Nature trip in Seewinkel: Steppe, salt lakes, safari feeling: Austria's wild east
Two thirds of the Alpine Republic are characterised by mountains. However, the lowest point in Austria is in Burgenland. The country is very different there: warmer, drier - and more exotic.
In the wild east of Austria, known as the Seewinkel, tourists experience an adventure like no other. Steppe, salt lakes, and even a safari feeling await them. Manuel Böck, a biologist, leads these tours, sharing his knowledge of the unique ecosystem with families who visit. Among the sightseeing are steppes cattle, running in herds across the barren landscape. Their black eyes, white-and-gray snouts, and long, curved horns captivate the onlookers, evoking a sense of the African wilderness.
As night falls, the stars twinkle above the flat, gold-brown plain, dotted with patches of bushy oak and oilseed plants. The distant peaks of the Alps can be seen, including the Second Highest Mountain in Austria, the Schneeberg.
The Seewinkel is a land that defies expectations. It boasts over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, making it the sunniest and driest region in Austria. The Seewinkel is home to the deepest recorded point in Austria, located in the town of Apetlon, at 114 meters above sea level.
A unique experience awaits those who embark on a "Safari" tour with Böck and his team. In old Land Rovers, families explore the steppe, learning about the local wildlife, including the horned steppes cattle. The ranger explains that the land has been cultivated for 800 years, turning what was once a dense oak forest steppe into the open landscape seen today.
The steppes cattle, once wild, are now semi-wild, wandering across the extensive pastures that span multiple countries. They help maintain the landscape by grazing on bushes and keeping the reeds around the Neusiedler See in check. These semi-wild animals provide exclusive meat for local hotels and restaurants.
The Seewinkel is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species from across Europe making their way to this unique environment. From the long-legged stilt to the flamingos that call the reeds home, the Seewinkel offers a diverse bird population. For those seeking a true adventure, the Seewinkel is a place where they can experience the untamed beauty of Austria's eastern wilderness.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
