Őrség Fertő-Hanság Fertő-Hanság Balaton-Uplands Duna-Dráva Kiskunság Duna-Ipoly Körös-Maros Bükk

Hortobágy National Parks

Touristic regions www.nationalpark.hu Balaton Pannonia Puszta and Lake Tisza Eger- Wine Region Budapest and Surroundings

Published by the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Hungarian National Tourist O ce www.kvvm.hu, www.hungary.com Design: VIVA Média Holding • DTP: Makáry Stúdió • Printing press: Pauker Nyomda • Free copy

NemzetiPark_Eng_20090216.indd 1-2 2/16/09 3:20 PM Let’s go! Roughly a tenth of the land area of Hungary is classi ed as protected na- ture area. Within this there are ten designated National Parks – areas of countryside where there are wild rivers, rolling hills, sprawling lakes, thick hillside forests, seemingly endless plains, and parts where limestone rocks and caves secrete a truly amazing array of hidden treasures. All these wonders are simply waiting to be rediscovered by visitors. Just a few words before we begin … Glossary Demonstration site: a facility usually found in and run by the Na- tional Parks aiming to raise the environmental awareness of visitors. Visitor and study centres: larger demonstration sites usually situated at one of the main entry gates to a nature reserve, or at a convenient, central place, and comprising mainly exhibition space. Staff of spe- cialist are on hand to talk to visitors about their work in the fi elds of nature and cultural conservation, to explain what visitors should look out for, and to give guidance about certain basic rules to be observed while in the nature reserve. Nature trail: a designated route ideal for visitors wishing to roam independently. Stop-off points and information boards along the way give information about the natural and cultural signifi cance of the area. Guided tours: led by guides who are experts in the natural and cultural treasures of the respective area. Guided tours are especially popular in those parts of the National Parks considered to be at a particular risk of damage from the passage of visitors or where the land is subject to the highest level of protected status for conserva- tion reasons, as here this is the only means of observing nature at close quarters. Week of Hungarian National Parks: It is an annual ecotourism event which this year be held between 20th – 28th June and is organised by the Ministry of Environment and Water, the Ministry of Local Governments, the Hungarian National Tourist Offi ce, as well as the directorate of the national parks of Hungary. Th e aim of this program is to encourage people to go out and get acquainted with the beautiful natural environment. Entrance fees will be discounted at all 10 national parks across Hungary and there will be huge variety of eco programs to encourage more visitors. Full details about visitor centres, opening times, directions, etc., are available on the National Parks’ website. Information about special events is also posted there. Now let’s set off ...

...on a fantastic journey.

NemzetiPark_Eng_20090216.indd 5 2/16/09 3:22 PM aggtelek

Treasures and adventures – the Aggtelek National Park

 is karst region, home to myths and legends, possesses outstanding natural and cultural treasures. Besides the many rare plants and animals found here, the area’s fantastic cave systems are internationally renowned.

Did you know … – Aggtelek National Park was originally designated primarily in order to conserve its inanimate natural assets? – It is the only World Heritage Site in Hungary to gain the coveted designation in the natural (as opposed to cultural) heritage category? – At 16 miles, Baradla-Domica is the longest cave system in Hungary, and at 62 feet, Csillagvizsgáló (literally “Stargazer”) is the tallest stalagmite? – Th is is the only place where the protected golden-drop (Onosma tornense) grows, a plant so rare it is listed in the International Red Data Book? – Th is is the designated site of gene preservation of the Hungarian stock of the ancient and distinctive Hucul breed of mountain horse.

