Peer-to-peer exchange in Südburgenland

September 2025

In Südburgenland, participants of the peer-to-peer exchange explored how rural communities can combine innovation, culture and sustainability to enhance quality of life. Over two days, 23 visitors engaged with local stakeholders, learning firsthand about 11 initiatives that address challenges ranging from mobility and renewable energy to climate adaptation and tourism development.

The exchange provided an opportunity to see how practical solutions are implemented in the region, including short value chains, nature-based and cultural tourism, and innovative approaches to public services. Participants gained insights into governance structures, financing models and operational strategies that make these projects successful.

Local stakeholders involved in the peer-to-peer exchange

A broad coalition of stakeholders supported the site visits:

1. Nature Park Weinidylle presented the Wine Museum and explained the Kellerstöckl initiative, highlighting heritage preservation combined with rural tourism development.
2. Verkehrsbetriebe Burgenland (VBB) introduced and explained the operation of BAST (Burgenländisches Anrufsammeltaxi) as a flexible on-demand rural mobility solution.
3. European Centre for Renewable Energy Güssing GmbH (EEE): Their Managing Director presented the Climate and Energy Model Region (KEM), the Climate Change Adaptation Region (KLAR!), flagship renewable energy projects, and the establishment of renewable energy communities in Burgenland.
4. Castle Güssing: Their Castle Manager guided the tour of Güssing Castle and presented the Castle Road initiative, a cross-border cooperation network of castles and palaces supported by Interreg funding.
5. Stremtaler Schmankerl-Eck: Their Managing Director explained the development and functioning of the regional farm-shop network uniting over 60 local producers.
6. Agricultural School Güssing showcased the practice-oriented education model in sustainable agriculture and the integration of students into regional value chains.
7. Nature Park Geschriebenstein: Their Chairman presented the barrier-free observation tower and gave an overview of the park’s role in cross-border cooperation. Their Nature Educator & Biodiversity Expert shared insights into the educational work of the nature park, biodiversity initiatives, and explained the concept of the bird observation tower. He also explained the construction and maintenance of the mountain bike trail, including how it was designed and is cared for with minimal invasive methods.
8. Burgenland Tourism: Their Sustainability Officer presented the regional sustainability strategy and the associated certification approach for sustainable tourism development.
9. Biohof Unger: Their owner introduced the “Sauladen” farm shop, showcasing organic cured meat products and the innovative 24/7 self-service retail concept.
10. “KUHles ab Hof”: Their owner presented the innovative dairy farm with its 24/7 self-service shop.
11. Municipality of Bad Tatzmannsdorf Their Mayor spoke about the importance and operation of the local spa business, underlining its role in health tourism and the local economy.