Discover Eastern Europe's best-preserved natural habitats on this comprehensive 14-day Hungary birding tour. Spring migration transforms Hungary's diverse landscapes into a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, as breeding birds return to defend territories across wetlands, steppes, and ancient woodlands.
UNESCO World Heritage Birding
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Hortobágy National Park, where Asia's westernmost steppes host spectacular species including Great Bustard, Eastern Imperial Eagle, and breeding colonies of Red-footed Falcon. The extensive fishpond systems attract thousands of waterbirds, from Pygmy Cormorant and Ferruginous Duck to rare Moustached Warbler. Visit Kiskunság National Park's alkaline lakes and flooded meadows teeming with herons, spoonbills, and waders.
Woodland Specialties in the Bükk Hills
The deciduous forests and limestone meadows of Bükk National Park reveal an impressive array of woodpeckers—Syrian, Middle Spotted, Black, and elusive White-backed Woodpecker. Search for Collared Flycatcher, Hawfinch, and Lesser Spotted Eagle soaring above century-old oak pastures.
Unique Mammal Encounters
Participate in conservation research projects offering close encounters with dormouse species and bat species during evening mist-netting sessions. Visit facilities showcasing ancient steppe wildlife including Przewalski's Horse and reconstructed Aurochs-like cattle. European Beaver, Red Fox, and Roe Deer frequent the waterways and woodlands.
This Hungary birding tour includes expert local and Inala guides, comfortable en-suite accommodation, all meals, and visits to the Hungarian Meadow Viper Conservation Centre. Experience Europe's hidden natural treasures during peak birding season with intimate small-group sizes of 4-8 participants.
Who is this tour for?
This tour is perfect for birders and naturalists seeking Europe's less-explored wildlife havens, combining excellent spring migration birding with unique mammal conservation experiences.
June in Hungary features pleasantly warm weather with average highs of 26°C (80°F) and lows of 15°C (58°F). Temperatures gradually increase throughout the month, with daily highs rising from 23°C early in the month to 26°C by month's end. This marks the beginning of summer and one of the most comfortable periods for outdoor activities.
Hortobágy National Park (Great Plains)
The eastern steppes experience drier conditions than western regions. The Hortobágy area receives less than 500mm of annual precipitation, contributing to its semi-arid characteristics. June temperatures mirror Budapest's patterns, with warm days ideal for observing steppe species like Great Bustard and raptors.
Kiskunság & Bükk National Parks
Similar conditions prevail across Hungary's other birding locations, with warm, sunny days and occasional afternoon showers. The Bükk Hills may be slightly cooler than lowland areas due to elevation.
What to Expect
Arrive Budapest. After arriving at Budapest Airport, we head towards our hotel where we will meet for a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Budapest (en suite room). Meals included: D.
Leaving Budapest, we head toward our hotel located on the edge of Kiskunság National Park. We will stop to look for the magnificent Great Bustard. The area is also home to Saker and Red-footed Falcon, Montague’s Harrier, while European Roller, European Bee-eater, Eurasian Hoopoe, Golden Oriole and Lesser Grey Shrike are fairly common.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bugyi (ensuite room). Meals included: B, D, L.
Kiskunság National Park hosts one of Europe's largest Great Bustard populations. During our time here we explore the northern part of Kiskunság National Park. Alkaline lakes and flooded grasslands attract abundant herons, egrets, ducks, and waders. Fishponds support Great and Little Bittern, Purple Heron, Eurasian Spoonbill, Garganey, Red-crested Pochard, and Ferruginous Duck. White-tailed Eagle and Eurasian Marsh Harrier hunt regularly. Reed beds hold Bearded Reedling, Eurasian Penduline Tit, Bluethroat, and other warbler species including rare Moustached Warbler. Black Stork feeds in nearby wetlands.
Flooded meadows host breeding Northern Lapwing, Common Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, and Eurasian Curlew, plus migrating Ruffs, stints, and plovers. Agricultural fields support Collared Pratincole colonies and Grey Partridge—one of Hungary's last strongholds. Gravel pits attract Eurasian Stone-curlew, Mediterranean Gull, and Little Ringed Plover. Raptors include Eastern Imperial Eagle, Montagu's Harrier, Red-footed Falcon, and Saker Falcon. We'll visit a Hungarian Meadow Viper breeding centre to learn about conservation efforts.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bugyi (ensuite room). Meals included: B, L, D.
After a final morning birding around Bugyi, we head towards Hortobágy National Park. On the way we stop at a fantastic wetland in Tiszaalpár. This oxbow lake is a nesting site of Pygmy Cormorant, Squacco, Purple and Night Heron, Spoonbill and Ferruginous Duck. In good years Whiskered, White-winged and Black Terns are all possible here. Eastern Olivaceous Warbler is a relatively recent breeder, while Black Stork and White-tailed Eagle nest in the gallery forest of River Tisza.
Accommodation: Lodge in Hortobágy (en suite rooms). Meals included: B, L, D.
