Southern Great Plain Travel Guide

Explore the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, accommodation options, local culture and customs, and transportation options in Southern Great Plain, Hungary.


Southern Great Plain is a landlocked region in Hungary that boasts of numerous breathtaking natural and cultural wonders. It is located in Central Europe and is an ideal destination for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, accommodation options, local culture and customs, and transportation options in Southern Great Plain, Hungary.

Introduction to Southern Great Plain

Southern Great Plain is known for its seemingly endless flat landscapes, dotted with ancient architectural wonders, relics of past civilizations, and charming little towns. Spanning across 37,000 square kilometers, the region covers three counties: Bács-Kiskun, Csongrád, and Békés. Here are some interesting facts about Southern Great Plain:

  • The region is home to the Puszta, the largest grassland and steppe in Europe.
  • The Three Rivers Region, where Tisza, Danube, and Sava rivers meet, is located in Southern Great Plain.
  • It is home to many traditional Hungarian dishes, such as goulash and lángos.
  • The region is well-connected with Hungary’s capital, Budapest, with regular shuttle and train services.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Great Plain

Southern Great Plain is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders that you wouldn’t want to miss. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Southern Great Plain:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Szeged Open-Air Museum: showcasing authentic Hungarian country life and culture.
  • Kecskemét City Museum: showcasing the history and heritage of the city of Kecskemét, including 20th-century Hungarian art.
  • Castle of Kiskunhalas: dating back to the 13th century and now houses a museum and exhibition spaces.
  • Ferenc Móra Museum: showcasing the history of the Great Plain region.

Natural Attractions of Southern Great Plain: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hortobágy National Park: a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest protected area in Hungary.
  • Szeged Zoo: home to over 500 species of animals, some of which are rare and endangered.
  • Ópusztaszer National Memorial Park: showcasing the history and heritage of the Magyar Conquest of Hungary.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Great Plain

The Southern Great Plain region is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous hiking and biking trails to explore. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Körös Maros Bike Trail: a 100 km trail that runs across three counties, starting from Szarvas and ending in Szeged.
  • Tisza Lake Bike Trail: a 120 km long trail starting in Balmazújváros and going around Lake Tisza.
  • Kiskunság National Park Hiking Trails: with a variety of trails ranging from easy to moderate, this park is perfect for hiking enthusiasts.

Best Things to Do in Southern Great Plain: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, there are plenty of other activities and tours to enjoy in Southern Great Plain. Here are some of the best:

  • Horse Show: watching traditional Hungarian horse riding performances in the Puszta.
  • Szeged Walking Tour: exploring the city of Szeged with a local guide.
  • Wine Tasting Tour: sampling the region’s best wines with a local sommelier.
  • Bird Watching Tour: exploring the Hortobágy National Park with a local guide.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Great Plain

Here’s an ideal week-long itinerary to explore Southern Great Plain:

Day Activity
Day 1-2 Explore Szeged and its surroundings
Day 3-4 Hike or bike in the Hortobágy National Park
Day 5-6 Explore the Kiskunság National Park and the Three Rivers
Day 7 Visit the historical town of Kecskemét

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Great Plain

No visit to Southern Great Plain is complete without trying the local cuisine and beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Goulash: a traditional Hungarian stew made of beef, vegetables, and spices.
  • Lángos: a deep-fried dough topped with garlic, sour cream, and grated cheese.
  • Fisherman’s Soup: a spicy fish soup made with different varieties of fish.

Local Beverages

  • Tokaji wine: a sweet Hungarian wine made in the Tokaj region.
  • Pálinka: a traditional Hungarian fruit brandy made from various fruits like plum, peach, and apricot.

Where to Stay in Southern Great Plain: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

From budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels and guesthouses, Southern Great Plain offers a wide variety of accommodation options. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Mórahalom Thermal Hotel: a luxurious hotel with a spa and wellness center.
  • Hunguest Hotel Erkel: a 4-star hotel in the heart of Gyula.
  • Fekete Sas Hotel: a charming hotel located in the city center of Kecskemét.

What to Buy in Southern Great Plain: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from Southern Great Plain:

  • Herbal Teas: made from the region’s unique herbs and spices.
  • Embroidered Linen: traditional hand-embroidered linens and fabrics.
  • Pottery: handmade pottery and ceramics from the region’s skilled artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Great Plain

Southern Great Plain is known for its traditional Hungarian customs and festivals. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Busójárás: a carnival in Mohács that celebrates the beginning of spring.
  • Szeged Open-Air Festival: a popular festival featuring music, theater, and dance performances.
  • Kiskunfélegyháza Flower Parade: a colorful parade featuring flower-covered floats and traditional Hungarian costumes.

Best Time to Visit Southern Great Plain

The best time to visit Southern Great Plain is in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are thin. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be bitterly cold.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Great Plain

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Take a hiking or biking tour in the national parks.

Don’t:

  • Take pictures without permission, particularly of locals.
  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting religious sites.
  • Be overly loud or disruptive in public places.

Safety and Health

Like any other travel destination, Southern Great Plain has its share of safety and health concerns. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe and healthy trip:

Safety in Southern Great Plain

  • Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Stay cautious when driving, especially on rural roads.
  • Avoid areas that have a high crime rate.

Health in Southern Great Plain

  • Stay up-to-date on all vaccinations.
  • Be cautious when trying street food.
  • Drink bottled or boiled water.

Getting to Southern Great Plain: Transportation Options and Logistics

Southern Great Plain is well-connected with Hungary’s capital, Budapest, with regular shuttle and train services. Here are the various transportation options in the region:

Airports Near Southern Great Plain

  • Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport: the closest airport, located 160 km from Szeged.

Bus Stations Near Southern Great Plain

  • Szeged bus station: located in the city center, it connects to all major cities in Hungary.
  • Kecskemét bus station: located near the train station, it connects to Budapest and other cities.

Other Options

  • Train: Hungary’s rail network connects to all major cities in Southern Great Plain.
  • Car rental: renting a car is a convenient way to explore Southern Great Plain at your own pace.

How to Get Around in Southern Great Plain

Southern Great Plain has an excellent public transportation system that connects all major cities and towns. Buses and trains are the most common modes of transportation, while renting a bike or car is ideal for exploring the national parks and rural areas.

Where to Go Next from Southern Great Plain: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions from Southern Great Plain:

  • Pannonhalma Archabbey: located 120 km from Szeged, it is a famous monastic site and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Debrecen: located 100 km from Kecskemét, it is the second-largest city in Hungary and is known for its historical landmarks and thermal baths.
  • Lake Balaton: located 200 km from Szeged, it is the largest lake in Hungary and an ideal destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Southern Great Plain is a unique and diverse destination that offers plenty of cultural and natural experiences. With our comprehensive travel guide, you can explore the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, accommodation options, local culture and customs, and transportation options in Southern Great Plain, Hungary.

Szeged, Mathias Church, interieur Szeged, Mathias Church, interieur Tiszaalpár, Kiskunság National Park Tiszaalpár, Kiskunság National Park


    Bács-Kiskun County
    Békés County
    Csongrád-Csanád County