Autumn Spectacle in Hungary: The Cranes of Hortobágy National Park and the Long-eared Owls of Túrkeve

Are you looking for a nature adventure that combines the excitement of witnessing a massive migration with the quiet charm of the autumn Hungarian plains? "Traventuria" invites you to a 4-day autumn journey to Hungary, organized during one of the most exciting and wildlife-rich periods of the year. At the end of October and the beginning of November, nature in the region presents a true spectacle: thousands of gray cranes gather in Hortobágy National Park, preparing for their journey south, while the first large groups of wintering long-eared owls arrive in the small lakeside towns. This is a time of beautiful sunsets over the steppe and thrilling close encounters with some of Europe's most interesting feathered inhabitants. 🍂

Day 1 (23.10.2026): Budapest - Hajdúszoboszló
Our adventure begins in Budapest, where after meeting at the airport, we head east to the heart of the Hungarian steppe. Our route passes through picturesque flatlands, where we will make brief stops at suitable spots for observing migrating raptors and waterfowl. Check-in, time for a warm dinner with traditional Hungarian dishes and drinks.

Day 2 and Day 3 (24.10. - 25.10.2026): Hortobágy
These two days are dedicated to exploring Hortobágy National Park - a biosphere reserve under UNESCO protection. Together with our guide, we will traverse the vast steppe pastures and the network of enormous fish ponds (Hortobágy-Halastó). We will search for iconic species such as the hunting falcon, imperial eagle, and great bustard while enjoying the grazing herds of the characteristic Hungarian gray cattle of the region.
The highlight of each of the two days is in the late afternoon. Just before sunset, we will take positions by the shallow water basins to observe how the evening sky fills with thousands of gray cranes gathering in huge flocks for overnight roosting. The sight of thousands of birds flying against the backdrop of the fiery autumn sky, accompanied by their characteristic loud calls, is an experience that remains a lifelong memory.

Day 4 (26.10.2026): Hajdúszoboszló - Túrkeve (The Capital of Long-eared Owls) - Budapest and Departure
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head to the nearby town of Túrkeve. It is world-renowned as the "capital of the Long-eared Owl." During the cold months, these elusive nocturnal hunters gather in large groups in the trees, seeking shelter from the wind and predators near humans. Since they sleep peacefully and remain completely motionless during the day, we will have the opportunity to observe and photograph them up close in bright daylight - a remarkable and curiosity-filled encounter.

After bidding farewell to the owls, we head back to the airport in Budapest for our flight to Sofia.

👉Group size: maximum 6 people

👉 Registration
To register, please send an email to [email protected], indicating:

• Your full name in Latin and Cyrillic
• Room type
• Phone number

👉 Price:
Regular price: 325 euros
Supplement for single room accommodation - 25 euros

The price includes:
✅ Transportation
✅ Travel insurance
✅ Organizer representative from Traventuria accompanying the group
✅ Entrance ticket to Hortobágy National Park
✅ Minimum 1 spotting scope for the whole group
✅ Accommodation in a family hotel or guesthouse with breakfast included (3 nights)

The price does not include:
❌ Air tickets - must be purchased after confirmation from the tour operator for a gathered group. It is mandatory to purchase tickets for the flights indicated by the tour operator (you can find them below)
❌ Meals outside of what is stated
❌ Personal expenses

👉 Payment
Payment must be made within 4 working days after receiving the electronic invoice from the tour operator "Traventuria."

✈️ Flights related to the trip (must be purchased individually after confirmation from Traventuria):
Sofia - Budapest 23.10.2026 W64349 WizzAir departing at 11:40.
Budapest - Sofia 26.10.2026 W64350 WizzAir departing at 15:35.

Important information

• Air tickets - must be purchased after confirmation from the tour operator for a gathered group

** The program may undergo changes due to reasons beyond the tour operator's control.
*** If possible, bring your own binoculars, field guide, and field notebook.

Cancellations:
In case of a written cancellation of the trip, the tour operator retains the following penalties:
– up to 30 days before the date of travel – 70 euros per person;
– from 29 to 4 days before the date of travel – 50% of the total package value;
– less than 3 days before travel – 100% of the total package value.