Our 2nd trip to Burgenland took us to Rechnitz and the Kellerstöckl Rosalie. In today's blog post I'd like to share our 4 day-trip recommendations for this area. Archie and Murphy put them through their paces for dog-friendliness — and gave them a paws-up.
PS: I as their human had my share of fun too, as you can tell from the title photo ;)
Sculpture Park Markt Neuhodis
My favourite person found this fascinating sculpture park belonging to the Kedl family on Google Maps. The old castle on the large property was renovated by the artist couple at the end of the 1960s, and since the early 1970s the "open-air gallery" has been open to visitors free of charge.
Visitors are asked to register in advance by phone or email for the art meadow — something we unfortunately forgot to do. On this particular day, however, we don't meet anyone and simply enjoy the art on our own. Of course we make sure to leave the property exactly as we found it.
The sculpture park, with its artworks that often echo organic, plant-like forms, is an inspiring discovery. It's also larger than expected, and the enormous "bird's nest" makes my inner child jump for joy.
The grounds and the old trees are truly magnificent and awe-inspiring. What a natural and artistic gem was waiting for us in Markt Neuhodis — we really hadn't expected that at all.
To finish off, we enjoyed the idyllic pond with all its autumn colours, just around the corner.
Treetop Walk Althodis
The 500-metre treetop walk is definitely on our to-do list. Murphy and Archie are greeted at the ticket desk by a dog bar — entry is only paid by us two-legged ones; four-legged companions get in free. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, no exceptions.
Roughly 20 metres above the ground, interactive activity stations invite us to join in and try things out all along the way. And at the end of the route we're rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view.
Worth mentioning is that the treetop walk has been designed to be fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments, and the stations are also prepared in a didactically thoughtful way for blind and visually impaired visitors.
And right next door, a nature-themed playground is waiting for children.
The Bathing Lake at Rechnitz in Burgenland
Dogs are allowed here from 1 October through to the end of May. We got this tip from our hosts, who have a dog themselves.
In the autumn sunshine we stroll leisurely along the shore of the bathing lake, meeting a few families and some friendly dog owners. The loop is about 900 metres long and very flat, making it a very easy walk. Anyone travelling with children can combine the stroll with a visit to the Children's Nature Experience Forest and Bird World.
Lookout Tower on the Geschriebenstein
A large car park on the Geschriebenstein road (B56) is our starting point for a lovely little hike. It sits within the Geschriebenstein-Írottkő nature park, and several trails head off from there.
The wind is already quite brisk. It is October, after all, and we're at 801 metres above sea level. But the sun shines down on us cheerfully, making the yellows, oranges and reds of autumn look even more vivid than they already are.
After covering 1.9 kilometres and 80 metres of elevation gain, we reach our destination. In roughly 30 to 40 leisurely walking minutes we've arrived at the lookout tower on the Austrian-Hungarian border.
Murphy rolls around blissfully in the meadow first, while Archie surveys the scene. The strong wind at the tower keeps us from lingering long at the top, and so we make our way back to the car along the same route.
Our verdict on Burgenland
Murphy, Archie, my favourite person and I thoroughly enjoyed our stays in Burgenland and got to discover regional traditions (Uhudler!). The locals were all very friendly and especially fond of the dogs.
Definitely a federal state that hasn't seen the last of us ;)
