Neusiedlersee Nationalpark

Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park – A Unique Steppe Landscape

The Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park is Austria's only steppe national park and one of the country's most extraordinary natural landscapes. The protected area spans Austria and Hungary and provides a habitat for more than 350 bird species. Despite its size, there are no mountains here – instead, expansive plains, salt lakes, wetlands, and reed beds characterize the landscape.

The great diversity of habitats within a relatively small area is particularly fascinating. Wet meadows, steppes, salt lakes, and extensive reed belts are often only a few meters apart, creating ideal conditions for numerous animal and plant species. This is why the national park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fertő/Neusiedler See and possesses exceptional ecological value.

Equipped with binoculars, we discovered the special features of this unique landscape and learned why the national park differs significantly from other protected areas. We also received valuable tips on which animals are best observed at which time of year and which locations are best for this purpose.

A Landscape of Contrasts

Between the Little Hungarian Plain and the eastern foothills of the Alps stretches an extraordinary natural landscape. Wet meadows, salt lakes, sandy plains, and Lake Neusiedl with its vast reed belt alternate with the almost treeless Puszta. In the southeastern part of the region lies the Hanság area – also known as Waasen in Austria. This is an extensive moor and marsh landscape that was regularly flooded in the past and today only partially retains its original character.

The Seewinkel region is considered one of the westernmost steppe landscapes of Eurasia and is also Austria's only steppe national park. It forms the western edge of a vegetation zone that extends into Central and East Asia. As a result, plant and animal species can be found here that are otherwise rare in Austria. Each individual habitat has its own unique characteristics – from the climate and vegetation to the animal species that inhabit it.

The National Park Center in Illmitz

Anyone wishing to visit the national park should ideally begin their tour at the National Park Center in Illmitz. There, a modern permanent exhibition provides information about the origin, history, and special features of the protected area. The visitor center also serves as the starting point for numerous guided excursions.

Binoculars are provided for the tours, allowing for good observation of animals even from a distance. Many tours are accessible and take place year-round. Depending on the season, different themes are highlighted – for example, bird migration, flora, or the development of various habitats.

Guided tours can be booked individually, in groups, or with a ranger. Tours by bicycle or e-bike are also available. Specially tailored programs are organized for schools and kindergartens so that even young children can experience the natural world of the national park.

In the following sections, we will present the most beautiful viewpoints and the most interesting places in the national park and show why a visit is worthwhile in every season.

The Most Beautiful Places in the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park

"Hölle" Observation Tower – Panoramic Views of the Steppe Landscape

An ideal spot to experience the national park from a bird's-eye view is the observation tower in the so-called "Hölle" (Hell), a district of Illmitz. Despite its unusual name, it has nothing to do with the underworld. There are various explanations for its origin. It's likely that the name evolved over time from the phrase "Auf der Höhe" (On the Heights). Another theory suggests that the name refers to the hot summers, when fieldwork was particularly strenuous.

At approximately 15 meters high, the tower offers an impressive panoramic view of the vast landscape of the national park. From here, you can see numerous soda lakes, Lake Neusiedl with its extensive reed belt, as well as the Leitha Mountains and parts of the surrounding Hungarian countryside. The flat landscape conveys an extraordinary sense of vastness. On windy days, the waves of the slightly saline Lake Neusiedl are almost reminiscent of a sea coast.

Soda Lakes – Rare Natural Gems

Among the most extraordinary habitats in the national park are the soda lakes. A particularly well-known example is the Illmitz Zicksee. Due to the high salt content, striking white salt deposits form on the shores during dry periods. In hot summers, some lakes can even dry up completely. This has been happening more and more frequently in recent years.

Such bodies of water are extremely rare in inland Europe and offer ideal conditions for many specialized animal species. Wading birds, in particular, find ample food here. During our visit, we were able to observe, among other things, black-winged stilts and avocets searching for small crustaceans in the shallow water.

The tiny prehistoric crustaceans, such as fairy shrimp and Triops, are especially remarkable. Their ancestors existed long before the dinosaurs. With a bit of luck, you might also spot white-tailed eagles, great egrets, lapwings, or even flamingos around the lakes, although these are very rare visitors.

Why the Water Is Salty

The fact that a landscape reminiscent of coastal regions has developed in the heart of Burgenland has geological causes. Around 13 million years ago, the so-called Pannonian Sea covered large parts of what is now the region. After the sea receded, saline deposits remained in the soil.

To this day, groundwater transports dissolved salts to the surface. Together with the dry Pannonian climate, this creates the characteristic soda lakes. Many plant and bird species that live here are usually more commonly associated with seasides than with inland areas.

A Delicate Ecosystem

The salt lakes are among the most sensitive habitats in the national park. They have neither natural inlets nor outlets and are entirely dependent on precipitation and the groundwater level. Fluctuations in the water level and a sufficiently high salinity are crucial for their survival.

If the groundwater level drops permanently, less salt reaches the surface. As a result, reeds, grasses, and shrubs spread and displace those plant species that are specialized to saline soils. At the same time, numerous bird species lose important resting and feeding grounds.

