The salty-sweet water. Lake Neusiedl
Lake Neusiedl (Germ. Neusiedler See) carries a seductive scent. When approaching it, often from the town of Neusiedl am See, I always roll down the car windows and delight in the unique aroma, unlike any other. It’s likely due to the special mineral composition of the slightly salty water and the so-called reed belt that tightly encircles almost the entire lake. The vast expanse of water resembles the sea. The gaze can barely capture the opposite shores, and the imagination paints a picture of the sea. This impression is further enhanced by the breeze, a frequent companion in this region, which stirs up murky, frothy, small waves onto the shore. Initially, the large, sharp, light-gray stones along the shore might sting your feet, but when you wade into the water about one or two meters, the prickly sensation transforms into a relaxing experience as your tired feet sink into the soft, cool, muddy mass. At times, your legs may sink into it almost up to the knees. Since the lake is quite shallow (with a maximum depth of 1.8 meters), you can wade towards the buoys for a long time, continuously touching and stirring the viscous mass with your feet without ever feeling too deep. Once you become accustomed to it, you can scoop up the mud with your feet or your hands and retrieve a large gray lump, which feels satisfying to knead. When exposed to the open air the mud emits a strong odor due to its saturation with hydrogen sulfide and methane gases, making it therapeutic.
Substantial reserves of mineral water are stored beneath the lake bottom, available to those visiting St. Martins Therme nearby.
In 1993, the Austrian national park Neusiedler See was established, seamlessly transitioning into the Hungarian national park Fertö-Hanság Nemzeti Park.
Lake Neusiedl is shared by two countries, Austria (230 km²) and Hungary (90 km²). A significant portion of the Austrian territory around the lake, situated in the federal state of Burgenland, belongs to the distinguished Hungarian Esterházy family.
Large vessels don’t navigate here due to the shallow waters. Beyond the buoys, small boats resembling tufts of feathers with white sails either sit still or sail by. Owing to the frequent winds, the lake has become a haven for windsurfers. They gather in clubs and establish private beaches with their unique micro-infrastructure.
Local lakeside towns like Neusiedl am See, Podersdorf am See, and Weiden am See are renowned for their splendid private beaches. The sprawling canopies of tall trees cast refreshing shade onto the beaches, offering a respite from the heat. You can spend the entire day by the lake without feeling overwhelmed by the heat.
Waterfront restaurants infuse romance into this location. With pleasant music, colorful cocktails, exquisite cuisine, and a lively yet moderate crowd, the atmosphere becomes wonderfully vibrant, leaving an indelible mark on one’s memory.