Hortobagy is the name of both a region and a town in the Great Plain of eastern Hungary. Locally, they call the area
puszta, which means "deserted, flat and barren land.
" (Mirages are somewhat common on hot summer days.) It's worth spending a day just absorbing the lifestyle—the old, rural Hungarian culture is still very evident. Quaint peasant cottages have storks nesting in the chimneys, and pastures are filled with herds of horses. Sights include the nine-span bridge (built in 1827), the Shepherd Museum and a buffalo reservation. If the opportunity presents itself, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
95 mi/153 km east of Budapest.