Kiskunság National Park, Hungary
Birds and Budapest in winter
Hungary, 6 days
Winter in Hungary is really exciting. Not far from hte capital city of Budapest there are places within easy reach that hold wintering Red-breasted Goose, Wallcreeper and Alpine Accentor! You visit scenic Lake Tata, which is a significant wintering site for geese within the limits of a city and you can search for Black, Middle Spotted and Syrian Woodpeckers in the forest surrounding the lake. A nearby quarry holds wintering Wallcreeper year by year and fish ponds offer further excellent birding opportunities. Kiskunság National Park is only an hour away from the bustling capital, holding the biggest population of Great Bustard in Hungary. In winter the birds gather in large flocks and are easy to spot on the agricultural fields. The Danube Bend offers scenic landscapes and a medieval castle with wintering Alpine Accentor.
We offer you the possibility of tailor made trips to Hungary in winter as well. If based in Budapest you can make day trips to any of the above destinations or you can spend a long weekend to enjoy nature and culture.
- 6 days in Hungary visiting sites close to Budapest
- start and finish in Budapest
- using 2 accommodations
- visit to Tata to marvel at geese gathering on the lake
- visiting a quarry for wintering Wallcreeper
- 1 day at the Danube Bend visiting a scenic castle with wintering Alpine Accentors
- 2 days in the Kiskunság looking for Great Bustard or Red-breasted Goose
- 2 nights in Tata
- 3 nights Kondor EcoLodge www.kondorhotel.echt.hu in the Kiskunság NP
http://www.ecotours.hu/calendar
- all travel as noted in the itinerary;
- all accommodation based on shared rooms (most rooms are twin bedded), at most locations there are single rooms as well for extra charge (Please ask for a single room at the time of booking!);
- 3 meals per day, generally breakfast at the accommodation, packed lunch, dinner (consists of at least two courses);
- services of the leader(s);
- trip materials.
Not included:
- flights to and from Budapest;
- optional programmes to places of interest and entrance fees involved;
- airport and other departure taxes, tips;
- food beyond generally 3 meals/day mentioned in the itineraries;
- excess baggage charges;
- telephone calls;
- alcoholic beverages;
- compulsory personal insurance.
If you have questions about the inclusion of any cost item, please contact us.
- Generally easy to moderate walks
Based on the species you want to see we might visit other locations near Budapest e.g. the Buda Hills or Börzsöny Hills for woodpeckers (the latter for White-backed). A 2-day visit to Hortobágy NP for wintering Greater Spotted Eagle and geese
Day 1
After arrival to Budapest we take part in a city sightseeing tour or we directly drive to Tata.Day 2
We visit Tata old lake an important wintering place for geese. The forest around the lake is good for Green, Black, Middle Spotted, Lesser Spotted and Syrian Woodpeckers and Hawfinch. We visit a quarry to look for Wallcreeper. The nearby fishpond system is a good place to see White-tailed Eagle, Smew, Red Crested Pochard and Bearded Reedling.Day 3
We visit Visegrád castle at the Danube Bend, a wintering site for Alpine Accentors. Then we drive to the Kiskunság NP birding on the way.
Day 4
We spend a day in the Kiskunság National Park to explore the steppes for Great Bustards and Saker Falcon. Depending on the bird news we might travel further South to search for Red-breasted and Lesser White-fronted Geese.
Day 5
We drive to Budapest airport birding on the way.
