Hungarian National Parks
Ten protected areas showcasing Hungary's diverse landscapes and wildlife
Hungary established its first national park in 1973, and today the country protects ten distinct areas covering diverse habitats from alkaline steppes to limestone karst, ancient forests to transboundary wetlands. Each park offers unique wildlife watching opportunities.
Hortobagy National Park
Established: 1973 | Area: 82,000 hectares
The Hortobagy represents the largest continuous natural grassland in Europe. This alkaline steppe, known as the puszta, became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 for its cultural landscape and exceptional biodiversity.
Key species: Common Crane, Great Bustard, Red-footed Falcon, Saker Falcon, Aquatic Warbler, European Ground Squirrel
Best time: October-November for crane migration; April-May for breeding birds
Official website
Bukk National Park
Established: 1976 | Area: 43,200 hectares
The Bukk Mountains contain Hungary's largest continuous forest cover, with ancient beech and oak woodlands. The karst plateau features over 1,000 caves and is home to diverse woodland wildlife.
Key species: Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, Ural Owl, Wildcat, Red Deer, Mouflons
Best time: April-June for breeding birds; September-October for autumn colors and deer rut
Official website
Kiskunsag National Park
Established: 1975 | Area: 56,000 hectares
Scattered across nine separate units, Kiskunsag protects sandy grasslands, juniper forests, and saline lakes. The park is vital for the endangered Great Bustard population.
Key species: Great Bustard, Stone Curlew, Hoopoe, Roller, Lesser Grey Shrike, Montagu's Harrier
Best time: April-May for bustard displays; year-round for diverse habitats
Official website
Aggtelek National Park
Established: 1985 | Area: 20,000 hectares
Famous for the Baradla-Domica cave system, a UNESCO World Heritage site shared with Slovakia. The karst landscape supports rich biodiversity both above and below ground.
Key species: Lesser Horseshoe Bat, Fire Salamander, Corncrake, Red-backed Shrike, Black Stork
Best time: May-June for wildflowers and breeding birds; year-round for cave visits
Official website
Ferto-Hansag National Park
Established: 1991 | Area: 23,700 hectares
Part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape with Austria. Lake Ferto (Neusiedler See) and surrounding reedbeds provide critical habitat for waterbirds.
Key species: Great White Egret, Spoonbill, Ferruginous Duck, Great Bustard, Bearded Reedling, Penduline Tit
Best time: April-May and August-September for migration; breeding season May-June
Official websiteMore National Parks
Danube-Drava National Park
Floodplain forests and oxbow lakes along two major rivers. Excellent for White-tailed Eagles, Black Storks, and diverse wetland species.
Established: 1996 | Area: 50,000 ha
Danube-Ipoly National Park
Diverse landscapes from Danube islands to volcanic hills. Rich in orchids and butterflies, with breeding Imperial Eagles nearby.
Established: 1997 | Area: 60,000 ha
Koros-Maros National Park
Grasslands and wetlands in southeast Hungary. Important for Great Bustard conservation and wintering geese.
Established: 1997 | Area: 50,100 ha
Balaton Uplands National Park
Volcanic hills, wetlands, and lavender fields north of Lake Balaton. Varied habitats support Mediterranean and Central European species.
Established: 1997 | Area: 57,000 ha
Orseg National Park
Traditional agricultural landscapes in western Hungary with ancient oak forests. One of Hungary's least disturbed regions.
Established: 2002 | Area: 44,000 ha
Planning Your Visit
Each national park has visitor centers with information, guided tours, and educational programs. Many offer observation hides and marked trails.