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Rust
The Austrian town of Rust is known for two things: its wine and the storks that nest on the town rooftops. Both of these things draw thousands of visitors to the little town every year and though the wine is indisputably excellent, it is the storks that are best remembered. The most famous inhabitants of Rust - the storks The charming little town of Rust lies about 60 km south of Vienna, close to the Hungarian border and next to the Neusiedler See, or Neusiedler Lake. The town’s name, though somewhat unprepossessing in English, is more charming in German, in which it means ‘elder tree’. Like many small towns in this country, Rust is quaintly charming and picturesque and looks much like it did in centuries past, with the building painted in pretty pastel colours and window-beds bearing colourful flowers. Only the cars parked in the cobbled-stone streets mark to the passage of time. The one discordant element in the picture postcard scene is the huge, scraggly pile of twigs which perch precariously atop many of the rooftops. These untidy heaps are the stork nests of yesteryear, empty, battered and torn by the winter storms and waiting forlornly for the arrival of spring. The storks arrive with the spring As the first blossoms begin to open in the fields about the town, the white storks leave their winter grounds in Africa and return to Rust, appearing one day out of the clear blue sky and gliding slowly down to their chosen rooftops.
They rebuild the scraggly nests, lay their eggs and rear their young before heading off once again to the warm African continent to escape the cold of winter and repeat the cycle. Spring is the best time to come to Rust, right after the storks have returned and laid their first eggs. Then you’ll be treated to the sight of a stork sitting calmly on a precarious looking perch, while her mate stands guard — frequently on one leg — beside her. The summer time is peak tourist season, but as compensation for the crowded streets and greater traffic, you might just see a little stork chick (pictured below) peeping over the nest’s edge, or taking its first tentative steps along a rooftop. The last good time to see the storks is in early to mid August, just after the tourist season has ended, but before the storks have taken off to make their way to Africa. The simplest way to watch the storks is to walk along the streets and crane your head up at the storks. For those with a bit more care for their necks, a good vantage point from which to watch the birds is the tower of the Katholische Kirche at the southern end of Rathausplatz. The tower also gives a good view of the 12th century Fischerkirche at the other end of Rathausplatz, which is the oldest church in Rust. The stork's preference for friendly rooftops Why do the storks come to Rust? Well, noone really knows why, but most likely, the first storks were probably headed for the nearby Neusiedler Lake. The vast wetlands surrounding the lake are renowned for the richness and variety of its birdlife, for the simple reason that the reeds create huge areas of inaccessible animal habitat. In between the reeds, the birds are safe from predators, both the human and the animal kind. Quite likely, the storks first came to feed, breed and nest in the reeds of the lake like the other birds, but found the less crowded rooftops of the nearby town more to their liking. Since then, they have become welcomed inhabitants of the town, and many a house owner counts it as a sign of good luck to have a stork roost on his roof. There was a time when Rust was in danger of losing its rooftop attractions. Over many years, as more tourists came and the feeding areas and refuges dwindled, the number of storks coming to nest dwindled until it reached a measly eight pairs. The local authorities understandably became alarmed at the loss of their most charming residents, and took serious measures. Refuge spots and feeding grounds were protected and visitors kept away. Platforms were built on the rooftops for the storks to nest on rather than the more uncomfortable chimney. Apparently, the storks thought well of these measures, for in recent years, the number of nesting pairs has steadily risen until today, over 120 pairs are happily nestling on the rooftops again. More than just storks in Rust Once you’re done admiring the storks, there’s till plenty of other things to check out in Rust, and the first thing to try is of course, the wine. The town's prosperity has been centuries on wine for centuries, long before the first tourist gawked at the storks. The town is fortunately located along one of the warmest areas in Austria, making it excellent grape country, and around the town are atmospheric wine taverns in which to sip some of the dry, naturally sweet local produce. When drinking from a bottle of Rust wine, you may notice there is an ‘R’ stamped on the cork: the unique insignia stems from a 1524 right granted by the emperor to the local vintners giving them exclusive rights to display such a sign on their products. Another mark of Rust’s wine-making distinction is that it is also home to the only wine academy in the world where German is spoken. Another attraction is the Neusiedler Lake, proper home of the storks if Rust itself hadn’t proved more congenial. The lake is as charming as the town it lies next to, with the hills of the vineyards surrounding it. Its average depth is only 1 to 2 metres, and sometimes, a stiff wind can expose the lake bottom. Not only is the water clear (and clearer the further you get from shore) but it is also of drinking quality. Not surprisingly, the lake is popular with locals and Austrian holidaymakers, who come to sail, wind-surf, pedal boat, swim, and in the shallower parts, walk through the water. Access to the lake is 1km down the reed-fringed Seepromenade.
