Free Burgenland Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Burgenland with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Burgenland
Burgenland photo 2
Burgenland photo 3
All photos

Explore Burgenland for Lake Neusiedl wetlands, Esterházy heritage, cycling routes, thermal spas and characterful vineyards in eastern Austria.

Austria's easternmost province unfolds along a broad frontier landscape where the Alps give way to the Pannonian Plain. Burgenland stretches from the Slovakian border near Bratislava in the north to the low hills of southern Austria, with Hungary lying along much of its eastern edge. Its scenery is markedly different from the country's high alpine image: reed-fringed wetlands, open grasslands, vineyard slopes, thermal springs and wide skies define much of the region.
Read more about Burgenland
Northern Burgenland centres on Lake Neusiedl, a shallow steppe lake shared with Hungary and one of Central Europe's most distinctive wetland landscapes. The Neusiedler See–Seewinkel National Park protects salt lakes, reed beds and pasture where birdwatching is a major attraction. Villages such as Illmitz, Podersdorf am See, Weiden am See and Apetlon provide access to cycling routes, nature trails and traditional wine country. On the western shore, the historic town of Rust is known for its lake-facing streets, stork nests and carefully preserved civic architecture.
The regional capital, Eisenstadt, offers a more formal expression of Burgenland's past. Schloss Esterházy recalls the influence of the Esterházy princes, whose court shaped music, architecture and political life in the area; Joseph Haydn worked for the family for much of his career. Further south, castle towns and vineyard districts create a quieter landscape. Forchtenstein Castle rises above the Rosalia hills, while Burg Schlaining and Güssing reflect the province's long history as a defended borderland.
Burgenland's cultural character is also shaped by its border history and communities with Hungarian, Croatian and Roma heritage. Food and drink reflect the Pannonian climate: paprika-seasoned dishes, freshwater fish, pumpkin seed products, local fruit and regional wines appear alongside Austrian classics. Blaufränkisch is particularly associated with central and southern Burgenland, while the area around Lake Neusiedl is noted for white wines and sweet wine styles.
Travel here rewards a slower itinerary. Cycling is exceptionally practical on the largely gentle terrain, although summer heat and exposed stretches require preparation. Birdwatching, sailing, windsurfing, thermal bathing, vineyard visits and village festivals complement the castles and museums. Burgenland is compact enough for linked excursions, yet its northern lake district, central hill country and southern wine region each have a distinct atmosphere.

When is the best time to visit Burgenland?

Best: June–August · 23–25°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January340
February540
March1050
April1660
May2070
June (best)2380
July (best)2580
August (best)2480
September1960
October1450
November750
December340

Getting to and around Burgenland

How to get there

Vienna is the principal international gateway and lies outside Burgenland, with road and rail connections into Eisenstadt and northern Burgenland. Vienna International Airport is also outside the region but is convenient for travellers continuing by train, bus or hire car. Eisenstadt, Neusiedl am See and other northern towns are linked to Vienna by public transport, while southern destinations are generally reached via connections through Wiener Neustadt, Vienna or Graz. Drivers can use Austria's motorway network, but should check vignette requirements before using motorways and expressways.

Transportation

Rail and regional buses serve the larger towns, while local buses and seasonal services connect some lakeside and rural communities. Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the Lake Neusiedl district, where mostly flat routes link villages, vineyards and nature areas. A car is more useful in central and southern Burgenland, where castles, thermal resorts and wineries are dispersed and public transport is less frequent. Taxis are available in towns, but should not be assumed for late-night rural transfers; plan return journeys before visiting remote wine taverns.

Top city travel guides in Burgenland

The cities of Burgenland, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Burgenland

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Burgenland

Burgenland's attractions combine wetlands, wine country, courtly heritage and a relaxed outdoor culture. Around Lake Neusiedl, the Neusiedler See–Seewinkel National Park offers marked trails, wildlife observation and guided access to a landscape of reed beds, saline lakes and open pasture. Cycling routes link lakeside villages such as Podersdorf am See, Illmitz and Rust, while sailing and windsurfing are particularly associated with the exposed northern shore. Eisenstadt provides the region's strongest concentration of cultural attractions, led by Schloss Esterházy, its Haydn associations and historic churches. Castles add a defensive dimension: Forchtenstein dominates the Rosalia hills, while Güssing rises above southern Burgenland. Museums such as the Dorfmuseum Mönchhof present regional rural life, crafts and domestic architecture. In the south, thermal resorts, vineyard roads and nature parks encourage slower itineraries, with walking and cycling through rolling hills rather than high-mountain terrain. The attraction landscape is notable for its scale and variety: a single day can move from a Baroque palace to bird-rich wetlands or from a wine village to a hilltop fortress without leaving the province.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Burgenland