Demonstration sites and Nature trails Baradla Cave: 1, 2, 4, 5 & 7-hour cave tours graded from easy to diffi cult; o 1st April to 30th September 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 1st October to 31st March 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rákóczi Cave: cave of pea shaped stones and crystal clear lakes o 1st April to 30th September 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 1st October to 31st March 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vass Imre Cave: special dripstones o 1st April to 30th September 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 1st October to 31st March 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Béke Cave, Kossuth Cave and Meteor Cave: adventure tour for small groups by appointment. Guided land tours at Jósvafő, Aggtelek and Mohos-tavak at Kelemér. Nature trails: Baradla 7.5 km, Tohonya-Kuriszlán 10 km, Fürkész 1.5 km, Szádvár 4.5 km, Bódva-völgy 2.5 km, “In Harmony with Nature” 4 km. Kúria Study Centre: land programs, lectures on environmental protection, open air school programs.

Further information: Tourinform-Aggtelek H-3759 Aggtelek, Baradla oldal 1. Tel.: +36 48/503-000 E-mail: [email protected]

Permanent exhibitions, Nature trails in Zemplén Area Land house at Bodrogkőváralja Nature trail at Regéc Várhegy: 1 km Nature trail by canoe at Bodrogzug: 5 km

NemzetiPark_Eng_20090216.indd 6 2/16/09 3:22 PM What’s blooming here?  e greenness of Lake Balaton! – the Balaton Uplands National Park Discover the quieter, greener side of life near Lake Balaton. Observe a great crested grebe as it goes about its daily business, wander in the gentle hills, pet ancient breeds of Hungarian domestic animals.

Did you know … – “You can move a huge rock in the Sea of Stones at Szentbékkálla”? – You can walk in fragrant lavender meadows on the Tihany Peninsula? – You can pet tame buff alo and enjoy bird watching at Kis-Balaton? – You can clamber through the exciting branches of Csodabogyós Cave at Balatonederics? – You can climb extinct volcanoes in the Tapolca Basin?

Demonstration sites and Nature trails Hegyestű (Monoszló, Tel.: +36 30/620-4082) – lavish panorama from the top of a basalt volcano, with a path in its onetime crater. Ideal starting point for exploring the Káli Basin. o all year from 9 a.m. until sunset. Salföld Manor (Salföld, Tel.: +36 30/939-0770) – ancient type domestic ani- mals, herb garden, exhibition of landscape photographs, carriage riding. o 15th March – 30th April and 1st September – 15th November: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1st May – 31st August: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Kotsy Water Mill (Zalaszántó, Tel.: +36 30/256-6727) – relics from the age of mills, functioning milling machines. o 15th March to 15th October: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Csodabogyós Cave (Balatonederics, Tel.: +36 30/306-6050, +36 30/237-3759) – underground adventures, not only for adults! o all year by appointment: www.csodabogyos.hu Bu alo Reserve, (Kápolnapuszta, Tel.: +36 30/287-0249) – a fantastic site at Kis- Balaton, with wallowing buff alo, exhibitions and picnic places.o 1st April – 31st October: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., 1st November – 31st March: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Szentgál-kőlik – (Szentgál, www.szentgali-kolik.hu, Tel: +36 70/382-8595, +36 30/639-5554) overall cave tour inside the hill o 15th March – 31st Oc- tober by appointment. Lake Cave of Tapolca (Tel.: +36 87/412-579) – boating under the ground. o 15th March to 30th June, and 1st September to 31st October: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1st July to 31st August: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., 1st November – 14th March: Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

NemzetiPark_Eng_20090216.indd 7 2/16/09 3:22 PM Karst plateau above the forests – the Bükk National Park The Bükk Hills sustain an enormously rich plant and animal kingdom, thanks to the area’s unique climate and its unusually varied terrain. Numerous species of plants and animals of Hungary can only be found in this part of the country. Some ninety species of birds, including many in danger of extinction, make their nesting ground in the Bükk. And the best evidence of prehistoric Bükk is to be found in the area’s huge caves, such as at Szeleta-kő and Istállós-kő.

Did you know … – Hungary’s most extensive network of forest cycle paths is here? – Th e area’s three narrow gauge railways (Szalajka Valley, Lillafüred and Felsőtárkány) run over 28 miles of track? – At a depth of over 800 feet, the 2½ mile long Istvánlápa Cave is the deepest cave in Hungary?

