Exploring the Puszta: A Guide for First-Time Visitors

A vast and unique region of Hungary, the Puszta is a fascinating destination for travelers who want to experience Hungary’s natural beauty and cultural heritage in an authentic way. Also known as the “Hungarian Plain,” the Puszta stretches across eastern Hungary and is characterized by great scenery, traditional horse culture, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you are planning your first visit to the Puszta, this guide will help you discover the main attractions and immerse yourself in the charm of this unique region. The Puszta’s landscape consists of grassy plains, marshes, and small forests that provide habitat for a variety of animal and plant species.

The most famous area of ​​the Puszta is Hortobágy National Park, Hungary’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors can find a glimpse of a traditional way of life that has existed here for centuries.

Places to visit in the Puszta

Hortobagy National Park: It is the heart of the Puszta (Hortobágyi Nemzeti Park) and a must-see for anyone exploring the region. Covering an area of ​​over 800 square kilometers, Hortobágy is a paradise for nature lovers and the largest and oldest national park in Hungary. The park is home to a variety of bird species, making it one of the most important birdwatching areas in Europe. It is also home to the famous Nine Arch Bridge, a symbol of the region. At 167 meters long, it is the longest stone bridge in Hungary.

Debrecen: The major city of the Puszta region and the cultural center of Eastern Hungary. Visit the Great Reformed Church, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, and the Déri Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Hungarian art, archaeology and ethnography. The Nagyerdò (Great Forest) is a beautiful park that offers a peaceful break in the middle of the city.

Karcag: This small town of 20,000 is known for its rich traditions and is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site. The town is also home to the Karcag Windmill, one of the last remaining windmills in the region, and the Györffy István Nagykun Museum, where you can learn more about the history and culture of the Kun people who once inhabited this area.

Szolnok: Located on the banks of the Tisza River, Szolnok is another important town in the Puszta. The town’s Tisza Park is the perfect place to relax, while the Tisza River is perfect for boating and fishing. The Szolnok Gallery, housed in an old syllabar, exhibits contemporary art, while the Damjanich János Museum offers an insight into local history and traditions.

Places to visit and tourist attractions in Puszta

Traditional horse show: Puszta is famous for its horse culture and a visit would not be complete without experiencing a traditional horse show where skilled riders called “csikósok” perform. They display impressive horsemanship skills such as standing on the backs of galloping horses and performing tricks with the whip. These performances are often accompanied by traditional Hungarian music and dance and offer a terrific experience for tourists.

Birdwatching: Hortobagy National-Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the park, including rare and endangered species such as kestrels, saker falcons and sea eagles. The best time for birdwatching is during the migration period in spring and autumn when Hortobagy National Park becomes a stopover for thousands of birds.

The River Tisza: The River Tisza, which flows in the Puszta, offers a wide range of recreational activities. You can take a boat ride, go fishing or go kayaking and canoeing.

Old Hungarian Farm: The Puszta is dotted with traditional farms, called tanya, where you can experience the old rural way of life. Many of these farms are now a museum or a guesthouse.

Hortbágy Bridge Fair: If you visit in August, don’t miss the Hortbágy Bridge Fair, Hungary’s largest folk art fair. Held near the famous Nine Arch Bridge, this annual event features things like handicrafts, music, dance and food.

Culture of the Puszta

Cuisine: The Puszta is the perfect place to enjoy traditional Hungarian cuisine in an authentic and affordable way: try dishes such as gulyás (goulash), halaszle (fish soup) and pörkölt (stew), which are staples of the region. The Puszta is also famous for its sheep farming, so be sure to try the local specialties such as mutton and sheep’s cheese.

Folklore and tradition: For example, watch a folk dance performance where colorfully dressed dancers perform with traditional Hungarian music.

Getting to the Puszta

The Puszta is easy to reach from Hungary’s capital, Budapest. The region is well connected by both road and rail. There are regular trains and buses between Budapest and the main towns of the Puszta, including Debrecen, Szolnok and Karcag. If you want to explore the Puszta on your own, a car is a good option as it allows you to easily visit even the remote parts of the Puszta.

Bring binoculars and a good camera: The Puszta’s vast landscapes and rich wildlife offer countless opportunities for photography and bird watching.