Lake Neusiedl in Austria is the largest steppe lake in Europe. It is surrounded by unique Austrian nature with reeds and ponds ideal for birdwatching, and well-maintained trails for hiking and biking. Due to its pleasant sunny climate and nice beaches, Lake Neusiedl is great for windsurfing and relaxing summer holidays for the whole family. In addition, Lake Neusiedl region is home to vineyards, small villages, castles and palaces and offers numerous cultural events and culinary experiences.
Varied outdoor activities. The lake is no more than 1,5 m deep which makes the water very warm in the summer months, and ideal for swimming and surfing on Lake Neusiedler. You can also hire a boat and paddle around the lake. The area is popular spot for biking near Lake Neusiedl along well-maintained trails, and hiking near Lake Neusiedl region is enjoyable as well. In winter you can go ice skating or cross-country skiing on Lake Neusiedl.
Cultural attractions. Apart from sports activities, there are many attractions and activities for those interested in history and culture in the region around Lake Neusiedl. The area has been inhabited as early as in the Neolithic period. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, Lake Neusiedl area is home to varied landscape and the picturesque villages surrounding the lake have remarkable architecture. In addition, there are several magnificent 18th and 19th century palaces around Lake Neusiedl. Esterhazy castle and Halbturn castle are also worth visiting. To learn more about the rich history of the area you can visit the interesting museums in the area, such as Mönchhof Village Museum and the Burgenland Provincial Museum. Numerous festivals and events also take place in the villages and towns around Lake Neusiedl in the summertime, including Operetta Festival and Opera festival.
Neusiedler area destinations. Eisenstadt is the provincial capital of the easternmost province of Austria, Burgenland, where the famous composer Josef Haydn lived for 31 years. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Neusiedl near the border to Hungary, Podersdorf am See is a popular holiday destination in the area due to its good wind conditions and beaches.
Outdoor activities, culture and cuisine - Activities and sights around Lake Neusiedl
Covering 315 km², Lake Neusiedl is one of the largest steppe lakes in Europe. The National Park of Neusiedler in the area is home to unique flora and fauna. The large Lake Neusiedl is surrounded by a wetland area with reeds and ponds which are very important breeding grounds for various species of birds. Especially the Seewinkel area is a popular spot for birdwatching around Lake Neusiedl. It is here you can also spot white donkeys, horses, and grey cattle.Varied outdoor activities. The lake is no more than 1,5 m deep which makes the water very warm in the summer months, and ideal for swimming and surfing on Lake Neusiedler. You can also hire a boat and paddle around the lake. The area is popular spot for biking near Lake Neusiedl along well-maintained trails, and hiking near Lake Neusiedl region is enjoyable as well. In winter you can go ice skating or cross-country skiing on Lake Neusiedl.
Cultural attractions. Apart from sports activities, there are many attractions and activities for those interested in history and culture in the region around Lake Neusiedl. The area has been inhabited as early as in the Neolithic period. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, Lake Neusiedl area is home to varied landscape and the picturesque villages surrounding the lake have remarkable architecture. In addition, there are several magnificent 18th and 19th century palaces around Lake Neusiedl. Esterhazy castle and Halbturn castle are also worth visiting. To learn more about the rich history of the area you can visit the interesting museums in the area, such as Mönchhof Village Museum and the Burgenland Provincial Museum. Numerous festivals and events also take place in the villages and towns around Lake Neusiedl in the summertime, including Operetta Festival and Opera festival.
Neusiedler area destinations. Eisenstadt is the provincial capital of the easternmost province of Austria, Burgenland, where the famous composer Josef Haydn lived for 31 years. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Neusiedl near the border to Hungary, Podersdorf am See is a popular holiday destination in the area due to its good wind conditions and beaches.
Photo: saschaaa, used under Creative Commons License (By ND 2.0)
Visit also the village of Rust where you can admire colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. The area, for example Rust and Illmitz, is also well-known for its quality wines.
Practical information for your trip to Lake Neusiedl
Due to its low location Lake Neusiedl enjoys one of the warmest climates in Austria with warm, sunny summers and cool, wet winters. The area is best visited in the summer months from May to August.How to get there. You can travel to Lake Neusiedl area by buses and trains from Vienna, the capital of Austria. There are also scenic ferries across the lake. Car rental in Lake Neusiedl is a good option if you want to visit other interesting destinations in Austria. Lake Neusiedl area is, however, best explored by biking or walking. Bicycle rental is widely available in the area.
Visitor services. There are many cozy guesthouses and hotels around Lake Neusiedl. Camping sites can also be found on the shores of Lake Neusiedl. Local wines can be tasted in the wineries and restaurants around Lake Neusiedl. Taste also local specialties such as fresh fish, game dishes, and wild mushrooms. What comes to the nightlife in the region, there are some bars and clubs around Lake Neusiedl. Comprising of villages, rural areas and small towns, Lake Neusiedl can be regarded a very safe destination suitable for families.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Bratislava, Vienna, Graz, Brno, Lake Balaton (Siofok)
