Burgenland

Capital City: Eisenstadt
Population: 286,215
Land surface area: 1,529.66 sq mi
Agricultural area: 188,063 hectares


WINE

Vineyards in the Fall © Burgenland Tourismus, Christian Teske

Vineyards in the Fall © Burgenland Tourismus, Christian Teske

Burgenland, which is Austria’s youngest federal state, has a longstanding tradition of viniculture. White wine and red wine are equally cultivated. The balanced “Welschriesling” is one of the main types of white wine grown in Burgenland and is popular both in expensive and more affordable versions. Apart from that you can find for example Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs, or also Grüne Veltliner. The middle part of Burgenland is especially well-known for the Blaufränkisch, a red wine, which is cultivated on 104,131 mi2. This dry and full-bodied wine often ripens in barrique barrels and is, for example, enjoyed with rich meat dishes. The Zweigelt, which is lighter in taste, is Austria’s most-cultivated red wine and also very common to Burgenland. It is often served with poultry- or pasta dishes.

FISH

Lake Neusiedel © Österreich Werbung, Muhr

Lake Neusiedel © Österreich Werbung, Muhr

The Neudsiedler Lake, which was designated as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 2001, is the biggest lake in Burgenland and even reaches across the border to Hungary. The shallow lake is famous for being a popular holiday destination for Austrians in the summer, during which different sports like swimming, windsurfing or wakeboarding can be enjoyed. It is, moreover, also famous for its delicious fish and, hence, fishing has a long tradition for the inhabitants of the region. Since the shallow water can get quite warm during the summer months, species like the delicious Zander are quite common. Eels, pikes, and carps can be found as well.

CEREAL

The rather dry and warm Pannonia climate also offers great conditions for the growing of different kinds of cereal. Das “Mittelburgenland” (Middle Burgenland) is especially recognized for its spelt, which is used for different kinds of bread, cakes and even beer.