The Szarvas–Békésszentandrás Holt-Körös, also known as Kákafoki-holtág, stretches across Békésszentandrás and Szarvas. It is 29.2 kilometres long and covers 207 hectares. Water-based recreation, cycling and the history of carpet weaving offer different ways to enjoy the area. You can tailor your stay to whether you are looking for scenery and activities on the water, a bike ride or an insight into local craft history.
Backwater and floodplain landscape
Fishing, recreation, swimming and water sports are possible at the backwater. Local regulations apply to specific activities and may change. Before taking part in an activity, check the current rules.
From the area around Békésszentandrás, the Holt-Körös is most easily reached via Route 44 or the flood protection embankment of the Hármas-Körös. If you want to use the embankment for access, check current access arrangements in advance, as permissions for flood protection embankments can change.
The embankment is also a place for scenic cycling trips. A nature reserve extends along the entire embankment. In the Körös-Maros National Park, the Hármas-Körös floodplain section also includes the area around Békésszentandrás. The Körös floodplain is freely accessible throughout.
Cycling with different focuses
The Körös-völgyi cycling route starts at the Székelykapu in Békésszentandrás and runs, with a few short breaks, as far as Kondoros. The route is protected from traffic on the main road. Take the breaks into account when planning and check current route conditions before setting off.
There are several cycling options: the Körös-völgyi cycling route heads towards Kondoros, while cycling trips are also possible on the Hármas-Körös flood protection embankment. When planning, it is worth keeping the specific route and current conditions in mind.
Carpet weaving at the Bordűr-Sz carpet Museum
The Bordűr-Sz carpet Museum offers insight into the town’s historic carpet weaving. An interactive presentation shows how wool is made into a carpet; several interactive games are designed for different age groups. The combination of local craft history and the manufacturing process makes carpet weaving a tangible cultural theme for your stay.
More perspectives in the wider destination of Békés
In Szarvas, the Körösvölgyi Animal Park is located in a 26-hectare grove. A walking trail about two kilometres long passes bird aviaries, animal houses, wetlands and spacious enclosures. The trail connects a variety of animal and natural areas as a walking experience in the wider destination of Békés.
The Jégmadár Water Nature Trail starts at the pier of the Körösvölgyi Animal Park and follows a one-kilometre section of the Szarvas–Békésszentandrás backwater. Eight floating buoy stations introduce visitors to the backwater and its animal and plant life. The trail is accessible only by canoe or boat and is primarily intended for canoeists and rowboat users without an expert guide.
The activities differ in how you get around: the Körös-völgyi cycling route is the cycling option towards Kondoros; the Jégmadár Trail in the wider destination of Békés is accessible only by canoe or boat. Discover more destinations: Kondoros, Gyomaendrőd, Szarvas.
Go to the overview of the wider destination: Szarvasi.
