Fertö/Neusiedlersee

Fertö/Neusiedlersee
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Fertö/Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape is the result of the symbiotic process of human interaction with second largest steppe lake in Central Europe.

Traces of human settlement around Lake Neusiedl go back to the neolithic period. The area became densely populated from the 7th century BC onward, initially by people of the Hallstatt culture and remained so throughout Roman times.

The designated area comprises of the settlements of Podersdorf, Illmitz and Apetion, parts of Rust and Fertörákos, the Palace of Nagycenk and Fertöd Palace.

Most of the lake is surrounded by reeds which serve as a habitat for wildlife (making the lake an important resting place for migratory birds) and are harvested in winter as soon as the ice is solid enough.

Year Decision Comments
2003Name changeFrom "Cultural Landscape of Fertö/Neusiedlersee" to "Fertö/Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape"
2001 Inscribed Reasons for inscription
1996DeferredAs Neusiedlersee/Seewinkel; Bureau - Austria to consider nominmating jointly with Hungary

Reviews

Klaus Freisinger (Austria):
Lake Neusiedl is a popular tourist destination for Austrians, the so-called "Sea of the Viennese" for all kinds of water-sports and other recreational activities. It is also a cultural landscape worth visiting, especially the charming little town of Rust and the many castles in the area. The site is also well known for its natural qualities, especially the almost Asian steppe areas and the birdlife, since many species from Europe have the easternmost point of their range here, and many Asian species their westernmost. Together with the natural reserves on the Hungarian side, the site is one of Europe´s premier birdwatching areas. As far as I know, it was originally nominated as a mixed site for both cultural and natural criteria. Why UNESCO chose to accept only the cultural criteria, I don´t know.
 


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