Schloss Esterházy in Eisenstadt is Burgenland's most prominent architectural landmark, a Baroque and later historic palace associated with the Esterházy princes and Joseph Haydn's court career. On the western shore of Lake Neusiedl, Rust's preserved old town is recognised by its historic façades, narrow streets and characteristic stork nests on the rooftops. Forchtenstein Castle, set on a wooded spur above the Rosalia hills, is an imposing reminder of the province's role as a frontier between Austrian and Hungarian lands. In the south, Güssing Castle occupies a volcanic hill and forms one of the region's most memorable silhouettes, while Burg Schlaining represents another important fortified centre with a strong modern peace-education identity. The Basilica of Frauenkirchen is a significant pilgrimage and architectural site in northern Burgenland. Beyond built heritage, the reed belt and open horizon of Lake Neusiedl are landmarks in their own right, expressing the province's distinctive meeting point of Central European wetlands, vineyards and Pannonian grassland.

Show more landmarks

Explore Burgenland on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Burgenland

Burgenland's food reflects its Pannonian climate and its long relationship with Hungary and neighbouring communities. Menus may include paprika-seasoned stews, freshwater fish from the Lake Neusiedl area, seasonal game, pumpkin and pumpkin-seed products, local fruit and substantial Austrian dishes. In wine-growing districts, Buschenschanken serve regional wines with cold platters, breads, spreads and produce from nearby farms; these informal wine taverns are central to the province's food culture, although opening days vary. Northern Burgenland is especially associated with vineyards near the lake, while Blaufränkisch is a notable red-wine speciality of central and southern districts. White wines and sweet wine styles are also important, and local producers often offer tastings by arrangement. Market stalls, bakeries and farm shops provide practical ways to sample regional products, while Eisenstadt and the larger towns offer a broader selection of contemporary Austrian and international cooking.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Burgenland

Evening life in Burgenland is generally sociable and local rather than centred on large club districts. Traditional inns, wine taverns and village restaurants provide the main after-dark settings, particularly in vineyard areas where a tasting may extend into an informal supper. Eisenstadt has the province's broadest choice of bars, cafés and cultural evenings, while Rust and the larger Lake Neusiedl resorts become busier during the warmer months. Breweries, wine bars and occasional live-music venues add variety, but many rural places close earlier than visitors from major cities may expect. Seasonal festivals and lakeside events can create livelier nights, though programmes change from year to year. Arrange transport before drinking or visiting a remote Buschenschank, since late public transport is limited in many countryside districts. Nightclubs exist in some larger settlements, but clubbing is not the defining feature of Burgenland's evening culture.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Burgenland

Evening life in Burgenland is generally sociable and local rather than centred on large club districts. Traditional inns, wine taverns and village restaurants provide the main after-dark settings, particularly in vineyard areas where a tasting may extend into an informal supper. Eisenstadt has the province's broadest choice of bars, cafés and cultural evenings, while Rust and the larger Lake Neusiedl resorts become busier during the warmer months. Breweries, wine bars and occasional live-music venues add variety, but many rural places close earlier than visitors from major cities may expect. Seasonal festivals and lakeside events can create livelier nights, though programmes change from year to year. Arrange transport before drinking or visiting a remote Buschenschank, since late public transport is limited in many countryside districts. Nightclubs exist in some larger settlements, but clubbing is not the defining feature of Burgenland's evening culture.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Burgenland

Shopping in Burgenland is strongest in its market towns, village wine districts and independent food-producing communities rather than in large luxury retail centres. Eisenstadt offers the broadest selection of everyday shops, local produce and craft-oriented businesses, while Rust, Neusiedl am See and other lakeside towns combine small retailers with galleries, wine merchants and visitor services. Farm shops and winery cellars are good places to buy Blaufränkisch, white wines, grape products, pumpkin-seed oil, honey, fruit preserves and regional spirits, subject to transport and customs rules when taking bottles abroad. Seasonal farmers' markets provide breads, cheeses, cured meats and vegetables, and some villages hold regular produce markets whose days should be checked locally. Look for ceramics, textiles, woodwork and locally made gifts rather than generic souvenirs. In rural areas, opening times can be limited outside the main season, so plan shopping during daytime and carry cash for smaller producers.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Burgenland, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Burgenland essentials

