In late January, much of Europe settles into its coldest, quietest period. And yet, at a small lake in Austria’s easternmost province of Burgenland, about one hour south of Vienna, something remarkable takes place.
Lake Neusiedl (Fertő/Neusiedlersee), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its rich birdlife, cultural heritage, and a renowned wine region. Yet each January, at the very heart of this tranquil season, thousands of people descend on the area to bring it to life by taking part in a unique winter event called Burgenland Extrem.
Much like Shorewalkers’ Great Saunter, Burgenland Extrem is not a race. It is an endurance walking event that invites participants to test their stamina by walking up to 75 miles around Lake Neusiedl. Most choose shorter distances – 19, 36 or 50 miles. Yet they still fully experience the spirit and atmosphere of this exhilarating event.
Map of the Burgenland Extrem route
in its 15th year, Burgenland Extrem has grown from a local idea into a cult event that draws several thousand walkers, runners, cyclists, and teams from across Austria and beyond. At the heart of the event are three organizers, Michael, Tobias, and Josef, whose vision has remained unchanged: to keep the event non‑commercial and deeply rooted in the region. Sustainability, community, and respect for the landscape are not add‑ons here; they are part of the event’s DNA.
A Transatlantic Friendship on Foot
For Shorewalkers, the synergy was immediate! Similar to our Great Saunter, Burgenland Extrem, is a volunteer-driven event that celebrates community, shared experience, and the simple joy of walking rather than competition.
The connection between the two organizations began when I, as a native of Burgenland, reached out to Michael Oberhauser, Burgenland Extrem organizer and extreme athlete, to share information about our respective events. We quickly discovered similarities between our walking communities on opposite sides of the Atlantic and decided to bring the two worlds together.
In January 2026, a small delegation of Shorewalkers traveled to Austria on what was intentionally planned as a scouting trip. The goal was simple: walk a 10-mile stretch of the event, meet the Burgenland Extrem team, and experience Austrian hospitality firsthand.
A Warm Welcome in Cold Conditions
From the moment the Shorewalkers arrived, the welcome was unmistakably warm, even if the winter temperatures were not. The group was greeted personally by organizers and volunteers, introduced during the pre-event reception, interviewed by local television, and mentioned in regional newspapers.
On the route, Shorewalkers walked alongside Austrian participants who treated the international guests not as outsiders, but as fellow travelers sharing the same cold, tired legs, and quiet exhilaration of a long winter walk. Aid stations became places of conversation as much as refueling points, with hot soup, tea and snacks. What emerged out of this experience was a strong sense of community, one that transcended language, geography, and distance.
Beyond the Walk: Discovering Burgenland
The Shorewalkers trip extended well beyond the event itself. Burgenland, famous in summer for its wine, cycling routes and the landscape around Lake Neusiedl, is often overlooked in winter. Yet during this visit, the region revealed itself as a place shaped by rich history, open borders, and cultural exchange.
One day, the group took a trip across the nearby Hungarian border to Sopron, a beautiful town with a remarkably preserved old town center that reflects centuries of shifting empires and identities. At the Austrian-Hungarian border, the Shorewalkers visited the Pan-European Picnic Monument, commemorating the symbolic 1989 opening of the border gates between Austria and Hungary. That moment helped trigger a chain of events that ultimately led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War.
Back in Austria, the group visited Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt, once home to one of the Habsburg Empire’s most influential noble families. The palace is closely connected to the composer Joseph Haydn, who spent decades here as court musician, producing much of the music that would define the classical era. After the endurance challenge of Burgenland Extrem, the journey shifted from rural winter landscapes to imperial history and culture.
Vienna: History, Culture, and Schnitzel
The final days of the trip were spent in Vienna, one of Europe’s great cultural capitals. The group walked through the historic city center, stood before St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and followed the footsteps of Mozart and Beethoven. The highlight for many was attending a traditional Viennese Ball, an experience that perfectly captures the elegance and tradition of the city.
Of course, the culinary side of Austria was not neglected. Plenty of schnitzel (without noodles), apple strudels and other Austrian delicacies were enjoyed.
Looking Ahead
What began as a small scouting trip has quickly grown into something more meaningful: the start of a genuine partnership between two walking communities, one in New York and one in Austria. The Shorewalkers are already considering returning next year to participate again in Burgenland Extrem. And next time, the group will attempt a longer distance, maybe even 19 or 36 miles.
