Northern Great Plain Travel Guide
Discover the cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety, health, and how to get there in Northern Great Plain, Hungary.
- Introduction to Northern Great Plain
- List of Places to Visit in Northern Great Plain
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Great Plain
- Best Things to Do in Northern Great Plain: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Great Plain
- Food and Drink Scene of Northern Great Plain
- Where to Stay in Northern Great Plain: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Northern Great Plain: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Northern Great Plain
- Best Time to Visit Northern Great Plain
- Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Great Plain
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Northern Great Plain: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Northern Great Plain
- Where to Go Next from Northern Great Plain: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Northern Great Plain
Located in the eastern part of Hungary, Northern Great Plain is a hidden gem that fascinates travelers with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenic beauty. There are several small towns dotted across the region, each with its own unique charm, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers, couples, and families alike.
List of Places to Visit in Northern Great Plain
Below are the top attractions to put on your itinerary when traveling to Northern Great Plain:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Debrecen: St. Anne’s Cathedral, Déri Museum, and the Great Reformed Church
- Tokaj: Wine cellars and vineyards, Tokaj-Hegyalja Galleries, and the Tokaj Museum
- Nyíregyháza: Sóstó Zoo, Nyíregyháza Castle, and the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County Museum
- Mátészalka: István Fekete Memorial Museum and the Roman Catholic Church of St. Catherine
Natural Attractions of Northern Great Plain: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Hortobágy National Park: The Great Hungarian Plain’s largest protected area offers a vast plateau landscape, bird watching, and horse shows
- Tisza Lake: Europe’s second-largest artificial lake is perfect for swimming, fishing, and other water-based recreation
- Bukk Mountains: The perfect place for hiking, skiing, and cycling
- Nagyhalom Hill: Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Northern Great Plain
Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Great Plain
For adrenaline seekers and nature lovers, Northern Great Plain offers a variety of hiking and biking trails that showcase the region’s scenic and natural beauty. Here are some of the top routes to explore:
- Hortobágyi Bike Tour: The 25-km route offers a unique way to experience the vastness of the Great Hungarian Plain and the tranquillity of the Hortobágy National Park.
- Tokaj Wine Region Cycle Route: A cycle touring experience with a leisurely pace, discover the beautiful landscape of Tokaj while tasting local wine.
- Matra Mountains Trail: With an elevation of 1,014 meters, Matra is the highest mountain range in northern Hungary, and the trail provides a high-altitude challenge to hiking enthusiasts.
Best Things to Do in Northern Great Plain: Activities and Tours
For those looking for activities and tours while in Northern Great Plain, here are some top recommendations:
- Wine Tasting: Begin your tour of Tokaj and taste the famous locally-produced Tokaj wines from one of its many vineyards.
- Bird Watching: While in the Hortobágy National Park, get the chance to spot unique bird species such as great bustards, red-footed falcons, and eagles.
- Horseback Riding: Take a leisurely horseback ride in Hortobágy National Park to experience the vastness and tranquility of the Great Hungarian Plain.
- Explore Spa Towns: Northern Great Plain is home to several thermal baths and spas, including Tiszaújváros and Hajdúszoboszló.
Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Great Plain
Day 1 - Arrival and relaxing in Tokaj Day 2 - Wine tasting and heritage tour in Tokaj Day 3 - Exploring Debrecen’s heritage sites and natural beauty Day 4 - Trips to various heritage sites and natural wonders of Nyíregyháza Day 5 - Discovering Mátészalka’s historical landmarks and cultural richness Day 6 - Hiking or biking Matra Mountains trail or exploring the Hortobágy National Park Day 7 - Departure from Northern Great Plain
Food and Drink Scene of Northern Great Plain
Must-Try Dishes
Northern Great Plain has an excellent gastronomic reputation, and visitors can indulge in delicious traditional Hungarian dishes such as:
- Hortobágyi palacsinta, a savory pancake filled with ground meat, smothered in paprika sauce
- Madártej, a dessert made with poached meringue or egg whites served with custard or crème anglaise.
- Goulash, a hearty stew made with beef, potatoes, vegetables, and Hungarian paprika.
