The best hiking routes in Kiskunsági Nemzeti Park, Felső-Kiskunsági-puszta

Kiskunsági Nemzeti Park, Felső-Kiskunsági-puszta offers a flat, open landscape dominated by alkaline grasslands and salt flats. Unlike the forested hills of northern Hungary, this area is characterized by vast, level pastures where the soil is highly saline, leaving white salt crusts visible on the surface during dry periods. Walkers will find a terrain shaped by traditional extensive livestock grazing, with Hungarian grey cattle and Racka sheep still managing the vegetation.

Underfoot, the paths are primarily unpaved, consisting of hard-packed dirt tracks and sandy paths that can become muddy after rain. There are no boardwalks or paved walking trails here, so sturdy footwear is essential. The vegetation is sparse, consisting of salt-tolerant grasses, sea aster, and low shrubs, which means there is no shade or shelter from the elements along the routes.

In late spring, particularly around May, the dry grasslands come alive with nesting birds like the great bustard and various birds of prey, making it a key location for birdwatching. The area is generally quiet, though the vicinity of the visitor centers and designated demonstration farms can see more foot traffic. This is a landscape of subtle details, where the interest lies in the specialized saline flora and traditional pastoral architecture rather than dramatic topography.