Hungary

Experience-naturally!
Welcoming National Parks

www.nemzetipark.gov.hu

Events Calendar 2010
When? Where?
10th April Apajpuszta (Kiskunság NP.)
Budapest – Pál-völgyi Cave,
Eger –Érsekkert, Fertőújlak
nd
22 , 24 and th
–Visitor Centre, Kecskemét
25th April – Town centre, Pécs – Tettye
Earth Day
square, Szatymaz – Tisza-Valley
Demonstration Site
29th May
Szilvásvárad – Aggtelek
(Aggtelek and Bükk NP.)
Barcs Juniper Grove, Fertőújlak
European National Parks
22nd and 23rd May – Visitor Centre, Lakitelek–
Day
Tőserdő, Lillafüred
11th-13th June, Őriszentpéter (Őrség NP.) and at Week of Hungarian
14th-20th June other locations
Hortobágy–Fish Pond
12th June (Hortobágy–Halastó)
(Hortobágy NP.)
19th June Tihany (Balaton Uplands NP.)
th
19 June
Szarvas – Körösvölgy Visitor
Centre (Körös–Maros NP.)
th
25 -27 Juneth
Őriszentpéter (Őrség NP.)
rd Kápolnapuszta
3 July
(Balaton Uplands NP.)
Barcs–Drávaszentes
10th July
(Duna–Dráva NP.)
17th July Kölked (Duna–Dráva NP.)
Aggtelek, Égerszög,
Gömörszőlős, Hidvégardó,
22nd July-
Imola, Jósvafő, Szögliget,
1st August
Tornakápolna, Trizs
(Np. Aggtelek)
Őriszentpéter and surrounding
13.-22. August
towns and villages (Őrség NP.)
Fehértó (White Lake) of
18th September
Kardoskút (Körös–Maros NP.)
National Parks Initiative 2 3
Let’s go!
What? Roughly a tenth of the land area of Hungary is classified
Bustard Rutting as protected nature area. Within this there are ten des-
ignated National Parks, 38 Landscape Protection Areas
and several Nature Conservation Areas where there are
thick hillside forests, rolling hills, wild rivers, seemingly
endless plains and parts where limestone rocks and
caves secrete a truly amazing array of hidden treasures.
12th Bükk–Aggtelek All these wonders are simply waiting to be discovered by
Bicycle Tour
visitors.
Just a few words before we begin...
Visitor and education Nature trail:
centres: a designated route ideal for
National Parks 2010
larger demonstration sites usu- visitors wishing to roam inde-
ally situated at one of the main pendently. Stop-off points and
Hortobágy–Fish Pond
entry gates to the natural park, information boards along the
Small Train Day
or at a convenient, central place. way give information about the
Lavender Festival Specialists are on hand to give natural and cultural significance
„Midsummer Night’s Eve” guidance about basic rules to of the area.
be observed while in the nature
Őrség Fair reserve and interactive exhibiti- Guided tours:
on introduce the rich natural and led by guides who are experts
Buffalo Festival
cultural heritage and the work in in the natural and cultural
Hungarian Shepherd Dogs the fields of nature and cultural treasures of the respective area.
conservation. Visitor centres Guided tours are especially
Trial
Stork Day also offer publications and local popular in those parts of the
gifts. National Parks considered to
be at particular risk of damage
10. Gömör–Orna-Festival Demonstration site: from the passage of visitors or
a facility aiming to raise the where the land is subject to the
awareness of visitors about a highest level of protected status
specific topic of natural or cultu- for conservation reasons, as this
Land of Seven Meadows
ral heritage. is the only means of observing
11th Fehértó (White Lake) nature at close quarters.
Day

18th September Aggtelek (Aggtelek NP.)

World Heritage Now let’s set off
on a fantastic
Patriotic Bicycle Tour
18th-19th Saint Michael’s Day
journey!
Bugac (Kiskunság NP.)
September Festival
Festival in the Salföld
18th September Salföld (Balaton Uplands NP.)
Manor
Őriszentpéter, Szalafő–Pityerszer 7th Őrség International
9th October
(Őrség NP.) Pumpkin Festival Legend:
4th Transdanubian
Especially recommended
9th October Fertőújlak (Fertő–Hanság NP.) Hungarian Grey Cattle
Show and Fair for younger age groups Wheelchair access
Hortobágy, Visitor Centre Especially recommended
16th October Crane Festival
(Hortobágy NP.) for families Rent a bike
th th
26 -27
Tata, Öreg-tó th
10 Tata Wild Goose Day Especially recommended
November
for senior citizens Tenting
www.hungary.com
 National Parks
Tohonya-Kuriszlán
Nature Trail (8.4 km)
(Jósvafő) – offers two routes,
which can also be divided into
two separate tours; the trail also
features the gene preservation
site of the Hucul breed of moun-
tain horse.
Cave Tours:
Cave tours graded from easy to
difficult in the six touristic caves
of the karst region. (Baradla
Cave, Béke Cave, Rákóczi Cave,
Vass Imre Cave, Meteor Cave
Treasures above and below and Kossuth Cave).
the surface – the Aggtelek
Other demonstration
National Park www.anp.hu sites:
Hucul Stock
Here a dragon is staring fixedly, over there a witch is (Jósvafő, Táncsics M. u. 1,
doing magic and a giant is looking in wonder… This Tel.: +36/48/350-052;
magical stalagmite fairytale land of Baradla Cave, the fax: +36/48/506-001)
most magnificent dripstone cave of the temperate zone This is the designated site of
is undeniably an attractive spot for everyone. Baradla gene preservation of the Hungar-
Cave however is not the only attraction of the National ian stock of the ancient and dis-
tinctive Hucul breed of mountain
Park, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage
horse; horse-riding, horse-riding
Site. Besides cave tours above ground guided walks on for children, carriage riding and
foot, horse or bicycle, walks in villages and handicraft sleigh riding.
programmes help the visitors to get acquainted with Open: 1st April to 30th September
the natural and cultural heritage of the Aggtelek karst Monday-Sunday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
region. Those interested may also learn about and 1st October to 31st March Monday-
practice traditional bread baking. Sunday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitor and study centres: Borz Nature Trail (2.8 km) Kessler Hubert Memorial
Kúria Study Centre (Szelcepuszta) – visitors learn House
(Jósvafő, Táncsics M. u. 1, about the local forest- and game (Jósvafő, Baradla oldal 3;
Tel.: +36/48/350-056, management, typical forest Tel.: +36/48/506-009) – perma-
anp.oktatas@index.hu) – lec- types and the rich flora and nent exhibition commemorating
tures on nature, classroom and fauna of local forests. the famous cave researcher.
field exercises, handicraft pro- Open:
grams, open air school as part Fürkész Nature Trail (1.5 km) 1st April to 30th September:
of public education programs or (Jósvafő) – offers visitors enter- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 1st October
as a leisure program. taining tasks and games. to 31st March: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Open: M-F: 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
(other times by appointment) Accommodation:
Baradla Campsite and Hostel
Nature trails: Szádvár Nature Trail (4.5 km) (Aggtelek, Baradla oldal 1,
Baradla Nature Trail (7.5 km) (Szögliget) – features the ruins Tel.: +36/48/503-005,
– connects the Aggtelek and of the compelling Szádvár. szallas@anp.hu) – hostel accom-
Jósvafő entrances of Baradla modation up to 31 persons
Cave. and a campsite.
www.hungary.com
Aggtelek National Park 4 5
Open: campsite and wooden
bungalows: 15th April to 15th Oc-
tober, hostel – open all year
Kövirózsa Apartment House
(Aggtelek, Deák Ferenc u. 18,
Tel.: +36/48/503-005,
szallas@anp.hu) – four apart-
ments up to a total of 14 (+6
additional beds) persons.
Open: all year
Szalamandra House (Hostel)
(Szögliget, Tel.: +36/30/631-1520,
szallas@anp.hu) – up to 60
guests, kitchen, lounge area,
toilets and bathrooms.
Open: all year
Tengerszem Hotel** and
Training Centre
(Jósvafő, Tengerszem oldal 1,
Tel.: +36/48/506-005,
hotel@anp.hu) – up to 43 per-
sons. Also available: lecture hall
up to 50 persons and/or meeting
room up to 16 persons. The
hotel also offers a dining facility:
Tengerszem Restaurant.
Open: all year
Did you know...
• At 26 km, Baradla–Domica
is the longest cave system in
Hungary, and at 19 m Csil-
lagvizsgáló (literally “Stargaz-
er”) is the tallest stalagmite?
• It is the only World Heritage
Site in Hungary to gain the
coveted designation in the
natural heritage category?
• This is the designated site
of gene preservation of the
Hungarian stock of the ancient
and distinctive Hucul breed of
mountain horse?
• For the year 2010/11 Nature-
friends International /NFI/
awarded the “Countryside of
the Year” title to the Aggtelek
karst region.

