Discover the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park!

Where the Alps give way to the steppe

Austria is the land of mountains, meadows and forests, right? Well...not always.

In the easternmost reaches of the country, beyond the Neusiedler See, things look very different from those chocolate box lids. It's hot. It's dry. And it's flat. In fact, this is the beginning of the steppe that stretches all the way across Central Asia. If you parachuted into this landscape, you would never guess it was Austria. Think Kazakhstan. Think Iowa.

That's why the Seewinkel region, with its giant lake, salt pans and endless grazing country, is protected as one of only six national parks in Austria. And since long before there was even a park, birds have flocked here in their thousands on their twice-yearly migrations. This has made the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park an ornithologist's paradise - but you can also meet buffalo, stags, white donkeys, wild horses and more...

I'm a qualified tour guide in the national park - and an English native speaker. If you and/or your group would like a private tour with me, get in touch - I'm ready to go! (Excursions are also available in German of course.)

We can discuss exactly what you're looking for and plan the trip accordingly, but here are a few points.

• Tours can be on foot, by bicycle or 'car + walking'. I strongly recommend a bicycle, since most roads in the park are closed to cars.
• I can supply up to two bicycles at no extra charge, depending on sizes and starting point. Beyond that, please bring your own!
• If you wish to do the excursion by car, you'll need to arrange one and have a seat for me. I don't own a car, for environmental reasons.
• I have one set of binoculars which I am happy to share. For the best experience, however, bring your own!
• Minimum length one hour.
• Fee €70/hour.
• Cash only.
• Starting points in or around Apetlon/Illmitz. Further afield can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.