Hortobágy

Part of the Hungarian Alföld (Great Plain), near Debrecen, containing the country's only remaining natural steppe lands (Hungarian puszta). Its damp pastureland is grazed by livestock.

The containment of the River Tisza from the 1830s prevented flooding and hence the deposit of rich fertilizing mud. The puszta consequently dried up and a large section became alkaline. In the second half of the 20th century, the construction of the large Eastern Main Canal again brought water to the puszta, revitalizing livestock-breeding and allowing the development of arable farming. The Hortobágy is one of the northernmost rice-producing areas in the world. It is also an important resting place for migrating birds.

About half the area of the Hortobágy was designated a national park 1973.