As beautiful as the lake view may be, those who focus on its shores and the particularly characteristic Neusiedlersee DAC wines will experience many surprises – and plenty of enjoyment. So: Interested in a special countryside and cellar experience?

With the support of the federal government, the province and the European Union.

Spring by a lake is a peculiar thing: while the first rays of sun bathe the surrounding meadows and fields in various shades of green, its surface remains completely unchanged. Even its temperature rises only slowly; the timid power of these first sunny days is far from enough for more. This means that spring is the time when it pays to change one’s perspective. And with the magnificent body of water at your back, to take a closer look at its shores. For these hold so many different treasures that it would truly be a shame to overlook them. It is not without reason that this unique cultural landscape was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001.

People have settled on the shores for 8,000 years

But first things first. The lake itself stretches 36 km in length between Austria and Hungary and is between seven and 16 km wide. It is one of Europe’s most important steppe lakes and is known for its shallow depth, which ensures a mild climate and, with its enormous reed belt that almost entirely surrounds it, offers plenty of habitat. A gigantic biotope, therefore, that has always provided protection for animals – and captivated people. Finds from the Stone and Bronze Ages prove that the land around the lake has been settled for 8,000 years. It was occupied by the Romans.

If you will, they made today’s steppe lake possible. The reason: they used the dense oak forests of the region for their purposes, meaning they cleared them. “Only then did the landscape become the forest-poor steppe it is today,” explains Torsten Aumüller, managing director of the Neusiedlersee DAC association. From his perspective, a remarkably fortunate development. Because on the cleared land, the Romans subsequently planted the first grapevines. And thus laid the foundation for the region’s current livelihood – viticulture. And even if later – after the end of the Migration Period around the turn of the millennium – many Ostrogoths built settlements around the lake, the wine has remained to this day.

The combination of a long agricultural tradition and many different settlers has left traces that can be followed in many ways, especially in spring. Cycling tours beckon, as do hikes. Nature is to be explored just as much as historical walls or old wine cellars and an unusual culinary diversity. Therefore, we serve up some samples for different cultural tastes here.

Closer to nature and origin-typical wine enjoyment than anywhere else

Especially for ornithologists and people seeking untouched nature, the vast protected natural areas on the shores of Lake Neusiedl are true feasts for the eyes. Extensive meadow areas and pastures, salt lakes, various wetlands, dry grasslands, sand steppes, reeds, and a rich abundance of many other animal and plant species make the Neusiedlersee region a unique natural area for Austria and Burgenland. For example, 340 bird species are native here, and the lake’s shores also offer ideal resting places for migratory birds. Since 1993, the entire area with its wide reed belt – which, by the way, offers perfect breeding conditions – has been under protection. This means that anyone entering it must be accordingly mindful. But it also means that you can admire and absorb the flora and fauna in absolute seclusion. In addition, the National Park itself offers various guided hiking tours. Taking advantage of these is definitely worthwhile – especially since the trained guides know exactly which animals and plants can be found where.

More information can be found here: Neusiedlersee National Park

Open Cellar Days in Spring in the Neusiedlersee DAC Origin Wine Region: Close to the Sun and Wine Enjoyment

Whether by bike or on foot – there are so many different cycling and hiking trails around Lake Neusiedl that you probably couldn’t explore them all in one lifetime. However, there are some that are particularly worthwhile. We have selected three routes here and prepared them for you to follow or cycle. But what is particularly beautiful about this region is its hospitality. Because no matter how you travel, you will be welcomed by winemakers and innkeepers everywhere with open arms and regional delicacies. And especially when the first rays of sun invite you to linger outdoors, the Neusiedlersee DAC winemakers of the region entice you with informative tastings. So you should definitely stop by the Spring Wine Festivals in Gols, Illmitz, Neusiedl am See, Podersdorf or Weiden am See. And if you fancy a particularly rocking wine spectacle – the annual Woodstock Weinroas is even worth a separate wine trip!

Eventful Neusiedlersee DAC origin wine region. These tips are always worth a visit!

History and enjoyment go hand in hand here

Fortunately, a region with so much history has always been home to people who have dedicated themselves to preserving historical treasures. And so, in relation to the size of the entire area, there are a relatively large number of museums, cultural treasures, and places with a special past to visit.

Mönchhof Village Museum

If you want to know how people lived – and especially made wine – on the shores of Lake Neusiedl a hundred years ago, you should definitely visit the Mönchhof Village Museum. What sounds like an exhibition is in reality a completely preserved village from bygone days. In around 35 reconstructed buildings, all originating from the Heideboden region, you can experience pure folk culture here.

Halbturn Palace

Originally built as a hunting lodge for Emperor Charles VI, Halbturn Palace is now home to exciting exhibitions and beautiful concerts. Especially in summer, however, the park of this Baroque jewel is a special gem. It is one of Austria’s most important garden architectural monuments and is explicitly listed as such.

Regional Vinotheque Weinwerk Burgenland

What should not be missing in Burgenland’s largest cultivation area for origin-typical DAC wines? A well-stocked and managed regional vinotheque! Visitors to the Neusiedlersee DAC origin wine region will find this in the district capital of Neusiedl am See. Here, over 400 wines from all of Burgenland await to be tried and tasted… including, of course, many particularly origin-typical Neusiedlersee DAC wines, both Zweigelt and sweet wines.

Everything you need to know about Neusiedlersee DAC specialties

Zweigelt or sweet wine? Classically aged or as a Reserve? Which particularly regional Neusiedlersee DAC wine is your favorite? Click through the different categories!

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Neusiedlersee DAC.
Unique Zweigelt. Unique Sweet Wines.
From the sunny side of Austria. For everyone’s palate.

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