Lake Neusiedl Tour

After the tour information and bike handover, it’s time to start exploring—and there’s no better way to experience the imperial city of Vienna than by bike. Ride along the famous Ringstraße, where the grand facades of the State Opera, Parliament, Burgtheater, and City Hall line your path. The impressive Hofburg Palace is another must-see along the way. Be sure to take a turn down Kärntner Straße, admire the striking St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), and leave time to meander through the quiet lanes and hidden corners of Vienna’s enchanting old town.

Hotel (example): MAXX by Steigenberger

Your cycling journey begins on Vienna’s Danube Island (Donauinsel), where scenic bike paths lead you to the stunning Schönbrunn Palace. After exploring the palace and its gardens at your own pace, you’ll pedal onward along a dedicated route to the charming Biedermeier town of Baden. Nestled in the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald), this historic spa town is rich with stories—and it’s no coincidence that Ludwig van Beethoven completed his Ninth Symphony, including the legendary “Ode to Joy,” here. Be sure to visit the elegant Casino Baden, the impressive Römertherme, and the Art Deco–style Thermalstrandbad from 1926—a luxurious attempt by Vienna’s nobility to bring the Adriatic coast to Baden.

Hotel (example): At the Park

Leaving Baden along scenic routes, you’ll soon notice the landscape transforming around you. The atmosphere becomes truly spectacular at Europe’s westernmost steppe lake, where the gentle foothills of the Leitha Mountains (Leithagebirge) give way to the vast Hungarian Puszta. Highlights to explore independently include the grand Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt and the ancient Roman quarry (Römersteinbruch) in St. Margarethen. As you cycle through softly rolling vineyards, take in breathtaking views over the lake and, in the evening, savor a superb glass of local wine. The charming towns of Rust and Mörbisch, with their authentic winegrowers’ spirit, offer an especially delightful experience.

Hotel (example): Drescher

Starting from the famed festival town of Mörbisch—with its atmospheric lakeside stage that comes alive each summer during the celebrated operetta festival—you’ll pedal through rolling vineyards that offer breathtaking views over the lake as you near the Hungarian border. Soon, you’ll arrive at the historic town of Ödenburg, where a beautifully preserved old town awaits your discovery. Today’s Sopron welcomes you with lively streets and charming squares perfect for lingering. Your return to Mörbisch and Rust follows a picturesque bike path along the captivating lakeshore scenery.

Hotel (example): Drescher

Your day begins with a ferry ride to Illmitz, setting the stage for an exploration of the unique National Park Neusiedler See-Seewinkel. Here, the birdwatchers’ observation decks rise as the only elevated points in the flat landscape. It’s worth noting that in this region, as well as on the western slopes between Podersdorf, Illmitz, and Apetlon, excellent classified wines are produced in the lowlands, including some internationally acclaimed Trockenbeerenauslese varieties. The “Lacken” are shallow, salt-rich lakes about 50 cm deep that give the Seewinkel its distinctive flora and fauna—and lend their name to the scenic Lacken Cycle Path. Along this route, you’ll pedal past wet meadows, grazing lands, and rolling vineyards.

Hotel (example): Seeblick

Take a day to relax and recharge amidst a variety of recreational options. The lake is a paradise for sailing, surfing, and swimming, while cyclists can enjoy the scenic Cherry Blossom Trail—a beautiful 45 km (about 28 miles) loop around the lake.

Hotel (example): Seeblick

Refreshed and relaxed, you’ll cycle through Rohrau, home to the birthplaces of Joseph and Michael Haydn, before reaching the “Römerland Carnuntum.” At the so-called Heidentor, the Amber Road and the Limes Road intersect. In Petronell, take time to explore the faithfully reconstructed Roman neighborhood at the open-air museum. The border town of Hainburg lies right on the Danube, just a few kilometers from your stage destination, Bratislava. An evening stroll through Bratislava’s charming old town is the perfect way to end the day.

Hotel (example): Hotel Devin Bratislava