Demonstration sites and Nature trails Szent István Cave, Anna Cave (Lillafüred, Tel./Fax: +36 46/334-130) – there are two caves in the Bükk which are open to visitors: the dripstone Szent István Cave and the tuff aceous limestone Anna Cave. Folk Museum at Oszla (Cserépfalu, Tel.: +36 49/423-132) – bygone life depicted in everyday objects in a peasant house built at the beginning of the 20th century, situated at the entrance to Hór Valley. Millennium Nature trail and lookout tower: 2.1 km (Szilvásvárad, Tel.: +36 30/910-2037) – highlighting the abundant natural heritage of the Bükk, with particular reference to the ecological and economic role of forestry. Bél-kő Nature trail: 5 km – showing the cultural heritage of the Bél-kő area, the geological makeup of the rocky hill itself, and the fl ora and fauna to which it is home. Felsőtárkány Nature trail – “triple circuit” Nature trail showcasing the area’s plant and animal life, the Kő-közi rocky gorge (0.8 km), the geological formation of Vár-hegy (10 km) (Castle Hill), the Kyjatice Culture earthworks and the history of the former monastery at Barát-rét (6.5 km). Szalajka Valley Nature trail (Szilvásvárad) – a very popular 2½ mile trail fol- lowing the meandering Szalajka stream, with plenty of interesting information about the area’s cultural and natural heritage. Visitor and study centres Western Gate Visitor and Study Centre (3324 Felsőtárkány, Ifj úság út 34/1., Tel.: +36 36/534-078) All year open air school (accommodation up to 40 persons, equipped class- room), Nature trails, rent a bike. o 15th April to 15th October, Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NemzetiPark_Eng_20090216.indd 8 2/16/09 3:22 PM Adventures in the wild by majestic rivers – the Duna-Dráva National Park The long floodplains of the Duna-Dráva National Park is characterised by abundant wildlife, and backwaters: its outstandingly rich flora and fauna, especially the richness in species of birds. The rivershore, which provides damp fostering area, represents a unique value in Europe.

Did you know… – Hungary’s largest wooded fl oodplain is at Gemenc and Béda-Karapancsa? – Th e only place in Hungary where little terns nest is by the upper reaches of the River Dráva? – Th e only place in the world where Dráva caddisfl y is found is in the Duna-Dráva National Park? – Gemenc is the most signifi cant fi sh breeding area on the River Danube? – Hungary’s largest populations of whitetailed eagle and black stork are found here?

Demonstration sites, Nature trails, visitor and education centres “Life in the Floodplain” exhibition and nature trail: 2.5 km (Szekszárd - Bárányfok / Ge- menc, Tel.: +36 72/518-221) Mohács Historical Memorial Site (Sátor- hely, Tel.: +36 69/382-130) o 21st March to 9th November every day 9.00-18.00) Kölked White Stork Museum and Nagypartos Nature Trail: 3 km (Kölked, Tel.: +36 30/846- 6020) o all year. Abaliget Cave and Bat Museum: on demand 2-5 km (Abaliget, Tel.: +36 72/498-766) o all year Pintér-kert Arboretum (Pécs, Tettye tér 8.) o all year. Tu aceous limestone cave at Tettye (Pécs, Tettye, tel.: +36 30/580-3424, +36 72/211-830) – mystic underground cave system, interactive exhibition inside o All year, by appointment. Dráva Gate Visitor Centre, Drávaszentes (Barcs-Drávaszentes, tel.: +36 82/461- 285) home to indigenous Hungarian farm animals, nature trail tours, limited accommodation, activities for children. Tettye Education Centre (Pécs, tel.: +36 72/517-222) interactive lessons about na- ture, handcraft programmes, study tours Szársomlyó, guided tours (Nagyharsány – Skulpture Park, tel: +36-20-913-7534) o Departure: W-Sunday: 10 hours.

