3 memorable water trips on the Upper Tisza

The Upper Tisza region of the Great Plain is a secluded, enchanted oasis in the north-eastern corner of the country, where it is easy to recharge after a busy weekday. One of the most unique forests in the area is the Tarpai National Forest, which is highly protected and home to countless species of plants and animals. Don’t miss the Trail of Medieval Churches, which includes around 40 churches in Hungary and visits hundreds of years old Reformed churches. You can walk in the footsteps of unique churches with wooden towers and bell towers in Tákos, Csaroda and Márokpapi, among others! But not only churches, but also castles and ancient mansions await you, for example in Cégénydányád, where you can visit the 200-year-old plane tree in the castle park. And that’s not all: charming sandy beaches on the Tisza and slow-flowing rivers ensure that there is no shortage of water experiences!

“The last fairy field of Hungary” – Zsigmond Móricz called the northeastern tip of the country this way, as a native of Tiszacsécse, he was strongly attached to the area, but we cannot accuse him of bias. Adventuring on the waters of the area or walking through the forests, the writer’s words don’t seem to be an exaggeration, but they can be made into everlasting memories. In addition, the gentle, calm rivers are ideal for those who are not yet experienced in water touring. Everywhere you look, the forest overhanging the water is stunning and practical, providing cool shade even in the hottest summer days. It is worth breaking the jungle atmosphere from time to time, as you can step out onto the beach to visit special attractions such as the Túristvándi Water Mill or the floodplain orchards that can be found all over the area. Let’s see which routes are worth taking on the water!

1. Water tour on the Öreg-Túr (Old Túr)

The atmosphere of paddling – especially on rivers and through forests – is unrivalled. One of the most beautiful waterway trails in Hungary takes you along the Öreg-Túr, surrounded by trees. The embarkation point is in Sonkád, and the first stop is Kölcse, the so called Pap Túrja (‘the Priest’s Túr’). You can even plan a two-day trip, so that at the end point, in Túristvándi, you can visit the aforementioned water mill. Of course, you can stop and take a dip in the river while paddling, which will be nice on warmer summer days.

2. Water tour from Tiszabercel to Tokaj

The route starts in Tiszabercel and ends in Tokaj, passing through Gávavencsellő, Balsa, Szabolcs, Tímár and Rakamaz. The starting point of the tour is in Tiszabercel in the Kérész harbour, but before setting off it is worth visiting the memorial house of György Bessenyei in Tiszabercel. One of the most special stops on the tour is Szabolcs, home to the largest intact manor house in Central Europe. At the end of the water tour, be sure to spend some time in Tokaj, taste some great Tokaj wines and explore the city!

3. Water tour from Tivadar to Városnamény

The hike starts from Tivadar, the local open-air beach, which is one of the most beautiful small villages in the area, and ends in Városnamény. The latter is the centre of Bereg. On the way, be sure to stop in Tarpa, where you can visit the Tarpa dry mill and the local Reformed Church. For those who love sandy beaches, there are three bathing areas on the Tisza crossing the route, where you can enjoy a dip in the water. In Tivadar, Jándon and Gergelyiugornya, the silky, sandy beaches of the open beaches await you! If you are tired of the water, head to the Luby Mansion, where there is an interactive exhibition and a fairytale rose garden.