A sprawling 4.5-hectare maize field in Kiszombor, Hungary, has been transformed into a massive, fairy tale-themed attraction. Located near the Romanian border, the site features intricate designs carved into the corn, including a castle, a unicorn, and various storybook characters.
The complex layout was envisioned by Dávid Nagy, who utilized spreadsheet software to plot the design. To ensure precision, the maize plants were trimmed when they reached only knee height, allowing for a clear view of the patterns, while drones were employed for final adjustments. The resulting maze spans 2.5 kilometres and is designed to be a challenging experience, complete with numerous dead ends that can easily lead visitors astray, despite the provision of maps to assist them.
The project, which functions much like a giant escape room, was established 18 years ago in the nearby area of Kukutyin. It was originally launched by volunteers from the Kiss Mária Hortensia Local History Circle as a creative initiative to attract visitors to the rural, depopulating region. According to the head of the local history circle and of the project, Erzsébet Endrész, the main aim throughout has been to put Kiszombor on the map for Hungarians and other Europeans who enjoy puzzles. After all, it’s essentially a giant escape room.
The attraction typically draws between two and three thousand visitors annually, who come to navigate the field and participate in traditional skill games. The maze is scheduled to remain open to the public through 22 August.
Children get a map to help them find their way, but it’s still no easy task. The 2.5-kilometre-long maze is full of dead ends, and it’s easy to get lost.