NemzetiPark_Eng_20090216.indd 9 2/16/09 3:23 PM Empire of the long-horned beetle – the Duna-Ipoly National Park Valleys, hills, islands, rivers…  e Ipoly Valley’s un- spoiled beauty and the spectacular views from the Börzsöny Mountains, Szentendre Island locked in by the River Danube and the ever enticing Danube Bend; all these bring to mind the pleasures of boating, wood- land picnics, and romantic sunsets. Take a walk in a fairy tale cave or in the Turján marshlands at Ócsa, or marvel at the birds at the Fertő bird sanctuary at Dinnyés. All will provide an unforgettable experience.

Did you know … – Th e ál-völgy–MátyáshegyP cave system is the second most extensive in Hungary? – Th e air in the Szemlő-hegy caves has proven therapeutic benefi ts, and the cave is accessible by wheelchair? – Dolomite fl ax grows in the Szénások area, and nowhere else in the world? – After a long pause the lynx is back again in Börzsöny – Th ree narrow gauge railways run in the Börzsöny Mountains?

Demonstration sites and Nature trails Pál-völgy Cave (1025 Budapest, Szépvölgyi út 162., Tel.: +36 1/325-9505) – a 60-minute tour, o daily (except Monday) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Szemlő-hegy Cave (1025 Budapest, Pusztaszeri út 35., Tel.: +36 1/325-6001) – a 40-minute tour, o daily (except Tuesday) from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Alcsút Arboretum (8087 Alcsútdoboz, Tel.: +36 20/424-8995, www.alcsu- tiarboretum.hu) – Centenary tree giants, ruins of classicist Habsburg Castle, chapel, doll house, songs of birds and scent of fl owers.o All year daily in good weather from 10 a.m. until sunset. Ócsa Landhouse and Turján House (H-2364 Ócsa, Dr. Békési Panyik Andor u. 4-6. Tel.: +36 30/494-3368, www.ocsa.tajhaz.hu) Rich folklore collection, doll exhibi- tion, handicraft activities, demonstrations of minor professions, rent a bike, guided tours on study trails. o 1st February to 30th November, from Th ursday to Friday, 9. a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends and holidays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visitor and education centres Királyrét Open Air School (2624 Szokolya, Királyrét, Tel.: +36 27/585-625) o all year, by prior appo intment. Szénások European Diploma winning Local Visitor Centre (2084 Pilisszentiván, Bányász u. 17. Tel.: +36 30/663-4669, www.szenas.hu) – Exhibition of local natural heritage, professional guides available for the Nagy-Szénás (2.1 km) and Jági (3.5 km) Nature trails. o all year, by prior appointment. Sas-hegy Visitor Centre (H-1112 Budapest, Tájék u. 26. Tel.: +36 30/408-4370, www.sas-hegy.hu) Interactive exhibition on the fl ora and fauna of the area, guided tours on study trails, wonderful full view to Budapest o 1st March to 31st October, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday 10. a.m. to 6 p.m.

NemzetiPark_Eng_20090216.indd 10 2/16/09 3:23 PM Adventures in the empire of wild geese – the Ferto˝-Hanság National Park This marshy western gateway to Hungary is a land where myths and legends tell of the area’s mysterious past. Much may have changed since then, and today the National Park straddles the border with Austria, but the Fertő and Hanság areas remain outstandingly rich in natural treasures.

Did you know … – Lake Fertő and the land around it are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? – After a hundred years’ absence, there are ospreys nesting at Fertő? – Early spider orchids, once thought to be extinct are now once again found growing in the area? – A wood sandpiper, ringed at the natron lakes was found in Mauritania, Northwest Africa? – A Mediterranean gull, ringed in the Hanság, was found in Spain?

