Lange Lacke

The Lange Lacke is the largest of more than forty saltwater pools in the Seewinkel region of Burgenland, situated a few kilometres northeast of Apetlon. It is fed solely by rainwater, and its size varies with the weather from over ten square kilometres to complete dryness. The pool reaches depths of up to one metre and serves as a haven for water birds, particularly famous for the annual autumn flight of geese. It also plays a vital role within the Neusiedler See-Seewinkel National Park. Two islands lie at its southeastern and western edges. The water levels in the Lange Lacke have changed dramatically over the decades. During the 1970s and 1980s, when the pool held water continuously, rainfall was twelve per cent lower than in the following two decades. In the 1990s and 2000s, the Lange Lacke dried out nearly every year, losing large areas of its surface. Experts attribute this shift partly to the absence of groundwater contributions over the last twenty years. A study points to extensive hydrological changes in the central Seewinkel caused by water engineering projects since the mid-20th century. Visitors to the Lange Lacke find a flat, open landscape where the horizon stretches far in every direction. The surrounding meadows and wetlands host a wide variety of birds, especially during migration seasons. The islands within the pool provide safe nesting spots for species that avoid disturbance. The area’s salt-tolerant plants add colour to the scene, and the light reflecting off the water changes with the seasons. The landscape feels remote despite its proximity to Apetlon, offering a quiet place to observe nature at close range.