The Austro-Hungarian Nature Reserve

The Geschriebenstein-Írottkő Nature Park is located partly in Austria and partly in Hungary. The reserve is situated around the highest mountain in Burgenland, called Geschriebenstein, which is 884 meters above sea level. One of the highlights in the Nature Park is the Margarethenwarte Observation Tower.

Throughout the Austro-Hungarian Nature Park, there are about 500 kilometers of marked trails for hikers and cyclists. The Austrian side of the park is characterized mainly by dense forests and some areas of vineyards and apple orchards.

If you wish to hike throughout the reserve, you can find a variety of nice trails on the interactive map.

There are two main attractions in the nature reserve:

1. Margarethenwarte Observation Tower

In the heart of the reserve, on a hill 480 meters high, there is a 25-meter-high observation tower. The ascent to the observation tower is free and possible throughout the year. From the top of the tower, you can see a panoramic view of the entire area and see large parts of Austria and Hungary. On a clear day, you can see the “Viennese Alps” – Mount Rax and Mount Schneeberg, as well as the large Lake Neusiedl.

Here is some of the view from the observation tower in the Austro-Hungarian reserve

2. Treetop Walkway in Althodis (Baumwipfelweg in Althodis)

This trail is located at a height of 20 meters in the heart of the nature reserve’s forests. Along 500 meters, you can stop at interesting educational stations and read information about the nature and animals in the reserve, as well as observe the entire area from 11 different observation towers. The trail is accessible for people with disabilities and wheelchair users.

Opening Times:

March 24 to October 21:

Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
During the summer months, during the school summer vacation, the trail will be open from Monday to Sunday.