Neusiedlersee – Austrian Cycling Holiday | Cycling Holiday in Austria | Self Guided Cycling Holiday

With over 2000 hours of sunshine each year, unique animal and plant species found nowhere else in the world, and with vineyards, galleries and museums dotted throughout the local area, this unspoilt part of Europe is popular with outdoor enthusiasts the world over. Mostly in Austria, but also partly in Hungary, Lake Neusiedl is one of those 'slightly different' destinations waiting to be explored. This Austrian cycle tour will not disappoint. The shallow salt water lake lies in a national park and is home to Europe's largest bird sanctuary with over 300 species. The flat countryside, though bordered by hills to the west, has picturesque villages with the land being fertile farmland. It is also the best wine-growing region in Austria. There are numerous castles and fortified manors because the area has been fought over and changed hands many times over the centuries. The route will take you right round the lake including the best part of a day's cycling in Hungary.

Grade: Easy

Getting there:
Fly to Vienna then travel by train to Breitenbrunn (less than an hour by train from Vienna).

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Day 1 Arrive Breitenbrunn.

Day 2 Circular ride.
The circular ride serves as a good introduction to the region. You follow what is known as the "cherry blossom cycle route" and in May more than 10,000 cherry trees in blossom make the experience extra special. ~ 25 miles

Day 3 Breitenbrunn to Podersdorf.
Today's route leads you through vineyards round to the other side of the lake to Monchhof, a typical wine producing village and to Halbturn, a pretty village with a beautiful castle. Frauenkirchen is an important pilgrimage village and your destination, Podersdorf, is the only village that is situated right on the shore of the lake. ~ 34 miles

Day 4 Circular ride.
This circular ride takes you through the national park area on the eastern side of Neusiedlersee. This area of reed beds has about 80 lakes and ponds of varying sizes and is home to a great diversity of bird and plant species. ~ 30 miles

Day 5 Podersdorf to Rust.
The cycle route leads you south to Pamhagen, where you cross into Hungary and continue to the village of Fertod, where you will see the beutiful Esterhazy Palace. The ride takes you further into Hungary, passing through typical villages to the south of Neusiedlersee. You can detour to the Hungarian town of Sopron otherwise your route crosses back into Austria at Morbisch am See. ~ 34 miles

Day 6 Rust to Breitenbrunn.
The last day of cycling takes you through more of the vineyards that surround the lake and to the wine producing villages of Oggau and Oslip. The route also goes to Eisenstadt where there is the Esterhazy Castle and Haydn's chapel. The return to Breitenbrunn takes you underneath the wooded hills that rise up to the west
of the lake. ~ 33 miles

Day 7 Departure.

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