Neusiedler See National Park

Neusiedler See - Seewinkel National Park in Burgenland is Austria’s only steppe national park, established in 1993. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001 and serves as the country’s first cross-border national park, bordering Hungary’s Fertö-Hanság National Park. The park covers approximately 300 square kilometers, protecting a unique biological border region between the Alps and the Pannonian lowlands.

The landscape is characterized by a mosaic of wetlands, meadows, sand steppes, and rare soda pools. The area consists of 43% reeds, 30% meadows and pastures, and 27% lakes and pools. It serves as an essential stopover for thousands of migratory birds. Half of the park is designated as a nature reserve zone where nature remains untouched and visitors are not allowed. The remaining accessible area is divided into five conservation zones for public use.

Visitors can start their experience at the main information center located north of Illmitz. The park offers e-bike and e-car charging stations to support sustainable travel. Special programs are available for school groups, and the park participates in "Nature Experience Days," offering free participation in activities like photo workshops and bike tours for holders of the Burgenland Card. While general admission to the park is free, specific guided experiences may have fees ranging from €20.50 to €48 per person. The park provides a distinct environment for observing steppe ecology and birdlife, offering a quiet retreat from urban centers. This setting allows travelers to engage with a fragile ecosystem that preserves both natural and cultural heritage.