Neusiedlersee
Neusiedlersee is a vast lake that straddles the Austrian-Hungarian border. It is known as the ‘Sea of the Viennese’ due to its proximity to the Austrian capital. It’s 36 km long and 12 km at the widest point, with a maximum depth of 1.8 meters. So the only watersport that’s not happening here is diving! It’s a sailor, kite and windsurfer paradise here due to the constant wind blowing most days. This makes it bearable when the thermometer nudges up over 30°. They welcome bird watchers, painters, sports lovers and sun-worshippers every year to enjoy what the lake and its surroundings have to offer.
Cycling paradise
I saw cyclists everywhere during my stay here, and who can blame them with such a great network of cycling paths all around the lake? Its mainly flat terrain makes it excellent cycling for those who want more gentle riding. However, there is great scenery and plenty of places to taste some local delicacies. This area is set up to cater for cyclists, with plenty of bike racks and charging points, plus you can’t get lost as all the paths are well signposted. They even have specific bike ferries to make the most of your time around the lake.
New to E-biking?
Promoting this area to anyone who rides a bike but is not a fanatic is really easy. Here you will find people riding bikes that are of all shapes, sizes and ages. One of the reasons I started this whole adventure was to get people who previously thought they couldn’t ride a bike to give it a go. Many people will say, ‘Oh yes, but it’s easier on an e-bike’. Yes, they are correct. It does make cycling easier. I would also point out that you still have to pedal. If you didn’t, then you would be riding a moped! Therefore, you are getting exercise. Plus, the less you use the motor, the more your heart rate will increase, and you will get a cardiovascular workout.
The more you enjoy cycling, the fitter you will become as you will become addicted. You will cycle for longer periods and find it easier to stick to an exercise you enjoy doing.
In a nutshell. You get exercise and fresh air, feel great, and see the countryside from a completely different angle. What’s not to love?
City of Rust
I stayed in Rust, a very pretty town on the southwest shore of Neusiedlersee. Rust is a statutory city, but with 1600 inhabitants, it is a small but lovely town. The town has a nice feel, with plenty of places to eat and a delicious ice cream shop. You could spend hours just wandering around the town and down to the lakeshore in the evening. It has a lovely cobbled centre where you can sit in a café and watch the many storks flying around above you from nest to nest. They look like people going from house to house, visiting their neighbours and having a catch-up. Well, it does in my vivid imagination!
‘City of Storks’
You will see storks nesting on the roofs everywhere you walk around Rust and look up. Rust is called the ‘City of Storks’, which became apparent after I arrived. Some people look after the nests, which seem to be mainly on the chimneys of houses. I presume they don’t need to light any fires anytime soon. There is also a sanctuary for any injured or sick storks which volunteers run.
Fun facts that I didn’t know about these magnificent birds:
- They can’t fly very far, so use the warm thermals to glide everywhere. To be honest, they look a bit ungainly when they flap their wings. Apparently, it’s because they are pretty heavy.
- Storks can’t sing like most birds. They communicate by clattering their beaks.
- They live in colonies or groups. This becomes very apparent when you spend some time watching them fly from nest to nest.
- No, they don’t bring babies. It’s a myth that started as they built their nests on rooftops and generally on chimneys. In Austria, you will see a lot of cardboard storks on people’s houses. This is when someone has a baby with the baby’s name on it, which is a lovely tradition.
Pension Kral
I found the Pension Kral quite by accident, and what a find it was. It’s close to the heart of the town, so it’s an easy walk for dinner or a stroll around. The beds are comfy, and there is air conditioning which you will be glad for when it’s hot outside. The team is friendly and happy to help with any questions and requests. The Pension Kral is set up for cyclists, especially cyclists who enjoy wine. There is a wine selection on offer to choose from and enjoy in the outside area. This also gives you a chance to meet and talk to like-minded people.
I highly recommend this pretty town staying in the lovely Pension Kral for a few days to explore the southern part of the lake. I will definitely be returning to this area and exploring more.
Sunflowers
After leaving Rust behind and heading north to Neusiedl am See, I was surrounded by sunflowers most of the way, which made me smile a lot. Daffodils and Sunflowers are my favourite flowers because you can’t help but smile when you see them. What else can you do when there is a sea of yellow all pushing the little faces up towards the sun and smiling? OK, smiling might be my imagination, but they still look fantastic.
Wind Turbines
The other thing you notice in this area is wind turbines; they are everywhere. Burgenland is proud that they produce all their own renewable energy, and wind turbines play a large part in this. 100s of them stand to attention over the skyline, but I don’t find them ugly or imposing. But on the other hand, I don’t have one in my back garden. Whatever your thoughts on them are. They are providing a renewable source of energy at a time when we need it most.
Neusiedl am See
The town of Neusiedl am See sits north of the Neusiedlersee and is the most popular for holidaymakers. A long spit of land at the end has a great view of the lake. There is a huge bathing area to one side and a small harbour for sailing boats. You can sit on the jetty and enjoy the skill of the wind and kite surfers skimming across the water. They are exciting to watch from a distance. And seem very non-plussed when the wind suddenly dumps them unceremoniously in the water. But to be fair, with the depth of the water, most adults could stand up and jump back on.
What I liked about this area:
- The sunflowers. I know they are a crop of oil and seeds, but they look so happy. It’s like they are grown to make you smile!
- Excellent path network and set-up for all cyclists.
- It’s easy cycling, therefore excellent for the beginning of season or your first bike holiday.
- The bike ferry that crisscrosses the lake to help you make the most of the area
- Neusiedlersee is huge, it’s easy to forget you are in central Europe.
- Large variety of landscapes around the lake to enjoy from the bike.
- Did I mention sunflowers?
