Lake Neusiedler See - a natural jewel

UNESCO World Heritage Site as a year-round leisure paradise

World-wide there are more than 700 cultural and natural monuments which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Lake Neusiedler See, Central Europe’s largest steppe lake, can be found on the UNESCO list of extraordinary sites as one of Austria’s 8 sights. Jointly nominated by Austria and Hungary, this cross-border cultural landscape of Lake Neusiedler See comprises the lake and its surrounds in Austria and the Fert-Hanság National Park as well as the Ertörákes settlement in Hungary.


Lake Neusiedler See is an internationally famed sports destination. Sailors, surfers and kiters enjoy the excellent wind conditions in spring and fall which make it a perfect training play ground for all levels of ability. A little bit further from the lake, cyclists, Nordic walkers, hikers and horse riding enthusiasts dominate the scene. Well-marked cycle trails offer 500 km of exploration on bicycle and horseback riding fans are spoilt for choice with 150 km of trails. For golfers, the area’s magnificent golf course, situated at the foot of the Leitha mountain range, provides an enjoyable challenge and unrivalled lake views.



Every summer, culture vultures flock to Lake Neusiedler See. Summer 2005 is will be no exception: the ’operetta’ village of Mörbisch am See will show ’The Merry Widow’ by Franz Lehàr. Opera fans will be delighted with Gearges Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ performed open air in St. Margarethen (from 13 July to 21 August). The Haydn Festival, taking place in Burgenland’s capital of Eisenstadt, will feature a superb range of classical music events (from 8-18 September). Castle Esterházy, Castle Halbturn and Castle Kittsse, numerous galleries and museums will be the venues for interesting exhibitions.

The broad reed belt, the ever-changing play of colors of the water and the splendid rolling vineyards are characteristic of this part of Burgenland, located in the far Eastern tip of Austria.
The Neusiedler See National Park is home to plants and animals from the Mediterranean, Alpine and Pannonian area.
White donkeys, grey cattle and mangalza pigs call this area their home along with hundreds of bird species which can be found in special preservation areas.

Lake Neusiedler See is blessed with 2,000 hours of sun per year, making it ideal for wine growing. Here, famous cooks and scrumptious Pannonian specialties meet with award winning wine, making the entire area a mecca for fine dining. A must-not-miss for gourmets and connoisseurs is the Pannonian Fall Festival which runs from 17 Sep to 13 Nov 2005.

Lake Neusiedler See Card

Every visitor to the region who stays overnight in one of area’s hotels and inns receives a Lake Neusiedler See Card free of charge.

Card holders are entitled to:
* free admission to lake beaches, indoor and outdoor pools
* free admission to museums and concerts
* free admission to themed exhibitions
* free rides on public transportation
* guided city tours of Sopron, Rust and Eisenstadt

The card is available at 20 service centers around Lake Neusiedler See.

Photo credits:
© Nationalpark Neusiedler See Seewinkel
© NTG - Mike Ranz