The best walks and hikes in Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park

The picnic area at Oberen Stinkersee is located in the municipality of Illmitz near the Hölle district, in the middle of the Neusiedler See – Seewinkel National Park. The idyllically situated rest stop is equipped with benches, a table, and information boards, offering an ideal intermediate stop for hikers and cyclists alike. Thanks to the excellent view of the typical salt lake landscape, it is perfect for quietly observing rare water birds and the region's protected flora.

The information center of the Neusiedler See – Seewinkel National Park is located on the outskirts of Illmitz and serves as a central point of contact for exhibitions, expert advice, and information about the region's unique habitats. It offers interactive insights into the species-rich birdlife, the typical salt pans, and the reed belt of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Furthermore, it is the ideal starting point for guided excursions, nature experiences, and bike tours through the cross-border national park.

The observation tower is located directly on the saline soda lake of the Lower Stinkersee and is situated immediately on the cycle path between Podersdorf and Illmitz. It serves as an excellent vantage point for observing rare waders and water birds such as pied avocets, black-winged stilts, or common terns in their natural habitat. Directly next to the wooden structure, a rest stop with a publicly accessible drinking water fountain offers an ideal refreshment opportunity for cyclists and hikers.

The viewing tower in Hölle is located directly on the Neusiedler See cycle path B10 in the eponymous national park area between Podersdorf and Illmitz. The approximately 16-meter-high wooden tower offers an impressive panoramic view of Lake Neusiedl, the surrounding reed belts, and the salty Stinkerseen lakes, despite its low height. It primarily serves cyclists and hikers as a perfect stopover for bird and nature observation in the protected steppe area.

The Vogelturm Lange Lacke (often also referred to as Aussichtsturm Lange Lacke Süd) is located directly on the southern shore of the Lange Lacke near Apetlon. It serves as an optimal observation point for undisturbed viewing of the species-rich birdlife and the typical Pannonian lake landscape from above. Due to its location on the well-known Lackenradweg cycle path and on circular hiking trails, the wooden tower is a popular destination for cyclists, hikers, and ornithologists.

The Darscho (also known as Warmsee) is an approximately 50-hectare, shallow salt lake north of Apetlon in the Neusiedler See – Seewinkel National Park. It has no surface inflow or outflow, which is why its water level fluctuates extremely, and when it evaporates in summer, characteristic white soda salt efflorescences form. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage, the shallow body of water serves as an important resting and breeding ground for numerous rare water birds, making the area particularly popular with birdwatchers.

The Przewalski horses are the last true wild horse species on Earth. In the national park, they play a central role in the conservation and grazing concept. The animals graze in the so-called “Przewalski-Koppel” in the siltation zone south of the Unterer Stinkersee. Through their hard grazing and hoof impact, they keep reeds, bushes, and grasses short in order to preserve the open steppe landscape for rare wading and water birds.

A Heuriger with a large terrace near the viewing tower in Hölle. Small menu, but a very nice resting place.