The Austrian state of Burgenland is the least known of Austria's nine federal states and it shares 173 kilometers of eastern frontier with Hungary. Though Austria's smallest state, it is by no means insignificant, both historically and geographically. Let us explore all there is to know about Burgenland. Welcome to Burgenland.
The state of Burgenland has a population of just under half a million people and covers an area of 2, 600 square kilometers. It is bordered by Vienna in the north, Slovakia in the east, Hungary in the south and Styria in the west. Burgenland is the second youngest federal state in terms of average age of its population, with the average age being 41 years old. This is only surpassed by the city state of Vienna, which has an average age of 40.8.
If you are looking to relocate to Burgenland, then good news, as the cost of living is lower than the Austrian average. The average cost of rent varies throughout the towns and cities within the state. But generally speaking, you can expect to pay around 5 euros per square meter in rural areas and around 8 to 9 euros per square meter in larger towns like Eisenstadt, the state capital. However, it's worth noting that the average salary in Burgenland is also lower than the national average at around 2700 euros compared to Austria's average of 3000 euros.
When it comes to healthcare, Burgenland has one of the highest ratios of general practitioners per capita, meaning that finding a doctor isn't too difficult. Furthermore, the state capital of Eisenstadt has one of the most modern hospitals in Austria. If you're interested in learning more about relocating to Austria, be sure to check out my comprehensive guide in the description below.
The landscape of Burgenland is very diverse, ranging from hilly vineyards in the south to forests and farmlands in the north. Neusiedlersee National Park in the eastern part of the state is home to Europe's largest steppe and semi-arid area and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the other hand, the west of the state is dominated by the Rosalia Hills, a range of hills that stretch into neighboring Styria.
Burgenland's mild climate is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Hungarian lowlands, leading to hotter summers and milder winters than the rest of Austria. With over 2000 hours of sunshine annually, it enjoys the warmest temperatures of any Austrian federal state.
Now let's move on to history. The name Burgenland translates to land of castles and fortresses. Its territory was first settled by Celts and later by Romans who built the famous Roman town of Brigetio near today's Bruck an der Leitha. During the 9th century, the region became part of the Kingdom of Hungary and played a significant role in the Battle of Caransebes where the combined forces of Hungary and Austria defeated the Ottoman Empire.
In the year 1246, the southwestern part of the region was given to King Otto the second of Bohemia, who was also the Holy Roman Emperor. After centuries of rule by the Hungarian and Czech dynasties, the region came under direct Habsburg rule in 1526 after the Battle of Mohacs. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the region was largely shaped by Prince Esterhazy, a powerful Hungarian noble family whose influence extended throughout Europe. Their legacy can still be seen in the magnificent Esterhazy Palace in Eisenstadt.
After World War I and the dissolution of Austria-Hungary, Burgenland became part of the newly formed state of Danube Austria before being incorporated into the First Austrian Republic in 1920. However, two-thirds of the population at the time were ethnic Hungarians and tensions between Austria and Hungary over the region remained high until the final resolution in 1971 when Hungary renounced all territorial claims on Burgenland. Today, Burgenland is one of Austria's nine federal states.
So now let's have a look at some of the most beautiful places in Burgenland. Neusiedlersee is the biggest lake in Austria and the surrounding area is a popular tourist destination with visitors coming from all over to enjoy its beaches and water sports. There are also numerous hiking and biking trails in the area, making it a great place to explore the natural beauty of Burgenland. The Neusiedler See National Park which surrounds the lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including 350 species of birds.
The capital of Burgenland is Eisenstadt. Founded in the 12th century, the city was once the seat of the powerful Esterhazy dynasty. Today, it is home to around 13000 people and is a popular destination for tourists due to its charming Old Town and proximity to the Neusiedler See. The Esterhazy Palace is a must-visit attraction in Eisenstadt. Built in the 16th century, the palace is one of the most important Baroque buildings in Austria and is now home to the Burgenland State Museum. Other notable attractions in Eisenstadt include the St. Martin's Cathedral, the synagogue and the clock tower.
Rust is a picturesque town located near the Neusiedler See. It is known for its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets and lively atmosphere. Rust is a popular destination for those seeking a taste of authentic Austrian culture. The town is also home to several wineries and is situated in the middle of one of Austria's most important wine-growing regions. Visitors can take a tour of the local wineries and sample some of the region's famous wines.
Another interesting place in Burgenland is the abandoned village of Serbisch. Located in the foothills of the Rosalia Hills, the village was evacuated in the late 20th century due to the construction of a nearby nuclear power plant. Today, the village is a popular destination for urban explorers and photographers looking to capture the eerie silence of the abandoned town.
Schloss Halbturn is a stunning Baroque castle located in the town of Halbturn. Built in the 17th century, the castle is now a luxury hotel and spa resort. Visitors can tour the castle's opulent rooms and gardens or relax in the on-site wellness center.
And last but not least, Schlaining Castle is a medieval castle located in the town of Schlaining. Built in the 13th century, the castle is now a museum that showcases the history of the region. Visitors can explore the castle's towers and ramparts or attend one of the many events held there throughout the year.
It's worth mentioning that Burgenland is known for its delicious cuisine. As I already mentioned earlier, it is one of Austria's most important wine-growing regions and its wines are renowned throughout the country. In addition to its wines, Burgenland is also known for its traditional dishes such as the main course called tafelspitz, which is a boiled beef dish served with vegetables and dumplings. Another local specialty is the dessert called Esterhazy Torte, a hazelnut and chocolate cake named after the Esterhazy family.
If you find yourself in Burgenland, I highly recommend checking out these traditional restaurants. Now let's get back to Burgenland's wine. The region produces a wide variety of wines, including white wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Welschriesling, as well as red wines like Zweigelt, Saint Laurent and Merlot. The soil in Burgenland is rich in minerals and the climate is ideal for growing grapes. All this makes for wines that are full of flavor and character. Wine lovers will appreciate the opportunity to sample some of these unique wines while visiting Burgenland.
Once again, welcome to Burgenland.
Click Here To Plan For Your Accommodation - Expedia.com
- Booking.com
A Quick Note:
Avoid last minute hitches. Before embarking on vacation, take the necessary steps to organize and come back from the journey smiling. Opt-in and prepare well. Click here for useful information
