brightly, casting a golden glow over the Puszta, the Hungarian Great Plain.

The Hortobágy is more than just a landscape; it's a living testament to the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

We made our way to the Hortobágyi National Park Visitor Centre. It was a great starting point, offering a comprehensive overview of the park’s flora, fauna, and cultural heritage through interactive exhibits. I found myself particularly drawn to the exhibits detailing the life of the traditional Hungarian herdsmen, the *csikós*, and their deep connection to the land. It reminded me of the stories my grandfather used to tell about rural life in County Mayo, a connection to the land that seems to be fading in our modern world. The others were keen to see the Nine-Arch Bridge, apparently it's an iconic symbol of the area.

After the visitor center, we decided to visit the Puszta Animal Park. This park offers a close-up experience with the fauna of the Puszta in a natural setting. We saw Hungarian grey cattle, racka sheep, and Nonius horses roaming freely. It felt less like a zoo and more like a walk around a traditional animal farm. I was particularly fascinated by the Hungarian grey cattle, with their impressive horns and gentle eyes. Hans, ever the pragmatist, was more interested in the logistics of managing such a herd. Saoirse, of course, was captivated by everything, running from one animal to the next with boundless energy.

For lunch, we returned to the Hortobágyi Csárda. This traditional inn is the oldest building in Hortobágy and is renowned for its authentic Hungarian cuisine. We indulged in local specialties such as slambuc, a hearty shepherd's stew, and fish soup, made with fish from the local rivers. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. It felt like stepping back in time, a taste of old Hungary that I won't soon forget. I must admit, I am a sucker for traditional comfort food. It reminds me of home.

In the afternoon, we visited the Máta Stud Farm, a historic horse farm known for its Nonius horses. We watched a captivating horse show, where skilled horsemen demonstrated traditional herding techniques. The horsemanship was truly impressive, a testament to the centuries-old tradition of horse breeding in the Hortobágy. Saoirse was absolutely thrilled, her eyes wide with wonder as the horses galloped past. I could see a budding equestrian in the making. I'm sure she'll be asking for riding lessons when we get back to Berlin!

As the sun began to set, we drove to the Daruhalom Lookout, hoping to catch a glimpse of cranes. While we didn't see any cranes, the panoramic views of the park's vast landscapes were breathtaking. The sky was ablaze with color, a fiery canvas of reds, oranges, and purples. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day. I felt a sense of peace and tranquility wash over me, a feeling of being connected to something larger than myself.

For dinner, we decided to eat at the Hortobágyi Csárda again. We couldn't resist the temptation of another delicious Hungarian meal. As we sat there, enjoying our food and each other's company, I reflected on the day's adventures. We had explored the vast plains of the Hortobágy, witnessed the famous Hungarian Grey cattle, and experienced the rich cultural heritage of the park. It was a day of discovery, a day of connection, and a day that I will cherish forever.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Hajdúság Landscape-protection Area. I'm looking forward to exploring another part of this beautiful region and discovering more of its hidden gems. I'm also hoping I can find a shop to buy a portable phone charger. It's amazing how much we rely on these little devices, even when we're trying to escape the modern world. Still, even without a fully charged phone, the memories of today are fully charged in my mind. I'm so glad I decided to take this trip with my friends and family. It's been an incredible experience, one that I'll treasure for years to come.