5 °C
Clouds, few clouds
Wind | 9.58 m/s |
Cloudiness | 22 % |
Temperature (min/max) | 4/5 °C |
Pressure | 1007 hpa |
Humidity | 52 % |
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The Gasthaus Zum Weinfassl2018-06-19
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
The Gasthaus Zum Weinfassl in Rust, Austria is the existing home of the family Ecker and dates all the way back to 1889, now restored yet still retaining its original brick red colouring, the house today is under monument protection. With a long and interesting history going back through agriculture a wine enterprise and guest house, today they welcome guests to a memorable dining experience complete with large guest garden with 100 year old chestnut tree. The Gasthaus Zum Weinfassl has an excellet food and drink menu, they even serve pizza, and there's a private room for events and celebrations, come visit, feel the history and enjoy a fabulous experience all round, they also deliver so order your favourite schnitzel or cordon bleu with sides, it will be there in no time.READ MORE
Weingut Gunter and Regina Triebaumer2018-06-15
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
Weingut Gunter and Regina Triebaumer in Rust, Austria is a family rooted in the earth and the use sustainable practices to grow their vines, never apply synthetic fertilizers or use herbicides, and use only stainless steel wires that don't rust, they also plant rows of greenery year round to avoide erosion. Wines are produced throughout vinification without the use of animal products and are therefore classified as vegan wines, plus they use only uniform, elegant normal size bottles. Weingut Gunter and Regina Triebaumer is a winery of distinction producing white and rose wines, red wines classic and red wines matured in barrique barrels as well as noble sweet wines, they also host periodical not to be missed events at the vineyard.READ MORE
Featured Businesses
Buschenschank Schandland2018-06-14
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
Buschenschank Schandland in Rust, Austria is a winery and tavern in an 18th century townhouse attached to the Hotel Schandl, and the house with original preserved cross vaults and outdoor dining area has been lovingly restored. Here tradition and regionality abound with wine and culinary offerings, and the tavern delights with delicacies of Pannonian cuisine freshly prepared from regional seasonal products. Buschenschank Schandland provides fish from the lake and wines from the family winery, come be immersed in tranquility and serenity, enjoy a freshly cooked meal and good glass of wine in wonderful ambiance.READ MORE
The TiMiMoo Buergerhaus Hotel2018-06-14
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
The TiMiMoo Buergerhaus Hotel in Rust is the smallest art boutique hotel in Austria from the 17th century, and this duplex over three floors features apartments with a whirlpool, shower, TV, sound system and the internet exclusively for two people. Staying here you immerse yourself in their world, one of art and antiques, paintings, colours and brushes, and they offer art workshops and private training with one day and multi day courses. The TiMiMoo Buergerhaus Hotel also serves heart warming cuisine with products from regional suppliers and top wines, come for an unforgettable stay in eclectic surrounds, and good fun.READ MORE
Weingut Elfenhof2018-06-15
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
Weingut Elfenhof on Lake Neusiedl in Rust, Austria is a family owned winery and has since 1642 been producing countless fine wines of distinction in an independent and self confident tradition. These competent, skilled craftsmen with a sixth sense for the extraordinary, as they say, know just when to harvest and bottle, and their passion shines through in their work and their product. Weingut Elfenhof produce white and red wines, roses, sparkling wines, brandies, liqueurs and even grape juice, and they can be ordered online, there are great gift boxes too. The winery and wine shop is open for tastings, celebrations and events, so come toast a glass with them in rustic, cozy and beautiful surrounds.READ MORE
Weingut Feiler-Artinger2018-06-14
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
Weingut Feiler-Artinger in Rust, Austria welcomes you to their virtual winery where all the wines they produce are world class in every category, and of the highest quality. They specialise in Austrian white wines, red wines, noble sweet wines and Ruster outbreak all of which you can order directly in the webshop and enjoy even more drinking pleasure at home in hardly any time. Weingut Feiler-Artinger have screw cap and cork varieties, different bottle sizes, vintage wines and specialties, order today from the winegrower kings, they're looking forward.READ MORE
Karnerhof Buschenschank2018-06-19
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
Karnerhof Buschenschank in Rust, Austria is the place to come if you are looking for a good wine and cozy tavern, and is a popular meeting place for all with vineyards and wine cellar. They have four beautiful apartments you can stay in for self catering holidays at the lake and there's a wine tasting room to sample all their premium quality wines. Karnerhof Buschenschank on the western shores of Lake Neusiedl and the proximity of the lake and slope incline result in a mild and balanced climate, they have over 8 hectares of carerful grape harvest for their quality dry cabinet wines, Spatlesen and the famous Ruster outbreak, come visit, come stay, come taste, buy some wines and enjoy all that they have to offer.READ MORE
Conrad Weingut2018-06-14
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
