The Reformed Church of Köröstarcsa gives the town a specific historical focus: it was built between 1794 and 1796 to designs by Ágoston Fischer of Kecskemét. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing this local connection from the other nature and culture attractions in the wider Békés travel region.

The Reformed Church of Köröstarcsa

Two details offer particularly clear architectural points of reference: the detached building faces east, while the tower rises from the west façade. The fire-watch balcony is part of this tower. Together, these features help visitors understand the building’s orientation and the tower’s position. Those interested in historic churches will find specific details here, alongside the construction dates and architect.

Visits by prior arrangement

The Népi Kulturális Ökocentrum és Tájház is another local cultural attraction. Visits are possible only by prior arrangement, so please arrange your visit in advance if you plan to include it in your itinerary.

Nature experiences in the wider Békés travel region

The Körösvölgyi Animal Park is located in Anna-liget in Szarvas, in the wider Békés travel region. The park occupies a 26-hectare grove, with a walking trail of about two kilometres running through the grounds. Along the trail are bird aviaries, animal houses, wetlands and spacious enclosures. The route through the grove offers several opportunities to see animal habitats and wetlands.

The Jégmadár Water Nature Trail starts at the park’s landing stage. It follows a one-kilometre stretch of the Szarvas–Békésszentandrás oxbow lake. Eight floating buoy stations provide information about the oxbow lake and its flora and fauna, mainly for canoeists and rowboaters without an expert guide. The trail can only be reached by canoe or boat. This is an important distinction when planning: unlike the park’s walking trail, this route requires a watercraft.

The Sterbetz István Bustard Conservation Visitor Centre in Réhely, near Dévaványa, focuses on birds. Visitors can see great bustards up close there—the only place in Hungary where this is possible. Guided tours, birdwatching, nature photography, themed programmes and astronomy presentations can be arranged with an expert guide. The Réhely Trail starts and ends at the visitor centre. The Mágor-pusztai Trail offers a different focus: it is just over 500 metres long and lets visitors experience the natural and cultural-historical values of the protected area.

At Kardoskúti Fehértó, wetlands and birdwatching come together. The internationally recognised wetland has been protected under the Ramsar Convention since 1979; two observation towers make it easier to watch the birds. At the Kardoskúti Bird Migration Museum, an interactive exhibition explores bird migration and the region’s distinctive flora and fauna. Another point of interest, Bihari Madárvárta, is three kilometres from the centre of Biharugra and can be reached by a paved road.

Culture, landscapes and when to visit Békés

The wider Békés travel region offers a range of cultural attractions. The collection of the Munkácsy Mihály Museum in Békéscsaba includes natural history, archaeological, ethnographic, historical and art-historical objects. Gyula is home to a 15th-century castle, now considered the only intact lowland brick castle in Central and Eastern Europe. CsabaPark is a gastronomic event centre that preserves, nurtures and presents the traditions of making Csabai sausage; it also hosts the Csabai Sausage Festival.

For an itinerary that combines nature and culture, Békés offers the Wenckheim Tourist and Cycle Route. This themed cycling route leads to the region’s cultural monuments, natural treasures and distinctive landscapes. There is also a specific annual date to consider when planning your trip: Bihari Táj Napja takes place every year on the third weekend of May. Visitors can see wild orchids growing in the Ugrai Meadow, explore the birdlife of the Biharugra fishponds with an expert guide, and take part in other educational and cultural programmes.

Decide which places you would like to visit, then check the available connections before planning your daily itinerary and overnight stays. This way, you can choose your base according to the themes that matter most to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Békés, Mezőberény, Doboz, Bélmegyer.

See the overview of the wider travel region: Békési.