Tőzegtavak is a peaceful cluster of peat lakes near Dunakeszi, right on the edge of Budapest, where former peat extraction sites have quietly turned into a calm wetland retreat. It's a great pick for anyone wanting a slice of nature without leaving the capital region.

The landscape is made up of small water bodies fringed with reeds and greenery, attracting a variety of waterfowl. In spring and summer the area comes alive with birdsong and lush vegetation, and the flat, easy paths make it enjoyable for a relaxed family walk. In autumn and winter the lakes take on a quieter, misty mood, perfect for nature photography.

How to get there

• Dunakeszi - reachable via local road or bike path, about 15-20 minutes on foot from the town centre, easy route
• Alternatively, cycle from Budapest along the Danube, easy route

Worth knowing: wetlands like bogs and former extraction lakes are often protected 'by force of law' in Hungary, similar to how marshes and soda lakes automatically gain protected status nationwide - a reminder of how delicate these ecosystems really are.