Nature tourism in Central Hungary


Areas in Eastern Hungary -- Areas in Western Hungary -- Areas in Northern Hungary

  • Lake-Velence


  • Vértes Hills and vicinity


  • Sárrét


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  • Kiskunság National Park

      This park, unlike other national parks in the country, consists of several separated units with quite distinct characteristics. The "Apajpuszta" and "Fülöpszállási alkali lakes" units, being impressive representratives of the flat Hungarian puszta, are best for shorebirds and many grassland species including Black-headed and Mediterranean gull, Collared pratincole, Snowy plover, Avocet, Stone curlew, a large population of Great bustard, Lapwing, Black-tailed godwit, Red-footed falcon and Eurasian roller. During fall and spring migration large flocks of Bean and White-fronted geese and smaller groups of Cranes spend variable length of times here. Uncommon visitors are the Barnacle and Brent geese, as well as Whimbrels.
      East of the alkali flats of Apajpuszta are the lush, and often swampy meadows of Kunpeszér, with cottongrass marshes and elm swamps. Here you can find several rare orchids (Burnt orchid, Bug orchid, Pyramidal orchid, Marsh Helleborine, etc.), irises, such as Siberian Iris, and Slender Sand Iris, and other colorful flowers in spring. This is the habitat of Montague's harriers, European curlews, Lapwings, Redshanks and the threatened Corncrake. The sand dunes east of this area are partially forested, but there are still large stands of the dry, open grassland with Feathergrass and some endemic plant species, such as Variable Milk-vetch, Pannonian Pink and Sand Colchicum. In the forests Saker, Honeybuzzards nest regularly, and they come out to the open grasslands for hunting.
      "Lake Kolon" unit near Izsák, which is now rather a combination of marshland, swamp and open water, is nesting place for Great white egrets, Little egrets, Spoonbills, Squacco and other herons. From a nerby sandhill called "Bikatorok" there is a good view to the entire area including the lake, which is off limit to visitors.
      The "Fülöpháza sand dunes" unit offers gorgeus vistas of the partially shifting sand dunes, some of the largest dunes of the park. Birds are not particularly abound here, but the few ones you can encounter are really worth the effort. Stone curlew, European roller, Little gray shrike are particularly common here, just like Red-footed falcons.
      Other species in the park include the rare Pannonian skink, Mediterranean lizard, Danube meadow viper, Russian polecat, Souslik and several rare beetle, butterfly, moth and grasshopper species.


      Best time of the year: October-June
      Closest larger towns: Kecskemét, Kunszentmiklós


  • Miklapuszta

      One of the largest alkali flats of Europe, Miklapuszta offers the most unique and bizarre experience to the nature traveler. Once the floodplain of the Danube river, it is almost perfectly flat, except for the unusually large islands of higher terrain with steep sides (padka). In spring, the flat puszta holds many temporal lakes and marshes which are slowly drying out as the summer approaches. By July the entire puszta is almost glittering white of the alkali salts accumulated on the ground surface. Water is scarce here, and the temperature is soaring. Yet, this unforgiving environment is home of many unique plants and animals. Redshank, Black-winged stilt, Stone curlew and Avocet are common species here. In the marshes and on nearby fishponds Black-headed gulls, Whiskered and Black terns and herons nest. The puszta is the last refuge of the Snowy (kentish) plover, which is still relatively common here. Red-footed falcons nest on the roadside trees, where European rollers are also frequently seen. The southern parts of the puszta are the breeding grounds of Great bustards, where White-tailed eagles are also searching for food. During migration Long-legged buzzards, Whimbrels, Cranes, large flocks of Ruffs, sandpipers and other shorebirds, ducks and geese visit the puszta. The higher terrains amidst the white salt flats are homes of some rare plants, such as the Early spider orchid, Bug orchid and many colorful wildflowers. The burrows on these "islands" are homes of Russian polecats. The rare Jackal also occurred here in the near past.


      Best time of the year: October-July
      Closest larger town: Akasztó







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    Created by Gábor Lendvai on 08-21-1997
    Last updated on 01-20-2001