Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park

Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park

Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park, situated in the easternmost part of Austria, is a unique and fascinating region that showcases an extraordinary blend of natural and cultural heritage. Established in 1993, this national park is one of the most important protected areas in Central Europe, providing a habitat for an astonishing array of flora and fauna. The park's location on the border with Hungary creates a unique microclimate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters, which has given rise to a distinct vegetation zone. In 2001, UNESCO declared the Austrian part of the National Park a World Heritage Site. The Seewinkel region, as it is commonly known, is home to a diverse range of plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in Austria. The salty soil and shallow waters of the Neusiedler See, a large steppe lake, support a remarkable variety of salt-tolerant plants. In addition to its botanical significance, the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park is an essential breeding and stopover site for numerous migratory bird species. The park's wetlands, meadows, and steppes provide a habitat for over 350 species of birds, including rare species such as the Semipalmated Sandpiper, the Pacific Golden Plover, and the Blue-Cheeked Bee-Eater. The park's avifauna is further enriched by the presence of several species of waterbirds, such as the Pygmy Cormorant and the Ferruginous Duck. The Great Bustard, the Little Crake, the European Bee-Eater and the Syrian Woodpecker are other common species in the park.