Holiday in Neusiedler See

About Neusiedler See

Lake Neusiedl is Europe's second-largest steppe lake and the only one of its kind in Central Europe — a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Austrian-Hungarian border. With an area of 315 square kilometers but an average depth of only 1.8 meters, it is an unusual body of water: windy, warm, and surrounded by a vast reed belt, which is the second largest in Europe after the Danube Delta. The Pannonian climate with hot summers and mild autumns makes Lake Neusiedl the northernmost steppe lake in Europe and creates ideal conditions for viticulture. The wine towns of Rust, Podersdorf, Illmitz, and Oggau line the shore and invite visitors to wine tastings in historic cellars. The Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park protects a unique landscape of salt lakes, pasture lands, and reed beds, which is home to over 340 bird species — including herons, spoonbills, and great bustards. For water sports enthusiasts, the lake offers perfect conditions for sailing, surfing, and kiting due to its shallow depth and steady winds — Podersdorf is the center of the scene. The approximately 135-kilometer-long Neusiedler See cycling path circles the entire lake (including the Hungarian side) and is one of Austria's most popular cycling tours. The lake festival in Mörbisch and the steppe animal park are additional attractions. In autumn, when the grape harvest begins and migratory birds rest at the lake, the region reveals its special charm.