Discover the sights of Lake Neusiedl starting from Sopron, then relax in the tranquillity of the Lővérek at Hotel Szieszta!
Lake Neusiedl sights: where landscape and culture meet
The Fertő/Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape has been a World Heritage Site since 2001 and, stretching across the Hungarian–Austrian border, offers reed beds, vineyard hills, baroque palaces and Roman remains all at once.
It is worth adapting your exploration of the area to your own pace or that of the whole family: a shorter walk or bike ride can be a rewarding break, but you can also plan a full-day programme linking several villages. The area is easy to reach from Hotel Szieszta by car or by bike.
Sights in Fertőrákos: the Quarry and the Mithras Sanctuary
One of the best-known sights in Fertőrákos is the Quarry and Cave Theatre. Its spectacular cave-like spaces house an exhibition on the formation and use of Leitha limestone, and its paths offer views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. In season, performances at the Cave Theatre also offer a special programme. The underground spaces are cool even in summer, so it is worth bringing a jumper.
Another fascinating monument in the village is the 3rd-century Mithras Sanctuary, which offers an insight into the world of Roman religious cults. These two sites are also a good choice for those looking for a historical experience alongside nature.
Palaces near Lake Neusiedl
Esterházy Palace, Fertőd
The largest baroque palace in the region, the “Hungarian Versailles”. Not only the building but also the palace garden and the Margit Cziráky Rose Garden offer a special experience.
Széchenyi Palace, Nagycenk
The former home of István Széchenyi, now open to visitors as a museum. Next to it runs an avenue of lime trees more than two and a half kilometres long.
The Gloriette Lookout and the lakeside villages
From the Gloriette Lookout on the hill at Fertőboz, you can see the whole lake and its reed beds. From here, the lakeside villages can be visited one after another: Hidegség, Fertőhomok, Hegykő and Fertőszéplak, where traces of folk architecture have also survived. The lake and reed beds are managed by the Fertő–Hanság National Park, so it is best to stay on the marked routes, especially when birdwatching.
The lake and its surroundings can also be an exciting family outing, especially if the children enjoy watching birds and the small details of the shoreline.
Lake Neusiedl sights by bike
The cycle route between Sopron and the shore of Lake Neusiedl can be ridden in various lengths and themes. If you are planning a bike tour around Lake Neusiedl, you can take in Tómalom, Fertőrákos, Fertőboz, Hegykő, Fertőszéplak or even Fertőd.
The B10 cycle path around the lake runs through the Fertő–Hanság National Park in Austria and Hungary; its Austrian section is 95 km and the Hungarian section 38 km. The full loop is therefore roughly 120 kilometres. However, you do not have to cycle around the whole lake: a bicycle ferry runs between Illmitz and Mörbisch am See, shortening the loop to about 78 kilometres.
The Austrian side
Hotel Szieszta is just as close to the far shore of Lake Neusiedl. Rust is known for its storks’ nests and its wines, Mörbisch am See for its lake stage, and the Oper im Steinbruch performances are held in the quarry of St. Margarethen.
Also here you will find Austria’s largest amusement park, Familypark, which is half an hour from the hotel, making it the most convenient full-day programme in the area with children.
Discounts for Hotel Szieszta guests
Our hotel guests receive discounted admission to, among others, the Fertőrákos Quarry and its performances, Esterházy Palace in Fertőd, Széchenyi Palace in Nagycenk, Forchtenstein Castle and Familypark in St. Margarethen.
Rest at Hotel Szieszta after your Lake Neusiedl trip
After exploring the lake area, it is good to return to Sopron’s green belt. Hotel Szieszta welcomes guests in the peaceful surroundings of the Lővérek with comfortable rooms, a wellness area and buffet meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can plan a trip of just a few hours, which typically allows time to explore one or two sights, but the Lake Neusiedl area is also an excellent choice for a full-day programme.
The exhibition at the Fertőrákos Quarry, the Gloriette Lookout and short lakeside cycling sections are all easy with children. For a full-day programme, Familypark in St. Margarethen is the most convenient choice, half an hour from the hotel.
Yes, e-bikes can be rented at our hotel.