What’s blooming here? The
greenness of Lake Balaton!
– Balaton Uplands
Discover the quieter, greener side of life near Lake
Balaton! Observe a great crested grebe as it goes about
its daily business; wander in the gentle hills, pet ancient
breeds of Hungarian domestic animals!
Demonstration sites:
Csodabogyós Cave
(Balatonederics,
Tel.: +36/30/306-6050,
+36/30/237-3759,
www.csodabogyos.hu)
– underground adventures of a
dripstone cave.
Open: all year by appointment
only.
Diás Island
(Fenékpuszta,
Tel.: +36/30/664-0404)
– István Fekete Memorial Room,
Matula Hut.
Open: 1st April to 30th September
Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. The tour
leaves from Kis-Balaton Research
House, own transport needed.
Only available with tour guides!
Hegyestű Geological
Demonstration Site
(Monoszló, Tel.: +36/30/620-4082)
– lavish panorama view from the
www.hungary.com
www.bfnp.hu
top of a basalt volcano, with a
walk in its extinct crater.
Open: all year from 9 a.m. until
sunset.
Kápolnapuszta,
Buffalo Reserve
(Zalakomár, Tel.: +36/87/555-291)
– a fantastic site at Kis-Balaton,
with wallowing buffalo, exhibi-
tions and picnic areas.
Open: 1st April to 31st October:
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
1st November to 31st March:
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kotsy Water Mill
(Zalaszántó,
Tel.: +36/30/6847-329) – relics
from the age of mills, functioning
milling machines in a renovated
mill building.
Open: 15th March to 15th October
Tuesday-Sunday: 10 a.m. to
5 p.m., other times by appoint-
ment.
National Parks Balaton Uplands National Park
Lóczy Cave
(Balatonfüred, Tel.: +36/87/555-291)
– spectacular limestone layers,
visitors are allowed to visit a 50 m
long section of the cave.
Open: 1st May to 30th September:
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; other times
by appointment (minimum
15 persons)
Salföld Manor
(Tel.: +36/87/702-857) – ancient
type domestic animals, herb
garden, carriage riding.
Open: 15th March to 30th April
and 1st September to 15th No-
vember: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 1st May
to 31st August: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lake Cave of Tapolca
(Tapolca, Tel.: +36/87/412-579)
– unforgettable boating under
the ground.
Open: 15th March to 30th June,
1st September to 31st October:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 1st July to 31st
August: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 1st No-
vember to 14th March Tuesday,
Thursday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information about the
nature trails please visit our
website.
Accommodation:
House of Forests Tourist Hostel
(Bakonybél, Szent Gellért tér 9,
Tel.: +36/88/461-245,
erdokhaza@freemail.hu) – up to
30 persons, located at the quiet
part of the village.
Open: all year
Open Air School Tourist Hostel
(Bakonybél,
Tel.: +36/20/361-0342,
pajta@freemail.hu)
– up to 31 persons; open air
school programs.
Open: 1st March to 31st October
6 7
Lavender Open Air School,
Tourist Hostel
(Tihany-Sajkod,
Tel.: +36/30/382-7243,
bfnptihany@t-email.hu)
– up to 34 persons; open-air
school programs.
Open: 1st March to 31st October
Park Villa B&B
(Csopak, Kossuth u. 16,
Tel.: +36/87/555-265,
+36/30/491-0105,
lajkone@bfnp.kvvm.hu)
– located in a peaceful 2 hectare
park offering 14 rooms up to 31
persons.
Open: 1st April to 31st October
Did you know...
• You can move a huge rock in
the Sea of Stones at Szent-
békkálla?
• You can walk in fragrant laven-
der meadows on the Tihany
Peninsula?
• You can pet buffalo and enjoy
bird watching at Kis-Balaton?
• You can clamber through
the exciting branches of the
Csodabogyós Cave at Bala-
tonederics?
• You can climb extinct volca-
noes in the Tapolca Basin?
 National Parks Bükk National Park 8 9

Other demonstration sites:

Anna Cave
(Lillafüred, Tel./fax: +36/46/334-130)
– tuffaceous limestone cave open
to visitors, no special equipment
required.
Open: 1st April to 30th September
every day: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last
guided tour leaves at 4 p.m.).
Guided tours leave every day on Szent István Cave
the hour with minimum 10 persons. (Lillafüred, Tel./fax: +36/46/334-130)
– beautiful dripstone cave open
Country House Museum to visitors.
(Hollókő, Kossuth út 99-100. Open: 1st April to 30th Septem-
Tel.:+36/70/201-5546, ber: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last guided
Karst plateau above +36/32/379-157) tour leaves at 5 p.m.), 1st October
the forests – the Bükk – „Landscape and people” to 31st March: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
exhibition introduces the history (last guided tour leaves at
National Park www.bnpi.hu
of the Landscape Protection 2 p.m.).
Area, the Palóc cultural heritage
The endless forests of Bükk Plateau standing at the
and memories of century long Accommodation:
highest average height of Hungary are diversified small-scale farming. Western Gate Visitor and Study
by caves and blossoming mountain meadows. The Open: 1st March to 31st October: Centre, Open Air School
National Park has sign-posted walking trails and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 1st November (Felsőtárkány, Ifjúság u. 34/1.,
cycle network, spectacular views at the “stones” and to 28th February Saturday- Tel. /fax: +36/36/534-078,
various demonstration sites, all offering unforgettable Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. +36/30/239-7347) – accommo-
experience for both adults and children. dation up to 40 persons, com-
munal areas, covered activity
Visitor and study centres: Olasz-kapu Nature Trail (7.2 km) area in the park, open air school.
Western Gate Visitor and – showing the cliffs and wide Ipolytarnóc Paleontological
Study Centre mountain meadows of the south- Site Nature Conservation Rejtek Research House
(Felsőtárkány, Ifjúság u. 34/1, ern borders of Bükk Plateau. Area, Demonstration Site Accommodation up to 47 per-
Tel: +36/36/534-078) (Tel./fax: +36/32/454-113, sons, recommended mainly for
– „Flora and fauna of the Karst” Szalajka Valley itarnoc@gmail.com, student groups, open air school.
exhibition introduces the geo- Nature Trail (4.2 km) ipolytarnoc.kvvm.hu) – open
logical, zoological and botani- (Szilvásvárad) – a very popular to visitors, paleontological site Did you know...
cal values of the Bükk; open air trail with plenty of interesting in- available with guides only, nature • Hungary’s most extensive
school. formations about the Bükk’s cul- trail network without guides; 4D network of forest cycle paths
Open: 15th April to 15th October tural and natural heritage. cinema in the state-of-the art visi- is here?
Wednesday-Sunday: 10 a.m. tor centre invites visitors to take a • The area’s three narrow gauge
to 4 p.m. Tamás-kúti Nature Trail (7 km) journey back to the Miocene Age. railways (Szalajka Valley, Lilla-
(access via Eger–Lillafüred route) Open: March-November, Wednes- füred and Felsőtárkány) run
– a trail leaving from Kis-Som day-Sunday and bank holidays: over 45 km of track?
Spring, passing by Imó-kő and 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.; guided • At a depth of over 252 m, the
Nature trails: Zsindelybánya Moor showing the tours leave on the half hour. 6,5 km long Istvánlápa Cave is
Felsőtárkány Nature Trail- area’s industrial heritage, season- the deepest cave in Hungary?
“triple circuit” al karst springs and other natu- Millennium lookout tower
(0.8 km, 2.6 km, 10 km) ral heritage. (Szilvásvárad, Kalapat-tető,
– showcasing the spectacular by appointment only:
Kő-közi rocky gorge and the For more information about other Tel.: +36/30/910-2037)
geological formation of Vár-hegy. nature trails of the National Park Open: all year, Wednesday-
please visit the Directorate’s Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
website. Bad weather conditions: closed.

