Ludaš Special Nature Reserve

Ludaš Special Nature Reserve protects Lake Ludaš, a shallow lake in Vojvodina near Subotica, which has been a wetland of international significance under the Ramsar Convention since 1977. The lake lies on sandy ground between the Danube and the Tisza, at the edge of the Bačka loess plateau. Its northern part is wider and swampy, while the southern part is set into loess with high shores, and its bottom is a watertight layer of white clay covered with mud. Its name comes from the Hungarian ludas, meaning goose. The first act of nature protection came in 1955, and in 1958 the area became a strict nature reserve.

Visiting Ludaš

Reach the visitor centre through the village of Hajdukovo, where there is a parking place. The reserve has a birdwatching hide and an observation tower, and you can walk the north coast. Guided birdwatching tours run from April to September. The lake's Hungarian name means "goose", after the colony of greylag geese that breeds here, and bearded reedling and bittern are among the reed birds. Spring and autumn migrations are best, and the lake is a delight in spring when the yellow iris is in bloom. The reedbeds suit the ringing camps held at the visitor centre.