Geography Of Lutzmannsburg
Lutzmannsburg is part of Central Burgenland and lies on average 204 meters above sea level, southeast of the political district of Oberpullendorf. It lies where the Little Hungarian Plain and the Pannonian Basin converge with Landseer Bay. The mainly flat terrain of the municipality is crossed by the Rabnitz river; the Raidingbach and Stooberbach rivers in the Strebersdorf region complete this terrain.
Lutzmannsburg is bordered to the east by the Hungarian state border and to the south by a section of the Günser Mountains known as the Lutzmannsburger Weingebirges. Strebersdorf (also known as Micske in Hungarian and Selce in Croatian) with 237 inhabitants and Lutzmannsburg, including Hofstatt, with 589 inhabitants make up the municipality.
The municipality includes the cadastral communities of Lutzmannsburg and Strebersdorf. Lutzmannsburg is part of Blaufränkischland, one of Austria’s best-known wine regions, along with Horitschon, Deutschkreutz, Raiding and Neckenmarkt.
Location
Lutzmannsburg lies in Austria’s easternmost and least populated state, northeastern Burgenland. It is a component of the administrative district of Oberpullendorf, with an area of 701 km², which is home to a total of around 37,000 inhabitants. Lutzmannsburg is one of 28 municipalities in the district covering 23.18 km2.
Geographical Position
Lutzmannsburg lies on the west bank of the Rabnitz River, Hungary’s natural border. Lutzmannsburg is located in the northern and eastern hemispheres with coordinates 47°28′N 16°38′E. Lutzmannsburg’s altitude of 206 meters is low compared to the rest of Austria, with an average altitude of 910 meters above sea level.
Neighboring Regions
Lutzmannsburg is surrounded by the following regions:
- To the north, it borders the municipality of Frankenau-Unterpullendorf in the district of Oberpullendorf. Frankenau-Unterpullendorf has an area of 36.64 km2 and has around 1,600 inhabitants.
- It has an eastern border with Vas County, Hungary, which has a population of 3,336,000 and approximately 253,000 residents. About 15 km from Lutzmannsburg, Szentgotthárd is the closest Hungarian town with 9,000 inhabitants.
- To the south, it borders the municipality of Horitschon in the district of Oberpullendorf. Horitschon is home to around 1,800 inhabitants and covers 19.67 km2.
- To the west, it borders the municipality of Neckenmarkt in the district of Oberpullendorf. Neckenmarkt, which has nearly 1,900 inhabitants, extends over 22.32 km^.
Access Points
Lutzmannsburg can be reached by car, train, bus and bicycle, among others. Lutzmannsburg is mainly connected to surrounding towns by the B61, which connects Oberpullendorf to the Hungarian border. Lutzmannsburg’s closest neighbors are Horitschon and Neckenmarkt, which the B61 also passes. Comprising the European route E65, the B61 connects Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and Sweden.
Lutzmannsburg also has a train station; it is about two kilometers from the center of the village. Connecting Hungary and Austria, the Sopron – Szombathely – Szentgotthárd railway line passes through the station. To serve the station, regional trains connect Sopron to Szentgotthárd, stopping at Lutzmannsburg, Horitschon and Neckenmarkt. Additionally, connected to Lockenhaus, Oberpullendorf and other neighboring towns is a bus terminal at the station.
Lutzmannsburg is also a popular destination for cyclists as it is part of the Burgenland cycle path network. Following the Rabnitz River along the Hungarian border, the B23 cycle route passes Lutzmannsburg. Via the B23 cycle path, Lutzmannsburg connects other spa towns, including Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Bad Sauerbrunn and Bad Schönau. Further opportunities for local exploration come from the intersections of cycle paths B10, B11, B12 and B13 with the B23.
Terrain and Topography
Lutzmannsburg lies in the Pannonian Basin, a large lowland area including parts of Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. The average altitude of the Pannonian basin is 200 meters; the topography is either flat or gently rolling. The Pannonian Basin is also renowned for its rich soil, mild temperature and varied flora and fauna.
Lutzmannsburg has mostly flat terrain with some hills and slopes. Rising 287 meters above sea level, Königsberg is the highest point in Lutzmannsburg. Königsberg, in the western part of the municipality, offers a wide view of the surrounding area. The lowest point of the Rabnitz River in Lutzmannsburg is 190 meters above sea level. Hungary borders the eastern part of the municipality along the Rabnitz River.
Mountain Ranges
Lutzmannsburg lies in the lowlands of the Pannonian Basin and is therefore not part of any notable mountain ranges. However, some small mountain ranges near Lutzmannsburg are the Kőszegi-hegység, the Ödenburger Gebirge and the Günser Gebirge. These mountain ranges are part of the Eastern Alps, a range that stretches from Austria to Slovenia and Croatia.
South of Lutzmannsburg is the mountain range sometimes known as the Günser Gebirge or Güns Mountains. Rising to a maximum altitude of 884 m, the Günser Gebirge extends over approximately 400 km2. Meadows and forests surround the limestone and dolomites that make up the Günser Gebirge. Popular activities on the Günser Gebirge are hiking, cycling and skiing.
