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look also:
[The
largest county in the country] + [csongrad-megye
]
The
southern part of the Great Hungarian Plain (the Alfold) boasts sunlit lands,
gastronomic specialities and living, rural traditions. Tourists coming from
Budapest can drive on the motorway as far as Kecskemét; if they then cross the
Danube at Dunaföldvár, they come face-to-face with the captivating beauty of the
Alföld.
The Alföld is very diverse: There are the immense plains between the Danube and
Tisza rivers, the forests of Körösök, and the Tisza itself with its rich flood
plains and wonderful backwaters.
Visitors to the Southern Great Plain should know that Szeged paprika, Kalocsa
embroidery and wall-painting, Halas lace, „Fütyülős” peach brandy, Makó onions,
Baja fish soup with pasta, Szeged hot fish soup, Csaba and Gyula sausage, the
famous delicacy, goose-liver pate, and wine born of a unique sandy soil all come
from this land that „spoils” gourmets world-wide.
The Southern Great Plain stands out for its nature-related tourism: there are
ample opportunities for equestrian, spa, health, ecological and river tourism.
In the Bugac Plains, one can see how the horse farms and pensions seem to grow
naturally from this land famous for its traditional horse-breeding. It’s worth
observing the amazement on the faces of tourists as they watch the Puszta Five
(or, more recently) Puszta Ten shows; it’s fascinating to watch as a team of
spirited horses gallop in harness while the wrangler (csikós) stands on their
backs with the reins and drives them at his own, and the audience's, sweet will.
The vast geo-thermal treasure hiding beneath the surface is the region’s
unrivalled natural gift. There are many thermal baths where the visitor can
experience this treasure for him/herself; among these spas, Gyulai Castle Baths
stands out. With its more than ten indoor and outdoor pools, its shady,
manicured park and full-scale medical treatments, it is a Mecca for people
seeking relaxation. Between relaxing and bathing, guests can take a refreshing
walk in the Castle Park where the unique brick castle looms overhead. The castle
and surroundings are packed every summer during “Végvári Evenings” and “Gyulai
Castle Games” when dramas, comedies, musicals and children's plays are put on by
famous directors.
The national parks and nature reserve areas, Gemenc (a part of Danube-Dráva
National Park), Kiskunsági National Park, Körös-Maros National Park, the vast,
flowing Danube and the „blonde” Tisza, Lake Fehér and Lake Kolon (famous for
their unique bird life), the sand dunes of Kiskunság (fülöpházi hilly land) and
the Szarvasi Arboretum (Pepi Garden), all offer unforgettable experiences for
hikers, cyclists, anglers and hunters. Between the Danube and Tisza and in the
Körös area we can find several holiday camps (Mártély, Szanazug, Csongrádi Körös
Estuary, etc.) where high-quality services and water sports facilities await
tourists.
In the rural settlements we can see numerous forms of village tourism. The towns
- Szeged, Kecskemét and Békéscsaba – with their monuments and airy parks provide
pleasant experiences for tourists. The Cathedral in Szeged, the Town Hall,
Dömötör Tower, the Franciscan Church, the Synagogue and Móra Ferenc Museum will
leave permanent impressions in the souls of sensitive people. After taking in
the view of Kecskemét’s Town Hall, Cifra Palota building, Katona József Theatre,
and the cultured, secession main square, tourists have been heard to refer to
Kecskemét as the „cleanest town in Hungary”.
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