The Great Bustard, one of the world's heaviest flying birds, maintains one of its most important European strongholds here.
The park specifically protects the unique 'puszta' (grassland) ecosystem, which is characterized by high alkalinity and extreme temperature fluctuations.
The Körösvölgy Visitor Center features a native animal display showcasing species historically indigenous to the region.
The Anna-liget area serves as a botanical and historical parkland with ancient trees predating the modern national park designation.
The region experiences a specific micro-climate that supports rare, warmth-loving butterfly species that are otherwise declining in Europe.
Körös-Maros National Park protects the biodiversity of the Great Hungarian Plain through a mosaic of alkaline grasslands, wetlands, and riparian forests. The park’s administrative center in Szarvas houses the Anna-liget Nature Trail and the Körösvölgy Visitor Center. It is specifically managed to preserve the Pannonian steppe habitat and support populations of rare butterfly species. The landscape is defined by the meandering Körös river system which sustains the wetland ecosystems. Visitors can observe distinct bird species, including the Great Bustard, which is the symbol of the national park. The park covers approximately 50,000 hectares across several disjointed areas in south-eastern Hungary. The Szarvas site serves as the primary educational gateway for understanding the Pannonian basin's ecological heritage.
The wooden observation tower at the Anna-liget Nature Trail offers the best panoramic view of the wetlands.
Bring high-quality binoculars, as the expansive nature of the grasslands makes spotting wildlife difficult with the naked eye.
Wear insect repellent, especially when visiting wetland or riverbank areas during the warmer months.
Check the visitor center website before arrival, as some protected areas are restricted to guided tours only.
Do not attempt to walk through the alkaline plains without a guide, as the terrain can be deceptive and ecologically fragile.
The visitor center may have reduced staffing or limited exhibition access during mid-winter months.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive grassland habitats; refrain from picking plants or disturbing nesting wildlife.
