Natural
Parc national de Hortobágy - la Puszta
Hongrie
Located in eastern Hungary, this national park encompasses the Hortobágy Puszta, a vast expanse of flat grassland and wetland plains that represents one of Europe's most significant steppe ecosystems. The site is characterised by its distinctive landscape of grasslands, alkaline lakes, and marshes that support diverse wildlife and vegetation adapted to semi-arid conditions. Historically, the Puszta has been shaped by pastoral traditions and the grazing of traditional Hungarian livestock, including cattle, horses, and sheep, which have maintained the ecological character of the landscape for centuries. The visual identity of the region is defined by its open horizons, scattered water bodies, and the iconic csárda buildings that dot the plains. As a natural site, Hortobágy demonstrates the interaction between traditional land management practices and the preservation of important habitats for migratory birds and other fauna. The park represents a crucial example of steppe landscape conservation in central Europe, maintaining ecological and cultural values linked to its long history of human settlement and agricultural use.
