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Rust am Neusiedlersee – A hidden gem in Austria

Rust im Burgenland is a little town hardly known by international tourists, in the very east of Austria. Take walks through vineyards, bird watching, sunbathing at Lake Neusiedl, or wine tasting at winegrowers. Let me introduce you to this underrated region of Austria and convince you that Rust is worth it to get on your things-to-do-in-Austria-list 😉 When they hear about Austria, most tourists think of the Alps, beer and schnitzel. Yes, that’s what Austria stands for, but there’s more … 

In this post, I’ll tell you more about one of my favorite places in Austria, far away from the Alps. 

Where is Lake Neusiedl and what is it famous for?

In the very east of the country, near the border to Hungary, you can find this region called Burgenland. This state is the third-smallest state of Austria’s nine states in size and the smallest state in inhabitants. Burgenland is a wine region known for its mild climate and Lake Neusiedl, Austria’s largest lake. The steppe lake is an endorheic lake (this means there is no outflow of water), with the deepest point of 1,8 meters, it is a very shallow lake. Still, there are numerous stories of people drowning in the lake, so never underestimate the power of Lake Neusiedl.Especially since the weather can be very windy. This makes the lake the optimal place for water sports like surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. 

Lake Neusiedl is in addition UNESCO world heritage site, due to its history. It was in former days an important cultural meeting point. The region also stands out for its diversity of flora and fauna and its unique climate.

Lake Neusiedl Travel Guide

How to get to the Austrian Wine Region 

There is no train station in Rust or Podersdorf, but there are bus stations. To take public transportation from Vienna to either of these towns takes around 1 hour and 30-40 min. If you choose a good connection you only need to change once, from train to bus.

Insider Tip for sporty people: If you take the direct train from Vienna to Neusiedl am See you can rent bicycles directly at the train station at affordable prices. The cycling trip to Rust is not too long at the very well-prepared bike path and it gives you a first glimpse of the region. This journey takes around 2 hours of cycling. However, the easiest and most comfortable option is probably traveling by your rental or own car.

What to do in East Austria – Burgenland

I would suggest Rust as a spring/summer/autumn destination. You can still visit Rust in winter, but it has another atmosphere. Sports activities include exploring the area with a bicycle (with excellent cycling paths around the lake) or trying any offered water sports: windsurfing, sailing, SUP. If you want to visit another town at Lake Neusiedl, it is also convenient to take the ferry across the lake.

At this side of the lake is the Nationalpark Neusiedlersee – Seewinkel. This Nationalpark is a wetland area around the lake rich in flora and fauna—for instance, the 350 different bird species. Like salt brines that can be dried out in the summer, the landscape can be seen from the small wooden towers and bike and walking paths. You can read about the animals and plants in the park on information boards.

The town square of Rust

You can also find cultural and culinary attractions around the Lake Neusiedl Region. In Rust directly there are two Museums, the Kremayrhaus where you can find an art collection of a local and the Kunsthaus, here are different art exhibitions. In a small souvenir shop, you can get creative souvenirs and decorations made of natural materials such as tartar or wood form the wine barrel.

The stork is a symbol of Rust

In St. Magarethen you can find a vast stone quarry – the Römersteinbruch. The quarry dates from the pre-Roman era. Nowadays it is a location for open-air operas, festivals and exhibitions. Of course, you can also take a tour through the St. Magarethen Quarry and listen to the fascinating stories of ancient times.

Burgenland is the place for wine enthusiasts to come, relax, and enjoy Austrian wines. Various so-called Weingüter – wineries serve local produces wines and often have restaurants or serve snacks. Here you can get more information about the wine produced in the region.

Enjoy Austrian cuisine in a charming village

In Rust directly at the lake, you will find the restaurant Katamaran, overlooking the lake you can enjoy your meal in this lovely ambiance. In the village there are plenty of restaurants and Buschenschanks – wine taverns, these are places where you can enjoy wine from local winemakers. The offers for vegetarians are in most restaurants low, which is typical for the Austrian countryside, so if you want to be sure, check the menu first. What’s a summer without ice cream? Look out for the ice cream salon Der Eismacher it offers a variety of ice creams, even sugar-free and vegan.

The Restaurant Herlinde on the other side of the lake in Podersdorf offers a small but fine collection of vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Find your stork nest to rest in Rust by Lake Neusiedl

You can find typical Austrian Gasthäuser – inns, big hotels, small boutique hotels, or holiday apartments in the town center. Directly at the lake, there you can find a budget hotel and a campground. Or, if you looking for something unique, you can rent a little wooden hut directly on the lake. Keep in mind that the prices during the high season go up and early bookings are required.

This part of Austria is not very famous for international tourists. While traveling in Austria, many tourists only have limited time and want to see Austria’s renowned things. But for any travelers planning to see something else during the trip to Austria, I highly recommend you check out Rust by Lake Neusiedl and take in the lovely atmosphere. In spring/summertime, don’t forget your mosquito spray! 

Something very unique stork nests on the chimney

My time in Rust by the Lake Neusiedl

The first time I went there, I was a child, maybe 10 years old. My Mum took my sister and me on a short holiday. I still remember this moment when we were driving through this little village. Our Mum told us to look out of the windows at the top of the houses. And there they were: stork nests. Big round nests with giant white birds inside. I have never seen something like this before, I was so surprised and couldn’t stop looking up.

Additionally, I never thought that a place like this existed in Austria. I only knew the alp area where I grew up and the Lower Austria where my relatives live. The stork nests and the atmosphere of this little village have cast a spell over me.

A place I’m returning to

In my early twenties, I lived in Vienna and made a spontaneous cycling trip south, to the village I still remember from the holiday in my childhood. Rust was how I remembered it. A lovely calm atmosphere, stork nests on the chimneys, small courtyards called “Heuriger “, with wooden tables and chairs surrounded by beautiful plants and blooming flowers, where wine of region can be enjoyed. It was so relaxing to be at this village and forget the big city hustle of Vienna. I did not book any accommodation this weekend, but spontaneously, I found a charming boutique Hotel in the center of the village. A little over my planned budget, but sometimes you need to treat yourself.


This summer I spent a few days in Rust again. I took my sister, and we had a great time cycling, relaxing and eating. It is a place that I will keep visiting.

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The author of the blog

Lisi is an adventurous, mostly solo traveler from Austria. She likes to travel slowly, discover underrated countries/regions, and of course, learn about cultures. She has been traveling the world and creating travel content since 2016. With a degree in tourism management and a passion for travel and cultures, she wants to tell stories that inspire her readers and help them travel more consciously.

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