Plizio Visual Lab
Lake Tisza
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
geo
Weather…
Water temperature…
Lake Tisza (Tisza-tó) is the largest artificial lake in Hungary and a unique ecological sanctuary located in the eastern part of the country. It was created in 1973 following the damming of the Tisza River at Kisköre, and today it covers an area of approximately 127 square kilometers. Originally intended as a reservoir for agricultural irrigation, the area has evolved into one of Hungary's premier destinations for ecotourism. The lake features a complex mosaic of open waters, shallow bays, islands, and dense reed beds that provide vital nesting grounds for numerous protected bird species. A significant portion of the lake is part of the Hortobágy National Park and is thus protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Lake Tisza Ecocentre in Poroszló houses Europe's largest freshwater aquarium system, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's underwater life. Beyond nature conservation, the lake is a popular spot for water sports, fishing, and cycling.
- Location: Hungary
- Top sights: Óhalászi-kilátó · Tündérrózsa
- Nearby: Pásztó (80 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 1 | 6 | 12 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 23 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 36 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 68 | 79 | 75 | 60 | 56 | 51 | 44 | 44 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Lake Tisza is completely open to the public year-round, offering endless opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and exploring the intricate network of islands and channels from the water or shore.
Typical hours
The lake itself has no opening hours and can be visited at any time of day or night. However, boat rentals, guided tours, eco-centers, and established beaches typically operate during daylight hours from late spring to early autumn.
Photography
The vast water surface, rich birdlife, and lush wetland vegetation provide excellent photography subjects. Early morning mist over the water and spirited sunsets are particularly popular among nature photographers.
Time needed
Depending on your interests, you can spend anywhere from a few hours exploring the eco-center or taking a short boat trip, to several days cycling around the lake or enjoying a relaxing water sports holiday.
Combine with
A trip to Lake Tisza can easily be combined with a visit to the Hortobágy National Park, which is located nearby and features a contrasting landscape of sweeping plains and traditional Hungarian pastoral life.
Getting there
The lake is well-connected by road, and several towns along its shores, such as Tiszafüred and Poroszló, are accessible by train or bus. A dedicated bicycle path completely encircles the lake, making cycling a highly recommended way to get around.
Insider tip
Consider renting a canoe or joining a guided boat tour to navigate the smaller, restricted channels where motorized boats are not allowed, giving you a much closer look at the untouched nesting areas of rare water birds.
Geography
Facts
- Lake Tisza covers a total surface area of 127 square kilometers.
- The lake was established in 1973 after the completion of the Kisköre Dam.
- Portions of the lake are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The Ecocentre in Poroszló features Europe's largest freshwater aquarium.
- The average depth of the lake is approximately 1.3 meters.
- A 65-kilometer-long cycling path completely encircles the lake.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Lake Tisza (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Lake Tisza Eco-centre?
A visitor center in Poroszló, featuring Europe's largest freshwater aquarium.
Can you cycle around the lake?
Yes, an asphalted cycle path approx. 70 km long runs along the embankment.
Is swimming allowed in the lake?
Yes, several designated public beaches await swimmers, e.g., in Abádszalók or Tiszafüred.
Are motorboats prohibited?
Only in certain protected areas; otherwise, their use is permitted.
When is the best time for bird watching?
The spring and autumn periods, during bird migrations, are the most spectacular.
Lake Tisza: where is it located?
Lake Tisza is located in Hungary.
Lake Tisza: what is there to see?
Highlights include Óhalászi-kilátó, Tündérrózsa.
Lake Tisza: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Lake Tisza: why is it worth visiting?
Lake Tisza (Tisza-tó) is the largest artificial lake in Hungary and a unique ecological sanctuary located in the eastern part of the country.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Hungary →
Nearby cities
Poroszló
Poroszló is a charming village located on the western shore of Lake Tisza in Heves County, serving as a premier gateway to the region's d…
Tiszafüred
The 'Capital of Lake Tisza', a center for ecotourism and water sports.
Abádszalók
The watersports hub of Lake Tisza, featuring a massive beach, aquapark, and vibrant summer tourism.
Zsóry (Mezőkövesd)
A historic spa in the Matyó region, famous for its sulfurous water and colorful folk art.
Mezőkövesd
Center of the Matyó culture, known for its colorful embroideries.
Füzesabony
Füzesabony is a Hungarian settlement in Füzesabony District County, with approximately 7.098 inhabitants.
Kunhegyes
Kunhegyes is a Hungarian settlement in Kunhegyes District County, with approximately 6.823 inhabitants.
Berekfürdő
Berekfürdő is a serene spa oasis in the heart of the Great Hungarian Plain, often referred to as the 'Sea of the Hortobágy.' The village …
Mezőcsát
Mezőcsát is a Hungarian settlement in Mezőcsát District County, with approximately 5.578 inhabitants.
Bogács
A cozy resort village at the foot of the Bükk Mountains, famous for its sulfurous spa and wine cellars.
Demjén
A charming village near Eger, famous for its thermal bath located in a massive cascade cave.
Egerszalók
Egerszalók is a world-renowned spa village located in Heves County, Northern Hungary, situated in the valley of the Laskó stream between …
Fegyvernek
Fegyvernek is a Hungarian settlement in Törökszentmiklós District County, with approximately 6.000 inhabitants.
Jászapáti
Small town in Jászság, known for its thermal bath and Baroque church.
Feldebrő
Feldebrő is a quiet village in the Tarna River valley, home to one of Hungary's most significant Romanesque architectural treasures.
History & landmarks
Church Ruin of Tiszaderzs
A medieval church ruin from the 13th century near Lake Tisza.
Szolnok Artists' Colony
The oldest artists' colony in Hungary, located at the confluence of the Tisza and Zagyva rivers.
Hortobágy National Park
Hungary's largest nature reserve and a symbol of the puszta.
Nine-arched Bridge
The longest stone bridge in Hungary and the symbol of Hortobágy.
Bükk National Park
The Bükk National Park protects the diverse flora and fauna of Hungary's most forested mountains.
Nature
🗺️
Nagykunsagi Reservoir
A huge reservoir to ensure irrigation in the Great Plain.
🗺️
Hortobagy-Berettyo
A river connecting the Hortobágy Puszta with the Berettyo.
Tisza at Szajol
A beautiful section of the Tisza near Szolnok.
Zagyva River
A significant tributary of the Tisza, which flows in at Szolnok.
🗺️
Tarna River
A river coming from the Matra, crossing the Heves Plain.
Eger Brook
A brook that flows through the Baroque city of Eger.
🗺️
Hortobagy River
The namesake river of the famous Puszta region.
More places
Tiszafured Fishing Park
A center for sustainable fish farming and fishing tourism at Lake Tisza.
Karcag Windmill
One of the few remaining historic windmills in the Great Hungarian Plain.
🗺️
Jaszbereny Zoo
A small but high-quality zoo, famous for its daily animal feeding shows.
Szolnok Paper Mill
One of Hungary's oldest paper mills, now part of a global group.
Tisza Hotel Szolnok
An elegant Neoclassical building on the banks of the Tisza, with its own thermal bath.
Tiszakurt Arboretum
A beautiful park on the banks of the Tisza, with rare tree species.
Castle of Eger
A historical castle that withstood the Turkish siege in 1552.