Burgenland: lakes and nature on the border with Hungary

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Burgenland is one of the smallest states (Bundesländer) of Austria, only the territory of Vienna and Vorarlberg are smaller. It is located in the eastern end of the country, along the border with Hungary, for a short distance to the north it also borders with Slovakia. While still for a short distance to the south it borders with Slovenia, to the north-west it borders the Austrian state of Lower Austria and to the south-west with that of Styria. The capital is the town of Eisenstadt.

Possession of the Habsburgs since the 15th century, in the 17th century it became part of the Habsburg territory administered by Hungary. Burgenland, after the Austrian defeat in the First World War, was united with Austria, with the exception of the city of Sopron, which by popular referendum opted to be included in Hungary.

The territory of Burgenland is largely flat or with low wooded hills. In the northern section is the largest Austrian lake, Lake Neusiedl (Neusiedler See) surrounded by marshy areas. The whole area of the lake, including also in the national parks of Neusiedler See-Seewinkel, in Austria, and Fertő-Hanság, in Hungary, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as the cultural landscape of Fertö / Neusiedlersee.

Along the border with Hungary are the lower Kőszeg Mountains (Günser Gebirge), which however, with the 884 meters of Mt Geschriebenstein (Írott-kő in Hungarian) represent the maximum height reached by the state of Burgenland. In Burgenland, in the town of Apetlon, is the lowest point in Austria, with a height of 114 meters.

Burgenland
Population: 284.922 (2010)
Area: 3,961 km²
Capital: Eisenstadt
Highest point: Geschriebenstein 884 meters
Lowest point: Apetlon 114 meters

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: WHAT TO SEE IN BURGENLAND

As for tourism, Burgenland is a popular destination for nature lovers. In particular, the area of Lake Neusiedl (Neusiedler See) is famous for the presence of marsh birds, migratory birds, and for storks. In the lake area it is possible to practice water sports, canoeing, there are cycle paths and a rich food and wine offer.

This whole area has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site (Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape). The area is also protected by the national parks of Neusiedler See-Seewinkel, in Austria, and Fertő-Hanság, in Hungary.

Burgenland was often, in past centuries, a border area, confirming this, in the region, there are numerous castles. Among the most interesting are the castles of Burg Forchtenstein and Burg Lockenhaus, which house period furniture, antique weapons, porcelain and paintings.

The region is also characterized by the presence of some small and delightful historical centers such as those of Rust, Stadtschlaining and Güssing.