Mattersburg
Mattersburg is an Eastern Austrian town near the Hungarian border. This town of nearly 7,000 people serves as the administrative center for the Mattersburg district. The town is located in the Wulka River valley in a rural area of the nation; road access to it comes from the Mattersburg S4 highway from Wiener Neustadt or the Burgenland S31 highway from Eisenstadt and Oberpullendorf. The Mattersburg Railway links it also to Sopron and Wiener Neustadt.
From the Roman and Lombard times, Mattersburg boasts a rich and varied past. Originally known in writing in 1202 as Villa Martini, the town belonged to the Nagymartoni family from Aragonese descent. Another Hungarian name for the church honouring Martin of Tours is Nagymarton. German by origin, Mattersdorf renamed itself Mattersburg in 1924. Martin, who also goes as Saint-Martin de Tours, is the source of the word “matter”. “Village” is known as Dorf; “castle” is known as Burg. The local original fortification had already been destroyed in 1294.
Mattersburg was raised to the rank of market town in 1349. The town suffered from a fire both in 1774 and once more in 1856. The opening of the railway in 1847 from Wiener Neustadt to Mattersburg raised the local wealth.
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Mattersburg Introduction
Rising east of Wiener Neustadt in the valley of the Wulka River, Mattersburg is a town in Burgenland, Austria. It is the administrative center of the Mattersburg district and was home to the former Bundesliga football team SV Mattersburg. Mattersburg offers its guests a rich history, vibrant culture and a wide variety of attractions and events.
Travelers wanting to explore the breathtaking countryside of Burgenland, Austria’s easternmost and least populated state, frequent Mattersburg. Burgenland is famous for its rolling hills, vineyards, lakes, castles and spas. Mattersburg is also close to the borders of Hungary and Slovakia, making it perfect for cross-border travel.
From small guesthouses and guesthouses to modern hotels and apartments, Mattersburg offers a range of accommodation choices to its guests. The surrounding area also has several campsites and holiday homes. Maps, brochures and suggestions for what to see and do in the area are available at the Mattersburg tourist office located in the town center.
Geography Of Mattersburg
At 265 meters above sea level, Mattersburg is located in the northern part of Burgenland. The population of this 26.93 square kilometer area is approximately 7,500 people. Mattersburg is made up of two municipalities: Mattersburg and Walbersdorf. The city is located in the Wulka River Valley, a rich plain that stretches from the foothills of the Alps to Lake Neusiedler See, Austria’s largest lake. A tributary of the River Leitha, the River Wulka flows through the town and plays a very important role in irrigating neighboring farms and orchards.
Mattersburg has a continental climate marked by hot summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature is 10.3°C; in July, it reaches 25.9°C; in January, it drops to -4.5°C. Average annual precipitation is 626 mm; Most rain falls in June and July. The city is among the sunniest places in Austria, receiving around 1,900 hours of sunshine per year.
Demographics Of Mattersburg
The population of Mattersburg according to the 2020 census was 7,487; Of these, 3,720 were men and 3,671 were women. The population density is 278.2 inhabitants per square kilometer. With 94.4% of the population made up of Austrian nationals and the rest residents from Hungary, Germany, Romania and Croatia, the population is rather homogeneous. With a notable proportion of 74.6%, the Roman Catholic religious affiliation was most often chosen. Protestant at 4.2%; Orthodox at 2.2%; Muslims come next with 1.8%. About 14.5% of the population reports not being affiliated with any religious group.
Rich in cultural diversity, Mattersburg is home to Hungarian, Croatian, Romani and German, among other languages. A good number of residents of Mattersburg, Austria still speak the Burgenland Croatian dialect. German and Hungarian influence shapes Burgenland Croatian, a Chakavian dialect of Croatian. Included in the curricula of certain schools, it is generally accepted as a regional language.
Districts & Neighborhoods in Mattersburg
Mattersburg includes two municipalities: Walbersdorf and Mattersburg. Mattersburg, the oldest and largest part of town, is home to most public services, shopping, and cultural venues. Mainly residential, Walbersdorf is a modern and peaceful district with some industrial and commercial areas. Walbersdorf became Mattersburg in 1971.
Mattersburg is full of neighborhoods and neighborhoods, each with its own history and character. Among the most prominent examples are:
- Altstadt: The historic old town of Mattersburg, including the town hall, parish church, main square and many ancient buildings and monuments, Altstadt
- Schlossberg: The ruins of the medieval Mattersburg Castle sit atop Schlossberg, the hill offering panoramic views of the city. Built in the 13th century and destroyed by the Turks in the 16th, the castle Hiking, picnicking and taking in the stunning views of the town and valley from the hill are now popular activities.
