Burgenland is where the horizon stretches forever in this land of wide open plains and reed beds. This is the sunny side of Austria where the Alps fade into the vast Pannonian Lowlands. You find yourself among endless rows of vines and white washed villages that feel more like the Mediterranean than the mountains. The giant Lake Neusiedl dominates the view with its shallow blue water and colorful sailing boats.
History hides in plain sight behind the thick walls of massive border castles. You can explore the halls of Forchtenstein Castle or visit the grand rooms of the Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt. The roads are flat and easy which makes them perfect for a relaxed van life journey through the wine country. Local stalls sell fresh apricots and cherry juice along the village streets during the warm summer months.
The vibe here is all about the good life and the golden hour. You can park by the water to watch thousands of birds migrate across the salt lakes of Seewinkel. The bike paths cross the border into Hungary and lead you through quiet meadows and bird towers. It is a place for late dinners in rustic taverns and watching the sky turn pink over the quiet vineyards.
Burgenland highlights
- Esterházy Palace Visit this grand baroque landmark in Eisenstadt to see the stunning Haydn Hall and royal wine cellars. It offers a deep dive into the musical history and aristocratic lifestyle of the region.
- Forchtenstein Castle Explore a massive fortress perched on a hill featuring an incredible collection of historic weapons and treasures. The castle provides panoramic views over the eastern plains toward the border.
- Rust Walk the streets of the city of storks where historic houses and quiet courtyards define the local charm. It is the perfect spot to taste the famous local wines right at the source.
- Lake Neusiedl National Park Drive through the vast reed beds and salt pans of this unique steppe landscape for elite birdwatching opportunities. It is a flat and scenic area perfect for a quiet nature break.
- Lockenhaus Castle Discover a mysterious knights castle hidden in the deep forests of the central hills near the border. It is known for its ties to the Knights Templar and its atmospheric medieval architecture.
- St. Margarethen Quarry Visit one of the oldest and largest stone quarries in Europe which now serves as a massive open air opera stage. The rocky landscape feels like a natural cathedral carved into the earth.
- Lackenbach Palace Stop at this elegant renaissance estate to walk through its botanical gardens and explore the nature museum. It offers a peaceful green escape from the open sun of the surrounding plains.
- Bernstein Castle Find this hidden gem known for its unique green stone and its history as the home of real explorers. The castle sits high above the village and offers a very authentic medieval vibe.
- Illmitz Ferry Pier Take a boat trip across the shallow water to experience the lake from a new angle. This is the heart of the national park where the sky and water seem to merge.
- Heiligenbrunn Wine Streets Explore a historic lane of white washed wine cellars with traditional thatched roofs tucked into the southern hills. It is a fairy tale setting that looks exactly as it did centuries ago.
The local Four
History of Burgenland
The story of Burgenland is a tale of a shifting frontier where the massive Alps finally flatten into the endless Pannonian steppe. For centuries, this was the "land of castles," built by powerful noble families like the Esterházys to defend the heart of Europe against eastern invaders. Because it sat on the edge of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the landscape is a unique blend of cultures, where the architecture feels like a bridge between the grand palaces of Vienna and the rustic charm of the Hungarian plains.
In the early 1920s, the region made headlines during a dramatic tug-of-war between nations. After the fall of the empire, the local people had to choose their own destiny, leading to the creation of Burgenland as Austria’s youngest province. This history of transition created a land of peace and wine, where old military fortresses like Forchtenstein Castle were transformed from gritty war machines into grand treasure houses. You can still feel that border spirit today as you drive the flat, open roads that cross back and forth through history.
Life here has always revolved around the shallow waters of Lake Neusiedl, a mysterious "sea" in the middle of the land. Centuries ago, the lake was a vital source of life and a natural barrier for the Roman legions who marched along the nearby Amber Road. Today, the white-washed wine villages and the storks nesting on the chimneys tell a story of a slow life. It is a region that traded its swords for wine glasses, providing a history that is as smooth and rich as its famous red grapes.