Hungary

In some ways a trip to Eastern Europe is a long step back in time. Life there now is similar to what it was a century ago in the United States when horses were still important for agriculture and people lived on family farms. The ancestors of modern Hungarians  were the Magyars, renowned horse archers and nomads of the Steppes, who moved into Hungary in the 10th century and made it their home. Their equestrian traditions were much like those of the Mongols. For 2,000 years and more horse archers like the  Magyars dominated warfare from central Europe to China. The success of these mounted archers depended on enormous equestrian skill. Handling a bow takes both hands so they had to direct their horses with their legs and shifts of body weight while they shot and restrung their arrows. The wide and fertile Hungarian plain or Puszta located between the Ottoman Empire in Istanbul and the Austro/Hungarian Empire in Vienna has been a battleground for cavalrymen for over a thousand years. Equestrian traditions are still strong and many different breeds of horses have been developed over the centuries. Away from the city the country is very rural. A large part is wild forest and open farmland with small villages making it ideal for riding.

You will probably arrive via Budapest, often called the Paris of Eastern Europe, which is located astride the mighty Danube River, the second longest of Europe. It has an ancient history dating back to pre-Roman times and its many thermal springs have been appreciated by tourists for millennia. It has numerous museums, cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries. The night life is vibrant and it is worth spending a few days here if you have the time.

  Peak Season

May, June, September, October


  Quiet Season

April, July , August


  Timezone in Hungary

Central European Standard Time (GMT+1)


  International Airports

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)


Climate in Hungary

Southern Hungary has a temperate continental climate and each season brings its own colors, crops and weather patterns. Weather can be changeable and you should be prepared for rain and dress in layers.

  • Spring is a lovely time to visit this part of the country; wildflowers adorn the meadows and you will likely see some of the area’s wildlife. Temperatures from 40-70*F.
  • Summer is hot, but the sunshine brings plenty of crops to the fields, lush meadows and wonderful arrays of locally-grown fruit and vegetables. If you adore the sun and Mediterranean weather, this is the time to visit. When it is very hot, you will usually ride out early in the morning and then again late in the afternoon. Temperatures from 50-85*F.
  • Autumn on the puszta brings pleasant day-time temperatures and harvests, as the forests turn to pools of reds and golds. As fields are cut, they become free for some canters and gallops and wild game is easier to spot. Temperatures from 40-60*F.
  • Winters are usually dry and cold. Near the Christmas season you can usually expect snow, creating a magical landscape with beautiful wintry vistas. 30-50*F.

  Average Temperature

90 °F » 30 °F


Hungary Travel Tips

Be sure to set aside time to visit Budapest, a stunning and interesting city. Euro and credit cards are widely accepted.

 


Homoki Lodge

The Homoki Lodge in Hungary offers fantastic riding opportunities in a setting celebrating the rich uniqueness of the area's culture, where equestrian traditions run deep. With options to stay in luxury yurts and ride Hungarian warmbloods through the southern puszta, the experiences echo traditional practices in totally modern and upgraded ways. The luxury yurts are unique and impressive, and... Read more

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This was a superb trip - the horses are well-cared for and fun to ride, the region is beautiful and interesting, and the lodge offers fantastic, unique accommodations, activities and food. I had so much fun here and I am looking forward to offering this ride!

Megan, Ride consultant 2016

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On Hungary’s Southern Puszta

The introduction to Hungarian culture and history that my stay at Homoki Lodge offered was wonderfully eye-opening to this fascinating region. The lodge and itinerary do a fabulous job of incorporating cultural aspects, from the yurt accommodations, to the saddles you sit in, the wines you drink and the destinations you ride to. All facets seek to celebrate the area’s Magyar roots, in a modern and luxurious way that make them completely enjoyable. There are a variety of yurt options; ours had a jetted tub, a lovely queen bed on a... Read more

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