www.hungary.com
 National Parks Duna–Dráva National Park 10 11

Cave of Mészégető Springs

(Orfű, Tel.: +36/72/518-221,
+36/72/518-222)
– underground cave adventures
in overalls with tour guides.
Open: all year, by appointment only.

Mohács Historical Memorial Site

(Sátorhely; Tel.: +36/69/382-130)
– guided tours available, archery Dráva Gate Visitor Centre
activities. (Barcs-Drávaszentes, Fő u. 1,
Open: 12th March-15th March: Tel.: +36/82/461-285,
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 1st April to 24th +36/30/474-3591) – 2 rooms up
October: daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; to 6 persons. Open: all year
25th October to 7th November:
Adventures in the wild by 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., other times by
majestic rivers – the appointment.
Drávatamási
Duna–Dráva National Park www.ddnp.hu Pintér-Garden Arboretum (Drávatamási, Fő u. 52.;
(Pécs, Tettye tér 9, Tel.: +36/82/461-285,
Wooded floodplains on the right side of the River Dan- Tel.: +36/72/517-200) +36/30/474-3591) – located on
ube, narrow gauge railway at Gemenc, Holt-Duna branch – guided tours available, ideal the River Dráva embankment,
at Nyék, Mohács… Barcs Juniper Grove on the left side venue for wedding photography. 2 rooms up to 6 persons.
of the River Danube, „brisk meadows of Drávaszentes”, Open: all year Open: all year
Babócsa… antlers awarded world champion trophies,
resettled European beaver, strictly protected white-tailed Szársomlyó
eagle, black stork, a paradise for birds ... extensive loop (Nagyharsány, Szoborpark,
and oxbow lakes represent a unique value in Europe… Tel.: +36/20/913-7534) Pintér-kerti Guest House
– guided tours only. (Pécs-Tettye, Kiss József utca;
Visitor and education Open: Open: all year, by appointment Tel.: +36/72/518-221,
centres: Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to only; guided tours leave on +36/30/326-9459)
Dráva Gate Visitor Centre 4 p.m., Friday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday at 10. a.m. – one room up to 3 persons.
(Barcs-Drávaszentes, Fő u. 1; Open: all year
Tel.: +36/82/461-285) – interac- Other demonstration sites: Tuffaceous limestone cave at
tive exhibition about nature, Kölked White Stork Museum Tettye Szentborbás
home to indigenous Hungarian and Nagypartos Nature Trail (Pécs, Tettye u. (Szentborbás, Tel.: +36/30/641-8731,
farm animals, Üde Rétek Natural (2.5 km) (Kölked, Széchenyi u. 1., Tel.: +36/30/580-3424, +36/30/689-6760) – located
Trail, activities for children, sum- Tel.: +36/30/846-6020) +36/72/211-830) – interactive directly on the River Dráva
mer camps. – exhibition, interactive pro- exhibition inside, cultural embankment, one room up to
Open: education centre: Mon- grams about nature, handicraft programs, temporary exhibitions 4 persons. Open: all year
day-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., programs, walking tours and and ideal venue for weddings
Friday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; exhibition tours by canoe. and various events.
about nature: 15th March to 31st Open: all year Open: all year, by appointment only.
October Tuesday-Sunday: 9 a.m. Did you know...
to 5 p.m.; 1st November to Other demonstration sites • Hungary’s largest wooded
14th March by appointment only. within the operational area floodplain is at Gemenc and
of the Directorate: Accommodation: Béda–Karapancsa?
Tettye Education Centre Abaliget Cave and Bat Museum Abaliget – Bat Museum • Hungary’s largest populations
(Pécs, Tettye tér 8, (Abaliget, Tel.: +36/72/498-766, (Tel.: +36/72/518-222, of white-tailed
Tel.: +36/72/517-222) – interactive +36/72/498-684) – excellent cli- +36/30/326-9459, eagle and black
lessons and study tours about mate, study programs and other +36/30/377-3388) stork are found
nature, handicraft programmes, programs for children. – 2 rooms up to 7 persons. here?
summer camps, all year. Open: all year Open: all year

www.hungary.com
 National Parks Duna–Ipoly National Park 12 13

Other demonstration sites

within the operational area
of the Directorate:
Alcsút Arboretum
(Alcsútdoboz,
Tel.: +36/20/424-8995;
www.alcsutiarboretum.hu)
– centenary tree giants, ruins
of classicist Habsburg Castle,
chapel, doll house.
Open: Monday-Sunday from
10 a.m. until sunset. Sas-hegy Visitor Centre
(Budapest, 11th district,
Tájék u. 26, Tel.: +36/30/408-4370,
www.sas-hegy.hu) – interactive
Empire of the long-horned Ócsa Landhouse and Turján exhibition about the flora and
beetle – the Duna–Ipoly House fauna of the area, guided tours
(Ócsa, Dr. Békési Panyik Andor available for the nature trail.
National Park www.dinpi.hu u. 4-6, Tel.: +36/30/494-3368, Open: 1st March to 31st October
The Ipoly Valley’s unspoiled beauty and the spectacular www.ocsaitajhaz.hu) Tuesday, Saturday-Sunday:
views from the Börzsöny Mountains, Szentendre Island – rich folklore collection, doll 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
locked in by the River Danube and the ever enticing exhibition, handicraft activities,
Danube Bend; all these bring to mind the pleasures of demonstrations of minor profes-
boating, woodland picnics, and romantic sunsets. Take sions, guided tours available on
a walk in the fairytale cave or marvel at the birds at the study trails. Szemlő-hegy Cave
Fertő bird sanctuary at Dinnyés or in the Turján marsh- Open: 1st February to 30th No- (Budapest, 2nd district,
lands at Ócsa! vember Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m. Pusztaszeri út 35,
to 4 p.m., Saturday-Sunday and Tel.: +36/1/325-6001)
Demonstration Sites: Nature Trails: bank holidays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – cave tours, clean therapeutic
Királyrét Open Air School Apródok útja Nature Trail air. Open: every day10 a.m. to
(Szokolya–Királyrét, (7.2 km) (Drégelypalánk) – flora 4 p.m., Tuesday: closed.
Tel.: +36/27/585-625) and fauna of the forests and
– guided tours in Börzsöny, lakes, cultural history of the area, Pál-völgy Cave
open air school and kinder- unique panorama from Drégely (Budapest, 2nd district, Szépvöl-
garten programs, handicraft Castle gyi út 162, Tel.: +36/1/325-9505) Accommodation:
programs. – cave tours in the second long- Királyrét Open Air School
Open: all year, by appointment Páskom legelő Nature Trail est cave system in Hungary. (Szokolya–Királyrét)
only. (3 km) (Dejtár) – the largest Open: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. – rooms accommodating 3-6-8
reedy area of Ipoly Valley with to 4 p.m. persons up to 41 persons, rooms
rich avifauna. for 2 persons with shower up to
10 persons.
Kökörcsin (Meadow Anemo- Strázsa-hegy Nature Trail Open: all year by appointment
ne) Open Air School (1.2 km) (Esztergom) – sand Pilis Flax Visitor Centre only, for appointments please call:
(Esztergom-Kertváros, Suzuki út, swallow and bee-eater colonies, (Pilisszentiván, Bányász u. 17., +36/27/585-625.
Tel.: +36/30/663-4614) unique views from the lookout Tel.: +36/30/663-4669;
– bird watching and a walk tower on the top of the hill. www.szenas. hu)
learning about dens, water bio- – exhibition on nature, Did you know...
logical tests, lectures on game, For more information about professional guided tours • Pilis flax grows in the Széná-
guided tours available. other nature trails of the National available for Nagy-Szénás sok area, and nowhere else in
Open: all year, by appointment Park please visit the Directorate’s and Jági Nature Trails. the world?
only. website. Open: all year, by appoint- • Three narrow gauge railways
ment only. run in the Börzsöny Moun-
tains?

