The most beautiful sights in Burgenland

The provincial capital, Eisenstadt, is just about 60 kilometres / 37 miles from Vienna. Its old town is largely a pedestrian zone, inviting visitors to enjoy peaceful strolls. Around the many corners of the charming narrow streets, you’ll often discover delightful little cafés and shops.

The city's main attraction and focal point is Esterházy Palace, located in the centre. This is where composer Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) lived and composed for Prince Esterházy. For this reason, Eisenstadt is often referred to as "Haydnstadt" – both in honour of its great musical heritage and as a nod to the annual HERBSTGOLD Festival, which celebrates Haydn and the diversity of music.

In the footsteps of Joseph Haydn

For three decades, Joseph Haydn lived, composed, and performed at the court of the Esterházy family in Eisenstadt, far from the major cities of the time. His musical talent was discovered early in his childhood, and he was trained as a choirboy. In nearby Vienna, he received lessons in singing, piano, and the violin. In 1761, he took up the position of vice-kapellmeister with the Esterházy family and remained loyally in service to his prince.

Today, Joseph Haydn is world-renowned as a master of Viennese Classicism, particularly famous for his symphonies and string quartets. Those keen to trace his footsteps will find numerous original sites in Eisenstadt, including the Haydn Church, where the great musical genius is laid to rest, Esterházy Palace, where he worked, and his former residence, the Haydn House.

Forchtenstein Castle

At Forchtenstein Castle, visitors can truly immerse themselves in the history of the Middle Ages. During a guided tour of the historic art and wonder chamber, as well as the arsenal, you'll uncover unexpected or even scandalous details. The unique frescoes are particularly impressive, telling captivating stories of the Esterházy dynasty.

This late medieval castle is one of the most popular destinations in Burgenland, beautifully situated at the foothills of the Rosalia Mountains.

On full moon nights, the night watchman Fransiscus Fabiankovich, the former captain of the castle, tells stories and anecdotes about battles, famous personalities, stories and anecdotes in the glow of the flickering lantern light.

Opposite the castle is the Forchtenstein Reptile Zoo, where you can explore a fascinating world filled with exotic creatures – including snakes, lizards, and crocodiles. You'll gain thrilling insights into the lives of reptiles and learn about the conservation of these intriguing animals during feeding times. Whether you're a family or an animal lover, a visit promises to be an unforgettable experience full of discoveries.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Lake Neusiedl Cultural Landscape

Unique and worthy of protection: Central Europe’s largest steppe lake and the surrounding landscape weave together an unparalleled natural tapestry, featuring endless reed belts, salt pans, and distinctive flora and fauna. Picturesque villages, typical farms, castles, and rolling vineyards create an 8,000-year-old mosaic of culture and nature between Austria and Hungary.

At the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site lies the 300 square kilometre / 30000 ha National Park Neusiedler See-Seewinkel. Here, a rich diversity of wildlife and plant life can be found, including species typical of Alpine, Asian, and Mediterranean regions – with grey cattle and white donkeys grazing on the expansive pasturelands. Over 340 bird species are a major attraction.

Along the shores of the lake, charming villages line up, offering idyllic village squares, stork nests atop chimneys, spacious beach resorts, and cosy heurigen, providing a perfect escape from everyday life.

The Wine Trails in Burgenland lead, on one hand, to charming cellar lanes with traditional winemaker houses, and on the other, to modern wine architecture featuring innovative tasting and exhibition rooms. For wine lovers, it’s a paradise. This variety of ambiance is also reflected in the glass. Under the influence of the continental, hot Pannonian climate, the easternmost province produces not only complex white wines but also exceptional sweet wines and, at times, some of the richest red wines in Austria. The most original and unrefined variety is the Uhudler. This grape variety ripens on the slopes of Southern Burgenland and stands as a special cultural asset, a trademark of the region. It boasts a delicate berry aroma, reminiscent of strawberries or raspberries.

A flair for modern architecture among Burgenland's winegrowers

It was the young generation of winemakers who decided to create something new in Burgenland after years of training and travel in the world’s wine regions. They took over their family businesses and set new quality standards—not only in wine production but also in architecture.

One of the pioneers was Leo Hillinger, who had his futuristic tasting room designed by architects in 2001 in Jois on Lake Neusiedl, triggering a modern building boom. His aim, then as now, was to make the wine’s journey from vineyard to cellar transparent and to inspire wine lovers in beautifully designed tasting rooms.

Several years have passed since then, but the Burgenland winemakers continue to confidently pursue their path. They ensure a modern presence for their wineries—honouring tradition while embracing contemporary aesthetics.

Excursions into the rural life of yesteryear

Discover what life was like in bygone eras and see traditional craftsmanship and regional customs come alive at Burgenland’s open-air museums. In lovingly preserved farms and old workshops, you can immerse yourself in cultural history and experience ancient techniques firsthand. Nature and history merge to create an exciting experience for all ages. The picturesque surroundings and interactive explorations make this journey into the past an ideal family outing, full of inspiration and discoveries.