Adventures

What makes the Hungarian Puszta so distinctive? What are the characteristics of alkaline soils? Which resilient plants and animals not only survive here but depend on this unique area for their existence? Visitors who take a walk along the Szálkahalom Nature Trail can find answers to these questions.

The Szálkahalom Nature Trail introduces the alkaline habitats of the Hortobágy region. It’s an excellent destination for anyone wishing to explore the unique soil patterns, plants, and animals typical of alkaline environments.

The trail takes its name from the nearby mound, also known as a kurgan. These mounds were built as burial sites 3,000–4,000 years ago and later served as landmarks. This particular mound lies on the border between Debrecen and Újváros, and its name reflects the historical disputes between the two towns, as it was often a "thorn in their sides."

Next to the trail lies the Szálkahalom Forest, an ideal nesting habitat for various bird species. It is home to one of Hungary’s largest rook colonies. Birds such as red-footed falcons, kestrels, and long-eared owls often take up residence in the abandoned nests of rooks.

In spring, the area around the trail is covered with water, creating marshes that attract new bird species. Greylag geese can often be observed during their mating season, alongside great egrets, little egrets, and other wildfowl that gather here to feed. Even from the car on the way to the trail, visitors can enjoy a spectacular bird paradise.

One of the most characteristic mammals of the alkaline steppe is the European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus), a favorite prey of birds of prey, which can also be spotted along the trail.

In autumn, tens of thousands of birds migrate through the Hortobágy region, so it’s common to see cranes, wild geese, and ducks around the trail. Winter is also a great time to visit, as white-tailed eagles are frequent guests in the colder months, and you can also observe birds like twites and snow buntings.

Access to nature trails and demonstration areas requires a national park entry card.

Entry cards are available at:

- The HNP Visitor Center

- Tourinform Hortobágy Office at Vásártér

 - hnp.jegy.hu

How to get there:
By car, from the parking lot near the 79 km marker on Main Road 33, the trail can be accessed on foot.

GPS Coordinates: 47.575236, 21.243314

Visitor Guidelines: Nature Trail of Szálkahalom burial mounds