Neusiedler See–Seewinkel National Park: the Illmitz Zicksee trail

On the other side of the lake, the Neusiedler See–Seewinkel National Park, shared with Hungary, protects shallow salt-water lagoons, grazing meadows and reed beds: one of the best places in central Europe for watching birds. From the national park centre in Illmitz an easy trail leads round the Illmitzer Zicksee and the Geiselsteller, with birds breeding on the shores and plants of saline soils. In another area of the park graze the white donkeys that keep the meadows in trim. The park centre gives information on trails and guided activities. By car it is about 45 minutes from Rust, going round the lake by the north.