Demonstration sites and Nature trails Kócsagvár (Sarród) – historical exhibition, accommodation and conference hall. Directorate Centre. Free, all year. Esterházy Bird Observation Centre – hundreds of fascinating bird and insect speci- mens native to the Hanság. Open only by prior appointment. Tel: +36 99/537-520 Sziki Őszirózsa Nature trail – a 2½ mile trail, suitable for walkers or cyclists free to visit, off ering an insight into the fl ora and fauna of saline lakes and plains. Vizi Rence Nature trail – adventurous canoe tour in the reeds of FertŐ. Guided tours only. Istók Hany Nature trail (5 km) – excursions alongside the alders and marshes of the Hanság. Ask for the help of professional guides of the National Park. “Tőzike” (Lecuojum) Nature trail (4 km)– alongside Stream Répce, a mixture of oak, elm and ash forest. Millions of fl owering lecuojum (snow fl ake) in the forest, ideal place for excursion.

Visitor and education centre Csapody István Nature School and Visitor Center (Fertőújlak, Tel.: +36 99/537-520, fhnpiinfo@ fhnp.kvvm.hu) – information about the National Park, the attractions, accommodation and restau- rants. Permanent exhibition about the wildlife of Fertő-Hanság National Park – accommodation open all year – ten 4-bedded rooms and one 2-bedded room available.

NemzetiPark_Eng_20090216.indd 11 2/16/09 3:23 PM World Heritage on the Puszta – the Hortobágy National Park Hungary’s first and largest National Park, as well as the largest salt plain in Central Eur- ope. An area in which a unique shepherding culture has evolved over many centuries, ma- nifesting itself in distinctive traditional styles of clothing and architecture, and the tending of particular types of animals are not found elsewhere. These remarkable features combine to form a unique World Heritage site. Did you know … – During the autumn migrations 60 to 70.000 cranes take rest on the Puszta? – Th e world’s biggest fl ying bird, the bustard, lives here? – Grey cattle, at one time an endangered species, are once again to be found grazing in large numbers? – The unique life and traditional working methods of shepherds on the Hungarian Puszta have been maintained to this day, the historic network of roadside inns (csárda), dating back to the ancient “salt routes,” has also been preserved?

Demonstration areas and Nature trails Hortobágy Great-Fishponds Trail (Hortobágy-Halastó, Tel.: +36 52/589-000, +36 52/589-321) – some 300 species of birds have been observed here over the last thirty years. Why not explore the area by Narrow Gauge Railway? Hortobágy Shepherd Museum (4071 Hortobágy, Petőfi tér 1., Tel.: +36 52/369-040) – Housed in a former cart shed and stables dating from the fi rst half of the nine- teenth century, next to the celebrated Nine-Arch Bridge. Exhibits detail how animals are raised on the Puszta, and how herdsmen live on the Puszta. o 1st May to 30th September, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; shorter opening hours out of the main summer season. Máta Stud (Hortobágy-Máta, Tel.: +36 52/589-369) – 300-year-old working stables open to visitors. Horse-drawn carriage riding from April to October. Szálkahalom Nature Trail (2.5 km) – trail starting from the 79-kilometre post on the main road 33 and providing an insight into the plant and animal life in the loess and the plains. Puszta Rare Breeds Park – next to the River Hortobágy, just a mile from the village of Hortobágy, zoological gardens with domestic and farm animals from around the Carpathian Basin. o 15th March to 15th November, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tisza Lake Water Trail (1.5 km)– a glimpse into the wonderful marshy world around Lake Tisza, departing from Poroszló and Tiszafüred boat landings. Visitor and education centre Hortobágy National Park Visitor Centre and Workshop (4071 Hortobágy, Petőfi tér 13.; Tel.: + 36 52/589-000; Tel./Fax: +36 52/589-321; e-mail: [email protected]) Natural history exhibition, National Park tours, lectures and courses, lecture room, information offi ce, craftsmen workshops, souvenir shop. o all year on weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., from 1st May to 1st October also open at weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NemzetiPark_Eng_20090216.indd 12 2/16/09 3:23 PM Between two great rivers – naturally – the Kiskunság National Park  e mosaic patterned national park safeguards the most characteristic natural lands between the rivers Tisza and Danube. Its habitats are salt lakes, salt plains, bogs and marshes, and the backwaters of the River Tisza. Cattle reared in the open air all year round preserves natural landscapes and traditional farming methods.

