The Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park is a national park in eastern Austria. The park extends over an area of 97 square kilometres of the province of Burgenland and protects parts of the westernmost lake of the Eurasian Steppe.
Description
The area of the national park is a meeting point for different plant and animal species. These include alpine, pannonian, asian, mediterranean and northern European species. This results in a mosaic of environments, including wetlands, herding meadows, meadows, sand steppes and salt areas. In the west the area is bordered by the Leitha Mountains, the Parndorf Plain in the north and the Hanság in the east. The mire of Hanság was for centuries a part of Lake Neusiedl. Lake Neusiedl itself is situated at the lowest point of the Little Hungarian Plain at an altitude of around 115m above sea level.
Getting there
The national park is very accessible as it is located just next to Vienna. The drive to the lake will take just about 40 minutes by car. There are plenty of options for public transport from Vienna.
When to visit
The national park has something to offer in all seasons. The area is popular during the warmer months and you will likely meet plenty of fellow tourists during summer. The area is more desolate during winter but still beautiful.
Map of Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park
Image gallery of Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park
Visitor/Information centres in Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park
Most national parks have an associated visitor centre to help visitors. They are usually open most of the year but some close in the off-season. You will often be able to find information on all the activities in the national park. A visit to the visitor centre is often recommended before venturing into the park.
Wildlife in Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park
These sections shows you some of the characteristic wildlife to the national park.
Mushroom hunting in Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park
The right to forage in Austria generally belongs to the owner of the forest or property. Mushroom hunting and forage is generally completely prohibited in protected areas such as national parks and nature reserves. You should check for rules and regulations of the local province of the national park.
Unprotected areas are more open to foraging and you will be able to find some great edible mushrooms. There are often forests surrounding the protected areas where you can forage.
Camping rules in Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park
Wild camping in national parks in Austria is prohibited. This goes for all protected areas including nature reserves. Wild camping is generally prohibited throughout the country. You should be aware that the individual provinces of Austria have different rules. Wild camping and bivouacking are tolerated in some areas. Make sure to get permission or check local regulation before wild camping.
Bears in Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park
Few bears in the park
This national park has bears and you need to take the necessary precautions. It is however unlikely that you will come across a bear.
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