LAKE TISZA
Lake Tisza is the second largest lake in Hungary, located in the northern part of the Great Plain. On its 127 km2, countless islands, backwaters and shallow channels alternate with vast open water areas, forming a characteristic mosaic landscape. Lake Tisza is the fourth showcase area of the Hortobágy National Park and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
In 2010, the European Commission declared this area a “European Destination of Excellence” and awarded Lake Tisza the title of “Hungary’s most promising natural water destination”.
The recreation at Lake Tisza is as varied as the landscape itself. In addition to nature walks, there is a wide range of activities from relaxed beaching to water sports.
Lake Tisza is a four-season fishing lake, with a variety of water types, home to most of Hungary’s native fish. Uniquely, it is home to more than 50 species, from catfish giants sleeping in depths of up to 20 metres, to the balinis of the rinsing channels, to pike and carp inhabiting the reed edges, to the zanders who live near the rocks.
The lake offers catching opportunities well above the national average, all in a beautiful natural setting. All year round, you can choose from a variety of fishing locations and methods, as the river, canals, backwaters and reservoir waters offer different fishing opportunities.
Accessible fishing areas have also been set up along the shore, and some marinas have disabled boats for hire.
Lake Tisza Ecocentre
An unmissable attraction of Lake Tisza is the Ecocentre in Poroszlo. Since its opening in 2012, the facility, which showcases the unique wildlife of Lake Tisza, has been a popular attraction. It’s home to Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium, with a 1 million litre capacity system housing giant waterbirds, balinis, pike and catfish, as well as otters and beavers.
Lake Tisza on two wheels
One of the most popular active activities around Lake Tisza is cycling, for which you can rent a normal or electric bike on site. I took the latter for a 65 km ride around the smaller lake, which takes in some of the most beautiful sights on Lake Tisza. If you want to shorten this, you can do so with the new bike ferry between Tiszaderzs and Dinnyéshát, which will make the distance 45-50 km. But for those who want a bigger bite, the big loop and the 90 km will be the perfect choice.
Water Promenade on Lake Tisza
An hour and a half hike and 2000 steps over the water. That’s the sign at the Fűzfa harbour in Poroszló, from where you can take a boat to one of the most beautiful wooden boardwalks on Lake Tisza. The trail, open from 1 April to 31 October, features two bird castles, a resting island, an observation tower and an interactive playground. The 1,500-metre-long boardwalk takes you to the natural values and wildlife of Lake Tisza. You will also get a detailed insight into the life of kingfishers, reed buntings, mud eagles, cormorants and dwarf herons. If we’re lucky, we can get up close and personal. As well as the Lake Tisza Water Walk, if time permits, the Pákász and Tiszavirág nature trails are also worth adding to your bucket list