- Judengasse: From the 16th to the 20th century, the Jewish community lived in the former Jewish quarter of Mattersburg. In the neighborhood were a synagogue, a ceremonial bath, a cemetery and numerous educational buildings. Producing large numbers of rabbis, academics and entrepreneurs, the Jewish community of Mattersburg was among the best known and most powerful in Central Europe. Most Jews were deported and killed during the Holocaust; the Nazis virtually destroyed the neighborhood in 1938. The cemetery and some commemorative plaques are among the rare traces of Jewish heritage still visible today.
- Neustadt: Neustadt, the new town of Mattersburg founded in the 20th century, features modern buildings, residential districts and shopping centers. In addition, in the new town there is the Mattersburg sports complex, which includes the Pappelstadion, the stadium of the former football team SV Mattersburg.
Economy Of Mattersburg
Mattersburg is a regional center of business, industry, and services meeting local needs as well as those of the nearby communities. The varied town economy consists in agriculture, manufacturing, trade, tourism, education, health, and public administration. Among the several notable companies in the town are:
- Bauhaus: German retail chain Bauhaus specializes in selling building materials, tools, and domestic items. About 200 people work for Bauhaus, which also runs a sizable store and distribution center in Mattersburg.
- Esterhazy: Esterhazy is a noble family with numerous estates and properties in Burgenland, including the castle Schloss Forchtenstein near Mattersburg. The activities of Esterhazy’s various companies in the fields of agriculture, forestry, wine, tourism and culture provide work and income to the region.
- Ziegler: Hungarian entrepreneur János Ziegler founded a ceramic factory in Mattersburg in 1818. In keeping with the style of Viennese porcelain, the factory produced yellow porcelain which, although the factory closed in 1971, the collectors and museums still appreciate his products. The former factory currently serves as a cultural center with events, concerts and exhibitions.
- Mattersburger Kreis: Group of social scientists and economists linked to the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences in Mattersburg. Founded in 1978, the company is known for its critical and unorthodox views on social and economic concerns. The company publishes the quarterly magazine The Kurswechsel and also organizes conferences and seminars.
History Of Mattersburg
Archaeological excavations of Roman and Lombard cemeteries indicate that the Mattersburg site was already occupied in Antiquity. The town belonged to the Aragonese Nagymartoni family; first mentioned in literature as Villa Martini in 1202. Its Hungarian name, Nagymarton, is also linked to the Martin Church in Tours. The first German name was Mattersdorf; but in 1924 it was changed to Mattersburg. Burg is a word meaning “castle” and Dorf is a word meaning “village”. The material comes from Martin and also refers to Saint Martin of Tours.
By 1294, the region’s ancient fortifications had been destroyed. Mattersburg received the designation of a market town in 1354. Fires twice devastated the town in 1774 and 1856. The region’s wealth exploded in 1847 with the opening of the railway from Wiener Neustadt to Mattersburg. János Ziegler established a pottery factory in the town in 1815 or 1818. During the 19th century, the factory created yellow-colored works in the style of Vienna porcelain.
Since Mattersburg was part of the Siebengemeinden of Burgenland, the Jewish minority presents an interesting aspect of its past. Initially banished from Sopron, the first Jews to settle in the city arrived in the 16th century and their presence in the city increased significantly in the following years. Leopold I ordered the Jews to leave the city in 1671. They were allowed to return to the then-known Mattersdorf in 1678; but they had to buy back their personal effects. Integrated for the first time with the rest of the city in 1902/03, the autonomous Jewish community was
Mattersburg, along with the rest of Burgenland, was part of the Kingdom of Hungary until 1920, when it became the capital of the district of Nagymarton in Sopron County. In late 1918, the citizens of Mattersburg rebelled against the Hungarian government and founded the brief Republic of Heinzenland in hopes of merging with Austria. After the end of World War I, the Treaties of Saint-Germain and Trianon resulted in the transfer of German Western Hungary to Austria, thus establishing the new province of Burgenland. Until June 14, 1924, Mattersburg retained the official name Mattersdorf; on July 2, 1926, she obtained the right of citizenship. The hamlet of Walbersdorf was annexed to Mattersburg in 1978.
After the Anschluss of February 1938, the Jewish population of Mattersburg was banished and expelled; in the fall of 1938, the city was empty of Jews. More than two hundred residents of the city have disappeared or died due to the conflict. During the Holocaust, around a hundred of its Jewish inhabitants perished.
