Rust (121m/397ft; pop. 1,700), situated on the western side of the Neusiedler See, is a well known town and tourist resort with excellent facilities for winter sports. It was given the status of a royal Hungarian free city in 1681. It has many well preserved burghers' houses of the Renaissance and Baroque periods; many of the houses have storks'
nests on their roofs. Because the stork population fluctuates greatly the town of Rust has developed a stork protection program in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund, with the aim of again providing optimum living conditions for the birds.
From Rust a 1km/0.75mi long causeway leads through the reeds to the bathing area (lakeside restaurant).