Winter Love in Burgenland

Experience Nature in the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park 

An unexpected world awaits those who visit the plain in the most eastern part of Austria. Sand steppes,salt ponds, reeds, meadows, and pastures characterise the landscape in the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park. In winter, a thin layer of snow sometimes covers the meadows and the plants encased in ice are a wonderful sight. The space and tranquility have a calming effect, although it’s never completely silent here. The calls of the birds can be hear all year round. Some of the species spend the summer in the national park, others the winter, and then there are birds that are permanent Lake Neusiedl residents. Winter guests include thousands of grey and white-fronted geese, long-eared owls, buzzards, white-tailed eagles, woodpeckers, and many more. Those who would like to learn more about the birds and – above all – see them should take part in one of the tours led by a national park ranger. There are a few dates in the winter programme, but you can also book individual ranger tours. 

Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park extends as far as Hungary and was established in 1993. It preserves and protects a natural area that is unique in Austria. Due to its location on the eastern edge of the Alps and on the western edge of the Little Hungarian Plain, it‘s a historical as well as biological border area. It is home to plant and animal species from Alpine, Pannonian, Asian, Mediterranean, and Nordic regions.

Enjoyment & Wellbeing 

Burgenland has a resounding name amongst connoisseurs. Some of Austria’s best white and red wines are produced in this sunny province. Visitors are always welcome at the local winemakers who are happy to arrange tastings, preferably with advance notice. The restaurants and inns serve up the culinary treasures of the region, from Leithaberg cherries to the meat of the Zickental moor ox. 

Those looking to relax and do something good for themselves should stay at one of Burgenland’s spas. Healing water, the magical surroundings, and knowledgeable staff take care of your wellbeing. On the edge of Lake Neusiedl, for example, you will find St. Martins Therme & Lodge, which also offers excursions into Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park. Families love the Sonnentherme Lutzmannsburg with its baby and toddler spa. Reiters Resort Thermalbad in southern Burgenland is fed by two springs, and the AVITA Therme in Bad Tatzmannsdorf is an exclusive retreat. Styrian Therme Loipersdorf, located on the border with Burgenland, also provides a wide range of thermal delights. Health is the focus at Kur- und Heiltherme Bad Sauerbrunn, as at recently refurbished Kurhaus Marienkron in the north of Burgenland which specialises in gut health.  

Burgenland Facts and Figures 

• 300 hours of sunshine a year 

• Highest mountain: Geschriebenstein near Oberpullendorf, 883 m 

• Lowest point: near Apetlon in the Seewinkel region, 114 m – also the lowest measured point in Austria 

• Lake Neusiedl: one of the few steppe lakes in Europe. Maximum depth 1 m. Can sometimes be skated on in winter 

• 514 wineries listed by gourmet platform Falstaff 

• World’s largest collection of tomato seeds at Erich Stekovics. He has planted more than 3,200 different types in his fields near Lake Neusiedl 

• Burgenland is home to 5 thermal spas. Most of them are associated with one or more hotels: 

• Sonnentherme Lutzmannsburg: Europe’s leading baby and toddler spa. Water slides such as the 270 m "Monster Ride" 

• AVITA Therme in Bad Tatzmannsdorf: 2,000 m² of water, 24 saunas, premium spa 

• St. Martins Therme & Lodge: lodge with 194 rooms and suites, more than 2,000 m² of water. "St. Martin Rangers" accompany tours to the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park 

• Reiters Resort Thermalbad: sulphurous water, 14 pools, 9 saunas, family-friendly Allegria Hotel mit Zugang with access to the spa 

• Kur- und Heiltherme Bad Sauerbrunn: specialises in preventive health care and health retreats 

• Therme Loipersdorf: thermal spa with sauna village, salt grotto, adventure pool, and over-16s area. This Styrian spa is located on the border with Burgenland 

• The choice of Pannonian spas is completed by more than a dozen hotels that either have their own spa or direct access to a public one 

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