Best Time To Visit Mattersburg
- Spring: Spring is a great season to visit Mattersburg because nature is in full bloom and the temperature is mild and sunny. You can freely enjoy the fresh air, flowers and brightly colored trees. Offering boating, bird watching and cycling, the nearby Neusiedler See is also a great springtime destination. Easter, which is celebrated with a variety of customs and events, including an Easter market, an Easter bonfire, and an Easter egg hunt, also falls in the spring.
- Summer: With maximum temperatures of 30°C, summer is the hottest and driest season that Mattersburg can experience. The outdoor activities and attractions that Mattersburg and Burgenland offer (hiking, cycling, golf, swimming and fishing) are best enjoyed in the summer. In addition to the Mattersburg Rock Festival, the Burgenland Wine Festival, the Jazz Festival and the Summer Cinema, summer is also the season of entertainment and activities.
- Autumn: Autumn is the ideal time to visit Mattersburg as the terrain changes color to reds, yellows and browns while the temperature remains warm and pleasant. Autumn is harvest season and this area is known for its delicious fruits and vegetables: apples, pears, plums, pumpkins and corn, among others. Wine is also associated with autumn; visit the numerous vineyards and wineries that produce the well-known wines of Gradisć, including Welschriesling, Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt.
- Winter: With sub-zero temperatures and snow covering the ground, winter is the coldest and snowiest season Mattertsburg experiences. Visit Mattersburg in winter as it has a festive atmosphere and a range of winter sports. Visit the Christmas market to buy gifts, decorations and handicaps, as well as sample regional cuisine including roasted chestnuts, gingerbread and mulled wine. You can also choose skiing, snowboarding or sledding on the slopes of the Mattersburg ski resort.
How To Get In Mattersburg
Mattersburg is well-connected by road and rail to other parts of Austria and neighboring countries. You can get in Mattersburg by:
- Car: Mattersburg is located on the A2 motorway, which connects Vienna and Graz. You can also take the B50 road, which runs through the town and connects it to Eisenstadt and Sopron. Driving to Mattersburg from Vienna takes about an hour, from Graz about two hours, and from Sopron about 20 minutes.
- Train: Mattersburg has a railway station on the Südbahn line, which links Vienna and Wiener Neustadt. There are regular trains to and from Mattersburg, taking about an hour from Vienna and 15 minutes from Wiener Neustadt. You can also take a regional train to Sopron, which takes about 30 minutes. From Sopron, you can take a bus or a taxi to Mattersburg.
- Bus: Mattersburg is served by several bus lines, operated by ÖBB and Burgenland Bus. You can take a bus to Mattersburg from Eisenstadt, Wiener Neustadt, Sopron, and other nearby towns and villages. The bus station is located near the railway station, in the center of the town.
- Plane: The nearest airport to Mattersburg is Vienna International Airport, which is about 70 kilometers away. You can take a train, a bus, or a taxi from the airport to Mattersburg, or rent a car and drive. The journey takes about an hour and a half.
How To Get Around In Mattersburg
Mattersburg is a small town and it is easy to get around on foot, by bike or by public transport. In addition, it is possible to drive a vehicle; but in the city center, parking spaces could be limited and expensive.
- Walking: Historic Mattersburg is best explored on foot, as it allows guests to see the town hall, main square, parish church, and Judengasse. One can also climb the Schlossberg hill to see the remains of a castle and enjoy the picturesque views.
- Biking: In Mattersburg and the surrounding countryside, cycling is a common and environmentally friendly means of mobility. You can bring your own or rent a bike from one of the many bike shops nearby. Among the many cycle paths and trails available are the Wulka Radweg, which follows the Wulka River, and the Burgenland Radweg, which crisscrosses the entire state of Burgenland.
- Public transport: Public transportation in Mattersburg consists of trains and buses capable of taking you to different parts of the city and region. On buses, drivers sell tickets; on the stations, the machines do the same. One can also get a Burgenland Card, which offers discounts on Burgenland events and attractions and unlimited access to public transport.
- Driving: The car is a convenient means of mobility in Mattersburg and the surrounding area if you want to visit places that are difficult to reach by public transport. You can decide to use your own car or rent one from one of the local car rental companies. The city center has parking spaces; However, they are sometimes rare and expensive. To reach the center, you can also park in the P+R (Park and Ride) car parks near the station and then change to a bus or train.