Did you know… – Th e biggest population of great bustard in Hungary lives on the salt plains of Kiskunság? – A large number of European mud-minnow or dogfi sh(Umbra krameri), highly protected species, live in the bogs of Kiskunság? – Th e “Trail of Birds and Trees”, in the primeval juniper grove at Bugac, introduces the fl ora and fauna of sandy forests.

Demonstration sites and Nature trails Shepherd Museum (Bugac, Tel.: +36 76/575-112, e-mail: bugacpuszta@invitel. hu, www.bugacpuszta.info.hu) – exhibition covering local plant and wildlife, and the traditional lifestyle of the local shepherds; outdoors are examples of shepherd huts and indigenous Hungarian domestic and farm animals. Daily Puszta equestrian shows. o 1st April to 31st October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reconstructed village from the age of Árpád (6066 Tisza alpár, Szent István u. 1. Tel.: +36 76/424-133) – peasant houses, pit houses, stoves, grain stores, cattle pen and well, all faithfully reconstructed with materials and according to tech- niques common in the middle part of the age of Chief Árpád. o 1st May to 31st October, Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Virágh Manor Local History Collection (6090 Kunszentmiklós, Kossuth tér 1/B, Tel./Fax: +36 76/351-271, E-mail: [email protected]) – exhibition coering local history, natural history, and the rich plant and wildlife of the Puszta. o 1st September to 14th June, from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 15th June to 31st August, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Visitor and education centre Nature House (6000 Kecskemét, Liszt F. utca 19., Tel.: +36 76/501-596, +36 76/501-594, e-mail: [email protected]) – exhibitions about the history of nature conservation in Hungary, about the Hungarian National Parks, and about the plant and wildlife in the land lying between the Rivers Danube and Tisza; also traditional handicrafts. o Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tisza Valley Exhibition Centre (Szatymaz, Tel.: +36 30/6380-297) – Exhibition about the protected Lower Tisza area, and the Pusztaszer and Mártély Nature Reserves. Th e nearby lookout tower provides excellent bird watching over Lake Fehér. o 1st April to 15th November: Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.

NemzetiPark_Eng_20090216.indd 13 2/16/09 3:23 PM Land of plains and rivers – the Körös-Maros National Park The Körös-Maros National Park is a mosaic of smaller areas bounded to the north by the River Körös, to the south by the River Maros and to the east by the River Tisza. It is home to several rare animal and plant species that are found either nowhere else in Hungary or only in relatively small numbers. Examples of rare plants found here include nodding sage and Transylvanian adonis, and rare animals Fisher’s estuarine moth, Catopta thrips, the mole- rat, and the great bustard.

Did you know … – Th ere is a great bustard protection station in the Körös-Maros National Park? – Plants and animals once typical of the Hármas-Körös are preserved within the Körös-Maros National Park in the rivers’ backwaters? – Th is is the only place in the world where the Doboz scaly snail lives? – Th e Vésztő–Mágor Historic Centre is the only place in Hungary where visitors can enter a tumulus?

Demonstration sites and Nature trails Nature trail at Kisvátony – 5 mile long trail taking visitors alongside the border of settlements of Geszt and Zsadány providing an outstanding insight into the habitat of the preserved lands of Kis-Sárrét. Kígyós Nature trail (5 km) – in four sections, a trail taking visitors through areas rich in plant and wildlife typical of the Kígyós plains, starting just to the south of Szabadkígyós, itself in the northern part of Nagyerdő. Mágor Puszta Nature trail – a short trail (500 yards) beginning next to the road leading up to the Vésztő-Mágor Historic Centre, giving a remarkable insight into the natural and cultural heritage of this protected area.

