Neusiedlersee

Neusiedler See, or Fertő tó in Hungarian, is a large, shallow endorheic lake on the border between Austria's Burgenland and western Hungary. Covering about 320 square kilometers, it is one of Europe’s largest inland waters. The lake lies in the Pannonian Basin in a flat steppe landscape and is surrounded by reed beds, willow belts, and vineyards.

Hydrology: The lake has no outlet; water escapes mainly by evaporation. Consequently, water levels and salinity vary with rainfall, and the shoreline shifts seasonally. Depth is shallow, typically around 1 to 2 meters, with muddy flats appearing at lower levels.

Ecology and protection: The Neusiedler See supports diverse wetland ecosystems and is a key stopover for migratory birds along the Eurasian flyways. The Seewinkel region hosts salt-tolerance habitats and many species of waders, waterfowl, and shorebirds. In 2001, Fertő/Neusiedler See Cultural Landscape was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural and cultural values. The Austrian side includes the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park; the Hungarian side contains Fertő-Hanság National Park.

Economy and recreation: The lake region is a center for wine production in Burgenland and a popular destination for tourism, sailing, windsurfing, birdwatching, cycling, and thermal baths. Towns such as Rust, Neusiedl am See, Illmitz, Mörbisch am See, and Frauenkirchen attract visitors with vernacular architecture and cultural events.

History and landscape: Human activity - fishing, reed harvesting, irrigation, and viticulture - has shaped the landscape for centuries, creating a unique cultural landscape where natural and agricultural systems are closely integrated.