As diverse as a bouquet of summer flowers: insider tips in Burgenland for nature, enjoyment and culture – so that everyone enjoys their family vacation!
Advertising: We had the pleasure of discovering the Sonnenland trolley tour as part of our collaboration with Burgenland Tourismus.
Burgenland, just 40 minutes south of Vienna, is Austria’s best-kept secret. You won’t find the mountains that are usually associated with Austria here! Instead, the landscape is dotted with flat plains, rolling hills and vineyards. With 300 days of sunshine a year, warm summers and mild winters, the climate here is not only meteorologically Mediterranean – it is referred to as Pannonian – but also has a culinary and cultural ambience reminiscent of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Very different from the rest of Austria, incredibly special and unbelievably beautiful – that’s Burgenland.
The region is actually an insider tip in itself. In the nature parks, you can encounter rare animal species that are surprisingly common here and the numerous castles and palaces tell their very own stories. Then there are the extensive cycle routes through the countryside, which can be ideally combined with a stop at one of the many wine taverns and wineries. Whether discovered on a weekend or during the vacations – together they create unforgettable and enjoyable family experiences.
In this article, we would like to show you the small, fine corners and treasures of this region for families, where you can really enjoy family time and immerse yourself in the Burgenland flair.
The diverse nature in Burgenland
Burgenland counts a total of six nature parks and a national park. They invite families to experience the diverse flora and fauna of this fairytale landscape up close.
1. Safari in the Neusiedler See – Seewinkel National Park: In northern Burgenland, the National Park Neusiedler See – Seewinkel extends, a place where the steppe meets the lake and a breathtaking scenery is created. With over 300 bird species, steppe cattle, white donkeys and wild horses, this park offers an incredible biodiversity that can be discovered on a family safari. Tours start from the National Park Center Illmitz, in which an experienced ranger leads young and old through the wonders of nature with sharp binoculars. The center itself is also worth a visit: It offers exciting knowledge about the animal and plant world, great workshops for children and a huge playground. Here you can find all the information.
2. Nature Park Geschriebenstein-Írottkὄ: In the southern and partly also in the central Burgenland, on the border with Hungary, lies the Naturpark Geschriebenstein-Írottkő. The dense forests in their sap-green appearance offer a particularly intense nature experience. With children, the hike to the Geschriebenstein observation tower, the highest point in Burgenland, is a real highlight. Here, visitors can not only enjoy a picnic with a magical view, but also take a step across the border to the neighboring country – another special feature of Burgenland, where borders mix and Europe feels like Europe.
Bicycle riding
Once upon a time in the magical Burgenland… a country full of green vineyards, glittering lakes and gentle hills. In this picturesque landscape, there was no better way to explore the country than on two wheels. Here are the most beautiful bicycle tours for families.
1. Cherry Blossom Cycle Path (B12) and Neusiedler Lake Cycle Path (B10): When the cherry trees are in full bloom and their delicate leaves trickle on the paths like snow, then the time is right to go with the whole family by bike to the Cherry blossom bike path. It goes past hundreds of cherry trees with a wonderful view of Lake Neusiedler to the Hungarian lowlands. And then there are the old wine cellars, which are tiny houses along the way. On the way you can make culinary stops with the many hosts and Heurigen. It is the same with the Neusiedler See cycle path, which we do not recommend to you in its entire length of over 100 km, but the section from Illmnitz to Podersdorf to the standbad PODOBEACH, where you can make a detour on the route to the “Hell” with Aussichtsturm and Buschenschank. You can shorten or extend it yourself according to your mood.
2. Draisinentour Sonnenland: Once an old railway line meandered through the heart of the Mittelburgenland. But instead of trains, this route is now animated by bicycle trolleys. On a total of 23 kilometers, groups of 4 to 12 people can glide through the landscape on these unusual companions. Here you can find out more.
3. Escape game on bicycles and Burgenland trails: It will be action-rich in southern Burgenland with an exciting Escape-Game on bicycles, which is particularly well received by the kids. With a bag full of puzzles, you go on a treasure hunt, can stop by Heurigen and cafés on the way and really have to make an effort of all your brain cells to find the right trail. The Burgenland trails meander through the forest and are for mountain bike fans pure action. Learn more about the Burgenland trails.
