THE ENVIRONS OF RECHNITZ AND WHAT THEY CAN OFFER

THE BOOTMAKER´S MUSEUM

This unique museum in Austria is dedicated to the centuries-old craft of bootmaking, which was significant for the trade in Rechnitz until the 1930s – the reason why our community was the very heart of the art of bootmaking. It was in 1923 when 36 masters manufactured these traditional boots, which were known as Croatian „Čizma“ and Hungarian „Csizma“. The „Stiefelmachermuseum“ gives astonishing insights into this nearly forgotten and bygone handicraft.

PATH OF REMEMBRANCE: THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF RECHNITZ

It was the year of 1676 when the presence of a Jewish community in Rechnitz was recorded for the first time; it is recognized as the oldest one in South Burgenland. It thrived particularly at the bginning of the 19th century, but there was a steady decrease in members during the 1870s due to constant emigration. Between 1938 and 1945 the Nazi regime destroyed Jewish life in Rechnitz completely. The Path of Remembrance with its ten plaques commemorates the places of Jewish life in Rechnitz.

THE KREUZSTADL MEMORIAL

Today the former estate manager's building of the Bátthyány Estate is a ruin and a memorial to the darkest hours of our community: It was here when in 1945 the Nazis committed one of the most gruesome atrocities, which people failed to come to terms with for a long time after World War II. Now this memorial stands for all of the murdered forced labourers, who lost their lives in the villages and communities along the so-called "Südostwall".

NATURE RESERVE GESCHRIEBENSTEIN & ALPANNONIA TRAIL

In the first international nature reserve of Austria and Hungary there are more than 500 km of marked educational trails and a barrier-free walk over the treetops waiting for Your encounter with nature. Just discover the charm and calmness of forests, meadows or vineyards.
On the summit of the Geschriebenstein You will find a watchtower built of stone in 1911 that provides You with a panoramic view You won´t forget. Of course, this area of 8000 hectares is attractive to mountain bikers and Nordic walkers as well!

Do you prefer longer trips? It´s the Alpannonia Trail that runs past Rechnitz as well. It takes six to seven days time to hike from the Eastern Alps in Fischbach, Styria, through the Bucklige Welt (literally the "hunchbacked world") in Lower Austria and the Günser Gebirge in Burgenland to the town of Köszeg, Hungary, which marks the western half of the Pannonian lowlands.

THE VINEYARDS & WINE TAVERNS

On the south-eastern flanks of the Geschriebenstein, there is one of the most beautiful areas for wine-growing in Burgenland. Coming from the south to Rechnitz, You´ll notice it from far away. After all, Rechnitz once had 400 ha of cultivation area and was – until the 19th century – considered to be the second largest wine-growing area of former West Hungary. It was, apart from other factors, the "vine pest disaster" that led to a decrease in the size of the wine-growing area – today only 60 ha are left. Nevertheless: If You go for a longer walk or hike through the vineyards, be sure to find Yourself again in one of the wine vaults or wine taverns with a good glass of wine and a traditional Burgenland light meal.

OUR BATHING LAKE

It was from 1962 to 1964 when the first artificial lake of Burgenland was built at the entry to the picturesque Faludi Valley. By now the "Rechnitzer Badesee" has become a regional attraction – fresh spring water covering an area of 300 metres in length, a 100 metres in width and 7 metres in depth. In the midst of the wood there is a springboard, a water chute and a floating "Isle of Sun" inviting You to have Your fun in a 5-hectare recreational area from May till September. And, of course, there is a canteen as well.

GO-KART

If You wish to have it fast and furious, the “Speedarena” is the right place for You. Here, on one of Europe´s most modern go-kart tracks, You can live Your passion for motorsports on a 1007-metre track. The course has been certified by the FIA as well as by the ÖAMTC, which is Austria´s largest automobile club.

RENT AN E-BIKE

Do You want to explore Rechnitz and its environs by bicycle, but it shouldn´t be too exhausting? There´s a simple solution: Taxi Ziegler rents e-bikes that allow You to overcome the seemingly insurmountable ascents at the flanks of the Günser Gebirge in a most comfortable way. The daily fee of 23 € includes a voucher over 5 €.

BAUMWIPFELWEG: A WALK OVER THE TREETOPS PATH

In our neighboring community Althodis it´s the so-called “Baumwipfelweg” that invites you to take a bird´s-eye view of the surroundings. Walk – 20 metres above the ground – over a wooden bridge and 11 pillars through the typical local forests - enjoying splendid views and listening to the multitudinous birdcalls. Since nature was made for everyone, the Baumwipfelweg is accessible to blind people as well as to wheelchair users.