The best running trails in Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park

The Zicklacke (also called Illmitzer Zicksee) near Illmitz is one of the best-known and largest salt lakes in the Neusiedler See – Seewinkel National Park. These shallow bodies of water are characterized by their high salt content and regularly dry out during hot summer months, leaving behind characteristic whitish salt efflorescences. They serve as an essential habitat for rare, salt-adapted plants (halophytes) and as a central resting and breeding ground for numerous protected bird species, making them a popular destination for nature observations from viewing towers.

The Platz der Champions (Place of Champions) is located directly on the promenade in Podersdorf am See, near the shore of Lake Neusiedl. It serves as a kind of regional "Walk of Fame", where successful athletes – including Olympic champions and local world-class athletes – are honored with handprints and engravings. Furthermore, the square is a very popular starting point for walks, runs, and cycling and hiking excursions in the surrounding Neusiedler See – Seewinkel National Park.

The Walk of Fame is located at the Champions Square near the lido in Podersdorf am See, directly in front of the well-known lighthouse. On this square, successful athletes – such as Olympic and World Champions from water sports – immortalize themselves with their handprints in star-shaped plaques in the ground. In addition to honoring regional and international champions, the area on the promenade serves as a popular meeting point for events, strolling walkers, and excursionists in the Seewinkel.

The Vogelturm Lange Lacke (often also referred to as Aussichtsturm Lange Lacke Süd) is located directly on the southern shore of the Lange Lacke near Apetlon. It serves as an optimal observation point for undisturbed viewing of the species-rich birdlife and the typical Pannonian lake landscape from above. Due to its location on the well-known Lackenradweg cycle path and on circular hiking trails, the wooden tower is a popular destination for cyclists, hikers, and ornithologists.

Die Lange Lacke is the largest and best-known of the more than 40 shallow salt lakes in Burgenland's Seewinkel. As it depends solely on precipitation and groundwater, it often dries out completely in hot summers, leaving behind a distinctive, white salt crust. As a strictly protected nature reserve, it offers a vital resting place for tens of thousands of migratory birds, which is why you can observe a unique natural spectacle there, especially in spring and autumn.

The Fürst Paul V. Esterházy Observation Tower (often simply referred to as the Sandeck Cycle Path Observation Tower) is a modern viewing platform near Illmitz. The platform was built as part of the cross-border nature conservation project PaNaNet and blends harmoniously into the flat Pannonian landscape with its wooden architecture. The tower stands on stilts, thus avoiding any soil sealing during its construction.

The Austro-Hungarian Baroque Donkeys (also called Goldschimmel) are a very special attraction and an important part of nature conservation in the national park. After the decline of the monarchy, the animals were almost extinct. It was only at the end of the 20th century that the rescue of the breed began. Today, there are only a few hundred specimens worldwide again, making them continue to be among the highly endangered domestic animal breeds.

Beautiful landscape around the lake