Conrad Weingut in the heart of Rust, Austria is located in one of the most photographed houses in the area, the Auge Gottes, do stop by for a taste of their delicious local wines. There is a coffee shop at the house where you can enjoy their specialty homemade pastries, good coffee and their wines for tasting or by the glass. Conrad Weingut have been producing their own certified organic wines for many years and the assortment includes white wines, red wines and sweet wines, their vineyards grow a wonderful variety and provide the grapes for their amazing wines, come visit and taste for yourself.READ MORE
The Storchenhof vineyards2018-06-15
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
The Storchenhof vineyards extend throughout the Rust area, and by quality oriented cut, autumn and spring greening, grape thinning and intensive leaf work, ensure quality limitation for the optimal degree of ripeness to produce their wines. Visit them by appointment for a wine tasting in their specially created tasting room, they believe in Winzersekt before white, rose before red and acidic before dry, half dry before sweet, and less content before top wine, come for the highest professional expertise and taste the difference. Storchenhof also offer wine cellar tours and produce white, red and specialty wines, they have and incredible product range and will deliver to all federal states, visit today. READ MORE
Ceelmarine2018-06-15
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
Ceelmarine in Rust, Austria is a regatta academy and they offer training in all areas with an experienced and competent team, from theory lecture to various practical exercises and individual training, come learn boat handling, sail trim and maneuver know how. They are also the experts in yacht electrics and electronics from the power supply and storage to electric motors, regatta electronics, lightning protection on boat and lighting, they work only with selected well proven products and brands. Ceelmarine have rental boats as well as new and used boats for sale, they have open air storage for boats, caravans and other vehicles as well as do services for boats and much more, it's all here, all your boating and training needs.READ MORE
The Landgasthaus Hiesinger2018-06-19
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
The Landgasthaus Hiesinger since 1903 in Rust, Austria has been pampering guests with their delicious, light and health conscious menu, and they aim to cultivate Austrian cuisine to create something innovative and new. Come for an unforgettable pairing of food and Austrian wines, natural schnapps and good times in this beautiful cozy inn located in the countryside in the heart of Rust, they also have a lovely garden to relax in. The Landgasthaus Hiesinger has a hall for celebrations and events that can accommodate up to 55 guests, and the chef and his team will organize everything to ensure your event is a resounding success, they can even organise a tent or fireworks and have exciting menu options.READ MORE
Weingut Gabriel2018-06-15
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
Weingut Gabriel is a delightful winery in the historic old town of Rust, Austria and for generations wine has been produced in the house and basement, they currently cultivate around 12.5 hectares of vineyards, half white and half red and every year, no vintage is like the other. The special microclimate of the territory allows for the harvest of fruity, dry white wines, strong red wines and sweet wines of the highest quality. Connected to tradition, their vineyards are located in the best locations in Rust, with sandy clay soils and ideal conditions for their white wine varieties, the red wine varities on the soil bring particularly good wines, and this is what makes them so distinctive and special. Weingut Gabriel also have apartments available for rent in a quiet garden location with views of Rust, there is parking and a children's playground, and the seaside resort is just a kilometre away, as are restaurants, wine taverns and tennis courts.READ MORE
Seehotel Rust
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
Visit Seehotel Rust in RustREAD MORE
C9 Weddings and Events2018-06-19
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
C9 Weddings and Events in Rust, Austria brings you their beautiful vintage town house for spectacular weddings, it's an extraordinary location for your big day, party or private event. With romantic Burgenland courtyard with beautiful rose garden and cozy lounge corners, they will marry you in the pavilion by civil registry, and you can enjoy a champagne reception with Pannonian finger food before the big wedding celebration in the main listed house which has been lovingly rebuilt. C9 Weddings and Events take care of all the details ensuring a spectacular wedding or event, and they cater to birthdays, workshops with after parties, Christmas parties in the wine cellar, exhibitions and much more, there is even a historic vaulted cellar with modern lighting, and they serve a gourmet cuisine with exceptional wines from well known wine makers, come to the best for all your event planning needs.READ MORE
Schifffahrt Schreiner2018-06-15
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
Schifffahrt Schreiner in Rust, Austria offers wonderful cruises on Lake Neusiedler aboard their fleet, both of their ships are masterpieces of shipbuilding with high load bearing capacity and stability and low draft. They offer various cruises and tours with much to see and combined with other activities for a unique excursion, they even have a barbecue party cruise where you drop achor and enjoy a wonderful grill meal freshly prepared. Schifffahrt Schreiner ships offers leisurely afternoon trips with coffee and cake, as well as Lake festival rides, and you can charter the ships for special occasions and celebrations, join them for the cruise of a lifetime.READ MORE
