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Austria's first national park to be recognized internationally by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) is located in the plain east of Lake Neusiedl, in the region called Seewinkel. The necessary lands, private property of more than 1,000 owners in seven municipalities, have been leased. Several years' planning in close collaboration with the population contributed to the high acceptance of the national park within the region. At the same time, the "Fertö Hanság Nemzeti Park" was created on the Hungarian side of the border: "Fertö" for Lake Neusiedl, "Hanság" for the former moor, the "Waasen". The region of Lake Neusiedl is a biogeographical border region for many animal and plant species.

The 320 square kilometre lake with an average water depth of 1.10 metres is the westernmost prairie lake in Europe. More than half of its surface is covered by the mighty reed belt, an important habitat particularly for birds. The southern part and the neighbouring meadows form the natural zone of the national park, in which every form of exploitation - tourism, hunting, fishing, reed-cutting - has been banned.

Together with the salt lakes, moist meadows and the pastures that have developed over the centuries, the Seewinkel is still reminiscent of Puszta romance. For the migration of birds, in particular, this intertwinement of natural and cultivated land is of imminent importance. Waders, such as the Kentish Plover, Avocet, or Ruff are among the typical summer guests. In Autumn, thousands of Bean Geese and White-fronted Geese offer a memorable performance when they descend on their sleeping places.

In the region itself, the national park has triggered enormous dynamics: large surfaces were elliminated from agricultural use, pasturing measures lead to a revival of the pastures, old and rare species of domestic animals are now being bred by the national park management again. Last but not least, steering measures and regional supervision offer the visitor an experience of nature without endangering the individual habitats. Whether on guided walks, tours with a horse-drawn carriage, rides or cycle tours - the beauties of the national park can be explored in many ways.