Neusiedl am See

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a picturesque lakeside town? Neusiedl am See, with its stunning landscapes and rich history, is the perfect destination. Located in Burgenland, Austria, this charming town sits on the shores of Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Imagine strolling through vineyards, exploring historical sites, and enjoying breathtaking views of the Leitha Mountains.

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Neusiedl am See is a charming town with about 9,000 residents, located in the Austrian region of Burgenland. Despite its small size, it is the second largest town in this region. The region attracts thousands of tourists every week. It sits on the shores of Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town’s beauty and the lake’s picturesque scenery draw many visitors who come to enjoy its unique charm.

What makes this place so special? The picturesque Lake Neusiedl is one of the few of its kind in Europe. The lake offers stunning views of the beautiful Leitha Mountains. There are also scenic vineyards spread throughout the town.

How to get there: Direct trains run from Vienna to Neusiedl am See, taking you to this picturesque place in just one hour. It’s a good idea to check the local bus schedules before your trip. The local bus can take you to nearby towns where you can admire the lighthouse and see one of the few windmills in Austria, located in Podersdorf. Alternatively, you can go to Frauenkirchen, which also has local bus services. Public transportation in these towns is very well coordinated, making travel easy and convenient.

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Neusiedl am See
Coat of Arms

The town’s coat of arms was granted in 1592 and features three towers on a red background.

History
Neusiedl am See

Neusiedl am See is a very old town. The first mentions of markets in this area date back to 1209, indicating an established settlement. However, the town had its share of misfortune, being destroyed several times in its history (13th century – Mongols, 1605 – Bocskai Uprising, 1683 – Turks, 1708 – Kuruc Rebellion). In 1517, it received the right to hold markets, but it was only recognized as a town in 1926.

The town also suffered during the Napoleonic Wars. Soldiers stayed there for a time in 1809, and the town had to bear the costs of their maintenance and accommodation.

Lake Neusiedl

Lake Neusiedl is extraordinary. Many people associate it only with swimming, sailing, lounging on one of the beaches, or paddle boarding. However, what makes this place unique is that it is a steppe lake, thousands of years old. As a typical steppe lake, it is characterized by cycles of filling with water and then completely drying out, only to refill again to its regular level.

A large part of the lake on the Austrian side belongs to the Esterházy family, one of the most important Austro-Hungarian noble families. With an area of 320 km² (230 km² in Austria, 90 km² in Hungary), it is the largest lake in the country. Although Lake Constance is larger, most of it lies outside Austria’s borders.

The lake is also notable for its extensive reed belt, the second-largest reed area in Europe. In some places, the reeds stretch along the shore for up to 5 km. In the past, reeds were used as building material, which regulated their growth around the lake.

Another distinctive feature is the shallow and relatively constant water level, averaging about 115 cm, with the deepest point being around 2 meters. Most of the lake’s water comes from atmospheric precipitation (up to 80%), with only 20% coming from small streams. The lake has no outflow, so all the water is subject to evaporation. During heatwaves, the water temperature can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, leading to massive fish die-offs; the last such event occurred in 2022.

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Does the lake dry up?

Yes, the lake can almost completely dry up. In the years 1811–1813 and 1864–1870, the lake nearly had no water. This cyclical drying and refilling are part of what makes Lake Neusiedl unique and fascinating.

What to Do in the Area:

• Enjoy One of the Beaches: The beaches are paid, and you need to buy a day pass for about 10 euros, depending on the beach. You can pay by card. Consider renting a SUP board (usually 15 euros per hour, with a 20 euro deposit and an ID) or a boat. The lake is known for relatively strong winds, making it great for sailing sports. Note: On sunny days, it is hard to find a spot in the shade. Sunbeds are available for an extra fee.
• Visit Podersdorf: There is a picturesque beach near a lighthouse on the lake. In the town, you can also see a unique windmill, one of only two such structures in Austria, the other being in Retz.

Where to Eat:

• Der Graf im Stadthaus Neusiedl: Near the center of Neusiedl am See, you will find this restaurant with a 4.9-star rating on Google Maps from over 100 reviews. On some days, they host barbecues where you can eat as much as you want for 20 euros. They also offer a lunch menu, with a three-course meal for just 15 euros.
• Roman’s am See: If you prefer something closer to the water, try this lakeside bar rated 4.6 stars on Google Maps from 19 reviews. Located right by the water, you can enjoy your meal outdoors. They offer a variety of fast-food dishes for about 10 euros.
• Laterndlkeller in Podersdorf: If you decide to visit Podersdorf to see the famous Austrian lighthouse, you can eat at this restaurant, which opens at 4:00 PM. They serve local dishes, making it a great choice if you want a good, relatively inexpensive, and authentic local meal.