Hajdúsámson: Nature and Local History

The Martinkai-legelő is within the administrative area of Hajdúsámson and lies east of the village of Martinka. It is part of the Hajdúsági Tájvédelmi Körzet, where strictly protected plants and insects can be found. The Reformed Church stands in the town center on Rákóczi utca. The collection of cast-iron stoves is on display in the exhibition room of the Petőfi Sándor Town Library, cultural center, and exhibition venue. The World War memorial is located in Szabadság Square.

The Martinkai-legelő combines two details that are important for orientation: administratively, it belongs to Hajdúsámson and lies east of Martinka. It is also part of the Hajdúsági Tájvédelmi Körzet.

In the wider regional area, the Hungarian pasqueflower is also an important natural feature. It is considered the most valuable part of Hajdúsámson’s natural environment and today survives only on the sandy soils of the Nyírség. Thus, the nature information covers two different geographical levels: the Martinkai-legelő as a specific place and the pasqueflower as a regional reference.

The Reformed Church was built in the late 19th century on foundations that are several centuries old. The history of the first church built on this site is also remarkable: it had Orthodox features. During construction of the present church, foundations of a wall that had surrounded the altar of the original building were discovered. These finds point to Orthodox church architecture. This makes it possible to distinguish different building phases at the same site without conflating them with the later Reformed Church.

The collection of cast-iron stoves offers a different insight. It includes around 180 stoves, 150 charcoal irons, and 80 iron mortars, as well as small sculptures and hanging lamps. The approximate quantities give an idea of the range of objects on display; the smaller objects and hanging lamps are also part of the collection.

The World War memorial originally commemorates 273 victims of the First World War from Hajdúsámson. In 1998, a marble plaque bearing the names of the victims of the Second World War was added, including 122 fallen soldiers from Hajdúsámson and 188 deported Jewish residents. The sculptural group was created by sculptor László Némethy and master stonemason Károly Harró. At Szabadság Square, the later addition can thus be understood alongside the original commemoration.

Those who venture beyond Hajdúsámson to other places in the wider destination of Hajdú-Bihar will find additional nature and cultural experiences. The Hortobágyi Nemzeti Park – the Puszta World Heritage site covers nearly 75,000 hectares in the Great Hungarian Plain in eastern Hungary. The cultural landscape preserves visible evidence of more than 2,000 years of traditional pastoralism.

At Hortobágyi-halastó, nature trails offer walks of 3.6, 5.4, or 10 kilometers; the routes are described as having no difficult sections. The Hortobágy Wildlife Park also offers a bookable Land Rover safari with an expert guide to see wild horses and aurochs. These regional destinations are not in Hajdúsámson itself, but offer distinct themes for broader travel planning in Hajdú-Bihar.

The themes mentioned differ considerably: the Martinkai-legelő represents nature, the church and memorial offer local history, while Hortobágy—with its landscapes, wildlife, and routes—appeals to other interests. First decide which of these experiences you want to shape your trip; then you can search for hotels for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Nyíracsád, Téglás, Nyíradony.

Where is the Martinkai-legelő?

It is within the administrative area of Hajdúsámson and lies east of the village of Martinka. It is also part of the Hajdúsági Tájvédelmi Körzet.

What is known about the Reformed Church?

It was built in the late 19th century on foundations that are several centuries old. Discovered wall foundations point to Orthodox features in the first church built on this site.

What does the stove collection include?

Around 180 cast-iron stoves, 150 charcoal irons, and 80 iron mortars, as well as small sculptures and hanging lamps. The collection is on display in the exhibition room of the Petőfi Sándor Town Library, cultural center, and exhibition venue.

What nature experiences are there in Hajdú-Bihar?

At Hortobágyi-halastó, there are walks of 3.6, 5.4, or 10 kilometers with no difficult sections. A bookable Land Rover safari with an expert guide is offered at the Hortobágy Wildlife Park.

To the overview of the wider destination: Hajdúhadházi.