East of Lutzmannsburg is the Ödenburger Gebirge, sometimes known as the Sopron Mountains. Stretching over almost 500 km¹, the Ödenburger Gebirge reaches a maximum height of 883 m. Made up of volcanic and metamorphic rocks, the Ödenburger Gebirge are covered with forests and vineyards. The Ödenburger Gebirge is a popular site for hiking, cycling and wine tasting.
The Kőszeg Mountains, sometimes known as Kőszegi-hegység, are a mountain range located southeast of Lutzmannsburg. Rising to a maximum height of 883 meters, the Kőszegi-hegység expanse covers approximately 300 square kilometers. Pastures and forests around the metamorphic and sedimentary rocks that make up the Kőszegi-hegység. The Kőszegi-hegység are renowned for their cycling, hiking and culture.
Key Mountain Peaks
Lutzmannsburg is a plain and therefore has no prominent mountain peaks. Conversely, Lutzmannsburg is close to several well-known peaks, including Geschriebenstein, Írott-kő and Brennberg. Comprising the smaller mountain ranges, the Kőszegi-hegység, the Ödenburger Gebirge and the Günser Gebirge, which encircle Lutzmannsburg, these mountain peaks are part of a whole.
The Geschriebenstein, sometimes known as Írott-kő, culminates in the Günser Gebirge and the Kőszegi-hegység. It also ranks first in Vas County and Burgenland. Rising to 884 meters, the Geschriebenstein is located on the border between Austria and Hungary. Renowned for its observation tower dating from 1913, which offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area, the Geschriebenstein also protects the region’s great biodiversity through the nature reserve known as Geschriebenstein.
Brennberg, sometimes known as Brennbergbánya, is the highest hill in the Ödenburger Gebirge. Located in Hungary approximately 10 kilometers from the Austrian border, at an altitude of 883 meters, from the 18th to the 20th century, coal and iron ore were mined from Brennberg, establishing its mining heritage. The Brennberg, a nature reserve, also protects the region’s unique flora and fauna.
The second highest peak of Kőszegi-hegység is known as Írott-kő, the Written Stone. Rising to 882 meters, it is located on the border between Austria and Hungary. A stone inscription engraved in 1759 by a Hungarian nobleman defining the line separating the Ottoman and Habsburg empires gave Írott-kő its name. The Írott-kő Nature Reserve also protects the region’s native species.
Notable Summits
Lutzmannsburg is a lowland region and therefore does not have any notable mountains. Conversely, notable peaks near Lutzmannsburg include Hirschen, Kőszegi Csúcs and Burg. Comprising the Kőszegi-hegység, the Ödenburger Gebirge and the Günser Gebirge, which surround Lutzmannsburg, these peaks are among the smallest mountain ranges.
The Hirschenstein, sometimes known as the Deer Stone, is one of the peaks of the Günser Gebirge. Located in Austria at 865 meters above sea level, approximately 15 kilometers from the Hungarian border, it is The Hirschenstein rock formations are known for their stag’s head shape. The Hirschenstein is another popular spot for hiking, climbing and cycling.
Rising in the Kőszegi-hegység, Kőszeg Peak, also known as Kőszegi Csúcs, is a peak. Located in Hungary and approximately 5 km from the Austrian border, it rises to an altitude of 781 meters. The Kőszegi Csúcs have historical significance due to the valiant defense against the Ottoman invasion carried out by the Hungarian army in 1532. The Kőszegi Csúcs is a popular place for cycling, hiking and sightseeing.
The Ödenburger Gebirge has a peak known as Burg, sometimes called a castle. Perched at 782 meters above sea level, it is located in Austria, approximately 10 kilometers from the Hungarian border. The Burg takes its name from the ruins of the medieval castle perched on top of the hill. Hiking, cycling and learning about local history and culture can all be enjoyed at the Burg.
Valleys and Basins
Lutzmannsburg lies in the Rabnitz valley, created by the Rabnitz river. Comprising parts of Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia, the Pannonian Basin is a huge lowland area. With an average altitude of 200 meters, the Rabnitz valley has a flat or gently rolling topography. The Rabnitz Valley is also known for its rich soil, mild temperature and varied vegetation and wildlife.
From the east, the Ödenburger Gebirge; from the southeast, the Kőszegi-hegység; from the south, the Günser Gebirge adjoins the Rabnitz valley. These mountain ranges highlight the differences between high and lowland areas and help define the natural boundaries of the Rabnitz Valley. The Rabnitz Valley is also divided by the Rabnitz River, which separates Austria from Hungary. The Rabnitz River derives from the Raab River, which flows into the Danube.
The Rabnitz Valley is home to many towns and villages, including Lutzmannsburg, Horitschon, Neckenmarkt, Oberpullendorf, Sopron and Szentgotthárd. Because the Rabnitz Valley offers many attractions (wine regions, spa resorts, historical sites, nature reserves and cultural events), tourists often go there. The Rabnitz Valley is also home to commerce, industry, services and agriculture.
