The 7 best attractions near Lake Tisza
Lake Tisza is the youngest and second largest lake of Hungary, which is actually an artificial lake, officially called Kisköre Reservoir. In terms of size, it is five times larger than Lake Velence, but it is only one-fifth compared to Lake Balaton. Over the years, it has become a special natural treasure, where multitude of unseen wildlife and exceptional plants have appeared. The lake itself is a stunning sight for visitors, but there are many other attractions in the area worth to explore. In our article, we show you the most significant sights and attractions of Lake Tisza.
Lake Tisza attractions
1. Boating on Lake Tisza
One of the most impressive sights on Lake Tisza is the one and a half kilometer long educational trail in Poroszló, which is now part of the Hortobágy National Park. Its uniqueness comes from a built-in wooden bridge system over the water which guides visitors throughout the lake. The walkway runs around the small inner lake, taking you to two birdhouses and an obserwation tower.
The nature trail can be reached from the Delfin port in Poroszló by regular boat trips, but you can explore the area by organized boat tours as well. During the walk you can get familar with the rich flora and fauna of the lake while enjoying the soothing proximity of nature.
Nature trail on the Lake Tisza (credit: Pxfuel)
2. Sightseeing near Lake Tisza: Lake Tisza Ecocenter
„The Church of Nature” – this is how the Lake Tisza Ecocenter is mentioned, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. Not only Hungarian, but also foreign tourists are interested in the Ecocenter, as it is the home of the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe. In the grandiose building, which also symbolizes a landing swan, allfish species of Lake Tisza and the Tisza river can be admired at 2600 m2.
„The island of ecotourism” offers an entertaining program for young and old alike, where you can pet fallow deer, see pelicans and golden jackals also. Visitors can enjoy otter feeding and go up to the 7 meter high lookout tower, from where the entire Poroszló Basin, and in good weather the Mátra and the Bükk also can be seen.
Tortoise in the Lake Tisza Ecocenter (credit: Pxfuel)
3. Lake Tisza Bird Reserve
The beautiful Bird Reserve is located in the northern part of Lake Tisza, in the Tiszavalki Basin. The area is unique not only in Hungary but in Europe also, that’s why it is strictly protected. The reserve belongs to the Hortobágy National Park and boasts in special fauna and diverse wildlife. Not surprisingly, it has become the part of the World Heritage.
The Lake Tisza Bird Reserve can be reached by boat but only certain parts of it can be roamed offeringa stunning view. Arriving in the nature reserve, you can admire small and large egrets, wild geese, ducks, seagulls, spoonbills, cormorants, kingfishers and brown kites as well. About 200 species of birds can be observed here – this is a must see program for all bird lovers!
A part of the Lake Tisza Bird Reserve (credit: Pxfuel)
4. Lake Tisza sightseeing: the Kisköre Fish-pass
The Kisköre Fish-pass is worth to mention when it comes to attractions near Lake Tisza. The fish-pass has been developed on the base of European examples in order to ensure a continous ecological connection between Lake Tisza and the Tisza River.
The canal dotted with waterfalls is one and a half kilometer long, and consists of 37 water ladder and sluices. For each ladder, the water level difference is 25-30 cm, which helps the fish to swim up and down easier. A monitoring room has also been set up, where the movement of fish can be observed through a window. The easiest way to get to the fish-pass is through the embankment of the lake, but you can hike or even bike around this exceptional place.
5. Óhalászi Island
The Óhalászi Island is one of the most mysterious sights in the neighborhood of Lake Tisza with a history dating back hundreds of years. Once upon a time, there was a village on the site of the island, but in 1876 it was flooded by the Tisza river. Due to the flood, the village was completely destroyed, and people were forced to move from here. Under the bushes and trees, the ruins of the former buildings can be still seen today.
The island can be reached by canoe via a narrow canal. Along the ways you can meet water lily fileds and water fowl. The island has a tower, where you can take an even closer look at the remains of the former village. In 2010, Óhalászi Island was declared as a memorial site.
6. Windmill in Karcag
The Karcag windmill is one of the most valuable monuments of Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok county. The Dutch-type, overhead windmill was built in 1859 by Ferenc Gál. There used to be several mills in the settlement, but only eleven of them were windmills. Today, this is the only one that has survived the trials of time. The building was made with a rotating roof and four wind vanes, and its wall has a couple of windows. Work continued in the windmill until 1949, grinding wheat and grain crops here. Its interior has remained intact, so the visitors can view the whole structure, which is unique in terms of technical history.
The windmill in Karcag in an archive picture (credit: Fortepan)
7. Sightseeing in Tiszafüred
If you visit Lake Tisza, it is worth to explore the lake's capital, Tiszafüred. Here you can see many interesting things. Among others, the Reformed Church built in the 1700s, the Church of Our Lady of Hungary and the Pál Kiss Museum, housed in the Leipzig Mansion. The museum offers permanent and temporary exhibitions, museum pedagogical programs and the Nyúzó Gáspár Pottery Country House is also located in here. In addition to these, there is also a Leather Workshop in the settlement. Here, folk applied arts objects, accessories for archery, and objects of everyday life await at the exhibition.
The Tisza awaits those who come here with many attractions, so it is worth spending several days exploring the area. Polgár is about a 40-minute drive from Poroszló and Tiszafüred, so if you go on a trip, you can book accommodation here. Due to the good accessibility - the M3 and the main road 33 - we can easily reach the sights of the area. Outlet Hotel Polgár is immediately accessible from the M3 motorway: excellent accommodation and great deals await those who wish to relax and unwind. Find us on our contact page!