To prevent this development, various management measures are implemented. These include regulating the water balance, grazing by livestock, regular mowing, and the removal of woody vegetation. The goal is to preserve the open landscapes in the long term and maintain the unique character of the salt lakes.

The Reed Belt of Lake Neusiedl

Approximately 180 square kilometers of reeds surround Lake Neusiedl and form one of the largest contiguous reed beds in Europe. This area provides a protected breeding and habitat for numerous bird species.

Those who explore the wooden boardwalks along the reeds will quickly sense the special atmosphere. The light, salty breeze and the calls of the gulls are more reminiscent of a seaside holiday than a lake in eastern Austria.

With a little patience, you can observe, among other things, purple herons, reed warblers, ferruginous ducks, black-headed gulls, as well as otters and beavers.

Sandeck – A Paradise for Nature and Bird Lovers

Another highlight of the national park is Sandeck. Nature photographers and birdwatchers especially appreciate this tranquil area, as there is no traffic and the wildlife can be observed almost undisturbed.

A particular highlight is the Austro-Hungarian White Baroque donkey. This rare breed of domestic animal originated in the Baroque era and was considered a status symbol of the nobility at that time. Contrary to popular belief, these are not albinos, but rather a distinct and extremely rare breed.

Sandeck also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. Numerous species are particularly active in late April and early May. In autumn, thousands of migrating cranes create an impressive natural spectacle. Furthermore, the area is one of the most beautiful spots in the national park to experience a sunset.

A Paradise for Wildlife Observers

The Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park is one of Austria's most biodiverse natural areas. Even during the drive between the various observation points, numerous animals can be spotted. The large populations of greylag geese, found in many parts of the protected area, are particularly striking.

In total, more than 350 bird species have been recorded here. Besides the ubiquitous greylag geese, visitors can observe bee-eaters, red-footed falcons, cuckoos, great egrets, and various birds of prey, among others. The diversity of species changes significantly depending on the season, making each visit a unique experience.

In addition to the birdlife, large grazing animals also play an important role in the national park. Grey cattle, Asian water buffalo, Przewalski's horses, and the rare white baroque donkeys contribute to maintaining the open landscapes through their grazing. With a bit of luck, golden jackals, which have now permanently resettled in the area, can even be observed in the early morning or evening hours.

Binoculars are essential equipment for a visit to the national park. Many animals stay at a distance and can be observed undisturbed with binoculars. For those who want to explore as much of the park as possible, cycling is particularly convenient. However, the often strong winds in the open steppe landscape should not be underestimated.

To protect the delicate ecosystem, visitors must stay on designated paths throughout the national park. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

Summer and Autumn

During the summer months, temperatures in the steppe landscape often rise significantly. Therefore, excursions in the early morning or evening are recommended. During this time, activities such as canoeing, guided night hikes, and excursions to explore the flora and insect life of the Seewinkel region are offered.

Autumn is all about bird migration. As early as September, numerous species begin their journey to their wintering grounds. November is a particular highlight, when thousands of cranes use the national park as a resting place. This impressive natural spectacle attracts numerous nature lovers and photographers every year.

An Extraordinary Cultural Landscape

The Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park differs significantly from many well-known national parks worldwide. While national parks are often associated with untouched wilderness, this protected area is closely linked to a cultural landscape shaped over centuries.

Its current appearance arose not only from natural processes but also from careful human management. It is precisely this interplay between nature and traditional land use that defines the unique character of the national park.

From Iron Curtain to Protected Area

The creation of the national park is closely linked to European history. During the Cold War, the Iron Curtain ran along the Austro-Hungarian border. For decades, this border region was virtually inaccessible, allowing many habitats to develop almost undisturbed.

After the end of the Cold War, the high ecological value of this area was recognized. In the early 1990s, both Hungary and Austria placed their respective areas under protection. This led to the development of one of the few cross-border national parks in Europe.

Nature Conservation and Agriculture in Harmony

A special feature of the national park is the close cooperation with landowners. Approximately half of the area is designated as a nature zone under strict protection and is left entirely to its own devices. The other half forms the so-called conservation zone.

There, meadows and pastures are managed according to clear nature conservation guidelines. The goal is not agricultural production, but rather the preservation of the biodiverse landscape. Viticulture, arable farming, and vegetable cultivation are not permitted within the national park, even if such areas border directly on the protected area.

Many properties are privately owned. The national park leases numerous areas and works closely with farmers. Extensive grazing and regular maintenance measures ensure the long-term preservation of valuable habitats such as meadows, salt lakes, and steppes.

A rare natural experience

The Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park uniquely combines extraordinary landscapes, impressive biodiversity, and a fascinating history. The combination of steppe landscapes, reed beds, salt lakes, and traditional farming practices makes this protected area one of Austria's most captivating natural destinations.

Whether you're a birdwatcher, photographer, hiker, or cyclist, every season offers new impressions and special nature experiences. Anyone wishing to discover the diversity of Burgenland should definitely visit this unique national park.