Geography Of Eisenstadt
Southeast of Vienna and close to the Lajta Mountains, Eisenstadt has grown gradually throughout the course of the 20th century, absorbing a number of towns. Major roads, expressways and motorways provide easy access to and from the city and its surrounding areas, including Vienna.
At the southern tip of the Leithagebirge, Eisenstadt has a varied landscape with elevations between 182 and 230 meters. Over a terrace that sank toward the Wulka plain, the city grew historically in an east-west direction. Vineyards have been forced to make way for new communities as urban growth has pushed northward along the Leitha Mountains’ slopes and southward into the Wulka plain in recent years.
Grapes, apricots, peaches and almonds are among the many crops that may be grown in the area because of the ideal temperature and topography. The city is encircled by vineyards, which are protected and thrive in the perfect circumstances by the Leithagebirge mountain, which rises over 400 meters and is covered in deciduous woods.
Among the noteworthy geographical sites is “Beim Juden,” the highest peak in the Leitha Mountains, which rises to 450 meters. The physical setting of Eisenstadt is further enhanced by surrounding towns like Stotzing, Oslip, Trausdorf/Wulka, Siegendorf, Wulkaprodersdorf, Großhöflein, and Hornstein.
The Wulka river empties into Lake Neusiedl after meandering through the southern suburbs of the city. A major water feature is also the Eisbach, a Wulka tributary that runs through Eisenstadt and joins the main river between Oslip and Schützen am Gebirge.
The Schloss-See (Castle Lake) and the Maschinenteich (Machine Pond), two popular attractions inside Eisenstadt Castle Park, enhance the city’s scenic and recreational value.
Location
Eisenstadt lies close to the Austrian border with Hungary in the eastern region of the country. Of the nine federal states of Austria, Burgenland is the youngest and least populated. The Leitha Mountains, a low range that is a component of the eastern Alps, finish near Eisenstadt. Eisenstadt sits on a plain that descends to the Danube tributary river Wulka. The 42.9 square kilometer city is averagely 182 meters above sea level.
The Eisenstadt-Umgebung district is around Eisenstadt and is a part of the same federal state, Burgenland. 44,169 people live in the 455.5 square km district. Thirteen towns make up the district; some of them, such Großhöflein, Müllendorf, Steinbrunn, Neufeld/Leitha, and Ebenfurth, immediately border Eisenstadt. The principal economic pursuits in the mostly rural region are agriculture and vineyards. Together with a number of natural and cultural sites like the Haydn Museum, the Forchtenstein Castle, and the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park, the neighborhood also includes various industrial and commercial zones.
Eisenstadt is well served by a variety of transportation options to the rest of Austria and the surrounding nations. One may get to the city by bike, train, plane, and road. The A3 highway that links Vienna with the Hungarian border passes through the city. Along with other federal and state routes, Eisenstadt is connected to other towns and areas in Burgenland and Lower Austria via the B50, B52, and B60. Regional trains that link Eisenstadt with Vienna, Wiener Neustadt, Mattersburg, and Sopron service the city’s railway station. At around 40 kilometers distant, the Vienna International Airport is also near to the city. Bicycle trails crisscross the city and its environs, enabling riders to visit the Neusiedler See, a sizable lake well-liked for leisure and tourism.
Terrain and Topography
From level plains to undulating hills and little mountains, Eisenstadt boasts a diverse geography. At the meeting point of the Eastern Alps and the Pannonian Basin is the city. Eisenstadt-Stadt is the historical and administrative core of the city; Kleinhöflein im Burgenland is a town west of Eisenstadt; and St. Georgen am Leithagebirge is a town east of Eisenstadt. Eisenstadt-Stadt, Oberberg, Unterberg, Kleinhöflein im Burgenland, and St. Georgen am Leithagebirge are another five cadastral communities inside the city. The city boasts a varied terrain with meadows, farms, gardens, wineries, orchards, and woodlands.
Mountain Ranges
At the southernmost point of the Leitha Mountains, a low mountain range that is a part of the eastern Alps, is Eisenstadt. About 50 kilometers in length and 15 kilometers in width, the Leitha Mountains stretch from the Danube to the Neusiedler See. With caverns, sinkholes, and springs, the Leitha Mountains are karst in composition and made of limestone, dolomite, and sandstone. Popular for hiking, bicycling, and skiing, the Leitha Mountains provide breathtaking scenery and a wide range of flora and animals.
Key Mountain Peaks
The Sonnenberg, at 484 meters above sea level and close to St. Margarethen im Burgenland, is the highest summit in the Leitha Mountains. Standing at 483 meters, the Spitzerberg is the second highest mountain and lies close to Hundsheim. Nestled next to Purbach am Neusiedler See, the Hirschenstein, at 449 meters, is the third highest mountain. The Hundsheimer Berg, Schneeberg, Pfaffenberg and Himmelreich are other prominent peaks in the Leitha Mountains.
Notable Summits
Leitha Mountains peaks include the following significant ones:
- Offering sweeping views over the Neusiedler See, the Hungarian Plain, and the Schneeberg, the Sonnenberg is the highest point in the Leitha Mountains. Additionally housed on the Sonnenberg is the University of Vienna’s 1969-founded Sonnenberg Observatory, an astronomical observatory.
- Second-highest in the Leitha Mountains, the Spitzerberg is well-known for its wine-making and cultural activities. Additionally located on the Spitzerberg is the Spitzerberg Airfield, a little airstrip used for ultralight and glider flights.
- Third-highest mountain in the Leitha Mountains, Hirschenstein is a well-liked hiking spot. A lookout tower in Hirschenstein, constructed in 1894, provides views of the surroundings. Additionally situated on the Hirschenstein is the Hirschenstein Cave, a bat habitat and natural monument.
