Cycling Around the Neusiedler See

Last updated on April 8th, 2020 at 06:49 am

Reeds, vineyards and picturesque villages line the cycle path around Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland.

The eastern part of Austria has its own landscape. The Pannonian lowlands begin here and Lake Neusiedl and the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park are popular destinations for water sports enthusiasts, birdwatchers and anyone else who enjoys outdoor activities

Cyclists appreciate the flat terrain and the ride through kilometres of reeds, past gently-sloping vineyards, through historic towns and to places where regional delicacies and excellent wines pamper you.

© Österreich Werbung

The cycle path, which surrounds Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is 125 kilometres long and has been equipped with designer rest areas.

Visitors who prefer to be less active can choose the shorter 40 km route and use the bike ferries between Illmitz and Mörbisch am See.

Cycle from Austria into Hungary

From Neusiedl am See, the cycle route heads to the east side of the lake via Weiden am See and through the Neusiedler See – Seewinkel National Park. The so-called “Seewinkel” captivates visitors with the endless expanse of the landscape.

From the barrier-free border crossing into Hungary at Pamhagen, the route leads via Fertöd – Fertöd Castle is the Hungarian counterpart to Esterházy Castle in Eisenstadt – Hidegség and Balf to Fertörákos, where it enters Austria again.

(Remember your photo IDs, though, even though there are no border formalities!)

The west side of the lake offers cultural and culinary surprises: the lake festival community of Mörbisch am See with its Hofgassen or the small historic free town of Rust – the backdrop for many films and series!

Then head to one of the oldest red-wine-producing villages in Austria, Oggau am See, and Donnerskirchen, where the church nestles on the slopes of the Leitha mountains.

In Purbach am See, Breitenbrunn am See and Winden am See, there are well-preserved alleys with inviting historic wine cellars, most of which are still used today. Finally the circle closes with a return via Jois to the district capital Neusiedl am See.

The designer cycle rest areas along the route are a remarkable feature, which offer shade and protection from the sun with stylish sun sails or reed domes.

Many observation towers offer a phenomenal view over Lake Neusiedl to the Hungarian lowlands. It is always a good idea to bring binoculars with you.

© Österreich Werbung

Neusiedler See Card

The Neusiedler See Card is a cost-saving as well as exciting “open-sesame” card for the entire region.

It offers reductions on many local attractions for overnight guests staying in over 760 partner accommodation establishments. Particularly attractive for cyclists: the cycle ferries transport you for half price with the Neusiedler See Card.

More information: www.neusiedlersee.com