The Hortobagy

Part of World Cultural Heritage the legendary Hortobágy is Europe's largest saline puszta, or steppe. The Hortobágy National Park here provides a noteworthy example for conciliating conservation, traditional economy and tourism.

'Mirage Hortobágy' is symbolised by goulash, wranglers, and the omnipresent draw-well. As late as the mid-20th century this romantic picture was still an idyllic every-day reality. Even though today the 'puszta' has been turned into a tourist attraction, maintaining this traditional economy is essential in terms of nature conservation. The balance between livestock and natural flora and fauna is an excellent example of harmonic cohabitation. The enormous pastures dotted with the occasional marsh are perfect breeding areas for special bird species.

Other symbols of the Hortobágy are the Nine-hole Bridge, the Hortobágy Inn (Csárda), and the Shepherd's Museum (Pásztormúzeum).