Currency and Payment
Burgenland uses the euro, code EUR, as part of Austria. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, museums and established restaurants, although smaller farm shops, market stalls, rural wine taverns and some local transport services may prefer cash. Keep a modest amount of euros available, especially when cycling through villages or visiting countryside attractions. Austria's national payment practices apply here; the region does not have a separate currency.
Safety
Burgenland is generally a calm destination, but normal care is sensible in busy transport areas, lakeside resorts and during festivals. On cycling routes, watch for traffic at village crossings, intense summer heat and long exposed stretches without shade. Follow local advice around Lake Neusiedl, where reed beds, soft ground and changing weather can make off-route exploration hazardous. Use marked paths in protected nature areas, take care on castle approaches and never assume that a rural road is free of agricultural or fast-moving traffic.
Emergency Situations
The European emergency number 112 works throughout Austria. For police call 133, ambulance 144 and fire services 122; these are Austrian national numbers rather than Burgenland-specific arrangements. Dial 140 for mountain rescue where relevant, although most of the region is lowland or gently hilly. At Lake Neusiedl, follow local water-safety instructions and contact emergency services rather than attempting a rescue in difficult conditions. Give the exact town, road, cycle route or marked location when calling.
Do's and Don'ts
Use marked paths and observation points in the national park and respect reed beds, grazing areas and private vineyards. Ask before photographing people, farm work or religious ceremonies, and keep noise low near bird habitats. In wine taverns, check whether food service and public transport are available before ordering wine. Tipping in restaurants and cafés is customary but discretionary, usually given by rounding up or adding a modest amount. At castles and churches, follow photography and access rules rather than assuming every room or object may be photographed.
Local Tips
The north, centre and south of Burgenland make useful bases for different experiences: Lake Neusiedl for cycling and birdlife, Eisenstadt and the Rosalia area for courtly heritage, and southern Burgenland for thermal bathing and wine roads. Summer is lively but hot, while spring and autumn are often comfortable for cycling and walking. Ask tourist offices about current ferry, boat and nature-watching arrangements, since lake conditions and seasonal conservation measures can affect access. Leave time for village bakeries, farm shops and Buschenschanken rather than planning every stop around major monuments.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloGrüß Gott[Grewss Got]
GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen[Owf Veederzayn]
YesJa[Yah]
NoNein[Nyn]
Please/You’re welcomeBitte[Bitt-eh]
Thank youDanke[Dahn-keh]
Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung[Ent-shool-dee-goong]
How are you?Wie geht's?[Vee gates?]
Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?[Goott. Oond deer?]
Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?[Shprekken zee Eng-lish?]
I don't understandIch verstehe nicht[Eekh fershteh nikht]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gern die Speisekarte, bitte[Eekh het-teh gurn dee Shpyze-kahrt-eh, bitt-eh]
I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch[Eekh ess-eh kyn Fleysh]
Cheers!Prost![Prohst!]
I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte[Eekh merkh-teh be-zah-len, bitt-eh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hilfe![Hil-feh!]
Go away!Geh weg![Geh veg!]
Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei![Roofen zee dee Pol-ee-tsai!]
Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt![Roofen zee eye-nen Artzt!]
I'm lostIch bin verloren[Eekh bin fer-lo-ren]
I'm illIch bin krank[Eekh bin krank]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...[Eekh merkh-teh kau-fen...]
I'm just lookingIch schaue nur[Eekh shau-eh noor]
How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?[Vee feel koss-tet es?]
That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer[Dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
Can you lower the price?Könnten Sie den Preis senken?[Kern-ten zee den Pryce senken?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wie spät ist es?[Vee shpaht ist es?]
It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr[Es ist ayn Oor]
Half past (10)Halb (10)[Hahlb (10)]
MorningMorgen[Mor-gen]
AfternoonNachmittag[Nahk-mit-tag]
EveningAbend[Ah-bend]
YesterdayGestern[Geh-stern]
TodayHeute[Hoy-teh]
TomorrowMorgen[Mor-gen]
1Eins[Eyns]
2Zwei[Zvy]
3Drei[Dry]
4Vier[Veer]
5Fünf[Foonf]
6Sechs[Zex]
7Sieben[Zee-ben]
8Acht[Acht]
9Neun[Noyn]
10Zehn[Tseen]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/das...?[Vo ist ayn/dahs...?]
What's the address?Wie ist die Adresse?[Vee ist dee Ah-dress-eh?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Könnten Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?[Kern-ten zee meer (owf der Kar-teh) tsighen?]
When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?[Vahn komt der nay-sht-eh (Boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Ein Ticket (nach ....)[Ayn Ticket (nahkh ....)]

History of Burgenland

Prehistoric Settlements and the Pannonian Plain

Burgenland has been inhabited since prehistoric times, benefiting from fertile soils, water, salt-rich wetlands and routes across the Pannonian Plain. Archaeological remains from Neolithic farming communities, Bronze Age settlements and the Iron Age testify to repeated movement and exchange across what is now the Austrian-Hungarian border. The landscape around Lake Neusiedl was never an empty wilderness: people adapted to fluctuating water levels, cultivated the surrounding land and used the region as a corridor between Central Europe and the Balkans.