Visitor and education centre Bihar Bird Observation Centre (5538 Biharugra, Bihari Madárvárta, Tel./fax: +36 66/498-360, +36 30/687-0816) Open air school, camps, school excursions, overall organisation, accommodation up to 48 persons. o All year, by appointment Körösvölgy Visitor Centre (5540 Szarvas, Anna-liget 1., Tel.: +36 66/313-855, +36 30/475-1789, e-mail: [email protected]) – the “Natu- ral Heritage of the Southern Tisza” perma- nent exhibition, the “Anna-liget” Nature trail, and frequent special events. o 1st April to 31st October Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Réhely Visitor Centre (5510 Dévaványa, Réhely, Tel./Fax: +36 66/483-083, +36 30/445-2409, e-mail: rehely@kmnp. hu) – local natural history exhibition, including special section about the saving of the local bustard population. Indigenous farm and domestic animals, bustards. Accommodation for 48 people, conference room. o 1st April to 31st October Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NemzetiPark_Eng_20090216.indd 14 2/16/09 3:23 PM Unique natural harmony in the land of the Sentries – the O˝rség National Park A land of gentle hills, rivers and streams, pine forests and alder groves, peat bogs and marshlands, butter ies and dragon ies, and the beautiful meandering River Rába…  ere are pretty villages with traditional timber-framed, whitewashed peasant houses, thatched wooden belfries, fruit orchards....  e climate is sub-Alpine and damper than most of Hungary, but the welcome to visitors is unmistakably warm.

Did you know … – Th e so-called “szeres” form of the vil- lages is unique to settlements in this area? – 63% of the Őrség is covered with forest, 3½ times the Hungarian av- erage? – Th e Őrség has been continually in- habited since the Magyar Conquest, earning it the distinction of being one of Hungary’s oldest inhabited areas?

Demonstration sites and Nature trails Traditional Folk Monument at Őrség (Szalafő-Pityerszer) – protected historic buildings typical of the area displaying both the cultural heritage and the eve- ryday life of their inhabitants. Learn how to make traditional handicrafts at the demonstration sessions. o 15th March to 31st October Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 1st June to 31st August daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nature trail at Szala (3.8 km) (Tel.:+36 94-548-034) – the trail acquaints the visitor with the fl ora and fauna of the Szala shore. Tour begins at Szalafő village centre and fi nishes at Őriszentpéter, Guest House at Keserűszer.o Free access or guided tour available. Sárgaliliom (Yellow Lily) Nature trail (Tel.: +36 94/548-034) – a 3½ mile trail from Velemér to Magyarszombatfa, passing through less frequented Belső- Őrség and displaying its less well-known natural and cultural treasures. Visi- tors can complete this trail at their own pace or, by prior arrangement, with a professional guide.

Visitor and education centers Harmatfű (Moor Grass) Nature Conservation Study Centre (Őriszentpéter, Tel.: +36 94/548-034) – information about the National Park. Ideal base (with ac- commodation) for hikers and cyclists all year round. Reservation is recommen- ded for groups. o Daily, except weekends 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. István Bechtold Nature Conservation Visitor Centre (Kőszeg, Tel.: +36 94/563- 174) – interactive exhibition about the local fl ora and fauna, especially suitable for children. Reservation is recommended for groups. o 1st November to 30th April: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 1st May to 31st October, daily, except Mondays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NemzetiPark_Eng_20090216.indd 15 2/16/09 3:23 PM Useful Information

Please browse our website www.hungary.com inviting you with further attractions, pro- grammes and accommodation offers to travel around Hungary!

