The most characteristic part of the Lowlands, is the Puszta Hortobagy, surrounding Debreczen, and belonging to that City. It covers a surface of 28,000 hectares, and is the purest type of the Hungarian Lowland.

The majesty and beauty of the Hortobagy, lie in its immensity and silence. The tinkle of the cattle-bells, and the sound of the shepherd's flute, are all that disturb this peace. The eye roves without hindrance to the horizon, and sees only plain, infinite plain. Suddenly, a sheet of rippling water appears in the distance; it approaches and recedes by turns, then shrubs and groves, villages, towns, and castles rise up on its shores. Yet when we approach -- all disappear: it was the phenomenon of the mirage, the famous Delibab of the Hungarian Lowlands.

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Adapted from Illustrated Description of Hungary and its Capital