< Magazin
11.08.2022 • Johannes Stühlinger • Lesezeit: 3 minutes
Whether by bike or on foot – anyone who delves into the world of Lake Neusiedl will encounter locals who possess a special hospitality. But where does this come from?
With the support of the federal government, the province and the European Union.
One can, of course, savor the figures of the tourism region: Over 1,000 kilometers of cycling paths surround the beautiful Lake Neusiedl. These are spread across 40 cycling routes, 15 of which are designated as adventure cycling paths. Those who prefer to explore on foot will not only enjoy the 120-kilometer-long original hiking trail around the lake: On seemingly endless paths, one can experience a unique panoramic view due to the flat landscape, entirely without high mountains. But no matter where or how you travel, all paths lead directly into a world of pure indulgence. Whether it’s about culinary delights of the highest quality, the finest wines, or simply nature – anyone who engages with Lake Neusiedl will truly “experience” it in every sense of the word. And learn to grasp the unique cosmos of this region with all their senses.
This is not least because you are in the declared home of Neusiedlersee DAC wines. This is where the Zweigelt grape variety is indigenous and tastes so typical of the region that it has been placed under the Neusiedlersee DAC designation of origin. In short: If you are looking for the most typical Zweigelt, you will find it here. If you now object that this red wine is far too intense in summer, rest assured: Even highly decorated sommeliers today recommend Zweigelt as a wonderful summer thirst quencher – provided it is enjoyed chilled.
The second noble elixir that simply cannot be overlooked – whether by bike or on foot – is the magnificent sweet wine, which thrives in this unique form only on the shores of Lake Neusiedl. The grapes are naturally reduced to their essence by the grey mold fungus Botrytis Cinerea, and the noble rot wines pressed from them are internationally regarded as a rare and true sensation. Important: Here too, it is essential to follow the Neusiedlersee DAC designation of origin to ensure guaranteed quality in your glass.
However, before one can engage with all the treasures that await curious guests here, one must first understand the special mentality of the lake people. The fact is: The region around Lake Neusiedl has always been geared towards visitors due to its geographical location. After all, the destination is not only in the heart of Europe, but it is also primarily in the vicinity of three major cities: Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna are just a stone’s throw away. Conversely, this means that many decades ago, people from all three metropolises chose Lake Neusiedl as their declared local recreation destination.
Burgenland Hospitality
Tourism here is therefore not a product of a marketing company; it simply happened to the people on the lake shores. “This exceptional location has led to the farmers of the region – no matter what products they produce – being accustomed to receiving visitors for generations,” explains Torsten Aumüller, Managing Director of Neusiedlersee DAC. This has developed a culture where no stranger is a stranger, but always welcome. At least 360 days a year. A few major holidays are sacred even to those who live by the lake.
Apart from that, an informal, natural hospitality has developed around this fact, which is internationally regarded as exceptional. “We may not always be the fastest here, but we are definitely very open,” says Aumüller with a wink. This means: If you knock on a door on the shore of Lake Neusiedl, it will not only be opened, but you will quickly find yourself in a courtyard to taste the local products of the respective farmer. And, of course, to buy said products afterwards. But that is not the intention of the spontaneous hosts here, but merely the icing on the cake.
Come in and Enjoy
Indeed, over many generations, the region has learned that it is not the individual guest who sustains their prosperity. It is the repeat visitors and those who spread the word. That is, those who have felt comfortable here before, return – and bring friends. Aumüller: “In many wine regions, you stand before a closed door without an appointment. At Lake Neusiedl, however, winemakers are accustomed to people dropping in spontaneously and unexpectedly.” This fact has long been known in both the national and international wine world. The cellar doors of Neusiedlersee DAC origin winegrowers are open almost all year round – mostly without prior appointment, but always without airs. Simply Pannonian accessible – just like the wines.
