Photo by Elen Farkas

Austria may be a landlocked country, but it is surrounded by lakes and rivers. One of these is Lake Neusiedl in northern Burgenland, Austria’s easternmost province. It is said to be the warmest lake in the whole country and is frequented by Austrians as well as tourists from Eastern and Northern European countries. It is called the “Sea of the Viennese” due to its close proximity to Vienna. Aside from traditional swimming, sailing and windsurfing activities, the lake also hosts some commercial fishing.

The Austrian-Hungarian border bisects the lake, which is called Fertő tó in Hungarian and Neusiedler See in German. Since 2003, the water level has decreased dramatically (by 30 cm within just one year!) This decrease is seriously imperiling commercial fishing endeavors.

In 2001, the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel (Austria) and Fertő-Hanság (Hungary) National Parks were accepted in tandem as a World Heritage Site.

The lake is home to Surf World Cup 2007 where the best kiters and windsurfers will meet at Podersdorf division of the lake from April 27 to May 6. For the months of April and May, excursions around the National Park and the surrounding areas are offered for a price of €9 per adult. Children under 18 are entitled to a 50% reduction.

For more information, call +43-2175-3442 or email neusiedlersee.np@netway.at.

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