Paddleboarding on the Hungarian Plain, Lake Tisza

In 1973, a damming project on the river Tisza caused it to spill across some of the wilderness of the Great Plain, creating the expansive waterways of Tisza Lake, or Tisza-tó as the Hungarians call it. They now provide a 127km² oasis for the myriad of flora, fauna and avifauna which live in and around the water, as well as a fresh perspective for those wishing to experience this striking landscape by paddle boarding the Hungarian plain.

Sections of the lake are now part of Hortobágy National Park, Hungary’s first and largest national park and an UNESCO World Heritage Site prized for biodiversity and pastoral history. 

Begin your trip with a visit to Tisza-tó Ecocentre to learn more about this unique ecosystem. Home to Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium and a park dedicated to local wildlife, the centre’s ethos combines education and conservation. Climb its tower for a bird’s eye view taking in the sheer size of the lake.

Blossoming waterlilies and shifting light patterns on the water’s surface will catch your eye and forest and marsh habitats teeming with life on the water’s edge demand attention, but don’t forget to hunt the skies for the menagerie of rare birds which call the lake home. Kingfishers, purple herons, osprey, swallows and black storks are just a few.

The sunsets over Tisza Lake are stunning and we recommend joining the locals and winding down the day on a lakeside terrace sipping cold beer and watching the sun sink through an apricot sky.

Make a night of your trip and experience the pristine dark sky which has guided shepherds for centuries. Hortobágy is Hungary’s largest designated dark-sky area and its flawless skies and huge horizons provide the optimal canvas for star-gazing. You can go on guided star-walks in the national park through the summer months or enjoy the view relaxing on the water-front.

• Sat nav
  47.60453 N 20.71153 E
• Nearest parking
  

  Parking is available on the waterside at Szabics Port.

• Launch point
  

  Launch on the river next to Szabics Port.

• Places to stay
  

  There are many accommodation options in the area. Check Airbnb to stay in local homes and rent out villas. Tisza Balneum Hotel has an outdoor pool, thermal spa and rooms overlooking the lake. For a more luxurious stay, Park 7 offers a pool, spa and sauna and cosy Scandi interiors at good value prices. There are also numerous campsites around the lake, Horgász – és Családi Camping has a restaurant and a large supermarket onsite.

• Places to eat and drink
  

  Fehér Amúr Halászcsárda

  Hop straight off of the water whenever you’re in need of SUP-stenance, this relaxed waterfront affair is open from 10.00-20.00 every day of the year, serving 130 dishes including local specialities.        

  Stég

  This popular leisure centre and fish restaurant at the dam at Tiszafüred hosts live music and is a great place to relax after a day’s paddle. You can even hire a SUP or take a SUP Yoga class here.

  Hello Hal

  Located on the opposite side of Szabics Port, next to the dam, this Hungarian powerhouse serves speciality fish fresh out of the lake.

  There are also bars and coffee shops on the beaches of Tiszafüred, Poroszló, and Sarud. Be sure to try the local Palacsinta crêpes, which come with a choice of- often boozy- fillings, and are dusted and drizzled with icing sugar and chocolate sauce.