Alpaca land and other exciting activities at “Seholsziget Természetpark” (Nowhere Island Adventure Park)

The domesticated version of the alpaca was created by the Incas, who considered these creatures a "gift from the gods" and held their wool in high esteem. Although the Spanish conquistadors and colonialists stole the limelight from the Merino sheep for a while, in the 19th century, people rediscovered that alpaca wool as it is stronger and softer than sheep's wool. This has led to a resurgence in breeding, but as well as their economic benefits, they are also becoming increasingly popular as pets because they are gentle and funny.

Norman, Naspolya and their sometimes overbearingly elegant companions are waiting for guests all year round. During the 45-minute small group or individual session, you can not only learn all about alpacas but also feed them and even take them for a walk. If you can gain their trust - and you always do! - you can be rewarded with an alpaca fur caress as a flow experience. Talking of flow experiences, alpacas are also used as therapy animals, as they give a sense of calm and peace that instantly relieves stress and tension.

On “Seholsziget” (Nowhere Island), you can not only pick up alpaca souvenirs - such as keyrings and refrigerator magnets - but also felted soap and yarn made from alpaca wool. The latter can be used to make soft, fluffy sweaters and blankets that are 100% allergy-free, moreover soft and warm, perfect for the autumn-winter couch snuggle season.

The vast estate of “Seholsziget” (Nowhere Island) is a promising destination for more than just alpacas. The range of services on offer provides a multi-day experience, and if you can, it's worth staying in a guest house on-site to enjoy every aspect of the programme. And what can visitors look forward to?

For example, there’s a petting zoo where cats, dogs, goats, llamas, sheep and parrots compete for guests' attention. Once you've had your fill of fur, you can also sign up for a horseback ride, where you can canter, ride or gallop to your heart's content, depending on your ability.

In addition to the awesome animal programmes, you can also do crafts: make ceramics, try your hand at pottery, and learn the secrets of felting and wool making. (You can take the finished product home with you, of course, as a sort of time capsule to preserve the good memories.) If the children are still not tired after all this, they can immerse themselves in a jungle of adventurous games in a natural setting on the “Pán Péter Mesesziget” (Peter Pan Fairy-tale Island). Wandering around the 20-acre theme park is a stretch: fortunately, there are some fun alternatives: you can take a tractor, a locomotive or even a horse-drawn carriage around the estate, which also has its own pond.

If you do decide to go for a longer walk, don't miss out on the herbs and spices: in the park, you'll find a variety of plants with fancy names, such as hyssop, anise hyssop, lovage or lady’s mantle, but of course the familiar smells of rosemary, oregano or basil are also in the aromatic repertoire. The countryside feeling is guaranteed, as is the fact that at the end of the day you will go to bed recharged and enriched with countless new experiences.