Hortobágy, the first national park in Hungary, protects the largest continuous native grassland in Europe. This remarkable landscape is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a Biosphere Reserve, and a Ramsar wetland of international importance. Much of Hortobágy has remained largely unchanged since the last ice age, and its vast marshes and alkaline flats create an ideal habitat for wildlife, especially migratory birds.
The region’s lighting management plan places strong emphasis on safeguarding avian species. Within the 10,000 hectares that make up the Hortobágy Dark Sky Park, lighting has been carefully retrofitted to reduce disruption to birdlife and preserve the natural darkness of the area. At the same time, the park supports astronomy enthusiasts by offering guided nighttime walks, educational programs about light pollution, and plans for a public observatory that will give visitors an even deeper connection to the night sky.
Location
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