Part 4 – Burgenland: Austria’s Flattest Roads, Endless Vineyards and the Legendary Neusiedler See Radmarathon

“Ride Where Austria Meets Hungary – Endless Roads, World-Class Cycling and Europe’s Unique Steppe Landscape”

Welcome to Burgenland

When most cyclists think of Austria, they imagine steep Alpine passes, dramatic mountain scenery and endless climbing.

Burgenland is the exact opposite.

Located in Austria’s easternmost corner along the Hungarian border, Burgenland is the country’s sunniest federal state and home to some of the fastest, flattest and most enjoyable road cycling in Central Europe.

Instead of mountain passes, you’ll find open landscapes, vineyards, picturesque villages, quiet roads and one of Europe’s most remarkable natural wonders—the Lake Neusiedl (Neusiedler See).

For endurance cyclists, triathletes, beginners and gravel riders, Burgenland offers an experience unlike anywhere else in Austria.

Why Cyclists Love Burgenland

Burgenland may not have Austria’s highest mountains, but it offers something many riders value even more—consistency.

You can ride for hours without major climbs, making it one of the best destinations in Europe for:

• endurance training;
• Gran Fondo preparation;
• first-time road cyclists;
• family cycling holidays;
• gravel adventures;
• spring training camps;
• e-bike touring.

The region enjoys one of Austria’s warmest climates, with many cyclists beginning their outdoor season here weeks before Alpine roads become snow-free.

Lake Neusiedl – Austria’s Cycling Paradise

Everything in Burgenland revolves around Lake Neusiedl.

Although commonly referred to as a lake, it behaves more like an inland sea.

It stretches across the Austrian-Hungarian border and is one of the largest steppe lakes in Europe.

Surprisingly, despite covering more than 300 km², the average depth is only around one metre.

Strong winds constantly shape the landscape, making the area famous not only among cyclists but also among sailors, windsurfers and birdwatchers.

The surrounding region has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape, reflecting the unique relationship between nature, traditional agriculture and centuries of winemaking.

The Neusiedler See Cycle Route (B10)

One of Austria’s most famous cycling routes is the Neusiedler See Cycle Route, often known as the B10.

This circular route follows the shores of the lake through Austria and Hungary.

Depending on the exact variation, the complete loop covers approximately 120–130 kilometres.

The route passes:

• vineyards;
• reed beds;
• national park landscapes;
• historic market towns;
• traditional wine villages;
• lakeside beaches;
• nature reserves.

Its gentle terrain makes it suitable for cyclists of all abilities.

Neusiedler See Radmarathon

The highlight of Burgenland’s cycling calendar is undoubtedly the Neusiedler See Radmarathon.

This internationally recognised event attracts thousands of participants every year and is one of Austria’s premier road cycling races.

The event offers:

• closed roads;
• electronic timing;
• excellent organisation;
• professional feed stations;
• spectacular scenery;
• international participants.

Unlike many Alpine sportives, success here depends less on climbing ability and more on maintaining a strong, consistent pace across long open roads.

Wind often becomes the greatest challenge.

Why This Event Is Special

Many riders underestimate Burgenland because of its lack of mountains.

That is a mistake.

Strong crosswinds coming off the lake frequently split the field into groups, making positioning and teamwork just as important as physical fitness.

Professional riders often describe the race as “a battle against the wind rather than the terrain.”

For first-time Gran Fondo participants, however, the event remains approachable thanks to its predictable gradients and excellent support.

Difficulty

⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Physically moderate.

Tactically demanding.

Weather dependent.

Best Bike

A lightweight endurance road bike with aerodynamic wheels is ideal.

Comfort matters less than maintaining speed across long, exposed sections.

AustriaTrails Recommendation

Many participants fly into Vienna before travelling to Burgenland.

Rather than transporting a bicycle through airports and train stations, international visitors often choose to rent a premium road bike from AustriaTrails.

Our professionally serviced road bikes can be delivered to:

• Vienna International Airport;
• hotels in Vienna;
• Eisenstadt;
• Rust;
• Neusiedl am See;
• accommodation near the race start.

This allows riders to travel light while enjoying a race-ready bicycle prepared specifically for their measurements.