Roman Pannonia

Under Roman rule, much of present-day Burgenland formed part of the province of Pannonia and lay close to the empire's Danube frontier. Roads, military installations, farms and settlements connected the region with important centres including nearby Carnuntum, which lies outside Burgenland in Lower Austria. Roman influence is visible through archaeological evidence across the province, including remains associated with rural estates and settlements. The period established transport and administrative patterns that continued to shape eastern Austria long after Roman authority withdrew.

Medieval Frontier Lordships

During the Middle Ages, the region developed as a frontier zone between the Austrian lands and the Kingdom of Hungary. Fortified settlements and castles guarded routes through the hills and plains, while monasteries, market towns and estate centres organised agriculture and trade. Strongholds such as Güssing, Forchtenstein and Schlaining represent different phases of this defensive history. The medieval political landscape was complex, with noble families and Hungarian institutions exerting influence across territories that did not correspond to modern national borders.

The Esterházy Princes and Eisenstadt

From the seventeenth century, the Esterházy family became the dominant landowning dynasty in much of northern and central Burgenland. Their residence at Eisenstadt developed into a significant court, and Schloss Esterházy was expanded and remodelled to express the family's wealth and status. The composer Joseph Haydn served the Esterházy court for decades, leaving a major musical legacy in the town. The family's estates, patronage and administrative influence helped shape the architecture, culture and economic organisation of the region.

Habsburg Borderland and Mixed Communities

For centuries, Burgenland belonged politically to Hungary within the Habsburg lands rather than to the Austrian part of the monarchy. Its population included German-speaking, Hungarian, Croatian and Roma communities, with their languages and religious traditions contributing to the region's cultural complexity. Agriculture, viticulture and cross-border trade were central to everyday life, while military conflict with the Ottoman Empire affected the wider frontier. This layered history remains visible in village churches, bilingual traditions, foodways and the varied architecture of market towns.

Joining Austria in 1921

After the First World War and the dissolution of Austria-Hungary, the predominantly German-speaking western districts of Hungary were assigned to Austria under the post-war settlement. The territory became the Austrian federal state of Burgenland in 1921, although the transition was contested and Sopron, known in German as Ödenburg, ultimately remained in Hungary after a plebiscite. The change reoriented administration, transport and economic connections towards Austria while leaving strong family, cultural and commercial links across the new border.

The Iron Curtain and the European Borderland

After 1945, Burgenland's eastern frontier with Hungary became part of the heavily guarded Iron Curtain. Cross-border movement and traditional local connections were sharply restricted, and many border districts became economically peripheral within Austria. The opening of the border in 1989 transformed the region's outlook. Today, cross-border cooperation, shared environmental management around Lake Neusiedl and European cultural routes have replaced much of the former division, although the twentieth-century frontier remains an important part of local memory.

Burgenland in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Burgenland

The closest regions to Burgenland, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Austria
More of the region

Explore more of Austria

Discover Austria's blend of alpine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and culinary delights, from Vienna's historic charm to Tyrol's dramatic beauty.

Explore Austria
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Burgenland

Discover Burgenland like never before with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Comprehensive information on Burgenland's attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences
  • High-quality images and detailed descriptions
  • Local tips to help you experience the region like a local
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Burgenland, Austria with Evendo, your all-in-one, free travel guide app. Find attractions, book hotels, and immerse yourself in local culture effortlessly.

  • Interactive maps and easy navigation
  • Booking options for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
  • Near me feature to find nearby attractions and services
  • Travel essentials and historical insights
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs

Welcome to Burgenland, Austria – a land of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. With Evendo, your journey through this picturesque region becomes an unforgettable adventure. Explore top attractions like the Esterházy Palace, Lake Neusiedl, and the beautiful vineyards of the region with in-depth guides and local tips.

Discover the best restaurants in Burgenland, from traditional Austrian cuisine at Heuriger restaurants to gourmet dining experiences. Visit landmarks such as the Forchtenstein Castle and the Roman Quarry in St. Margarethen, each brimming with historical significance and breathtaking views.

Evendo makes it easy to plan every aspect of your trip. Whether you want to book a hotel in Eisenstadt, find a guided tour of the Seewinkel National Park, or seek out the best nightlife spots in the region, our app has you covered. With detailed information, images, maps, and contact details for each location, Evendo ensures you never miss a moment of your Burgenland adventure. Download Evendo now and start exploring!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.