Guided and independent crane watching in Hortobágy

One of the most spectacular natural events of autumn is the crane migration in Hortobágy. From late September to early November, those wishing to observe these birds – the symbol of Hortobágy National Park – can choose from a range of programmes.

On four wheels in the wake of the cranes – twilight tours

The programme starts at the Hortobágy National Park Visitor Centre. After watching a short educational film and receiving a briefing, participants will travel in their own vehicles, accompanied by a guide, to the designated observation point, where they will wait together for the cranes to return at dusk.

Dates in 2026:
26–27 September, 3–4 October, 11 October, 18 October, 23–31 October and 1 November.
The slots on 10 and 17 October are now full.

Meeting point: HNP Visitor Centre, Hortobágy, 9 Petőfi Square.
Entry fee:
Adult: 3,500 Ft
Child (aged 3–18): 2,600 Ft
Family ticket (2 adults + 3 children): 11,000 Ft

Advance registration and your own car are required for the programme. Participants will be informed of the exact start time by email the day before the tour.

Early-morning car accident

During the dawn walk, visitors can observe the cranes taking flight from their roosts. Participants travel to the site in their own cars and then walk for a short 5–10 minutes to reach the observation point.

Meeting point: LIDL car park in Balmazújváros, 15 minutes before departure
Entry fee: 2,500 Ft per person, payable in cash
Age rating: From the age of 10
Number of staff: a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 30 people

The 2026 dates to be announced in October, you can then apply online.

Individual crane

Those who would like to observe the ravens on their own can try several different locations:

• Between Balmazújváros and Tiszacsege, near the 3-kilometre marker
• At the lookout point on the southern outskirts of Balmazújváros, towards Hajdúszoboszló
• on the section of Main Road 33 between Szálkahalom and the Látóképi fishing lake
• Between Nagyhegyes and Elep
• on the Hortobágy Fish Pond Nature Trail, at Lake Kondás or at Lake V

An admission ticket is required to visit the fish pond nature trail. The use of a pair of binoculars is recommended for observing the wildlife.

Important information

The observation of cranes takes place in their natural habitat; therefore, their presence and numbers cannot be guaranteed. The use of flash photography and artificial light is prohibited on the tours, and it is important to behave quietly to ensure the birds remain undisturbed. Dogs and other pets are not permitted on guided tours.

Layered clothing suitable for the weather, comfortable shoes and a pair of binoculars are recommended. The events will go ahead even in bad weather.

Further information:
HNP Visitor Centre
Tel.: 52/589-000
E-mail: info@hnp.hu

Further details: https://visithortobagy.com/esemenyek/vezetett-turak-a-darvak-nyomaban-3