Fertő tó

Fertő tó (Lake Neusiedl) is a shallow, endorheic steppe lake on the Austria-Hungary border, known in Hungarian as Fertő and in German as Neusiedler See. It forms a distinctive flat lake-and-reed landscape and has long been used for fishing, grazing and wind-driven water sports.

The lake supports extensive reedbeds and wetlands that are internationally important for migratory and breeding waterbirds, and the surrounding cultural landscape includes vineyards, small settlements and traditional land uses. The site is popular for sailing and windsurfing because of reliable winds and open water.

The area has been recognized for its combined natural and cultural values and forms the core of the Fertő / Neusiedler See Cultural Landscape World Heritage inscription. Conservation zones and national park protections exist on the Hungarian side to manage habitats and tourism.

Geographically the lake lies between the city of Sopron on the Hungarian side and towns such as Neusiedl am See on the Austrian side, forming a low-lying basin east of the Alps.

• UNESCO status: Inscribed as the Fertő / Neusiedler See Cultural Landscape on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its combined natural and cultural values.
• Recreation and habitat: The lake is very shallow with extensive reedbeds and is popular for sailing, windsurfing and birdwatching along both the Austrian and Hungarian shores.

What to See #

• Fertő-Hanság National Park: Fertő-Hanság National Park covers the Hungarian lakeside wetlands and reedbeds, protecting habitats important for migratory birds and local wildlife.
• Settlements and access points: The lake's shoreline includes towns and villages such as Sopron on the Hungarian side and towns like Neusiedl am See on the Austrian side that serve as bases for recreation and access.