Mörbisch am See - partner municipality on the European Green Belt

Board 1

The legacy of the green border

The Iron Curtain divided Europe for four decades. This insurmountable barrier destroyed neighbourly relations, prevented cultural and economic exchange and made joint regional development impossible.

Mörbisch was also cut off from its Hungarian neighbours. The refugee movements in 1956 and 1989 are deeply rooted in the history of the region and symbolise the urge for freedom and self-determination. In 1956, Hungary was the scene of an uprising against the Soviet occupation.

The people fought for political freedom and against the repression of their country. Similarly, 1989 was a year of geopolitical change. The political landscape of Europe changed when Hungary opened its borders with Austria, paving the way for tens of thousands of GDR citizens to flee to the West. Mörbisch am See was an important hub for the refugees - here they found solidarity, help and protection.

After the border fortifications were dismantled and travelling was made easier, new contacts were established between the communities. And along the former dividing frontier, a lively shared natural heritage emerged - the European Green Belt.

Board 2

Nature knows no borders

There is nothing left of the barbed wire fence, the border towers have been removed and the border barracks are deserted. The Lake Neusiedl region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural pearl in the Austro-Hungarian border region. With an area of around 320 square kilometres, the lake is one of the largest steppe lakes in Europe and an important wetland of international importance. Its shallow depth and slightly salty water make it an ideal habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. The lake is famous for its reed belt, which provides an important habitat for numerous bird species - such as white-tailed eagles, bitterns, herons, spoonbills, reed songbirds and marsh harriers. The picturesque cultural landscape of Lake Neusiedl is characterised by rolling hills, vineyards and idyllic villages. Numerous cycling and hiking trails allow you to explore the natural beauty of the region.

The landscape conservation area, the European nature reserve and the Ramsar site along the Green Belt are signs of a lively, active connection to nature. Mörbisch has been one of the 30 municipalities in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lake Neusiedl since 2001

Board 3

Mörbisch – Border-municiplaity of delights

Idyllically situated on the shores of Lake Neusiedl, the picturesque border municipality of Mörbisch am See is known for its unique combination of nature, culture and hospitality. It attracts visitors from all over the world.

Mörbisch is particularly famous for its Lake Festival, which takes place every summer on an impressive stage in Lake Neusiedl. The village also offers a wide range of leisure activities: Lake Neusiedl itself is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, but also for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The surrounding rolling hills invite you to go hiking and cycling, while the vineyards and wine taverns offer a variety of regional cuisine and wines.

The picturesque little village centre captivates with its charming courtyard alleyways, traditional Streckhöfe farms and cosy inns. Historic sights such as the Heimathaus and the two churches give it a distinctive character and tell of its rich history. Mörbisch is linked to its Hungarian neighbour Fertörákos not only by a border crossing, but also by the traditionally good cross-border cooperation.

Board 4

The European Green Belt

They are among the rare positive legacies of the Cold War: largely undisturbed habitats along the Iron Curtain - retreats and migration corridors for animals and plants. More than a thousand protected areas of this "backbone of biodiversity" are located in the 24 neighbouring countries: National parks, nature parks, biosphere reserves. Over a length of 12,500 kilometres, they can be found in all biogeographical regions, from the Arctic to the Black Sea.

Since 2004, the European Green Belt initiative has not only been dedicated to the preservation of these valuable ecosystems: a network of environmental ministries, nature conservation organisations and protected area administrations has involved many local partners in its activities in the interests of sustainable, cross-border regional development.

With the Illmitz Declaration, signed in 2019 by the five federal states bordering the Green Belt, 151 municipalities have been given a special mandate: Namely, to preserve this Green Belt and close the gaps that have developed over decades. Joint activities with the neighbouring municipalities and the use of the cross-border natural heritage for quality of life and tourism.