Attractions & Landmarks In Mattersburg
A range of sites and monuments highlight Mattersburg’s history, culture and natural environment. Among the most obvious cases are:
- Mattersburg Castle: Rising on Schlossberg hill, this medieval castle offers a wide perspective of the city. His relics still stand. Later, the Esterhazy family purchased the castle built by the Nagymartoni family in the 13th century. In the 16th century, the Turks destroyed the castle; it was never rebuilt. One can currently see the castle walls, towers and gate as well as appreciate the town and valley from the ruins.
- Parish Church of Saint Martin: The main church in Mattersburg is the parish church of St. Martin, dedicated to the town’s patron saint, St. Martin of Tours. Built in the 14th century, the church underwent renovations and expansion in the 17th and 18th centuries. The nave of the church is Gothic, its rococo altar, the baroque choir is present. The church also has the tallest tower in Burgenland, standing at seventy-two meters. Among the many relics and works of art kept in the church are a wooden monument of St. Martin, a painting of the Last Supper, and a relic of St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary.
- Town Hall: Mattersburg Town Hall is located directly opposite the parish church on the main square. Built in the 16th century, the town hall underwent repairs in the 19th and 20th centuries. A Renaissance facade with a clock and a balcony defines the town hall. Located in City Hall, which also hosts many events and exhibitions.
- Judengasse: From the 16th to the 20th century, the Jewish community lived in Judengasse, the former Jewish quarter of Mattersburg. In the neighborhood were a synagogue, a ceremonial bath, a cemetery and numerous educational buildings. Producing large numbers of rabbis, academics and entrepreneurs, the Jewish community of Mattersburg was among the best known and most powerful in Central Europe. Most Jews were deported and killed during the Holocaust; the Nazis virtually destroyed the neighborhood in 1938. The cemetery and some commemorative plaques are among the rare traces of Jewish heritage still visible today.
- Ziegler Ceramics Museum: Founded in Mattersburg in 1818 by Hungarian entrepreneur János Ziegler, the Ziegler ceramics factory is featured in a museum called the Ziegler Ceramics Museum. True to the style of Vienna porcelain, the factory produced yellow porcelain. Although the factory closed in 1971, collectors and museums still appreciate its products. Located in the former manufacturing building, the museum has become a cultural center offering events, concerts and exhibitions.
Things To Do In Mattersburg
Mattersburg offers a wide range of events for guests of all ages and interests. You can practice sports and entertainment, visit historical and cultural sites or simply enjoy the natural beauty and surroundings. Mattersburg offers several events, including:
- Hiking: Mattersburg offers a range of accessible hiking trails, ranging from simple to difficult, for exploration. The hike from Schlossberg hill allows you to admire the view of the town and the valley as well as the remains of the castle. To enjoy the fresh air and wildlife, you can also climb to the adjacent mountains, such as the Bucklige Welt or the Rosaliengebirge.
- Biking: Mattersburg offers a range of bike paths and trails for solo or guided tour use. You can follow the Wulka River, which crosses the countryside as well as the city. About 30 kilometers from Mattersburg, one can also cycle around Austria’s largest lake, the Neusiedler See. One can see the varied flora and fauna of the lake as well as the small towns and villages dotted around its shores.
- Golfing: There is a golf course at Golfclub Schloss Ebreichsdorf, which is about 15 kilometers from Mattersburg. Situated in the grounds of Schloss Ebreichsdorf, a castle owned by the Esterhazy family, the golf course Novices and experts alike should find the 18-hole golf course suitable. Besides the beautiful setting and rich vegetation, visitors can explore the castle and its museum.
- Swimming: From May to September the public swimming pool, The Freibad Mattersburg, is open. The swimming pool includes a children’s pool, a diving board, a slide, a solarium and a large pool. The Wulka River offers several swimming opportunities. As well as swimming, the Neusiedler See offers a range of beaches and resorts where you can rent boats, kayaks or paddle boards.
- Skiing: From December to March, the Skilift Mattersburg ski resort is open. The ski resort has a ski slope, a lift and a ski school. Beginner and intermediate skiers can use the slope for sledding, snowboarding, or skiing. Additionally, nearby are ski resorts offering additional slopes and amenities, such as Stuhleck and Semmering.
Food & Drinks In Mattersburg
Gasthof zur Grenze (Pöttsching):
- Operated since 1998 by Thomas and Christian Marchhart.
- Known for its distinctive ambience and home-style yet spectacular cuisine.
- Accommodates diverse occasions, from small snacks to family celebrations and weddings.
- Features larger premises and ample parking with a picturesque view.
Hotel-Restaurant Sonnenhof (Schattendorf):
- Emphasizes cooking meals from scratch with a focus on quality.