Ministry of Environment and Water www.kvvm.hu

Tourinform Call Center (0–24h) Tel.: +36 1/438 8080 www.tourinform.hu

National Park Directorates: www.nationalpark.hu

Aggtelek National Park Directorate H–3758 Jósvafő, Tengerszem oldal 1. Pf. 6. Tel./fax: +36 48/506 000 E-mail: [email protected]

Balaton Uplands National Park Directorate H–8229 Csopak, Kossuth u. 16. Tel.: +36 87/555 260 Fax: +36 87/555 261 E-mail: [email protected]

Bükk National Park Directorate H–3304 Eger, Sánc utca 6. * H–3301 Eger, Pf. 116. Tel.: +36 36/411 581 Fax: +36 36 412 791 E-mail: [email protected]

Duna-Dráva National Park Directorate H–7625 Pécs, Tettye tér 9. * H–7602 Pécs, Pf. 312. Tel.: +36 72/517 200 Fax: +36 72/517 229 E-mail: [email protected]

NemzetiPark_Eng_20090216.indd 16 2/16/09 3:23 PM Events Calendar 2009

Name of Event Venue Date Bustard Rutting Apajpuszta 4th April Beginner Fowlers’ Day Alkali Lakes by the Fertő 5th April Events held throughout 18th & 19th and Earth Day Hungary 22nd April Events held throughout Birds and Trees Day 8th to 10th May Hungary

European Events held throughout 23rd & 24th May National Parks Day Hungary 11th Bükk–Aggtelek Szilvásvárad–Aggtelek route 30th May Bicycle Tour Hortobágy-Fish Pond Hortobágy-Fish Pond 13th June Duna-Ipoly National Park Directorate Small Train Day H-1121 Budapest, Költő u. 21. Lavender Festival Tihany 20th June  H-1525 Budapest, Pf. 86. Tel.: +36 1/391 4610, +36 1/391 4626 Tihany 20th June Hungarian National Parks Fax: +36 1/200 1168 In Budapest and in many Week 2009 E-mail: [email protected] other places 22nd to 28th June Őrség Fair Őriszentpéter 26th to 28th June Fertő-Hanság National Park Directorate H-9435 Sarród, Rév-Kócsagvár,  Pf. 4. Szarvas, Körösvölgyi Visitor “Midsummer Night’s Eve” 27th June Tel.: +36 99/537 620, +36 99/537 622 Centre Fax: +36 99/537 621 Hungarian Shepherd Dogs E-mail: [email protected] Barcs-Drávaszentes 4th July Trial Hortobágy National Park Directorate Stork Day Kölked 18th July H-4024 Debrecen, Sumen utca 2. Aggtelek, Betlér,  H-4002 Debrecen, Pf. 216. Égerszög, Gömörhorka, Tel.: +36 52/529 920, +36 52/529 935 Gömörszőlős, Hidvégardó, Tel./fax: +36 52/589 321 Imola, Jablonca, Jósvafő, Fax: +36 52/529 943 23rd July to 2nd 9th Gömör-Tornai Festival Krasznahorkaváralja, Perkupa, E-mail: [email protected] August Rozsnyó, Szádelő, Szögliget, Torna, , Kiskunság National Park Directorate Tornakápolna, , H-6000 Kecskemét, Liszt Ferenc utca 19. Várhosszúrét  H-6001 Kecskemét, Pf. 186. Events held throughout Tel.: +36 76/482 611, +36 76/500 068 Land of Seven Meadows 13th to 23rd August Hungary Fax: +36 76/481 074 E-mail: [email protected] 10th Fehértó (White Lake) Fehértó (White Lake) of 19th September Festival of Kardoskút Kardoskút Körös-Maros National Park Directorate H-5540 Szarvas, Anna-liget, Way to the World Heritage Aggtelek 19th September  H-5541 Szarvas Pf. 72. Saint Michael’s Day 19th to 20th Tel.: +36 66/313 855 Bugac Fax: +36 66/311 658 Festival September E-mail: [email protected] 6th Őrség Nationwide Őriszentpéter, 10th October Őrség National Park Directorate Pumpkin Festival Szalafő-Pityerszer H-9941 Őriszentpéter, Siskaszer 26/A Hortobágy National Park Tel.: +36 94/548 036, Fax: +36 94/428 791 Crane Festival 17th October Visitor and Study Centre E-mail: [email protected] 27th & 28th 9th Tata Wild Goose Day Tata, Öreg-tó November

more information: www.hungary.com

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