Nadudvar

A large section of the environs of Nádudvar, the gateway to the Hortobágy, are a landscape protection area belonging to the Hortobágy National Park. The town is famous for its thermal bath, its folk crafts, pottery and herdsmen's traditions.

Given its name, udvar meaning court, the settlement must have been a royal or princely estate at one time. The prefix of nád is a reference to the reedy area to the south, Sárrét, stretching all the way here.

The settlement obtained a position of distinction in the 19th century when it was a district town first of Szabolcs and later of Hajdú County.

After 1945, Nádudvar had one of the largest collective farms in the country. The excellent results achieved here gained it recognition as the model of large-scale farming, and thus it played an outstanding role in the area.

Life of the residents was always influenced by the natural characteristics and proximity of the Hortobágy puszta. Processing reed and rush weaving provided a source of income to many. Others produced the equipment necessary to the life and work of shepherds in the region. Several potter families specialised in making clay dishes, important accessories in the kitchens and the lives of the residents for centuries.

The city built a school to assure the continuation of the trades and crafts whilst also preserving traditions. Today it is possible to visit workshops to see how the pottery, clay dishes, wood carvings, weaving, baskets, embroidery and leather products were produced. There are still some thatched peasant houses in several of the streets, preserving the centuries old traditions of vernacular architecture.

The thermal waters of Nádudvar have healing properties. In the outskirts of the city birdwatchers have the opportunity to see some rare species. Equestrian tourism and fishing are also possibilities. Among the many events held in Nádudvar, perhaps the most popular is the ethnographic exhibition held on 20th August.

How to get there:
By public transport, local Volán buses serve Nádudvar from Püspökladány, Budapest, and Hajdúszoboszló. By car, take Road 4 and the side road from Hajdúszoboszló to Püspökladány.