Eisenstadt – Haydn’s City

Burgenland’s capital, Eisenstadt, is much more than an administrative centre.

It is closely associated with the composer Joseph Haydn, who spent much of his career serving the Esterházy family.

Cyclists visiting Eisenstadt can combine excellent riding with cultural attractions such as:

• Esterházy Palace;
• Haydn Church;
• historic old town;
• traditional cafés;
• wine taverns.

The surrounding roads are quiet, smooth and ideal for training.

Rust – Austria’s Wine Capital

Among cyclists, Rust is famous for its charming medieval streets.

Among wine lovers, it is legendary.

Rust has produced exceptional wines for centuries and is one of Austria’s most beautiful small towns.

After a long ride around Lake Neusiedl, many cyclists stop here to enjoy local cuisine and traditional wines.

The town is also famous for its white storks, which nest on rooftops throughout the historic centre.

Podersdorf am See

For many visitors, Podersdorf represents the classic image of Lake Neusiedl.

Its iconic lighthouse has become one of Austria’s most photographed cycling landmarks.

Here you’ll find:

• beaches;
• cafés;
• bike rentals;
• sailing schools;
• kite surfers;
• wide-open lake views.

The roads leading to Podersdorf are particularly popular among endurance cyclists.

National Park Neusiedler See–Seewinkel

Cycling in Burgenland isn’t only about roads.

The Neusiedler See–Seewinkel National Park protects one of Europe’s most important wetland ecosystems.

The region is home to more than 340 bird species, making it one of the continent’s premier birdwatching destinations.

While riding through the park, it’s common to see:

• grey herons;
• spoonbills;
• white storks;
• marsh harriers;
• great egrets.

The open landscape creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Austria.

Gravel Riding in Burgenland

Although Burgenland is famous for road cycling, it has quietly become one of Austria’s finest gravel destinations.

Hundreds of kilometres of gravel roads connect:

• vineyards;
• orchards;
• reed beds;
• forests;
• agricultural tracks;
• lakeside paths.

Most routes are technically easy, making them perfect for riders who want to experience gravel cycling without difficult mountain terrain.

Wine Country on Two Wheels

Burgenland is one of Austria’s leading wine-producing regions.

Cyclists frequently pass through villages where vineyards have been cultivated for generations.

Popular wine regions include:

• Leithaberg;
• Neusiedlersee DAC;
• Mittelburgenland;
• Eisenberg DAC.

For visitors, this creates a unique opportunity to combine cycling with wine tasting—preferably after the ride is finished.

Why Burgenland Is Perfect for Beginners

Many visitors assume Austria is suitable only for strong climbers.

Burgenland proves the opposite.

It is one of the easiest regions in Central Europe for recreational road cycling.

The gentle terrain allows cyclists to focus on:

• improving endurance;
• enjoying the scenery;
• learning group riding;
• increasing confidence;
• covering longer distances.

It is also an excellent destination for couples where one rider has significantly more cycling experience than the other.

E-Bike Paradise

The region’s extensive network of paved cycling paths makes Burgenland particularly attractive for e-bike holidays.

Charging stations are widely available, and many villages offer cafés, restaurants and accommodation specifically catering to cyclists.

This combination of accessibility and infrastructure has made Burgenland one of Austria’s fastest-growing cycling tourism destinations.

Local Tip

If you plan to ride the complete Lake Neusiedl circuit, begin early in the morning.

The light over the reed beds is spectacular at sunrise, temperatures are cooler, and the afternoon winds are often significantly stronger.

Many experienced cyclists also choose to ride the loop clockwise, allowing them to enjoy some of the most scenic lake views during the second half of the day.

AustriaTrails Recommendation

Burgenland is only about one hour from Vienna, making it one of the easiest cycling regions to reach from AustriaTrails’ base.

Whether you’re planning to participate in the Neusiedler See Radmarathon, spend a weekend exploring the vineyards or complete the famous lake circuit, we can provide:

• premium road bikes;
• carbon gravel bikes;
• touring e-bikes;
• professional bike fitting;
• helmet and accessories;
• delivery to hotels, apartments and selected event locations.

Travelling with your own bicycle is no longer necessary—simply arrive in Austria and start riding.