Ahoy, Lake Neusiedl!

Lakemania: “We’re all in the same boat”

Soon there will be rowing and paddling for the preservation of Lake Neusiedl.(Bild: Lakemania)

The precious water is becoming ever more valuable. Lakemania 2024 is setting a spectacular example to save it with a top-class sporting event on Lake Neusiedl.

Scientific studies show just how dramatic the situation is. According to the latest warnings, groundwater levels around the world are falling continuously and resources are dwindling ever faster. This shocking finding is underpinned by the analysis of data from 170,000 measuring points in 40 countries over several years.

Less and less water
Farmers across the globe are struggling to cope with dwindling water supplies. At the same time, it is getting too hot for olives in Spain, but in sunny but not so dry Burgenland, the Mediterranean delicacy is now thriving magnificently.

The source of life is drying up. Water is becoming scarce. These worrying lines are a little easier to write when April does what it wants and brings cooling rain. Shortly beforehand, a hint of summer in this country had a strong impact on the level of evaporation and therefore also on Lake Neusiedl. The water level dropped significantly within just a few days.

Level at over 115 meters
Nevertheless, the outlook this year is more positive than a year or two ago. The current value is 115.44 meters above the Adriatic Sea. In comparison, the average water level in mid-February 2023 was only 115.02 meters above the Adriatic Sea, compared to 115.37 in the same period in 2024. This means the level was 35 centimeters higher than a year ago and only 16 centimeters away from the long-term annual average.

Burgenland Extrem is once again calling for Lakemania this year.(Bild: Lakemania)

Out and about in kayaks and canoes
"Ahoy, Lake Neusiedl" is the call at Lakemania 2024 on 19 May, which is intended to cheer people up. "We're all in the same boat. That applies to the whole range of topics related to climate change," explain Michael Oberhauser and Tobias Monte, two organizers from the Burgenland Extrem team. In kayaks and canoes, they will cover five, 17 or 42.195 kilometers across the water.

Every stroke of the oars, every paddle is a declaration of love for our beautiful steppe lake.

Das Team rund um Burgenland Extrem

Register now
Registrations have already been received from all over Europe. For the time being, there are twice as many starters as in 2023 who are keen to experience this spectacular sporting event. Participation is free of charge, subject to pre-registration(www.burgenlandextrem.com). Kayaking legend Nigel Dennis will definitely be there. The professional will lead a one-day master class. Burgenland Extreme will present details in a few days.