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Written by Culemborg on 12 Mar, 2004
Even though it was already more than 5 years ago, I still vividly remember my time spend in Eisenstadt, Capital of Burgenland. A total of 6 months is what I spent there, with 14 other exchange students at the local university. We went for all…Read More
Even though it was already more than 5 years ago, I still vividly remember my time spend in Eisenstadt, Capital of Burgenland. A total of 6 months is what I spent there, with 14 other exchange students at the local university. We went for all the sights, restaurants and pubs, Mendez being our favourite.
In Eisenstadt there is one sight which you should definitely visit, castle Eisenstadt. This castle was built by the Esterhazys, who had Haydn as a frequent visitor in their home. The castle now holds a museum with the history of the Esterhazys, concert room and offices. The grounds are still in private hands of the Esterhazy family, but behind them you will find a park. In the summer, which started early during my time there (May already saw temperatures of 30 C), you can relax and take in the sun or take a dip in the local Freibad.
From Eisenstadt, you can easily travel to Sopron (just across the border in Hungary) or to Vienna (50km), or you can travel to the Neusiedlersee, where you will find small quaint villages. Definitely go to Rust - they produce their own wine and you will find stork nests on the chimneys of people’s houses.
In Eisenstadt you will find small wine bars, good restaurants, and some small pubs where you can dance. Mendez was our favourite - but definitely not for the wine; they bought it at the local supermarket, and was definitely only drinkable with Almdudler (a Tiroler) or with sparkling water.
The locals are very friendly, but very polite - if you don't say "Gruess Gott" in the morning they will look as if you have committed a big crime. If you stay longer than a month, you have to register at the police station. To my big amazement, at the little registration office they had not reached the 20th century - no computers, just a typewriter.
So if you wish to go to a nice, charming city with historic charms, definitely visit this small provincial capital.