Secret tips Burgenland – Discover the best beach resorts
What would Burgenland be without its many lakes. The main role here is of course played by the Neusiedler See, which with its unique beach baths, which reflect the typical Burgenland Fair with games, fun and enjoyment.
New beach: The New beach on the west bank of Lake Neusiedler was opened in June 2024 and is truly new. So does the concept, which focuses on enjoyment and sustainability. With its sandy beach and the long jetty into the water, the New Beach immediately enchants with a holiday feeling. And it gets even better: admission is free!
PODOBEACH: In this beach on the east bank, families and sports enthusiasts get their money’s worth. With the Burgenland Card, admission is free and the numerous playgrounds as well as the extensive sports area can be used free of charge. Not only for strengthening, but also for mocking the kite surfers, the SUNBAY Beach restaurant is recommended. If you want to go to the lake yourself, you can book magical tours next door at Schifffahrt Knoll.
Badesee Rechnitz: In southern Burgenland on the edge of the Geschriebenstein Nature Park, the Badesee Rechnitz attracts families with refreshing water and a variety of leisure activities such as water slides, diving towers and a rocking world.
Cultural diversity in Burgenland
In Burgenland there is an almost infinite cultural offer for children. In addition to the fascinating palaces and castles, the region offers specially designed programs that are not only fun, but anything but dust-dry. And these are exactly the insider tips in Burgenland.
Children’s tours in Esterházy Castle: In the magnificent city of Eisenstadt, Esterházy Castle rises, which is not only an impressive building, but also a place full of stories of festivals celebrated here. Joseph Haydn composed and made music in the magnificent castle hall and there should also be a ghost. The kids can discover all this on a tour of the castle themselves. Here go to the recommendation.
For example, open-air museum in southern Burgenland: In the middle of green meadows and old fruit trees, there are lovingly restored buildings from times long past. Here, children can not only see the past, but also feel and experience it. After the visit, you can pay a visit to the Arkadenheurigen right next door and enjoy Burgenland specialties on the sun terrace, which, by the way, all come from the immediate vicinity.
Genussmekka Burgenland
From rustic Buschenschenken to first-class restaurants, Burgenland also fascinates with its culinary diversity. Here are three recommendations where parents and children can experience enjoyment together.
Weingut Scheiblhofer Near the Weingut Scheiblhofer, surrounded by gentle hills and green vineyards, hides a small treasure: the Kletterpark Andreasberg. This can be perfectly combined with a visit to the winery and thus also immediately inspired the children.
Buschenschank Kopfensteiner: A place where hospitality is as warm as the sun rays over the vines. Here, families find a rustic atmosphere in which the products on the snack boards were often hunted and processed themselves. The wine for the adults is stored in their own barrels. Maybe you are lucky and will be there when winemaker Tom opens a bottle of his old Blaufränkische wine.
Heimlichwirt: In Gols, the wine mecca of Burgenland, Peter, a Swabian who love has come to Burgenland, welcomes you. In his honest kitchen with sincere wines, he conjures up dishes and taste experiences that are something very special. An ideal place for all generations who want to enjoy together.
Secret tips Burgenland – Discover accommodation
How to make your bed, so you rest. Here are three special gems for your overnight stay in Burgenland:
Archehof zur Grube: On the Archehof zur Grube, farmer Maria welcomes her guests with open arms and a warm smile. This idyllic organic farm offers a simple, lovingly designed ambience. Children can help milk the rare Zackel sheep and Styrian check goats and learn a lot about life on the farm. Here you can find all information about the favorite farm.
Wohnothek am Ratschen: In an enchanted corner of the Südburgenland is the Wohnothek am Ratschen, where guests can stay in fragrant tiny houses made of spruce wood. Surrounded by majestic forests and gentle vineyards, the accommodation offers a small outdoor pool, a sauna and a steam bath for relaxation. In this post we tell you even more about this dream place.
VILA VITA Pannonia: A true village of its self and a place of peace and relaxation in Burgenland. Families live in elegant lake residences with their own jetty, surrounded by a picturesque landscape. In addition to the rather high-priced lake residences, there are numerous other overnight accommodation options for families. Here there are animals to pet, a refreshing pool and several restaurants, including one with a hood that inspires gourmets. To VILA VITA Pannonia.
As you can see, Burgenland is full of hidden gems and surprises, which show us that you don’t have to travel far for summer happiness. Let us share with you the beauty of this unique region with our insider tips!
