With dog and child to Lake Neusiedl

This is where your journey starts. From Dresden you'll head south, and you'll deliberately split the first stage in two so the long drive stays relaxed.

The small border town in the northern Waldviertel is a good spot to stretch your legs. The Blockheide nature park, with its bizarre granite boulders, lies right in town and makes a great activity stop for child and dog alike.

Family-friendly overnight stay in the Waldviertel, dog-friendly and in a quiet location. A good halfway point that splits the drive into two manageable stages.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The charming town at the start of the Wachau is a good spot for a lunch break. It's lovely to stroll along the Danube, and in the pedestrian zone you'll find bakeries and market stalls.

Your base for the coming nights is in Podersdorf, the only town right on the open eastern shore of the lake. From here, it's a short walk to the shallow, warm water and straight onto the well-developed cycle paths around the lake.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The expansive beach with its famous lighthouse is ideal for children: the water stays shallow for a long way out and warms up quickly. There are separate lawns for sunbathing and a designated dog beach area nearby.

In the evening, it's worth taking a walk along the promenade to the small sailing harbour. From here you have a wide view over the reed belt, and the sunset over the lake is quite an experience.

Rust on the western shore is famous for its storks, which nest on almost every chimney in the old town during summer. The little wine town invites you to stroll through colourful baroque houses and enjoy a tasting, with the clatter of storks accompanying you everywhere.

On the edge of town lies the lakeside resort with shallow shores and sunbathing lawns. A good place to jump into the water after your stroll through town and let the afternoon wind down quietly.

From your base, the Neusiedler-See-Radweg leads flat through the Seewinkel to Illmitz, a paradise for birds and storks. The national park's information centre explains the salt lakes and the special wildlife of the Puszta in a child-friendly way.

On the way back, you'll cycle past the characteristic salt lakes, where with a bit of luck you might spot herons and storks. The flat, open landscape makes cycling comfortable even for an eight-year-old.

Gols is Burgenland's largest wine-growing village and a great place to sample regional specialities. In the Heurigen and farm shops, you'll find grape juice for the little ones, wine for the grown-ups and hearty snacks.

The baroque Schloss Halbturn with its expansive park is a peaceful destination. The shady castle park is well suited to walks with dog and child, and changing exhibitions offer a diversion if it rains.

A special experience is the crossing on the passenger and bicycle ferry between the eastern and western shores. From the water, you'll see the wide reed belt that almost completely encircles the lake.

Back on the eastern shore, you'll spend the afternoon once more on the shallow beach at Podersdorf. The warm water and sunbathing lawns are ideal for a peaceful final full day by the lake.

To finish off, a last quiet morning: a walk with the dog along the promenade and a spot of shopping for regional produce in town. That way you'll take a little piece of Burgenland home with you.