Local Beverages
Among the beverages, one cannot miss in Northern Great Plain includes:
- Tokaji Aszú, an exceptional sweet wine made from grapes grown in the Tokaj region
- Unicum, a bitter herbal liqueur made with over 40 herbs and spices
Where to Stay in Northern Great Plain: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Northern Great Plain has a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses catering to different budgets and requirements. Visitors can choose from a variety of locations, ranging from small towns to the countryside. Some of the popular places to stay in Northern Great Plain include:
- Hotel Divinus Debrecen
- Boutique Hotel Kristály
- Korona Hotel and Restaurant
- Október Vendégház Mátészalka
What to Buy in Northern Great Plain: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Some of the souvenirs and local products to buy in Northern Great Plain include:
- Tokaji wines and other locally produced wine
- Handmade pottery and ceramics from Nyíregyháza
- Traditional Hungarian folk art and crafts
- Paprika, the spice that Hungary is famous for
Local Culture and Customs of Northern Great Plain
Respect for local customs is an important factor when traveling to Northern Great Plain. The region has preserved its traditional values and customs, including folk art, folklore, and gastronomy. Visitors should follow basic etiquettes of dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Also, it is essential to understand that tipping is a custom followed in Hungary, and one should tip at least 10-15% of the total bill amount in restaurants.
Best Time to Visit Northern Great Plain
The best time to visit Northern Great Plain is during the spring and autumn months, April - May or September - October, where the weather is most pleasant, and the crowds are less compared to the peak summer season. Winter from December to February can be harsh with frequent snowfalls, but it offers a different charm for those who enjoy winter sports like skiing.
Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Great Plain
Do:
- Tip at least 10-15% at restaurants
- Respect the local customs and dress modestly in religious sites
- Enjoy traditional Hungarian food and drinks
Don’t:
- Don’t litter or smoke in public spaces
- Don’t forget to carry suitable attire for hiking and biking trails
Safety and Health
Safety in Northern Great Plain
Northern Great Plain is generally safe for tourists; however, it is advisable to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or late-night walks. As a general precaution, keep your valuables close to you, especially in tourist areas where pickpocketing can happen.
Health in Northern Great Plain
Northern Great Plain has a good healthcare system. The region has several hospitals and medical facilities, and most of the medical staff speaks English. Visitors coming from abroad should get adequate travel insurance before travel and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Getting to Northern Great Plain: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Northern Great Plain
The Debrecen Airport is the closest airport to Northern Great Plain, situated about 15 km from the city center. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, Hungary’s largest international airport, is about 240 km away.
Bus Stations Near Northern Great Plain
There are several bus lines operating through Northern Great Plain and connecting it to major cities across Hungary. Some of the bus stations serving the areas around the Northern Great Plain include:
- Debrecen Bus Station
- Nyíregyháza Bus Station
- Mátészalka Bus Station
Other Options
Northern Great Plain is accessible via train, and there are several daily direct trains from Budapest to Debrecen, Tokaj, Nyíregyháza, and Mátészalka. For more remote areas, renting a car is an ideal option as it gives travelers more flexibility in exploring the region.
How to Get Around in Northern Great Plain
Getting around Northern Great Plain is easy and affordable, with various options such as:
- Public Transport: Northern Great Plain has an extensive public transport network of buses, trams, and trolleybuses, making it easy to travel around towns and respective areas.
- Car Rentals: Visitors can choose to rent a car from any of the rental companies to explore the region.
- Biking: Northern Great Plain has an extensive network of bike paths and rental bikes that make cycling a convenient and enjoyable way to get around.
Where to Go Next from Northern Great Plain: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you’re keen to extend your adventure beyond the Northern Great Plain, here are some nearby destinations to put on your radar:
- Lake Balaton: Hungary’s largest lake and the nearby towns of Siófok, Balatonfüred, and Balatonalmádi are popular summer retreats.
- Eger: Renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and lovely thermal baths.
- Budapest: Hungary’s capital city bustles with life and attracts millions of tourists each year, thanks to its numerous stunning architecture and historical landmarks, such as the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Chain Bridge.
Conclusion
Northern Great Plain provides a blend of cultural, natural, and gastronomic delights, offering something for everyone. From heritage museums and historical landmarks to hiking and cycling trails, the area is a perfect destination for those looking to explore off the beaten path. Plan your next trip to Northern Great Plain, and follow this comprehensive guide, including our recommendations that ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.
