Puszta Zoo

Hortobágy Big Inn is the oldest and grandest of these traditional watering holes where you can sample “puszta cuisine” in its original locale. The exhibit room presents images and artifacts to illustrate the long-past “csárda” milieu populated by tough denizens of the prairie. You can even get your pictures taken rigged out in traditional garb. The thematic itinerary dubbed “The Trail of Inns” includes stops to display exhibits at the Kadarcs and Meggyes Inn Museums.

You can get detailed information on the programs available in the various tourist spots of the region including how to see National Park areas which are open to visitors. You can also check out a multi-media show presenting the uniquely rich wildlife of the puszta including the exhibit called “The World of Cranes.” If you’re into the arts, why don’t you explore the workshops set up in the yard where local artisans put their trades on display? A wide range of their products and other merchandise lays up for grabs in the gift shop.

The former wagon shed now houses a museum displaying artifacts characteristic of the life of herdsmen of bygone days. The adjoining circular building gives home to an authentic display of the region’s rich craftsmen’s tradition.

Boasting a proud history of 300 years, the farm is one of Europe’s traditional establishments of this kind. It also has tourist programs on offer, the most popular of which is the “puszta” horse-and-carriage ride. It sets out to the heart of the grassland where you can get close to indigenous beasts in their natural habitat. The must-see equestrian shows display hundred-year-old cowboy traditions. Fancy swinging yourself into the saddle too? No problem, enjoy the ride. As of spring 2016, a top-notch tourist center is ready to take visitors to this prestigious facility. Be sure you check out the exhibits displaying the history of the stud farm, the impressive collection of carriages, and the workshops of local craftsmen whose trades are related to equestrian activities. Horseback riding is available after advance booking for experienced riders (children above age 9) in corral or cross-country. It has always been quite an event whenever Debrecen’s Sate Coach ceremoniously rolled into Hortobágy. The elite group of its most famous passengers includes Franz Joseph I and Edward, Duke of Windsor. They took rides on the carriage drawn by a team of five horses in 1852/1890 and 1937, respectively.

This refuge for birds features exhibits, a clinic and flying ranges where recuperating avian patients can get much-needed practice before getting reintroduced into their original habitat. You can learn about what dangers wild birds have to face on a daily basis and even watch the treatment of injured or sick individuals.

This establishment has a wide range of offers to sportsmen whose idea of the perfect holiday is to haul in their catch from the prime recreational fishing ponds located in the nature sanctuary of Hortobágy.

Hortobágy National Park has a system of designated trails and areas to provide tourists with opportunities for guided walking, bicycle, or small-train trips. More intrepid hikers may obtain special National Park passes and go on their very own solo expeditions. Check local information points for listings and advance booking. Demonstration Trails & Other Visitable Places in Hortobágy National Park • Hortobágy Fishpond demonstration trail • Egyek-Pusztakócs marshes • Szálkahalmi demonstration trail • Fishponds