The Great Plain through a different lens: sand dunes, farmsteads, and culinary experiences on the Puszta

What this article is about?

• The lesser-known, distinctive faces of the Great Plain
• National parks, nature trails, and the wildlife of the puszta
• Farm life and culinary experiences of the Great Plain
• Easily accessible excursion spots

Kiskunság reveals a completely different side to those who don’t just pass through it. Here, attractions don’t line up one after another, but there is open space, shifting sand dunes, salt flats, juniper groves, deep silence, and ancient tranquillity. Walking through the juniper-covered areas, it quickly becomes clear that this is not a “beautiful” region in the classic sense. The vegetation is low and hardy, wildlife is scarce, and even humans are merely guests here.

A good starting point for exploring this lowland landscape is the

It is a short, easily accessible route with no challenges, but it provides an accurate picture of how plants, animals, and humans coexist in this sandy, arid region.

Directions: Bugac is about a 40-minute drive from Kecskemét; it can also be reached by public transportation with a bus transfer. The nature trail is on easy terrain; no hiking gear is required – just a pair of comfortable shoes.

In Hortobágy, pastures, canals, and windswept areas unfold before us. The ever-present birdlife creates a unique background sound that makes the entire region feel alive. Yet nothing spectacular is happening – it’s simply that the landscape envelops us.

Walking through the Hortobágy National Park, it quickly becomes clear that humans aren’t the focus here; rather, it’s the animals. Here you can visit the

where you can learn about the wildlife of the puszta through the care of injured or recovering birds, as well as the

which showcases the region’s large-bodied animals in a natural setting.

Access: Hortobágy is directly accessible by train from Debrecen, and several attractions are within walking distance of the station. By car, coming from Debrecen or Tiszafüred, it makes for an ideal day trip destination, with parking available near the main visitor sites.

The Puszta experience includes dining –

with well-known flavours and no frills. The Hortobágyi Csárda (Hortobágy Tavern) is a sure bet in this genre: large portions and traditional dishes are prepared here using recipes that have remained unchanged for decades.

In an urban setting, the Kecskeméti Csárda (Kecskemét Tavern) follows the same approach, where the flavours of the Great Plain are available even if you don’t head out to the puszta. The menu is familiar: stews, paprika dishes, simple sides, and bread. What more could you ask for?

When visiting the Great Plain, it’s worth getting to know the traditions as well. The

for example, provides an accurate picture of how people lived and worked in this region. The former farmhouse and the tools on display faithfully preserve the once-thriving way of life of the Great Plain.

At the

you can learn how locally harvested plums are turned into brandy.

Directions: Békéscsaba and Békés are easily accessible by car; the sites are located within the city and its immediate vicinity, so they can easily be incorporated into a one-day tour of the Great Plain.

If you’re in the Kecskemét area, the

offers a nice transition between the urban space and the Great Plain landscape. It’s not a traditional tourist destination, but rather a short stop along the way: the trees, the shade, and the well-maintained, quiet paths provide a great opportunity to relax. The plant collection is diverse, and the grounds are well-maintained, so your walk can be peaceful and relaxing.

Access: Easily accessible from downtown Kecskemét, and quickly reachable by car or public transportation. It’s an ideal stop during a longer trip through the Great Plain, or whenever you just need a short, quiet walk.