www.hungary.com
 National Parks Fertő–Hanság National Park 14 15

Other demonstration sites: May-Aug.: Mon.-Sun. 9 a.m. to

Esterházy Bird Observation 8 p.m.
Centre Sep.: Mon.-Sun. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(Földsziget, Tel.: +36/99/537-520) Oct.: Mon.-Sun. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
– hundreds of fascinating bird
and inspect specimens native to Mortlake (Morotva-tó), Lipót
the Hanság. – great views from a lookout
Open: by appointment only. tower of the oxbow lake’s wildlife,
including colourful bird colonies.
Fertőrákos Quarry
(Fertőrákos, Fő u. 1, Pannonhalma Arboretum
Tel.: +36/99/355-026, (Pannonhalma, Vár u. 1.,
www.kofejto.hu) Tel.: +36/96/570-191,
– caves and cavities created www.bences.hu)
during Lajta limestone mining – protected botanical garden.
Adventures in the empire of activities, protected plants on the Open: all year
wild geese – the Fertő–Hanság surface.
Open: 1st April to 31st October: Sopron Botanical Garden
National Park www.ferto-hansag.hu
8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 1st November to (Sopron, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky u. 4.,
31st March: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tel.: +36/99/518-184,
This marshy western gateway to Hungary is a land
botanikuskert.nyme.hu)
where myths and legends tell of the area’s mysterious
Kócsagvár – the evergreen collection of the
past. Much may have changed since then, and today (Sarród, Rév-Kócsagvár, protected gardens.
the National Park straddles the border with Austria, Tel.: +36/99/537-620, Open: 1st May to 30th Sep.:
but the Fertő and Hanság areas remain outstandingly fhnpiinfo@fhnp.kvvm.hu) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; 1st Oct. to 30th
rich in natural treasures and listed as a UNESCO World – historical exhibition, confer- April: 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Heritage Site. ence hall, open air school.
Open: all year Accommodation:
Visitor and education of Istók Hany, who accordingly Kócsagvár
centre: to the local myths was found (Sarród, Rév–Kócsagvár,
Csapody István Nature School here. The route starts from the Tel.: +36/99/537-520)
and Visitor Centre Esterházy Bird Observation Cen- Saline lakes at Mekszikópuszta – 10 rooms with 28 beds, up to
(Fertőújlak, Petőfi S. u. 23/A, tre, passing through the alders (Fertőújlak) – lookout towers of- 44 persons (including fold-away
Tel.: +36/99/537-520, (Csíkos Égererdő) and marshes fer spectacular views to the rich double-beds).
fhnpiinfo@fhnp.kvvm.hu) of the Hanság (Király Lake). avifauna of shallow saline lakes. Open: all day
– permanent exhibition about
the wildlife of Fertő-Hanság Sziki Őszirózsa (Sea aster) Nyirkai-Hany Did you know...
National Park. Nature trail (4 km) (Bősárkány) – great views of the • After a hundred years’ absence,
Open: 2nd - 31st March Mon.-Fri.: (Sarród-Fertőújlak) – a nature rich wildlife of the Hanság area there are ospreys nesting at
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 1st April to 30th trail suitable for walkers and from a lookout tower. Fertő?
Sep. Mon.-Fri.: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., cyclists, offering an insight into • Early spider orchids, once
Sat.-Sun. and on bank holidays: the flora and fauna of saline Other demonstration sites thought to be extinct are now
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 1st Oct. to 30th lakes and plains located north of within the operational area found again growing in the
Nov. Mon.-Fri.: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sarród and presents traditional of the Directorate: area?
other times by appointment. Hungarian domestic animals. Károly lookout tower • on the southern coast of Lake
(Sopron) – spectacular views Fertő frog tunnel systems and
“Tőzike” (Lecuojum) Nature from the lookout tower to Károly- wet passages ensure the safe
trail (4 km) (Csáfordjánosfa) magaslat, also offers a botanical spring and autumn migration of
Nature trails: – alongside Stream Répce, a exhibition. amphibians?
Istók Hany Nature trail (5 km) mixture of oak, elm and ash for- Open: Jan.-Feb., Nov.-Dec.:
(Osli-Földsziget) – a fascinating est. Millions of flowering lecuo- Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
excursion following the footsteps jum (snow flake) in the forest. March: Tue.-Sun. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
April: Tue.-Sun. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

