South-Burgenland is about to change. The joining of the European Union and the beforestanding East-extension open up new possibilities for the future. As the older generation will know, this region was never a very prosperous one. But out of the hard living conditions grew a rich cultural heritage and a specific regional identity. To preserve these traditional aspects within an innovative development is one of the main issues of the recent EU-project - ABZ Südburgenland (AusBildungsZentrum für traditionelle Werktechniken /Training & Seminar Center for traditional crafts): The project: In annexion to the existing open air museum in Gerersdorf bei Güssing a Trainingcenter (ABZ) and a European Seminarvillage are about to arise. Craftsmen and companies can acquire an additional qualification, especially in the fields of constructing with clay and wood and roofing with straw. Another focus lies on the sustainable management of energy and the environment to meet a growing demand on intelligent renovation of buildings and the restructing of the villages.

The Seminar-village, constructed and equiped by experts out of the ABZ, shall be representativ for the competence of the Center. Guests from all over the world could enjoy the unique atmosphere and besides experience the satisfying joy of producing their own handmade masterpiece.

On the 22 and 23 of May the ,,Gerersdorfer Gespräche“ (Gerersdorfer talks) were taking place. lnmidst the open air museum of Gerersdorf experts from in and out of Austria were discussing chances and possibilities of a sustainable development of the region.

In case you are interested in further information, just call the project-office in Gerersdorf or the ,,Burgenländische Gemeinschaft" in Güssing.

Contact & information: 

ABZ Südburgenland A-7542 Gerersdorf 47 
tel. ++43(0)3328/32761-15  
fax ++43(0)3328/32761-16.