The 10 National Parks Of Hungary

Hungary, a country in Central Europe, has 10 national parks. These national parks account for 10% of the territory of the country. The other protected areas in Hungary include 145 minor nature reserves and 35 landscape protection areas. The Minister of Agriculture of Hungary governs and manages these protected areas. The country's first national park, the Hortobágy National Park, was founded in 1973.

10. Hortobágy National Park

Located in the eastern part of the country, Hortobágy National Park occupies an area of 800 square km. The protected area was designated as a national park in 1973 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is the country’s biggest national park. The Hortobágy National Park is noted not only for its natural wealth but also for its rich cultural history. The park’s notable features are the Nine-holed Bridge, a dark sky preserve, traditional sweep wells, etc. 342 species of birds including migratory species are found in this park.

9. Kiskunság National Park

Established in 1975, Kiskunság National Park encompasses an area of 570 square km. Also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the national park is located in the Danube–Tisza Interfluve landscape of the country. The national park is unique in that it is not a single territory but comprises of seven distinct units. The Kiskunság National Park features distinct landscapes and biodiversity in different parts through its range. The park is noted for its collection of orchids, marsh tortoises, moving sand dunes, alkali lakes, tourist trails, lookouts, and more. It is often regarded as a birdwatcher’s paradise due to its rich birdlife.

8. Bükk National Park

Bükk National Park is located in located in northern Hungary’s Bükk Mountains. The park encompasses an area of 431.3 square km. It is Hungary’s third oldest park and was established in 1976. The limestone mountains of the park exhibit various karst formations like caves, ravines, and swallow-holes. A 4,000 m long and 245 m deep cave, the Istvánlápa, is located here. Around 90 species of birds nest here.

7. Fertő-Hanság National Park

Located in North-West Hungary, Fertő-Hanság National Park was founded and inaugurated in 1991. The park spans an area of 235.88 square km. The national park attracts a large number of birds due to the presence of the Lake Fertő within its boundaries. This shallow lake provides an ideal habitat for the birds like the common spoonbill, greylag goose, red-breasted goose, etc. The lake also thrives with fish like the northern pike, weatherfish, etc.

6. Aggtelek National Park

Another magnificent national park of Hungary, the Aggtelek is located in the Aggtelek Karst region in the northern part of the country. The park is well-known for its limestone formations and underground caves. It was established in 1985 and was inscribed as part of World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1995. The national park has an area of 198.92 square km and encompasses 280 caves within its boundaries. Europe’s largest stalactite cave is also a part of this national park. Several species of birds like the eastern imperial eagle, Eurasian bullfinch, red-backed shrike, crested tit, etc., are found here. Mammals like the gray wolf, wild boar, Eurasian lynx, etc., also live in this national park.

5. Danube-Drava National Park

Established in 1996, this national park is located in the country’s south-west. It occupies an area of 490 square km including 190 square km of Ramsar wetlands. The national park is rich in bird life with the white-tailed eagle and the black stork having a significant presence at this national park.

4. Körös-Maros National Park

This Hungarian national park is located in the Southern Great Plain of the country. It was established in 1997 in order to protect the birds of the area. A bustard reserve is also present here. Migratory birds including wild ducks, cranes, plovers, etc., arrive here in large numbers during the autumn season.

3. Balaton Uplands National Park

This national park was established in 1997. It covers an area of 570.190 square km. The national park features varied landscape consisting of hills and mountains, karst formations and flat highlands.

2. Őrség National Park

One of the ten national parks of Hungary, the Őrség National Park is located in the Vas county of Hungary. The park covers an area of 440 square km. It is the youngest national park in the country and was founded in 2002.

1. Danube-Ipoly National Park

This national park hosts a great diversity of species of flora and fauna. It was established in 1997 by including the Börzsöny and Pilis national parks within its boundaries. A section of the River Ipoly’s floodplain was also added to the territory of the park.