Valleys and Basins
Part of the Pannonian Basin, Eisenstadt is situated on a plain that descends to the river Wulka. Entire Hungary as well as portions of Austria, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Ukraine are included in the vast Pannonian Basin. Crust expansion and sinking throughout the Miocene and Pliocene epochs produced the Pannonian Basin. With its level or gradually sloping surface, the Pannonian Basin is teeming with sediments including sand, clay, gravel, and loess. Low precipitation, scorching summers and chilly winters are features of the continental climate of the Pannonian Basin. Additionally abundant in natural resources include coal, oil, gas, and geothermal energy in the Pannonian Basin.
Bodies of Water
Lakes
Eisenstadt is home to a number of artificial lakes made mostly by quarries or dams. Recreation and tourism are served by the lakes, which are utilized for fishing, boating and swimming. Within the city, some of the lakes are:
- The Ruster Badesee is a lake close to the village of Rust, north of Eisenstadt. Former gravel pit Ruster Badesee was filled with water in 1976. The ten acre lake is fifteen meters deep. A beach and park ring the lake, which has amenities like restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and a café. Birds include coots, grebes, and herons also make the lake home.
- West of Eisenstadt, close to the village of Steinbrunn, is the lake known as the Steinbrunner See. Former quarry Steinbrunner See was inundated in 1980. The 14 acre lake is 18 meters deep. A gate and fence encircle the lake, and admission is charged. With a grass and a sandy beach, the lake provides sailing, windsurfing, and diving among other sports. Fish include carp, pike, and perch breed in the lake as well.
- The lake known as Neufelder See is situated close to the town of Neufeld, southwest of Eisenstadt. Former lignite mine Neufelder See was filled with water in 1964. The 40 acre lake is 25 metres deep. Along with a big beach and pier, the public lake provides sports fields, playgrounds, and camping spots. Additionally well-liked activities on the lake include jet skiing, wakeboarding, and water skiing.
Rivers and Streams
Numerous rivers and streams pass through Eisenstadt and its environs. Given that they supply water, drainage, and habitats, the rivers and streams are vital to the city’s ecology and hydrology. A Danube tributary, the Wulka is the principal river in the city. Numerous tributaries of the Wulka include the Zöbernbach, the Marz, and the Rosalia. East of the city, near the Neusiedler See, a sizable lake, the Wulka also creates a delta. There are the following rivers and streams in the city:
- Main river of the city and Eisenstadt-Umgebung area is the Wulka. The Wulka rises in the Leitha Mountains and runs 55 km eastward to the Neusiedler See. Wulka has a 534 square kilometer catchment area and a 2.5 cubic meter per second discharge. Lowland in character, the Wulka has a sandy bed and a meandering flow. Fish like trout, grayling, and chub call the Wulka home in addition to being utilized for irrigation, drainage, and entertainment.
- A tributary of the Wulka, the Rosalia joins it close to Pöttsching. South of the Leitha Mountains, in the Rosaliengebirge, is where the Rosalia first appeared. From its meeting with the Wulka, the Rosalia runs 32 kilometers north. The 153 square kilometer catchment area of the Rosalia has a 0.8 cubic meter per second discharge. The Rosalia is a stony bed, steeply grading alpine stream. Fish including barbel, dace, and gudgeon call the Rosalia, which is also used to generate hydroelectric power, home.
- A tributary of the Wulka, the Zöbernbach joins it close to Zillingtal town. The Zöbernbach rises in the Leitha Mountains and runs for 22 km eastward to the Wulka. 0.4 cubic meters of water are discharged every second from the 77 square kilometer catchment area of the Zöbernbach. Lowland in character, the Zöbernbach has a gravel bed and a modest slope. Fish like roach, rudd, and tench call the Zöbernbach, which is also used for irrigation, home.
Scenic Views
The surrounding environment and sources of water provide Eisenstadt a number of picturesque vistas. The city has various vantage spots from which tourists may take in views of the sky, the hills, and the lake, including the Sonnenberg, the Kalvarienberg, and the Schloss Esterházy. Additionally reflecting the history and culture of the city are a few landmarks, including the Jewish Museum, the Haydn House, and the Bergkirche. Within the city, some of the picturesque vistas include:
- A palace located in the heart of Eisenstadt is called Schloss Esterházy. Constructed in the seventeenth century, the Esterházy princes were the most influential nobility in Hungary, and they lived in the Schloss. A beautiful façade, an exquisite courtyard, and an opulent interior characterize the Baroque masterpiece that is Schloss Esterházy. A park including a lake, a fountain, and a pavilion is also part of Schloss Esterházy. Along with providing a perspective of the city and the Leitha Mountains, the Schloss Esterházy hosts exhibits and performances.
- West of Eisenstadt is the hill known as the Kalvarienberg. A chapel, a crucifix and fourteen stations of the cross that represent Christ’s passion are features of the holy Kalvarienberg. Dedicated and a site of pilgrimage, the Kalvarienberg was constructed in the eighteenth century. A haven of calm and tranquilly, the Kalvarienberg provides a view over the city and the Neusiedler See.
- East of Eisenstadt is the Sonnenberg, the top peak in the Leitha Mountains. Perched 484 meters above the Neusiedler See, the Hungarian Plain, and the Schneeberg, the Sonnenberg provides expansive vistas of them. Additionally located atop the Sonnenberg is the University of Vienna’s 1969-founded Sonnenberg Observatory, an astronomical observatory. Publicly accessible, the Sonnenberg Observatory has a visitor center, a dome, and a telescope. The Sonnenberg’s picturesque paths and slopes make it a well-liked hiking, biking, and skiing destination as well.
