Őrség National Park Visitor Centre
Vas
Őrség National Park, established in 2002 in Hungary's Vas county, is a vast protected region encompassing 43,933.5 hectares across 44 villages. It conserves the natural and cultural heritage of the historical Őrség region and its surroundings, including the Vendvidék and the valleys of the Rába and Kerka rivers. The park features a cool, humid subalpine climate and diverse landscapes formed by ancient river deposits, with over 200 springs feeding 15 streams and several artificial lakes. Its forests are predominantly beech and pine, home to rare plants like the European pasqueflower, yellow iris, and various sphagnum moss species. The area is a refuge for many insect species, amphibians like the alpine newt and yellow-bellied toad, and birds including the black stork and corncrake. The park also focuses on conservation efforts such as the revival of the Muraközi horse and the reintroduction of the European bison in a protected enclosure. Visitors can explore geological and nature trails such as the Ság Hill trail, which highlight the park's unique geology and biodiversity. The visitor centre provides information and guidance to enhance the experience of this remarkable natural and cultural landscape.
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Tip: The best time to visit Őrség National Park is during late spring and early autumn when the flora is vibrant and wildlife is active. It is recommended to check the visitor centre's opening hours and consider purchasing tickets or guided tours in advance during peak seasons. Various discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Prepare for outdoor activities by wearing appropriate footwear and bringing weather-appropriate clothing.
Interesting facts
- •Őrség National Park covers over 43,900 hectares and includes 44 villages.
- •The park contains more than 200 springs feeding 15 streams, with several artificial lakes created for tourism.
- •It is home to rare plant species such as the European pasqueflower, yellow iris, and various sphagnum mosses.
- •The park supports the conservation of endangered animals like the European bison and Muraközi horse.
- •Szalafő forest within the park has remained untouched by logging or planting since 1950, serving as a natural laboratory for forest ecology.
- •The park hosts approximately 1,500 butterfly species and numerous rare birds including the black stork and corncrake.
History
Őrség National Park was officially established on March 1, 2002, as Hungary's tenth national park, incorporating the historical Őrség region and adjacent areas.
In 2007, it was temporarily merged with Fertő–Hanság National Park for cost-saving reasons but was reinstated as an independent park in April 2008 following protests from professional and civil environmental groups.
The park's territory includes 44 settlements and is part of the Natura 2000 network, with significant areas under strict protection.
Its history is deeply tied to the traditional small-scale farming and forest management practices of the local communities, preserving a nearly natural forest landscape and diverse habitats.
Place Guide
Visitor Centre
The main hub for information about the park's natural and cultural heritage, offering maps, exhibits, and guidance for exploring the area.
Ság Hill Geological and Nature Trail
A trail showcasing the unique geology and biodiversity of the park, including volcanic landforms and diverse plant communities.
Szalafő Primeval Forest1950
An untouched forest area where logging and planting have been prohibited since 1950, allowing natural ecological processes to be studied.
European Bison Reintroduction Site2019
A protected enclosure near Kondorfa where European bison, extinct in Hungary, have been reintroduced as part of conservation efforts.
Contact
Phone: (06 94) 548 036