Discover Kondoros: Csárda, culture and nature

When comparing hotels in Kondoros, it helps to consider the area’s main attractions: these include the Kondorosi Csárda, a house with memorabilia, and a lake whose artificial island protects birdlife. The wider Békés destination offers additional, separate nature and culture attractions. You can use these interests to guide your choice of destination.

The Kondorosi Csárda: building history and exhibition

The Kondorosi Csárda was built as a monument around 1740 at the intersection of eight roads and rebuilt in the Baroque style in 1784. It was restored to its original condition and still serves its original purpose today. The two building phases give the site a clear historical context: the original construction was followed by the Baroque reconstruction.

An interactive exhibition at the csárda presents the world of csárdás and the era of the betyárs. The building’s history and an exhibition about csárdás and betyárs thus come together in one place. Those who want to explore these subjects further will find a distinctive cultural attraction in Kondoros.

Culture, memorabilia and culinary heritage

The Táj- és Alkotóház houses memorabilia belonging to people born in Kondoros: Balczó András, Csernus Tibor, Ónodi Henrietta and Kepenyes Pál. It also holds the collection of the Alföldi Vadásztársulat Alapítvány. The two parts of the collection have different focuses: personal memorabilia on the one hand, and a foundation collection on the other.

Kondorosi Gulyás is another of the place’s recognized cultural themes. On 3 October 2019, the dish received the right to use the Hagyományok-Ízek-Régiók (HÍR) trademark from the Magyar Nemzeti Értékek és Hungarikumok Szövetsége. This is a culinary reference specific to Kondoros, dated to 2019.

Birdlife and betyár traditions

The rainwater retention and boating lake on Iskola út was restored by August 2003. An artificial island was created in its centre to protect the area’s rich birdlife. Kondoros thus brings together two distinct themes: the Csárda’s building history and the protection of birdlife at the lake.

Betyár Napok draws on the typical betyár traditions of the Great Hungarian Plain. It presents the history and legends of the betyárs, as well as the region’s equestrian culture. If you want to plan your trip around specific event days, check the dates for your intended visit.

More nature and culture attractions in the wider Békés destination

The wider Békés destination includes other independent attractions. The Körösvölgyi Animal Park in Szarvas is set in a 26-hectare grove. Its approximately two-kilometre walking trail passes bird aviaries, animal houses, wetlands and spacious enclosures. These details about the trail’s length and surroundings describe an experience different from the region’s waterways.

The Jégmadár Water Nature Trail starts at the jetty at Körösvölgyi Animal Park and follows a one-kilometre stretch of the Szarvas–Békésszentandrás oxbow. Eight floating buoy stations share information about the oxbow and its flora and fauna, especially for canoeists and rowers without an expert guide. The trail is accessible only by canoe or boat. Together, these offer two distinct ways to explore: a walking trail in the animal park and a water trail reached by watercraft.

The Sterbetz István Bustard Conservation Visitor Centre in Réhely, near Dévaványa, offers another nature attraction. This is the only place in Hungary where visitors can see great bustards up close. Guided tours, birdwatching, nature photography, themed programs and astronomy presentations are available on request. The on-request option is especially important if you want to include a specific program in your travel plans.

For culture enthusiasts, the collection of the Munkácsy Mihály Museum in Békéscsaba includes natural history, archaeological, ethnographic, historical and art-historical objects. Gyula Castle offers a different historical perspective: built in the 15th century, it is now the only intact lowland brick castle in Central and Eastern Europe. These examples are part of the wider Békés destination, not attractions in Kondoros.

Discover more destinations: Szarvas, Békésszentandrás, Gyomaendrőd

Back to the wider travel overview: Szarvasi.