If any publication knows about fascinating travel destinations, it’s National Geographic. The magazine recently put together a list of the places their writers most want to visit, once travel restrictions allow. And, while we can’t say it is ‘no surprise’ that Hungary’s great Hortobágy plains, in the form of the Hortobágy National Park, made the list, it does make sense, given all the area has to offer.

Part of the greater area of the Alföld, Hortobágy National Park is a World Heritage Site, covering 800 square kilometers. Seemingly unimpressive — it is flat grasslands — at first sight, it takes a closer look for the area’s true wonders to reveal themselves. For instance, the plain is on the migratory path for many types of birds. The bird watching is amongst the best in the world. According to the article: “Poor soil for farming helped keep Hortobágy’s mosaic of alkaline marshes, meadows, pastures, and loess-steppe vegetation intact. Free from plowing and significant development, this puszta (barren land) flourished. The resulting rich grassland ecosystem, protected since 1973, provides critical habitat for some 340 bird species, including tens of thousands of winged fall migration travelers, such as gray geese and common cranes, that make the park one of central Europe’s best birding locations.”

Not wanting for other wildlife, water buffalo roam the plain, and there is a reserve for wild endangered Przewalski horses. The steppe is also famous for its domesticated horses, and the horsemen — called csikós — who ride them. When training to ride for his film The Great Wall, Matt Damon spent time learning from Hungary’s best riders, who have practiced the art of mounted archery for centuries. Moreover, the puli, dogs that helped the csikós, are now world famous. Once near extinction, Hungarian Gray Cattle, are also at home in Hortobágy.

Hortobágy National Park may indeed be one of the great treasures of Hungary. Due to its pristine grasslands and natural diversity, it’s only a matter of time, and the right conditions, for it to be an international travel destination. At least the people at National Geographic seem to think so.

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