Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
www.fertotaj.hu
www.welterbe.org

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2001
Size of heritage: 68,369 ha
- Buffer zone: 6,347 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 16,723°
Latitude: 47,719°

Summary

The Fertö/Neusiedler Lake area has been the meeting place of different cultures for eight millennia. This is graphically demonstrated by its varied landscape, the result of an evolutionary symbiosis between human activity and the physical environment. The remarkable rural architecture of the villages surrounding the lake and several 18th- and 19th-century palaces adds to the area’s considerable cultural interest.

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Introduction

The Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape, located in the State of Burgenland in Austria and the County of Györ-Moson-Sopron in Hungary, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exceptional natural and cultural significance. This unique landscape, encompassing the Neusiedlersee Lake and its surrounding areas, has a rich history dating back centuries and continues to captivate visitors with its diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage.

History

The history of the Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape is deeply intertwined with the development of human settlements and their interaction with the natural environment. The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Neolithic period. Over the centuries, various civilizations, including the Celts, Romans, and Magyars, have left their mark on the landscape. During the Middle Ages, the area became an important trade route connecting Western and Eastern Europe. The construction of fortresses and castles, such as the Esterházy Palace, reflected the strategic importance of the region. The landscape also witnessed the rise and fall of empires, including the Habsburg and Ottoman Empires, which left their architectural and cultural imprints.

Current State

Today, the Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape is a harmonious blend of natural and cultural elements. The Neusiedlersee Lake, the largest steppe lake in Central Europe, is the centerpiece of the landscape. Its shallow waters, reed beds, and salt pans create a unique habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species, including rare and endangered ones. The lake is a vital stopover for migratory birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The surrounding areas of the cultural landscape are characterized by a mosaic of vineyards, meadows, wetlands, and traditional villages. The traditional Puszta farming system, which involves extensive grazing and haymaking, has shaped the landscape for centuries. The vineyards produce renowned wines, and the region is known for its culinary traditions, including the famous Hungarian goulash. The cultural heritage of the Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape is preserved through the numerous historic buildings and sites scattered throughout the region. The Esterházy Palace, a magnificent Baroque palace, stands as a testament to the wealth and power of the Esterházy family. The village of Fertöd, with its well-preserved traditional houses, provides a glimpse into rural life in the past. Efforts to protect and sustain the cultural landscape are undertaken by both Austria and Hungary. The two countries collaborate closely to ensure the preservation of the site's outstanding universal value. Conservation measures include the maintenance of traditional farming practices, the protection of biodiversity, and the promotion of sustainable tourism. In conclusion, the Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the harmonious coexistence of nature and human civilization. Its rich history, diverse ecosystems, and cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the unique landscapes and traditions of Central Europe.

Hotels and places to stay

Das Schmidt Privathotel

Address
Distance: 3,4 mi
Raiffeisenstraße 8
7072 Mörbisch am See
Austria

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 22:00
Weekend: 8:00 - 22:00


Bauernhof Winzerhof Schindler

Address
Distance: 3,6 mi
Kinogasse 9
7072 Mörbisch am See
Austria

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin:
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Bauernhof Casa Peiso

Address
Distance: 3,6 mi
Herrengasse 15
7072 Mörbisch am See
Austria

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin:
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Burgenländerhof

Address
Distance: 3,4 mi
Raiffeisenstraße 2
7072 Mörbisch am See
Austria

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 20:00
Weekend: 8:00 - 20:00


Das Mittelpunkt

Address
Distance: 3,7 mi
Blumentalgasse 46
7072 Mörbisch am See
Austria

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 20:00
Weekend: 7:00 - 20:00


Wein & Landhaus Willi Opitz

Address
Distance: 4,4 mi
St.Bartholomäusgasse 18
7142 Illmitz
Austria

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 20:00
Weekend: closed


Zur Post

Address
Distance: 4,7 mi
Apetlonerstr. 2
7142 Illmitz
Austria

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 22:00
Weekend: 7:00 - 22:00


WohlfühlPension IllmitzerHof

Address
Distance: 5,0 mi
Angergasse 25
7142 Illmitz
Austria

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 20:00
Weekend: closed


Bauernhof Weingut-Gästehaus Palkowitsch

Address
Distance: 4,9 mi
Obere Hauptstrasse 71
7142 Illmitz
Austria

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin:
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Storchencamp Rust - Jugendherberge Hütte

Address
Distance: 5,8 mi
Seebad Rust
7071 Rust
Austria

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin:
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed