Would you be glad to go back and get to know the Tisza River before it was re-routed; back to a time of romantic flood-plains, the harmony of nature and primitive conditions?... If the answer is yes, then come to visit Tisza Lake whose special area hearkens back to a past time of flood-plain conditions and whose varied habitats and plant and animal species have made Hungary and the continent a noteworthy eco-tourism center. Two-thirds of the lake, whose total area is 127 square kilometers, has been designated to fall under the Ramsar Convention because of its notably significant wetland habitats while the Hortobágy National Park has won a place on the list of World Heritage Sites.

It is well worth visiting the special Tisza Lake Wetlands by boat and the trips are not just for experts; these trips are open to anyone interested in the wonders of nature, even as an amateur. Sometimes the boats pass through narrow, winding channels while at other times they ride the waves on a 1000 hectare open water expanse. It is here, too, that one can see Europe’s largest Yellow Floating Heart and Water Chestnut fields, the carpeting of lily pads in the river’s dead branches, and interesting plant life that runs alongside the channels such as bur-reeds and arrowhead grass and the mass of rapacious plants, among them bladder wort, in the more marshy areas. But the main reason you are enticed to take a boat trip is the special world of birds. Currently, of the 380 species of birds that occur in Hungary, more than 200 species can be observed at Tisza Lake. For those truly interested in birds, the tameness of the nesting birds, the mass of birds that arrive here during migration and the rarities attached to this are of special note.

The Lake Tisza Water Walk and Nature Trail

2005 saw large-scale development in the region’s eco-tourism and the Lake Tisza Water Walk and Nature Trail, created in the Poroszló Basin, via which visitors can take in the wonderful living world of Lake Tisza as they walk the 1,500 m of the water walkway. The nature trail jetty can be approached by rowing-boat and can be found about 500m from the Poroszló jetty, but of course can also be reached from any of the moorings of the lake’s other settlements as part of a wonderful rowing tour.

Setting out on the trail, you will walk along a path of planks laid on stilts, that is, you will be progressing along a plank walkway to parts of the lake previously inaccessible. On your way you will come to two bird hides and an 8-metre high bird-watching tower which will conjure up even more excitement. During the tour you can see the water-chestnut area, learn about the world of bulrushes, reeds and flood plains while wondering at the colourful life of the birds and animals living here. Large boards provide a wealth of information about the trail and the nature around it, and with the exception of the tower the path is suitable for wheelchairs. A perfect excursion!

 


Scheduled trips by boat to the Lake Tisza Water Walk and Nature Trail

Every day in season (July - August) between 10.00-18.30, out of season by prior arrangement. Departure every hour on the hour from the Poroszló Delfin jetty, and every hour on the half-hour from the water walk mooring.
(The Delfin jetty can be found in the middle of Poroszló by crossing the road opposite the Öreg Pákász Restaurant and turning left at the top of the dyke.)

Further information: rmitiszato@hungarytourism.hu