Where vitality grows

Border-spanning experience: Marchfeld – Záhorie

Marchfeld – located between the two metropolises of Vienna and Bratislava – is closely linked to the neighbouring area of Záhorie in Slovakia. Only separated by the March, there are numerous elements which link the two, in terms of culture and nature, but also in cuisine too.

• Experience of nature:
  Fertile soils with fields of grains and vegetables characterise the area around the March. The extensive flatland area nestles amid fascinating natural areas - the March and Danube-Auen are home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna. Even unknown natural treasures are concealed here. Along with the fertile areas, sand dunes and sandbergs characterise this border-spanning area. On the western slope of Devínska Kobyla, not far from Devínska Nová Ves on the Slovakian side, there is a sandberg. In Marchfeld too in the town of Oberweiden there are the remains of extensive areas of sand dunes. Today this area is regarded as one of the most significant dry grassland areas. And with Weikendorfer Remise, the region is also home to the first nature conservation area in Austria. Along with the varied natural habitats, the variety of different animal species here is impressive. The renowned white stork colony in Marchegg is also worth a visit, so too are the European terrapins in Danube-Auen National Park and the wild ponies on the pastures in Marchegg.
• Cultural experience:
  A look into the past combined with contemporary cultural happenings – from the nobility & the like. In the border region of Marchfeld – Záhorie really special cultural highlights await! In Marchfeld, where the Habsburg monarchy rose then fell, history-charged insights await. With Marchfeld's palace realm and its five palaces - Schloss Hof, Schloss Niederweiden, Schloss Eckartsau, Schloss Marchegg and Schloss Orth, you get to head out on an exciting journey into the past. Cultural highlights await in neighbouring Slovakia too. The European metropolis of Bratislava stands out with its fascinating history and impressive buildings. Also located right on the border to Marchfeld, in Devín Castle another excursion destination is very close by – one you really ought not to miss out on!
• Gourmet experience:
  Fertile soils and a Pannonian climate characterise the border region on both sides of the March. The result is wonderful soil attributes and delicious regional produce. As well as regionality and seasonality, top-class cuisine is available here too. A wide variety of fruit and vegetables are grown in Marchfeld, the biggest cultivation areas are taken up by onions, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, peas, beans, spinach, sweetcorn and asparagus. Across the country, this region is especially known for its Marchfeld asparagus. Yet strawberries and grains are hugely important too. It is not without reason that Marchfeld is frequently described as Austria's grain & vegetable treasury. Produce is available at farm gate sales points and direct marketers in the region, where there will often be a chance to look behind the scenes. A visit to a business here is the perfect item for your excursion agenda! A sweet treat is part of the shared past of the regions in the monarchies. Pressburger Kipferl. This speciality which has a nut or a poppy seed filling has been a protected trademark of Slovakia since 2012. Indeed it is not just sweet cuisine which links the regions. In both Marchfeld and in Bratislava it is fish dishes which are served too, thanks to the proximity of the Danube. For instance, pay a visit to Humers Uferhaus in Orth an der Donau and enjoy some culinary indulgence with carp, pike-perch and char.