Neusiedler See

The Neusiedler See is the largest endorheic (internally draining) lake in Central Europe and the only steppe lake of its type left in the region. It is 315 square kilometers and nowhere deeper than 1.8 meters, which means wind can push the water across the lake bed and temporarily expose the bottom.

The Neusiedler See is Central Europe’s only steppe lake, 315 square kilometers of shallow, reed-fringed water shared with Hungary on the Pannonian plain. The UNESCO World Heritage designation covers both sides of the border. The lake rarely exceeds 1.8 meters depth, and strong winds can expose the lake bed. The cycling circuit (127 kilometers, near-flat) passes wine villages, reed shores, and the Hungarian border and is one of Austria’s most popular long-distance rides. Podersdorf am See is the only point with direct beach access. The surrounding Burgenland wine region, particularly the wines around Rust, is one of Austria’s most underrated. Train from Vienna Hauptbahnhof to Neusiedl am See takes about 1 hour. Always accessible; free.