The best hiking routes in Nationalpark Neusiedler See - Seewinkel

Nationalpark Neusiedler See - Seewinkel is a vast, flat wetland and steppe landscape dominated by a massive reed belt, shallow saline lakes known as Lacken, and wet meadows. Walkers should expect a completely level terrain with no hills or valleys, where the ground underfoot alternates between hard-packed dirt tracks, sandy paths, and occasional wooden boardwalks. The landscape is shaped by its high salt content and a high water table, which prevents trees from growing and creates a mosaic of salt-crusted mudflats and low-growing halophytic vegetation.

Walking here is defined by these saline lakes, which dry out to white salt crusts in late summer, particularly in August, before filling again with autumn rains. The open pastures are grazed by Hungarian Grey cattle and white Donkeys to keep the scrub from taking over, keeping the views open across the low plains. Unlike mountain parks, the challenges here are the lack of shade and the exposure to the elements, rather than steep climbs.

For those choosing where to walk, the paths around the Illmitz area offer direct access to the lake shores and observation towers via raised wooden walkways. The eastern sections feature more gravel and sandy tracks through the dry grasslands, where the vegetation changes to steppe plants. Well-known observation points can be busy with birdwatchers, especially during spring and autumn migrations, while the paths further into the pastures are often quieter.