Nagyivan

The primary attraction of the settlement lies in the proximity of Lake Tisza and the Hortobágy plains. Anglers, hunters and nature lovers fond of rare natural features will find plenty of fulfilling ways to spend their holiday here.

The settling Magyars already lived in this land in the Árpád Age but the first written record of the village dates from 1277.

From the 16th century after the Turkish and Mongol ransacking of the country the place remained uninhabited for more than a century. In the 18th century the chapter of Eger resettled the area.

The village's prime natural asset is the surrounding unscathed puszta which is part of the Hortobágy National Park. The 3000-hectare of the Kunkápolnás marshlands on the edge of Kunmadaras and Nagyiván puszta provides a habitat for rare populations of flora and fauna. Strictly protected areas may only be entered with a permit from the National Park Directorate (Nemzeti Park Igazgatóság).

Back within the village visitors may observe numerous examples of vernacular architecture. One of the homes converted into a regional house (tájház) is furnished with the period furniture of a peasant family. The Görbe Csárda ('Twisted Coaching Inn') outside Nagyiván still reflects the ambiance of a typical roadside inn of the 19th century.

How to get there:

By car, go to Tiszafüred then take Route 38 towards Debrecen and turn right after 16 kilometres, or take Route 34 and turn left at Tiszaörs. By public transport, go to Tiszafüred from where five local Volán buses run to Nagyiván.