The unique salt pans in Seewinkel characterize the landscape of the Lake Neusiedl – Seewinkel National Park. The special climatic conditions in the north of Burgenland bring this natural spectacle to light. Small pools of water that are up to 0.7 m deep in the winter months and can dry out completely in the hot periods, leaving behind white salt beds.

How they are created
The low rainfall, the countless hours of sunshine and the associated high temperatures lead to a capillary effect and the rise of groundwater. This brings various salts such as soda, Glauber’s salt, common salt and Epsom salt to the surface. When dry, these salts form a layer that is often referred to as Pannonia glass lard. The resulting “saline soil” prevents the water from seeping away during the cold months, resulting in around 40 saline lakes to the east of Lake Neusiedl.

What varnishes are available
Salt lakes appear in the Seewinkel in various sizes. Researchers estimate that there must have been around 150 of these varnishes when they were formed after the Ice Age. Today there are still around 40 in Burgenland.

The best known salt varnishes are
– The Lange Lacke
– Pear varnishes
– Foxhole varnishes
– Darsho

How you influence the wine in Seewinkel
The high salt content in the soil, but of course also in the air, and the fact that some vineyards border directly on the salt pans, give the wines in Seewinkel a very special touch. The minerality and saltiness support the wines and give them a special taste. For us at the Salzl winery, the name says it all. The family name comes from a salt trading family that came to our area in the 18th century. Deeply rooted in viticulture in our region for 3 generations, we are proud to watch our vines grow in the heart of the National Park and naturally also appreciate the important role that the brines play in our wines.

Our “Pannoterra” cuvée in particular – which translates as “Pannonian Earth” – is intended to reflect this unique attitude to life as well as the uniqueness of nature.

Conclusion:
The salt lakes in Seewinkel are the result of the special climatic conditions in Seewinkel. In winter they appear as small pools of water next to Lake Neusiedl, in summer often as large areas of saline soil.
If you would like to see for yourself, come and visit us at the winery for a day or stay overnight in our guesthouse. You might also be interested in our article about vacations at Lake Neusiedl.

We look forward to seeing you!

Salzl – pleasure that goes on.