- Offers a wine bar, guest rooms, dining places, and a spacious hall for events.
- Renowned for serving homemade ice cream, including unique concoctions.
- The chef, SASCH, presents gastronomic delights with multi-course dinners.
Kurkonditorei Kaiser (Bad Sauerbrunn):
- Located in the heart of the hamlet near the spa park.
- Offers handcrafted pastries in a classic coffee house setting.
- Utilizes the finest ingredients for bakery items.
- Features classic, seasonal, and regional ice cream concoctions.
Heuriger Glauber (Sigleß):
- A family-run winery in the heart of Burgenland with around 30 hectares of vineyards.
- Practices sustainable and organic vineyard management.
- Emphasis on high-quality grape material and long maturation of wines.
- Provides a warm atmosphere, tasty food, and fine wines.
Heuriger Waldherr (Neudörfl):
- Family-run winery emphasizing quality in wine and meat delicacies.
- Sustainable and organic cultivation of vines in the Rosaliengebirge foothills.
- Offers a diverse selection of red and white wines, including traditional and Grand Reserve varieties.
- Strong connection to traditional Austrian cuisine with seasonal delights.
Restaurant Parkhotel Neubauer (Bad Sauerbrunn):
- Invites patrons to enjoy regional culinary delights in a comfortable atmosphere.
- Suitable for various family celebrations, weddings, and events.
- Focuses on handcrafted dishes with a diverse menu.
- Chef attends to the physical well-being of guests, offering regional and foreign cuisine.
Hotel-Restaurant Café Müllner (Marz):
- Traditional “a la carte” meals and ideal for celebrations.
- Can host celebrations for up to 200 guests, offering buffet versions based on group size.
- Specializes in traditional Austrian and regional specialties.
- Known as a Burgenland wedding specialist, ensuring personalized and memorable experiences.
Shopping In Mattersburg
The small town of Mattersburg in the Austrian state of Burgenland is known for its rich cultural heritage. But for consumers looking for a range of goods and services, it also has a lot to offer. Mattersburg will meet your needs and tastes, whether you prefer the convenience of retail parks or the appeal of downtown.
Downtown Mattersburg is a vibrant and attractive area for shopping, with a mix of conventional and modern grocery stores, pharmacies, and stores. Everything from clothing and accessories to books and stationery to cosmetics and health products to fresh food and treats is available. On Wednesdays and Saturdays there is a weekly market in the town center where you can buy regional and local products including cheese, honey, wine and artisan products. Public transport, car or bike will quickly take you to the city center, which has plenty of parking spaces and bike racks.
One of two retail parks on the outskirts of Mattersburg will give you more choices and bigger brands if you look for them. The Arena and FMZ Mattersburg have few chain stores in the fashion, pharmacy and technology sectors and are located on Federal Route 50. Here you will find stores such as H&M, C&A, Bipa, among others , Müller, Media Markt and Saturn. The retail parks have cafes and restaurants where you can relax and have lunch or a snack. From Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the commercial parks are open; Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They are accessible by bus and have plenty of parking spaces.
Mattersburg - Info Card
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Mattersburg is a town in Burgenland, Austria. It is the administrative center of the District of Mattersburg |
| Elevation | Mattersburg is located at an elevation of 282 m above sea level |
| Population | Mattersburg has a population of 7,249 as of 2020 |
| Tourism office | The tourism office of Mattersburg is located at Brunnenplatz 4, 7210 Mattersburg. The phone number is +43 2626 62311 and the email is tourismus@mattersburg.gv.at |
| Postal code | The postal code of Mattersburg is 7210 |
| Phone prefix | The phone prefix of Mattersburg is 02626 |
| Area | Mattersburg has an area of 21.69 km |
| Established | Mattersburg was first mentioned in writing as Villa Martini in 1202 |
| Language | The official language of Mattersburg is German, but some residents also speak Hungarian or Croatian |
| License plate | The license plate of Mattersburg is MA |
| Districts & Neighborhoods | Mattersburg has two boroughs: Mattersburg and Walbersdorf |
| Weather & Climate | Mattersburg has a temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 9.8°C and the average annual precipitation is 703 mm |
| Best Time To Visit | The best time to visit Mattersburg is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the flowers are in bloom |
| Attractions & Landmarks | Some of the attractions and landmarks of Mattersburg are: the Pappelstadion, the home stadium of the former Bundesliga football team SV Mattersburg; the Ziegler ceramics museum, which displays the history and products of the local pottery industry; the Jewish cemetery, which is one of the oldest and largest in Burgenland; and the castle hill, which offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding countryside |