Enjoyment Made Easy
Everyone else comes, as usual, with the idea of being active in the beautiful nature and then rewarding themselves with culinary delights at a Heuriger (wine tavern) or with a winemaker. “The opportunity to let the day unfold and to know that you can stop anywhere, unplanned, at any time, has proven to be a true tourism magnet,” says Aumüller. But currently, he is even experiencing a trend reversal in that people primarily come for the enjoyment and then also go for a bit of a hike or a short bike ride. “The intention has partly shifted,” he says.
This development can probably be regarded as the most authentic advertisement for the region’s products. The fact that around Lake Neusiedl you don’t need contacts, don’t need to be a VIP, to enjoy everything the people of the region are proud of, is certainly unique in this dimension. If you will, it is a form of typicality of origin that is otherwise only known from exceptional wines. But there is no shortage of those on the shores of Lake Neusiedl either. What great fortune!
Our recommendations for wine hikes in the Neusiedlersee DAC wine region:
The WeinWegGols
This showcase project of the Gols Winegrowers’ Association was born from the idea of redesigning the existing wine hiking trail. Therefore, the WeinWegGols was equipped with 31 information steles that vividly describe the creation of a vineyard and the vegetation cycle from pruning to harvest. The perfect excursion for curious hikers!
Here you’ll find all information about the WeinWegGols!
From Illmitz to Podersdorf
This beautiful hiking trail starts in the well-known wine village of Illmitz and then winds idyllically for 16.5 kilometers towards Podersdorf. Along the way – without much effort – you pass attractions such as a bird observatory, salt lakes, and even ‘Hölle’ (Hell). In this area with the unusual name, wine was particularly favored during the phylloxera era, as the vine pests disliked the deep sandy soils prevalent here. At the end of the hike, the impressive lighthouse in Podersdorf awaits – and perhaps a good glass of wine.
Here you’ll find all information about this beautiful hiking trail!
From Mönchhof to Gols
Mönchhof Village Museum or rather go hiking? This question must be asked right at the starting point in Mönchhof Halbthurn. One thing upfront: The museum is definitely worth a visit. But the rest of this beautiful hike is just as worthwhile: The Baroque Halbthurn Castle is along the way, as is an idyllic viewing platform that offers a view of Lake Neusiedl, and between the many vines, there is also a show vineyard where you can taste the different grapes of the region.
Our recommendations for cycling tours in the Neusiedlersee DAC wine region:
The Lake Neusiedl Cycle Path
The Lake Neusiedl Cycle Path (B10) is particularly suitable for families and leisurely cyclists. Numerous culinary and vinophile indulgence spots await discovery around the lake. The gentle inclines along the path and the ferry connections between the east and west banks make the bike tour a comfortable excursion through nature.
Here you’ll find all information about the Lake Neusiedl Cycle Path!
The Lange Lacke Cycle Path
The asphalted cycle path Lange Lacke (B27) starts in Apetlon and leads past the Lange Lacke parking lot – here you can turn directly to the “Lange Lacke” (the path is gravel) and enjoy nature. The Lange Lacke is the largest of over 40 saline lakes in the Seewinkel and a paradise for waterfowl.
Here you’ll find all information about the Lange Lacke Cycle Path!
The Cultural Cycle Path
Simply cycle relaxed and almost without inclines through the magnificent landscape? The 26-kilometer-long Cultural Cycle Path through the Neusiedlersee region is perfectly suited for this. Under the motto “On the trail of culture,” it leads from the Mönchhof Village Museum, past the Baroque jewel Halbthurn Castle, to the Basilica in Frauenkirchen. And in between, culinary delights beckon everywhere, of course.
Here you’ll find all information about the Cultural Cycle Path!
Everything you need to know about Neusiedlersee DAC specialties
Juicy and deeply fruity or rather fruitily sweet? Which Neusiedlersee DAC is your favorite? Click through the different grape varieties.
___
Neusiedlersee DAC.
Unique Zweigelt. Unique sweet wines.
From the sunny side of Austria. For everyone’s palate.
____
