Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Burg Forchtenstein
Straddling a dolomite spur some 20km southwest of Eisenstadt, Burg Forchtenstein
( www.esterhazy.at ; Melinda Esterházy-Platz 1; guided tour of castle & arsenal adult/child €9/7; 10am-6pm mid-
Mar-Oct) is one of Burgenland's most imposing castles. This stronghold was built in the
14th century and enlarged by the Esterházys (who still own it today) in 1635. Apart from
a grand view from its ramparts, the castle's highlights include an impressive collection of
armour and weapons, portraits of regal Esterházys in the Ahnengalerie (Ancestral Gallery; adult/
child €9/7) and spoils from the Turkish wars (the castle curators will proudly tell you
Forchtenstein was the only castle in the area not to fall to the Turks). Its Schatzkammer
(Treasury; adult/child €9/7) contains a rich collection of jewellery and porcelain. Combination
tickets (adult/child €13/6.50) for two of the attractions are also available.
Getting There & Away
On weekdays three buses run direct from Eisenstadt (€6, 45 minutes) and one from
Wiener Neustadt (€5, 40 minutes) to Forchtenstein. Frequent indirect buses do the Eisen-
stadt route, and there's a train and bus (change to bus in Wiesen-Siegless) from Wiener
Neustadt.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Neusiedler See
Neusiedler See, Europe's second-largest steppe lake, is the lowest point in Austria. But
what it lacks in height, it makes up for in other areas. Ringed by a wetland area of reed
beds, it's an ideal breeding ground for nearly 300 bird species - its Seewinkel area is a
favourite for birdwatching. The lake's average depth is 1.5m, which means the water
warms quickly in summer. Add to this the prevailing warm winds from the northwest and
you have a water enthusiast's dream come true. Thousands of tourists flock to the lake
for windsurfing and sailing during the summer months. The best swimming beaches are
on the eastern side of the lake, as the western shore is thick with reed beds.
The area is also perfect for cycling: a flat cycle track winds all the way round the reed
beds, the ferries scuttling across the lake carry bikes, and most hotels and Pensionen
 
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