The bridge was designed by architect Ferenc Povolny as part of the Debrecen-Füzesabony road project.
It is built entirely of stone, specifically tuff, which was transported to the site from the Tokaj-Hegyalja region.
The design includes a 'waist' or a wider mid-section, originally intended to provide space for cattle herds to turn around or be organized during river crossings.
It spans 167.3 meters in total length, making it the longest stone road bridge in Hungary at the time of its completion.
The bridge is a central icon for the annual Hortobágy Bridge Fair, which has historical roots dating back several centuries.
It is located within the first national park established in Hungary, designated in 1973.
The Nine-Hole Bridge is a stone arch bridge constructed between 1827 and 1833, located in the heart of the Hortobágy National Park in Hungary. It features nine arches designed to allow floodwaters to pass beneath while connecting the surrounding wetlands. Built in a classical style, it replaced an earlier wooden bridge that spanned the river. The structure serves as the primary gateway to the Puszta, the vast Hungarian steppe landscape. It is recognized as a significant piece of Hungarian bridge architecture and is frequently associated with local folklore regarding livestock transport. The bridge remains open for pedestrians to traverse and view the vast plains. It is a designated landmark within a UNESCO World Heritage region.
From the banks of the Hortobágy River, slightly offset from the bridge, to capture the symmetry of the nine arches.
Walk across the bridge to access the walking paths leading into the Hortobágy wetlands.
Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Pásztormúzeum (Herdsmen Museum) to understand the local pastoral history.
Wear comfortable footwear as the terrain around the bridge consists of unpaved, uneven steppe soil.
Do not attempt to drive across the bridge as it is restricted to pedestrian traffic and closed to vehicles.
