In Békés, a variety of discoveries range from walks through woodland and waterways to birdwatching, museums, architectural history and regional traditions. The experiences differ not only in their themes but also in how you enjoy them: on foot, by boat, cycling or visiting an exhibition.
Water, woodland and trails
The Körösvölgyi Animal Park is set in a 26-hectare woodland in Anna-liget, Szarvas. A walking trail about two kilometres long passes bird aviaries, animal houses, wetlands and spacious enclosures. The walk therefore offers a variety of glimpses into the park’s wildlife and landscape, without limiting the different areas to a single theme.
The Jégmadár Water Nature Trail begins at the park’s jetty. It follows a one-kilometre stretch of the Szarvas–Békésszentandrás oxbow lake. Eight floating buoy stations introduce visitors to the oxbow and its flora and fauna, particularly canoeists and rowboat users without an expert guide. The trail can only be reached by canoe or boat. Unlike the woodland walk, a watercraft is part of the access here; the two experiences offer different ways to explore nature.
The Mágor-pusztai Trail also brings together natural and cultural history as its own distinct theme. It is just over 500 metres long and introduces visitors to the natural and cultural-historical values of the protected area. The length and mode of travel offer practical points of reference when choosing between the trails; no walking time or difficulty level is specified.
Observe and learn about birdlife
At the Sterbetz István Bustard Conservation Visitor Centre in Réhely, near Dévaványa, visitors can see great bustards up close—a unique opportunity in Hungary. Guided tours, birdwatching, nature photography, themed programmes and astronomy presentations can be requested. The Réhely Trail starts and ends at the visitor centre. A circular trail and several nature-watching activities are available there; guided and themed activities are offered on request.
The Kardoskúti Fehértó offers a different perspective on birdlife. This internationally recognised wetland has been protected under the Ramsar Convention since 1979. Two observation towers make it easier to watch birds there. The Kardoskúti Bird Migration Museum has a distinct focus: its interactive exhibition explores the phenomenon of bird migration and the region’s distinctive flora and fauna. On-site observation and an exhibition about bird migration thus offer different ways to engage with nature.
At Bihari Táj Napja, held every year on the third weekend in May, visitors can see wild orchids in the Ugrai Meadow, learn about the birdlife of the Biharugra fishponds on an expert-led tour, and take part in other specialist and cultural programmes. The Bihari Madárvárta is three kilometres from the centre of Biharugra and can be reached by a paved road. The event combines nature observation with other programmes; the Madárvárta provides practical information about distance and road access.
Cultural history and regional traditions
The collection of the Munkácsy Mihály Museum in Békéscsaba includes natural history, archaeological, ethnographic, historical and art-historical objects. This range brings together different fields of knowledge in one museum. Anyone interested in the history and culture of the region will therefore find more than a single collection focus there.
Gyula Castle was built in the 15th century and is now the only intact lowland brick castle in Central and Eastern Europe. Its status as a lowland brick castle makes it a distinctive architectural landmark among Békés’ cultural and historical attractions. The CsabaPark offers a different aspect of regional culture: this gastronomic event centre preserves, nurtures and showcases the traditions of making Csabai sausage, and also hosts the Csabai Sausage Festival.
Cycling route and personal interests
The Wenckheim Tourist and Cycle Route is a themed cycling route where visitors can discover the region’s cultural monuments, natural assets and distinctive landscapes. Together with the hiking trails, nature-watching opportunities and cultural sites, it shows how many different ways there are to experience Békés. These experiences do not form a single type of activity: some take you onto the water, others focus on collections or architectural history, while the cycling route is all about themed exploration by bike.
When looking for a hotel in Békés, you can start by asking yourself whether nature and birdwatching, cultural history, regional traditions or cycling is your priority. Choosing a focus of your own can help you organise the region’s many different themes for your trip, without assuming a particular route or length of stay.
Discover more destinations: Füzesgyarmat, Mezőhegyes, Békéscsabai, Gyulai, Szarvasi, Békési, Orosházai, Szeghalomi, Sarkad Microregion, Mezőkovácsházai.
See the overview of destinations: Hungary.
