Bad Sauerbrunn is named after its acidic mineral spring, which has been used for healing since the nineteenth century, and it remains one of the smaller spa towns of Austria. It lies in northern Burgenland, at the foot of the Rosalia hills, a wooded range that marks the border between Lower Austria and Burgenland. The town is quiet and green, with villas, parks and a spa centre, and it has an air of gentle relaxation.
The Rosalia hills are a pleasant surprise in this region of plains and vineyards. Covered in forests of beech, oak and chestnut, they rise above the surrounding countryside, with views over the Vienna basin to the north and the plains of Hungary to the east. Forchtenstein Castle, the great fortress of the Esterházy family, stands on a spur of the hills, housing a treasure chamber and an armoury. In the Middle Ages, this border region was contested between Austria and Hungary, and Burgenland only became part of Austria in 1921.
On the bike, things are a pleasure. The roads climb into the Rosalia hills, with curves, gradients and views, and wind through the vineyards and villages of the plain. Traffic is light on the minor roads, but the main roads towards Vienna and Wiener Neustadt can be busy. The weather is generally mild and sunny, with hot summers, and wind can be strong on the plain.
Bad Sauerbrunn has a few shops and restaurants, and fuel is easily found in Mattersburg or Wiener Neustadt. A visit to Forchtenstein Castle and a meal in a local wine tavern make a satisfying day. The Neusiedler See lies to the east, with its reed beds and wide views.