Hortobagy Town Tourist Attractions
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In the middle of the nature reserve lies the town of Hortobágy. There was a csárda (country inn) here at the end of the 17th C.The first csárda was built here in the 1690s. The west wing, in rural Baroque style, was added in 1781, and the Classical east wing in 1815.
Shepherds' Museum
Near the bridge is a Pastoral Museum (Csikómúzeum, Pásztormúzeum), housed in an old wagon shed. Here the visitor can learn something about the life of the "csikós", the horse-riding shepherds of the puszta (cattle rearing, everyday life of the shepherds and cattlemen, pastoral art, etc.)In the "Körszín", a round building with a thatched roof, there is an exhibition providing information on the Hortobágy Puszta region.On the first week-end in July every year international horse shows are held in the Hortobágy Puszta. Events include riding and jumping contests, carriage-driving competitions and traditional equestrian games.Anyone visiting the Hortobágy Puszta has the opportunity to participate in various excursions which provide an insight into rural life, with exhibitions, riding displays and visits to stud farms. In addition, there is the opportunity to observe gray cattle, buffalo and long-horned sheep "in the wild".
Nine Arch Bridge
Near the csárda a nine arch bridge spans the River Hortobágy. 167m (183ft) long, this road bridge was built between 1827 and 1833 to designs by the architect Ferenc Povolny. After 1850, a Bridge Market was established here and became well-known throughout the land. Carrying on this tradition, a very colorful market is held here every year on Constitution Day (August 20th).
Bridge Festival
The Bridge Festival is held every year on August 20th. It is a major folk art event that brings back to life the old traditions of fairs of the last century.
Hortobágy Gallery
Behind the csárda there is a gallery displaying works of art mainly on the "puszta" theme, including some by Mihály Munkácsy, János Pásztor, Ferenc Medgyessy and László Holló.