www.hungary.com
 National Parks Hortobágy National Park 16 17

and how herdsmen live on the

Puszta.
Open: 15th- 31st March and Nov.:
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
April and Oct.: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1st May to 30th Sep.: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hortobágy Sanctuary
(Hortobágy Malomháza,
Tel.: +36/52/589-000)
– unique presentation of the
traditional Puszta’s wildlife in
a large sized sanctuary; large
World Heritage on the Puszta carnivore and smaller species,
– the Hortobágy which are difficult to be obser-
ved will be accommodated in
National Park www.hnp.hu
kennels arranged similarly to
their natural habitat.
Hungary’s first and largest National Park, as well as the
Coming in 2010.
largest salt plain in Central Europe. An area in which a
unique shepherding culture has evolved over many centu- Körszín
ries, manifesting itself in distinctive traditional styles of (Hortobágy, Petőfi tér,
clothing and architecture, and the tending of particular Tel.: +36/52/589-000) Accommodation:
types of animals are not found elsewhere. These remark- – providing an insight into the Fecskeház Open Air School
able features combine to form a unique World Heritage Site. handicraft trades of the area, (Hortobágy-Máta,
souvenir shop. Tel.: +36/52/589-000, info@hnp.hu)
Visitor and education Other demonstration sites: Open: 15th-31st March and Nov.: – 2 and 4 bedded rooms with
centres: Hortobágy Great-Fishponds 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; shower, one apartment and 16
Hortobágy National Park Narrow Gauge Railway April and Oct.: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; beds with communal bathroom,
Visitor Centre and Workshop (Hortobágy-Halastó, 1st May to 30th Sep.: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. up to a total of 34 persons.
(Hortobágy, Petőfi tér 13; Tel.: +36/52/589-000) Open: April-October
Tel.: +36/52/589-000, – unique way of exploring further
Tel./Fax: +36/52/589-321, areas of the fish pond system,
info@hnp.hu) which is one of the largest in Tisza Lake Water Trail and
– natural history exhibition, Central Europe. Nature Trail (1.5 km) Did you know...
National Park tours, open air Narrow Gauge Railway timetable: (Tel.: +36/30/466-3300, • During the autumn migration
schools, lectures and courses, April, May, June, September, Oc- info@vizisetany.hu, 60 to 70,000 cranes take rest
lecture hall, conference hall, tober: Mon.-Fri. by appointment, www.vizisetany.hu) on the Puszta?
information office, gift shop, Sat.-Sun.: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. – a glimpse into the • Grey cattle, at one time
craftsmen workshops. July, August Monday-Sunday: wonderful marshy endangered species, are
Open: all year 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4.20 p.m. world around Lake once again to be found gra-
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tisza, departing zing in large numbers?
1st May to 31st October Saturday- Hortobágy Shepherd Museum from Poroszló and • The unique life and tradi-
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Hortobágy, Petőfi tér 1, Tiszafüred boat tional working methods of
July-August Monday-Friday: Tel.:+36/52/369-040) landings. shepherds on the Hungarian
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday- – housed in a former cart shed Puszta have been maintai-
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and stables dating from the first ned to this day, the historic
half of the nineteenth century, network of roadside inns
next to the celebrated Nine- (csárda), dating back to the
Arch Bridge. Exhibits detail how ancient „salt routes“, has
animals are raised on the Puszta, also been preserved?

www.hungary.com
 National Parks Kiskunság National Park 18 19

Szikra and Alpár Meadow Open: 1st April to 15th November

– picturesque backwaters of the Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
River Tisza and adjoining gallery Saturday: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
forests and fenwoods. The flora
and fauna of the area resemble
the times preceding the regula-
tions of waterways. Recreational Virágh Manor Local History
areas, swimming, angling, boat Collection
hire services are available. (Kunszentmiklós, Kossuth tér
1/B; Tel./Fax: +36/76/351-271,
kunszentmiklos@tourinform.hu)
– exhibition covering local history,
Other demonstration sites natural history and the rich plant
within the operational area and wildlife of the Puszta.
of the Directorate: Open: 15th June to 31st August
Between two great rivers – Geological Exposure Nature Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
naturally – the Kiskunság Conservation Area Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
(Csólyospálos) – geological 1st September to 14th June
National Park www.knp.hu
exposure demonstration site Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The mosaic patterned national park, consisting of nine presenting lacustrian limestone,
individual units safeguards the most characteristic the typical formation of the Accommodation:
natural lands between the Rivers Tisza and Danube. natural lands between the rivers Kontyvirág (Arum Lily) Open
Its habitats are salt lakes, salt plains, bogs and marshes, Danube and Tisza. Air School
Open: all year (Lakitelek-Tőserdő,
and the backwaters of River Tisza. Traditional farming
Tel.: +36/30/475-9655)
methods, cattle reared in the open air, traditional agri-
– accommodation up to 44
cultural heritage together with the natural landscapes
persons in a winterised building
provide the unique image of the Kiskunság. Hungarian Meadow Viper and communal areas, open air
Visitor and education Demonstration sites: Conservation and Education school. Recommended mainly
centres: Reconstructed village from the Centre for groups, by appointment only.
Nature House age of Árpád (Kunbaracs, Tel.: +36/20/314-3192,
(Kecskemét, Liszt F. utca 19; (Tiszaalpár, Szent István u. 1; herbot.erzsebet@mme.hu)
Tel.:+35/76/501-596, 501-594) Tel.: +36/76/424-133) – faith- – a nature trail giving an insight
– exhibitions about the history of fully reconstructed village with into the habitats of the water, Naprózsa Open Air School
nature conservation in Hungary, materials and according to tech- forest and meadows. Lectures (Fülöpháza, Tel.: +36/76/482-
the Hungarian National Parks and niques common in the middle about the viper and conserva- 611/ extension 151) – accom-
about the plant and wildlife in part of the age of Chief Árpád. tion, open air terrarium. modation up to 30 persons in a
the land lying between the Rivers Open: 1st May to 31st October Open: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to winterised building, kitchenette,
Danube and Tisza, permanent Tuesday-Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 5 p.m., by appointment. showers, laboratory and commu-
exhibition about traditional hand- nal areas; open air school.
crafts, temporary exhibitions,
natural history programmes,
group activities and lectures. Bugac Puszta Tisza Valley Exhibition Centre Did you know...
Open: 1st March to 31st October – indigenous Hungarian domestic (Szatymaz, • The biggest population
Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and farm animal, horse shows Tel.: +36/30/6380-297) of great bustard in Hunga-
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. performed by the horse-herders – exhibition about the pro- ry lives on the salt plains
1st November to 29th February of Bugac recalling the onetime tected Lower Tisza area, and the of Kiskunság?
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. atmosphere of the Puszta. The Pusztaszer and Mártély Nature • The salt lakes are an
Saturday by appointment. Shepherd Museum offers an Reserves. The nearby internationally acknow-
exhibition covering local plant and lookout tower provides ledged resting areas
the traditional lifestyle. excellent bird watching for several goose,
Open: Shepherd Museum 1st May over Fehértó (White duck and shorebird
to 31st October: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lake). species?

www.hungary.com
 National Parks Körös–Maros National Park 20 21

Nature Trail at Halásztelek

(3 km) – discover the wildlife
and cultural heritage of the
Triple-Körös floodplain.

Nature Trail at Kisvátyon (8 km)