The Weingut Bachkoenig2018-06-15
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
The Weingut Bachkoenig in Rust, Austria welcomes you to their winery for an exciting visit, the winery has been family owned since 1880 and has over the years grown to 12 hectares of vineyards. They link tradition with new techniques to produce the wonderful wines that bring them success, and the highest standards apply when producing their vine juice. The Weingut Bachkoenig has an extensive variety with more than 10 different grape varieties, and the processing of the grapes is soil friendly, close to nature with no artificial use of fertilizer, and using greening between rows and only sprays that are beneficial to insects. They produce dry white wines, fruity red wines and excellent sweet wines, and after an optimal maturity in steel tanks or traditional wooden barrels, wines are bottled in order to continue to mature slowly.READ MORE
The Paddelzentrum Rust2018-06-14
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
The Paddelzentrum Rust is open every day for stand up paddleboarding rentals, courses, tours, sales and advice as well as sunset and full moon tours on Lake Neusiedl, sea kayak courses and guided canoe tours. Join them every Saturday for a sea kayak trial paddling course and mini tour, you get to learn the basics about the boat, paddle and accessories, and they do SUP courses, SUP yoga and SUP workouts too. The Paddelzentrum Rust hires out high quality boats and paddle equipment and after intensive safety instruction you can head out on a self guided paddling tour, their paddle shop sells suitable brands for your expedition, equipment they have been using for years themselves, let the adventures begin.READ MORE
The Gasthaus Zum Alten Haus2018-06-19
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
The Gasthaus Zum Alten Haus in Rust, Austria is a beautiful restaurant with fine home style cooking and a good wine selction from the Rust region, the service is excellent and so are the prices, come for your absolute dining pleasure. There is a front garden overlooking the street which is sunny and airy, perfect for warm days yet protected by direct sunlight, and another covered garden with awning is a wonderful place to relax. The Gasthaus Zum Alten Haus is available throughout the year for celebrations and events like weddings, birthdays, communions and more, and they will plan a menu selection suited to you with matching drinks, table decoration and music, they do everything in their power to ensure a successful event and celebration.READ MORE
Hotel Schandl2018-06-14
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
Hotel Schandl in the heart of the historic centre of Rust, Austria is a superior 3 star building historically protected that dates back to the 17th century, and has been used as a hotel and hosting business over the last 100 years. Modernised and renovated, with much of the history preserved, they offer 19 guest rooms with junior suites and family bedrooms. and they cater to seminars and workshops in their seminar at ground level. Hotel Schandl also features a wine tavern a short distance away where regional culinary delights are the order of the day along with some really good award winning wines, come for a fabulous stay in the unique royal free city of Rust, they look forward to being of service.READ MORE
Weingut and Buschenschank Georg Seiler2018-06-19
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
The Weingut and Buschenschank Georg Seiler in the free city of Rust is located in the Burgenland wine region Neusiedlersee hill country of Austria and they are among the oldest winegrower families in town. The vineyards over 10 hectares produce 60 percent white varieties of pinot blanc, chardonnay, welschreisling, neuburger, yellow muscat and furmint, and the red varieties include blaufrankisch, zweigelt, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon, they also have premium varieties. The Weingut and Buschenschank Georg Seiler also offer a delicious cold buffet with regional reference from early April to mid November which can be enjoyed with their premium wines, come for an unforgettable visit, it's a wine lover, wine connoisseur paradise.READ MORE
Pension Anna2018-06-14
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
Pension Anna in Rust, Austria is family run in a quiet loction not far from Lake Neusiedl, and close to lake festivities and the opera festival. Comfortable rooms are loving and practically furnished and come with bathroom, flat screen TV, WiFi and more for a wonderful homely stay. Pension Anna serves a delicious breakfast in the guest room and gluten free pastries are available on request, this is your ideal base for exploring the surrounds, the wineries, spas, museums, galleries and sites, come for the perfect stay.READ MORE
Zum alten Stadttor2018-06-19
Located in Rust, Burgenland, Burgenland, Austria
Zum alten Stadttor in Rust, Austria is a restaurant and bar on Lake Neusiedl with outdoor seating and a waiter service, and they serve an exquisite menu of Pannonia cuisine, snacks and grandma's cake. They have a cocktail bar for refreshing and welcoming drinks, and the menu features mouthwatering daily specials, as well as schnitzels, cordon bleu, pastas, fish dishes, tartare, goulash and grills of spare ribs, pork fillet and more, they have wonderful variety with something for everyone and do leave space for dessert. Zum alten Stadttor has a full bar with an incredible selection, and they are open for lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks, there's a playground for the kids and a private parking lot it's all here. READ MORE
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