Schattendorf, Burgenland, Austria

Schattendorf is a typical rural village with about 2,400 residents. It lies 256 m above sea level, east of the small town Mattersburg and at the gates of the Hungarian city Sopron. The municipal territory reaches up into the natural reserve Marzer Kogel with its attractive cycle paths and hiking trails.

The landscape provides ideal preconditions for the extension of sustainable tourism – a chance, which was also realized by the responsible people. There are Nordic Walking, hiking and bicycling tours, horseback and carriage rides. The public outdoor swimming pool, which is heated by solar energy, offers a diving platform and a waterslide. In the summertime guests, as well as locals use it for relaxation and as way of regaining some energy.

History has a special meaning in this village near the border: whoever visits the village may embark on an archaeological and historic travel through time, as shown by barrows from the Hallstatt age and two tombstones from the Roman times. Graves from jewish fellow citizens and the grave of Josef Grössing, who tragically lost his life in 1927 as part of the “Schüsse von Schattendorf” (National Socialists vs. Schutzbund) enjoy the status of memorials. Up until 1920/1921 the village as the whole country Burgenland were part of Hungary. Just as a result of World War I the whole province was attributed to Austria. Furthermore the later division of Europe through the Iron Curtain is brought to mind by plaques. Together with the nearby Hungarian village Agfalva a path alongside the former border zone has been restored – a first step towards further cross-border cooperation.

A lively community life caters for the preservation of traditions and an active village life in general. Another highlight presents the so called Kulturreigen Schattendorf, an annual week with series of cultural events, which is always dedicated to a specific topic. Generally there are a lot of events and activities, which support the communal life, sports, and culture in the village. For example the community initiated the Schattendorfer Schmankerl- und Spezialitätentag (Treats and Delicacy Day), at which more than 20 producers from all of Burgenland present a range of regional products. To ensure local amenities and encourage the residents to shop in the village itself, special benefit schemes and raffles have been arranged.

Schattendorf is very well connected to local public transport. A remarkable initiative presents the “Dorfschattl” – a village taxi, which regularly runs within the village, but which also offers trips outside the village if needed (f. e. to train stations, doctors offices, pharmacies, churches). Mobility and with that independ-ence of adolescents and elderlies especially are vastly improved by the Dorfschattl.

Since May 1998 and thanks to the association Social Services Schattendorf home nursing exists. Goal and purpose thereby are to enable elderlies and those in need of care to stay in their own domestic environment as long as possible. About 50 people are cared for in this manner. Apart from the social component, this establishment also offers numerous employment positions. Noteworthy in addition to that is the initiative Village Service, a platform to preserve and strengthen the solidarity within the community (neighbourly help, reducing isolation, exchange of information regarding offers in the social services and health sector and much more).

The biggest strength of the village lies in the social area. Solutions to one of the greatest challenges of the present, the demographic change, have been searched for and found. This way the living quality for young and old has been broadly improved.

Evaluated: 2014