(Geszt, Zsadány) – a nature trail
taking visitors alongside the
border of settlements of Geszt
and Zsadány providing an out-
standing insight into the habitat
of local forests, meadows and Open: 1st May to 30th September
wetlands. Monday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
April and October Monday-
Kígyós Nature Trail (5 km) Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Land of plains and rivers – (Szabadkígyós) – a trail taking
the Körös–Maros National Park visitors through the areas rich in Accommodation:
plant and wildlife typical of the Bihar Bird Observation Centre
http://kmnp.nemzetipark.gov.hu
Kígyós plains. (Tel.: +36/30/687-0816,
The Körös-Maros National Park is a mosaic of smaller ar- madarvarta@kmnp.hu)
eas bounded to the north by the River Körös, to the south Mágor Puszta Nature Trail – accommodation up to 46
by the River Maros and to the east by the River Tisza with (500 m) (Vésztő-Mágor Historic persons in 3 bedded rooms with
a rich natural and cultural heritage. Paddle and enjoy the Memorial Site) – giving a remark- communal bathrooms.
picturesque riverside forest view or take a walk, cycle or able insight into the natural Open: all year
stop for a picnic in the forests of the floodplains alongside and cultural heritage of this
protected area.
the rivers with a pleasant climate even in the summer.
Visitor and education Réhely Visitor Centre Réhely Nature Trail (1.5 km) Réhely Visitor Centre
centres: (Dévaványa–Réhely, – a nature trail beginning at the (Tel.: +36/66/483-083,
Bihar Bird Observation Centre Tel.: +36/66/483-083, Visitor Centre gives an insight +36/30/687-0816, rehely@kmnp.hu)
(Biharugra, Tel.: +36/30/687-0816, rehely@kmnp.hu) into the habitats and wildlife of – accommodation up to 40
madarvarta@kmnp.hu) – permanent exhibition about Dévaványa and Ecseg plains. persons in 3 and 4 bedded rooms
–open air school, camps, school the natural heritage of Déva- with bathroom; up to 8 persons in
excursions and other programs. ványa-Ecseg Puszta and the Other demonstration sites: 2 and 4 bedded guest rooms with
Open: all year natural conservation activities, Museum at Kardoskút communal kitchen, equipped with
including a special section (Tel.: +36/68/429-262, television and fridge.
about the saving of the local +36/30/475-1776) –permanent Open: all year
bustard population; temporary exhibition about the past and
Körösvölgy Visitor Centre exhibitions about the local natural heritage of Fehértó Did you know...
(Szarvas, Anna-liget 1, handicrafts; open air school (White Lake). • There is a great bustard protec-
Tel.: +36/66/313-855, Open: 1st April to 31st October Open: by appointment only. tion station at the Réhely Visitor
+36/30/475-1789, Tuesday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Centre located at the Dévavá-
korosvolgy@kmnp.hu) Other demonstration sites nya and Ecseg plains?
–the “Natural Heritage of the within the operational area • The Vésztő-Mágor Historic
Southern Tisza” permanent of the Directorate: Memorial Site is the only place
exhibition, open air school. Nature trails: Vésztő-Mágor Historic in Hungary where visitors can
Open: 1st April to 31st October Anna-liget (Anna Grove) Memorial Site enter a rumulus?
Tuesday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to Nature Trail (2 km) (Szarvas– (Tel.: +36/66/477-148)
5 p.m., guided tours are Anna-liget) – a trail beginning – featuring the Mágor
available by appointment. at the Visitor Centre presenting Mounds and the
the colourful flora and fauna of ruins of a 12th century
the area. monastery.

www.hungary.com
 National Parks Őrség National Park 22 23

Szomoróczi Nature Trail (3 km)

(Kercaszomor) – a nature trail
finishing on the Hungarian-
Slovenian border suitable for
hikers and cyclists.

Töllös Nature Trail (2.8 km)

from Szentgyörgyvölgy to Ma-
gyarföld – presenting the beauti-
ful world of a selection forest.
Free access or guided tours Holy Trinity Roman Catholic
available. Church
(Velemér, Fő út 54) Arpadian
Other demonstration sites: Church with 14th century frescos.
Traditional Folk Monument at Open: 4th April to 1st November:
Unique natural harmony – Őrség (Szalafő, Pityerszer u. 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., other times by
the Őrség National Park Tel.: +36/30/467-7022) appointment; for the key please
– protected historic buildings contact Szabó Elekné
http://onp.nemzetipark.gov.hu
typical of the area displaying (Tel.: +36/30/448-9276)
both the cultural heritage and the
A land of gentle hills, rivers and streams, pine forests
everyday life of their inhabitants. Accommodation:
and alder groves, peat bogs and marshlands, butter-
Open: 1st April to 31st October Harmatfű (Moor Grass) Nature
flies and dragonflies, and the beautiful meandering Monday-Sunday: 10 a.m. to Conservation Study Centre
River Rába… There are pretty villages with traditional 5 p.m.; 1st June to 31st August (Őriszentpéter,
timber-framed, whitewashed peasant houses, thatched Monday-Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel.: +36/94/548-034)
wooden belfries, fruit orchards… The climate is sub- – 3 8-bedded rooms with bunk
Alpine, and damper than most of Hungary, but the Other demonstration sites beds, communal bathroom and
welcome to visitors is unmistakably warm. And not within the operational area toilets, equipped kitchen and
only the hospitality of the people of Őrség, but the mild of the Directorate: communal areas.
hilly landscape, beautiful wild flowers and singing birds István Bechtold Nature Con- Open: all year
servation Visitor Centre
welcome visitors.
(Kőszeg, Aradi vértanúk parkja; Keserűszer Guest House
Visitor and education wildlife of Kerca Stream and sur- Tel.: +36/94/563-174) (Őriszentpéter;
centres: rounding areas. – interactive exhibition and fasci- Tel.: +36/94/548-034)
Harmatfű (Moor Grass) Nature nating nature trail about the flora –4 rooms with 4 beds each.
Conservation Study Centre Rezgőnyár (Quaking Aspen) Na- and fauna of Kőszeg Mountains. Open: all year
(Őriszentpéter, Siskaszer 26/A, ture Trail (300 m) (Őriszentpéter) Open: 1st November to 30th
Tel.: +36/94/548-034) – lectures – presenting the flora and fauna of April Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. to
and exhibitions about the treas- the National Park and the habitat 4 p.m., 1st May to 31st October
ures of the National Park. of the so-called “tókák”. Tuesday-Sunday: 10 a.m. to
Open: all year Monday-Friday: 5 p.m. Reservation is recom- Did you know...
8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Reservation Sárgaliliom (Yellow Lilly) Nature mended for groups! • 63% of the Őrség is covered
is recommended for groups! Trail (6.2 km) from Velemér with forest, 3 ½ times the Hun-
to Magyarszombatfa, passing Pottery Museum garian average?
Nature trails: through the less frequented (Magyarszombatfa, Fő út 66, • The so-called „szeres” form of
Felsőszer Nature Trail (1.7 km) Belső-Őrség and displaying Tel.: +36/94/544-004) the villages is unique to settle-
(Szalafő) – gives an insight into its less well-known natural and – national monument giving an ments in this area?
the unique traditional folk archi- cultural treasures. insight into the everyday life of • The Őrség has been
tecture of Őrség. a potter family once living in continually inhabited since
Nature Trail at Szala (3.8 km) the house. the Magyar Conquest,
Fürge csele (Common (Szalafő-Őriszentpéter) – a real Open: 1st May to 15th Octo- earning it the distinction
Minnow) Nature Trail (3.2 km) field exercise to get to know the ber 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. of being Hungary’s oldest
(Kercaszomor) – presenting the flora and fauna of the Szala area. inhabited areas?

