More than 340 different bird species have been recorded in the area around Lake Neusiedl. This offers a distinctive way to discover Burgenland, whose tourist attractions also include culture, nature, wine, health and sport. When planning a trip, you can explore nature, historic sites, cycling tours and culinary discoveries as different facets of the region.
Experience nature and understand the landscape
Neusiedler See–Seewinkel National Park offers themed tours throughout the year, each lasting around three hours. Guided tours lead through the Seewinkel landscape. From the border tower at Illmitzer Sandeck, you can look out over the vast reed belt in the national park’s nature zone. A visit also offers the chance to see White Donkeys.
In Burgenland’s nature parks, selected experiences include guided hikes with trained nature guides and canoe trips through river landscapes. Wildlife protection also shapes the region: over recent decades, cooperation between nature conservationists and farmers has saved the Great Bustard from extinction. Birdwatching and nature conservation thus tell two different stories about the landscape around Lake Neusiedl.
Cultural landscapes and history
The Fertő/Neusiedlersee cultural landscape has been a meeting place for different cultures for eight millennia. Lake Neusiedl and its cultural landscape have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2001. Rust offers another aspect of cultural heritage: its historic old town is protected as an architectural ensemble.
In Eisenstadt, the Haydn House commemorates Joseph Haydn: this was the composer’s former home, and original furniture from Haydn’s time is on display there. The tourist information office in Eisenstadt provides hiking and cycling maps to help you find your way on foot or by bike.
Cycle routes and lakeside destinations
The two cycling routes described here differ in their courses and focus. The National Park Cycle Route is a cross-border circuit through Neusiedler See–Seewinkel National Park and along the Einser Canal on the Hungarian side. The B10 Lake Neusiedl Cycle Route is suitable for family outings as well as sporty cyclists. You can choose between them based on each route description and the type of trip you have in mind.
Bicycle ferries dock at the small harbour next to Illmitz lido. As services and timetables are subject to change, it is worth checking the current timetable before setting off. There are also two children’s playgrounds at the lido. As facilities may change seasonally or following renovations, it is best to check the details before your visit.
Culinary routes from north to south
Culinary experiences can be found throughout Burgenland. The Burgenland Culinary Route includes around 200 businesses from Lake Neusiedl to southern Burgenland; the number of participating businesses may change. The route includes business tours. The “Pannonian Delights” route combines nature, cultural treasures and cuisine, passing through a total of eleven villages and towns in southern Burgenland. Its offering may be updated; the route can be explored by car.
“Delights in Uhudlerland” offers another culinary perspective. Typical winegrowers’ snacks are among the offerings; regional agriculture and traditional crafts are presented as part of southern Burgenland’s culinary diversity. Wine and food events take place throughout Burgenland all year round, from north to south. During Martiniloben, wine lovers go from cellar to cellar to taste, assess and name young wines.
More discoveries for your trip
If you would also like to include health and relaxation in your travel plans: AVITA Therme is located in Bad Tatzmannsdorf in southern Burgenland and has more than 2,000 m² of water surface across 15 different thermal pools. Figures for the area and number of pools may change after renovations; check them when planning a specific visit.
Discover more destinations: Rust, Oberwart, Neusiedl Am See, GĂĽssing, Oberpullendorf, Mattersburg, Eisenstadt, Jennersdorf
See the main travel overview: Austria.
