A small Austrian town on the northern shore of Lake Neusiedl, with a 16th-century castle tower and calm beaches popular for windsurfing and sailing.
Neusiedl am See sits on the northern shore of Lake Neusiedl, Austria's largest lake. The shallow waters reach only 1.8 meters at their deepest point, creating ideal conditions for windsurfing and sailing. You can climb the 16th-century Tabor watchtower for lake views, cycle through vineyard-covered hills, or taste local Welschriesling wines at traditional Heurigen wine taverns. In the nearby Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park, salt marshes attract hundreds of bird species, from white-tailed eagles to purple herons.
Historical Buildings and Monuments
The 16th-century Tabor watchtower rises above the town center, giving you panoramic views across Lake Neusiedl and the surrounding plains. In the main square, you'll find the Holy Trinity Column, a baroque monument carved by Elias Hügel in 1713-14. The town received its city charter in 1926, though the process began in 1824.
Swimming and Water Sports at Lake Neusiedl
Lake Neusiedl covers 315 square kilometers with a maximum depth of 1.8 meters. The shallow waters and consistent winds make it an excellent spot for sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. You can rent equipment and take lessons at Wassersport Zentrum or Surf Club Neusiedl. The lake's reed beds create natural swimming zones, with water temperatures reaching 25°C from June through September.
Cycling Routes from Neusiedl am See
A 1,000-kilometer network of bike paths connects the lake region. The main circuit around the lake runs for 133 kilometers, taking you through the wine village of Gols and the stork-nesting town of Rust. Take the eastern route to Podersdorf (12 km) along the shoreline, or cycle the western path to Jois (8 km) through hillside vineyards. You'll find bike rental shops in the town center with maps and suggested routes.
Wine Tasting at Local Heurigen
Vineyards around Neusiedl produce Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc, and Zweigelt wines. Local winemakers welcome visitors to their Heurigen (wine taverns) year-round, marking open venues with pine branches or straw wreaths. Inside, you can order wines by the glass or bottle alongside local specialties such as Liptauer spread, Waldviertel cheese, and seasonal vegetables. Most Heurigen open their doors from 4 PM until late evening.
Birdwatching in Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park
The 9,673-hectare national park contains unique salt pools called soda lakes. From the observation tower at Illmitzer Sandeck, watch purple herons, spoonbills, and white-tailed eagles soar across the reed belt. Stop by the park's visitor center in Illmitz to join guided walks or get detailed hiking trail maps. Bird activity peaks during spring and autumn migrations.
Transportation to Neusiedl am See
Hourly trains connect Vienna to Neusiedl am See, with a journey time of 60 minutes. By car, take the A4 motorway from Vienna and follow signs to Neusiedl am See. The town's location makes it easy to visit nearby Hungarian towns like Sopron (30 minutes by car) and Mosonmagyaróvár (45 minutes by car).