www.hungary.com
 National Parks Nature Parks in Hungary 24 25

Valley of the Körös Rivers to the local market organised on

Nature Park the promenade of the island.
korosoknaturpark.hu
The Nature Park is part of the Sokoró-Pannontáj Nature Park
famous Great Plain of Hungary, The Nature Park is located at a
which has served the country as a picturesque transitional area of Ba-
major bread basket for centuries. konyalja, stretching from Bakony
A great majority of the inhabitants Mountains to the Little Hungar-
are still involved in agricultural ian Plain, including the northern
production. The region of the slopes of Bakony. The smooth
Körös Rivers is a real paradise for hillside with fresh mountain air,
lovers of hunting and fishing. protected trees and rich wildlife
offers excursions, horse-riding and
Nagy-Milic Nature Park hunting programs to visitors.
www.nagy-milic.hu
The Nagy-Milic Nature Park Soproni-hegység Nature Park
Nature Parks in Hungary covers about 15,000 hectares, www.sopronihegyseg.hu
presenting a flora from the The Lővér Hills located within the
From 2004 the nature park title is awarded by the Carpathian Mountains and a rich territory of the Nature Park host a
Minister of Environment and Water for larger areas with architectural and cultural herit- nationally acknowledged medici-
rich natural landscape and cultural history heritage age. The unique natural attraction nal healing location. The Nature
of Izra Mountain Lake, Füzér or Park offers various active leisure
where more emphasis is placed on recreation, healing,
Szalánc Castles invite tourists for programs and other entertaining
sustainable tourism, environmental education, provid- a pleasant hike. events, such as the Celtic Festival
ing information and environmentally-friendly economy. in July or Iron Curtain Tour organ-
Őrség Nature Park ised for the first time last year.
Cserhát Nature Park Írottkő Nature Park www.orsegnet.hu
www.cserhatnaturpark.hu www.naturpark.hu This unique landscape is charac- Szatmár-Bereg Nature Park
The mosaic patterned Nature Írottkő Nature Park is named after terised by a variety of natural beau- www.szatmarbereg.hu
Park is a real cultural landscape the highest peak inTransdanubia, ties: hills and valleys, deciduous Szatmár-Bereg Nature Park
offering a variety of lands de- located at over 882 m on the and coniferous woodlands, green is covered by hundreds and
pending on the level touched Hungarian-Austrian border. In hayfields, marshlands preserving hundreds of years old wooded
by man. Traditional village struc- 2009 the Nature Park was award- plants from the Ice Age and crystal graze lands, large hay lands,
ture and folk architectural herit- ed the “Best Emerging European clear springs and brooks vary bogs and oak groves. Traditional
age, the World Heritage Site of Destination of Hungary” and now streams. The silence and fresh air, animal breeding (sheep) apple
Hollókő Old village and the vine- the Nature Park is entitled to use the cultural traditions and customs, and plum growing characterize
yards of Terény attract many visi- the honouring “Destination of which remained unchanged, the land. Traditional embroidery
tors every year. Excellence” title. traditional crafts and the products technique of Bereg Cross-Stitch,
of self-sufficient farming (pump- wood carvings and delicacies
Ipolymente-Börzsöny Kerka River kin seed oil, Palinka with honey, using the local Szatmár plum are
Nature Park Nature Park goat and cow’s milk cheese) and famous all over the country.
www.ipolymente-borzsony.hu Various species and natural lifestyle also attract visitors.
The Nature Park includes the habitats of the area are protected Vértes Nature Park
natural wonders of Börzsöny under the Nature 2000 ecological Ráckeve Kis-Duna Nature Park www.vertesinaturpark.hu
Mountains and the rare and spe- network of the European Union, www.rackeveinaturpark.shp.hu The Nature Park with rich natural
cial flora and fauna of the Lower- which indicates the significance The Ráckeve Danube Branch is a heritage offers wide variety of
Ipoly Region. Danube and Ipoly of the Kerka area. The sign- favourite area for the enthusiasts programs: hiking and cycling,
Greenway, Börzsöny Museum at posted South-Zala Forest Region of water sports and cycling, but routes for horse riding, nature
Szob, Gorka Museum at Verőce, Bicycle Route runs about 88 km also rural tourism and various trails, carriage riding on the Pusz-
Drégely Castle, Salgó Castle in low traffic forestry roads attractions in the nearby towns ta visiting the famous Hungarian
and the Roman watch tower of between the small towns called are worth a visit. Small boats grey cattle stock, ‘Ezerjó’ Wine
Verőce are just a few sights to Letenye and Lenti. are going up and down on the Route of Mór, hunting, museums,
visit in the area. Ráckeve Danube Branch heading exhibitions, palaces and castles.

www.hungary.com

We are especially proud to present – our
internationally acknowledged historical
natural landscapes and treasures
World Heritage sites
In 1972 the UNESCO adopted
the “Protection of the World
Cultural and Natural Conven-
tion”. In Hungary the Aggtelek
karst and Slovakian karst caves
are natural World Heritage sites.
Hortobágy National Park- the
Puszta, Fertő/Neusiedlersee
cultural region and the his-
toric wine-making region of
Tokaj-Hegyalja received the
recognition of the World Herit-
age Committee as registered
World Heritage sites in cultural
landscape category rewarding
the value-creating, landscape
forming activity of man.
The Loire Valley in France,
Upper Middle Rhine Valley in
Germany and the Ayers Rock
(Uluru) National Park have also
received the same recognition
from the World Heritage Com-
mittee.
European Diploma of
Protected Areas
The European Diploma of
Protected Areas is an inter-
national award granted since
www.hungary.com
1965 by the Council of Europe
to protected, natural areas and
landscapes of special European
importance for the preservation
of landscape diversity.
The Diploma is awarded to
protected areas because of their
outstanding natural landscape
qualities, but also for the con-
servation activities carried out.
In Hungary so far there are
three awarded areas:
• Szénás Hills Protected Area,
habitat for the Pilis flax, which
is unique to the site,
• Tihany Peninsula- Volcanic
Phenomena and geological,
geomorphologic and volcanic
formations
• Ipolytarnóc Nature Conserva-
tion Area- paleontological site
Other awarded areas: wetland
habitats of the Bialowieza Na-
tional Park-Poland and Doñana
National Park-Spain.
Ramsar sites
The Convention on Wetlands
(Ramsar, Iran, 1971) – called
the “Ramsar Convention”
National Parks We are especially proud to present 26 27
– is an intergovernmental treaty
that embodies the commit-
ments of its member countries
to maintain the ecological
character of their Wetlands of
International Importance and to
plan for the wise or sustainable
use of all of the wetlands in
their territories.
Currently there are 28 Ramsar
sites in Hungary – stretching
from Bodrogzug, Kolon Lake in
the Kiskunság to Kis-Balaton –
offering various opportunities
to explore the extremely colour-
ful wildlife of the wetlands.
Biosphere reserves
The UNESCO’s Man and the
Biosphere Program was estab-
lished in 1970 to promote the
conservation of the natural en-
vironment. The program’s pri-
mary output came in the form
of biosphere reserves, which
are strictly protected areas that
are meant to demonstrate the
Earth’s large ecosystem types
and to observe the local natural
and human-related processes.
Currently there are five bio-
sphere reserves in Hungary:
Aggtelek National Park, Lake
Fertő, Hortobágy, Kiskunság
and Pilis Mountains Biosphere
Reserves. In the so-called buff-
er zone limited human activity
is allowed adapting to the local
landscapes, especially envi-
ronmental education, which
contributes to the sustainment
of landscape and wildlife for
future generations.
European Destinations of
Excellence, EDEN
A project drawing attention to
the diversity and richness of
European tourist destinations.
The project is based on na-
tional competitions developed
around an annual theme that
take place every year in the
member states of the European
Union and result in the selec-
tion of a tourist “destination of
excellence” for each participat-
ing country.
EDEN awarded destinations:
• “Best Emerging European
Destination of Excellence”
(2007) – Őrség
• “Tourism and Local Intangible
Heritage Destination of Excel-
lence” (2008) – Hortobágy
• “Best Emerging Eco-tourism
Destination of Excellence”
(2009) – Írottkő Nature Park
In 2010 the winner destinations
will be awarded as “EDEN des-
tination for Aquatic Sustainable
Tourism”.
edenineurope.eu
I am a responsible eco-tourist! Useful Information
As a responsible eco-tourist, in the nature I shall Aggtelek National Park Hortobágy National Park
always keep to these rules for my own and the Directorate Directorate
nature’s sake! H-3758 Jósvafő, Tengerszem oldal 1 H-4024 Debrecen, Sumen u. 2
Tel.: +36/48/506-000 Tel.: +36/52/589-000;
back in your rucksack. Do not Fax: +36/48/506-001 +36/52/589-321
leave any marks, do not tear info.anp@t-online.hu, www.anp.hu Fax: +36/52/589-321
down any plants, do not take info@hnp.hu, www.hnp.hu
home any animals and only light Tourinform–Aggtelek
fires in the designated areas. Nature Conservation and Tourist Kiskunság National Park
Information Centre Directorate
• In protected areas, which are H-3759 Aggtelek, Baradla oldal 3 H-6000 Kecskemét, Liszt F. u. 19
open to the public you will find Tel.: +36/48/503-000 Tel.: +36/76/482-611
lookout towers, benches and Fax: +36/48/503-002 oktatasio@knp.hu
designated areas for lighting aggtelek@tourinform.hu www.knp.hu
• Take a train or cycle when trav- fires. These are established at lo-
elling to your destination. If you cations, where the presence of Balaton Uplands National Park Körös–Maros National Park
drive, share the car with your man causes minimum distur- Directorate Directorate
friends. Tour the natural land- bance to the environment, en- H-8229 Csopak, Kossuth u. 16 H-5540 Szarvas, Anna-liget 1
scapes on foot, or only use the suring a relaxed and success- Tel.: +36/87/555-291 Tel.: +36/66/313-855
authorized means of transpor- ful observation experience for all Fax: +36/87/555-261 Fax: +36/66/311-658
tation. visitors. bfnp@bfnp.kvvm.hu, www.bfnp.hu kmnp@kmnp.hu
http://kmnp.nemzetipark.gov.hu
• Wear suitable clothing for hik- • Find accommodation in the Bükk National Park
ing and only take the neces- nearby towns and villages as Directorate Őrség National Park
sary equipment with you. Always camping is usually not allowed H-3304 Eger, Sánc u. 6 Directorate
adapt to nature in order to learn within protected areas. Support Tel.: +36/36/411-581, H-9941 Őriszentpéter,
as much as you can about it. the local economy by choosing Fax: +36/36/412-791 Siskaszer 26/A
accommodation and restaurants bnptitkarsag@bnp.kvvm.hu Tel.: +36/94/548-034
• Listen to the voices of nature; run by the locals. Also taste the www.bnpi.hu Fax: +36/94/428-791
do not make noise unnecessar- delicacies prepared from the lo- orseginp@onp.kvvm.hu
ily, because you may disturb the cal ingredients. Duna–Dráva National Park http://onp.nemzetipark.gov.hu
animals and other tourists. You Directorate
will also be pleased to tour na- • Dogs shall always be kept on H-7625 Pécs, Tettye tér 9 Tourinform
ture undisturbed. leash, which is also in the interest Tel.: +36/72/517-200 Call Service (24/7)
of the dog. Fax: +36/72/517-229 Tel.: +36/1/438-8080
• Animals have learnt that peo- dunadrava@ddnp.kvvm.hu www.tourinform.hu
ple only use the roads and des- Always keep the above rules in www.ddnp.hu
ignated paths. If you leave the mind, because if nature feels Ministry of Environment and
roads or paths, the animals will good, you will also feel good in Duna–Ipoly National Park Water, Green Point Service
flee and you won’t be able to ob- nature and nature will offer its Directorate H-1111 Budapest, Fő utca 44-50.
serve them. Never leave the beauties to others as well. H-1121 Budapest, Költő u. 21 Tel.: +36/80/401-1111
designated path, otherwise Tel.: +36/1/391-4610 info@mail.kvvm.hu
you may step on precious and Fax: +36/1/200-1168 www.kvvm.hu
beautiful plants. dinpi@dinpi.hu, www.dinpi.hu
For further information please go
• Do not dispose of your rub- Fertő–Hanság National Park to the central website of the Natio-
bish, rather keep it and put it Directorate nal Park Directorates:
H-9435 Sarród, Rév-Kócsagvár, Pf. 4 www.nemzetipark.gov.hu
Published by the Ministry of Environment and Water (www.kvvm.hu) Tel.: +36/99/537-620
and the Hungarian National Tourist Office (www.hungary.com)
Fax: +36/99/537-621
Manuscript closed: March 2010 • Design: Csilla Szabó
DTP: VIVA Média Holding fhnpiinfo@fhnp.kvvm.hu
Front page photo (flower): János Vers • Printed by Pauker Nyomda • Free copy www.ferto-hansag.hu

