Seewinkel

Seewinkel is a landscape and cultural region in eastern Burgenland, Austria, occupying the southeastern edge of the Neusiedler See and extending toward the Hungarian border. The name derives from the many shallow lakes in the area and from the windswept steppe character of the terrain.

Geography and environment: It lies in the eastern part of the Pannonian Plain and encompasses numerous brackish and saline lakes, reed belts, salt pans, and open grassland. The landscape is shaped by the lake’s fluctuating water level and long-term drainage patterns, producing a mosaic of wetland and steppe habitats. The Seewinkel is a key site for migratory birds and biodiversity, attracting birdwatchers and naturalists.

Protected areas and heritage: The region includes parts of the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park in Austria, a cross-border protected area established to conserve wetland ecosystems. Together with adjacent areas on the Hungarian side, it is part of the Fertő / Neusiedler See Cultural Landscape, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 for its combined natural and cultural significance.

Human geography and economy: Populated villages border the landscapes, with land use historically shaped by agriculture and pastoralism. Today, tourism centered on nature, birdwatching, cycling, and hiking plays a significant role, supported by established park facilities and guided tours.