Hortobágy National Park, part of the Great Plain or "Puszta," represents Asia's westernmost steppe. This UNESCO site harbors diverse habitats: salt marshes, sedge communities, vast grasslands, and remnant oak forests. A narrow-gauge train will take us amongst the lakes to reach hides overlooking the famous fishponds, where thousands of waterbirds feed. Species include Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, Great and Little Bittern, Squacco and Night Heron, Eurasian Spoonbill, White-tailed Eagle, Bluethroat, Savi's and Moustached Warbler, plus specialty dragonflies. Non-breeding Common Cranes summer here. Dry steppes host Great Bustard, Montagu's Harrier, European Roller, European Bee-eater, and colonial Red-footed Falcons.
We'll visit Hortobágy Wild Animal Park to see Przewalski's Horses and Aurochs-like cattle—reconstructed ancient steppe wildlife—roaming via safari vehicle.
A Lake Tisza boat cruise reveals heron and egret colonies, Great Cormorant, White-tailed Eagle, Greylag Goose, Whiskered Tern, specialty dragonflies, aquatic plants, and possible Eurasian Beaver sightings.
Accommodation: Lodge in Hortobágy (en suite rooms). Meals included: B, L, D.
We leave the Hortobágy area and drive towards the Bükk National Park to spend the following days in that strikingly different and scenic area, crossing the river Tisza on a ferry. Grasslands and agricultural areas are favourite hunting grounds of many raptors including Eastern Imperial Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier, Red-footed and Saker Falcon. Our family run B&B is located at the foot of the Bükk Hills in a picturesque village. It provides great food and tasty regional wine such as the famous ‘Bull’s Blood’. Morning walks in the areas often produce up to 6 species of woodpeckers (Syrian, Middle Spotted, Great Spotted, Green, Black Woodpecker and Wryneck). Sometimes even Grey-headed Woodpecker breed nearby.
Accommodation: B&B in Bükk Hills (en suite rooms). Meals included: B, L, D.
The Bükk Hills feature vast beech woodlands, limestone meadows, and karst formations. It is a perfect area for birding. Raptors soar above valleys while dense forests harbour owls, woodpeckers, and songbirds. In scenic Hór Valley, an old quarry hosts Rock Bunting and butterflies. Woodland species include Hawfinch, Wood Warbler, Collared Flycatcher, Eurasian Nuthatch, and Treecreeper. Great and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers are common; we'll search for elusive Black and White-backed Woodpeckers.
Century-old oak pastures with grazing Hungarian Grey Cattle attract European Bee-eater, Honey Buzzard, Northern Goshawk, Short-toed Eagle, Barred Warbler, Golden Oriole, Wood Lark, and Red-backed Shrike. We'll locate Lesser Spotted Eagle at its hunting grounds and visit a dormouse nest-box project to see all three Hungarian species (Edible, Forest, Hazel).
Evening activities include bat mist-netting with a park ranger—up to 15 species possible—using bat detectors as part of ongoing research. Optional wine tasting in Eger's historic region features the famous Bull's Blood in volcanic tuff cellars with traditional meals.
Accommodation: B&B in Bükk Hills. Meals included: B, L, D.
After a final morning of birding, we will leave the Bükk Hills and travel to Budapest, birding en route.
Accommodation: none. Meals included: B.
13 nights’ accommodation, all meals shown in itinerary, excursions & entrance fees, specialist guiding services, ground transportation.
Flights, personal items, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Price: The above rates are based upon a group size of 4-8 people. If the tour does not achieve minimum numbers, we may offer you the option of continuing with a smaller group size at a small supplement (we would always discuss options with you beforehand).
Meals and drinks: Breakfast generally consists of a buffet-style breakfast with cereal, fruit and yoghurt, and tea/coffee, usually with a selection of meats and cheeses. A full-cooked breakfast is not generally offered at most locations. Lunch will generally consist of a packed lunch-style meal eaten in the field, but we may sometimes eat at a local cafe. Dinner usually consists of several options for the main with the choice of either an appetiser or dessert although sometimes three-course meals are available. Drinks (soft and alcoholic) are generally not included but at lunches and breakfasts, juice may be made available.
The itinerary: While we aim to follow the itinerary as planned, please note that the itinerary provided should only be used as a guideline. Depending on individual trip circumstances, weather, and local information, the exact itinerary may not be strictly adhered to. The guides reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary as they see fit.
Mobility: This tour is suitable for a range of activity levels and there are options for joining some walks and for more relaxed touring nearer the vehicle if you prefer.
There are terms and conditions relating to payments, cancellations, refunds, insurance and responsibility for our tours.
Inala Nature
320 Cloudy Bay Road, Lunawanna
South Bruny Island 7150
Tasmania, Australia
Phone:Â +61 3 6293 1217
Inala Nature acknowledge and pay respects to the palawa people as the traditional and original owners, and continuing custodians of this land, lutruwita, and acknowledges Elders - past and present. Inala Nature Tours and the Inala Foundation Inc are located on lunawanna- alonnah, also known as Bruny Island, the traditional land of the Nuenonne people.