www.hungary.com
Hungary celebrates 2010, as the ‘Year of the Festival’

Touristical Regions
Budapest and Surroundings
In 2010, being officially declared as the “Year of the Festival”, nearly every

The Puszta and Lake Tisza

day there is a good reason to set off and visit a festival. During and after

Eger-Tokaj Wine Region

festivals visitors can not only enjoy the bustling local cultural life, but may
also get an insight into the everyday life and traditions of the towns and
villages hosting the festivals.
Hungary has an impressive reputation for hosting hundreds of festivals,
with the participation of hundreds and thousands of people causing a

Lake Balaton
significant strain on nature! We need to act responsibly if we are wishing

Pannonia
to return again and again to the same town or landscape to admire its
beauties and treasures!
Exciting events are awaiting visitors from January to December. Pack your
gear and set off for a few days. Just visit the www.hungary.com website

Hortobágy
for discounted accommodation rates!

Körös–Maros
Make it a „greener” festival, because…

Aggtelek

Bükk
festivals with high number of visitors inevitably increase the environmental
load:
• organic and non-organic waste is generated,
• causes sound- and light pollution
• causes damage to the natural environment
• increases dust- and carbon-dioxide pollution

The Ministry of Environment and Water in cooperation with the festival

organiser trade and green non-profit organisations established a grading

Duna–Ipoly

Kiskunság
system to decrease the environmental load caused by events and festivals.
In order to receive the distinguished “Green Festival” title, events and
festivals shall also promote environment-conscious way of thinking.

Did you know what makes a festival GREEN?

The following environmental objectives shall be fulfilled by a Green
Festival:

Duna–Dráva
Environmental rehabilitation: measures undertaken by the organiser
to remedy the environmental damage done to the land i.e. restore the
conditions of the land to the status before the festival. Establishment of

Balaton Uplands
selective waste collection islands: documented ratio of selectively collected
and recyclable waste shall reach 20%. Organised transportation for the
National Parks

public: promoting public transportation, sharing cars and bicycle access to

the event, establishment of free bicycle storage areas and parking spaces
in a way that it causes minimum disturbance and damage to nature.
Fertő-Hanság

Strict adherence to limit values ensuring the reduction of noise- and light
pollution.

Changing perspectives Őrség

• establishment of a green agenda, publication of this agenda at the event,
on the website of the event and in the program brochure
• establishment of a green point, or providing an opportunity to
establish one
• installing information boards in the toilets and showers
about water consumption reduction

For more information please visit the www.kvvm.hu website!

www.hungary.com
“In the wake of values
and experience”
Week of Hungarian
National Parks 11th-20th June 2010
It is an annual ecotourism event which this year will be held between
11th and 20th June 2010. The aim of this program is to encourage
people to go out and get acquainted with the beautiful natural
environment of Hungary.
11th June – Conference on eco-tourism and nature conservation
– focusing on local and national park products
Location: Harmatfű Training and Visitor Centre, Őriszentpéter
By appointment only!
12th June – Central opening ceremony
Location: Őriszentpéter–Pityerszer, Őrség National Park
• Introduction of the ten National Parks of Hungary
• „Green Tornado” – National Park fair
• Handicraft shows
• Flavours of the National Parks of Hungary, traditional cooking
competition and tasting
• Quiz shows on nature and tourism with great prizes to win
• Guaranteed guided tours “on foot- by bicycle-on carriage” in the
Őrség National Park (also on 13th June!)
14th-20th June – Discover the natural heritage of Hungary!
Discover our national parks and other protected areas hiding so
many natural treasures! A whole week of exciting adventures, free
programs for the entire family and discounted entry fees to several
demonstration sites await you and your family in the most spectacular
areas of Hungary! Let’s set off “in the wake of values and experience”!

www.nemzetipark.gov.hu/mnph