Austrian IN THE Alps
These hills are definitely alive – with stunning scenery, great food and wine, spas and a host of outdoor activities
LOOKING for a holiday that will refresh both body and mind? Then the Austrian mountains could be for you. Here, the backbone of Europe soars up to a breathtaking 12,000 feet above sea level, with extraordinarily beautiful landscapes of towering peaks and flower-strewn Alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes and fairy-tale deep valleys.
Add to the mix great food and wine, hiking or just plain relaxing – thanks to the warmest of welcomes from excellent family-run hotels, inns and spa facilities – with a dash of perfect sunshine and the freshest air and you have the recipe for your perfect summer break.
The Austrian Alps are a world-famous winter-sports destination, but in summer many of the ski resorts keep the mountain lifts running for hikers and walkers to reach the higher peaks and enjoy the stunning scenerys. In Lech, for example, a complimentary resort card allows free use of lifts that will take you thousands of feet up into the mountains above the village.
MOUNTAIN AIR
FOR millions, of course, the Austrian mountains mean one thing – The Sound Of Music. The opening scenes were shot around the lake of Fuschlsee, not far from Salzburg. To make the most of the spectacular scenery here, take the easy four-stage hike around its shores. To cool off, take a dip in the lake (swimming is widely permitted, but check the rules before you depart). Close by is Leopoldskron, which stood in for the Von Trapp’s villa in the film.
Indeed, the Austrian lake district boasts some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. The clear emerald water is bracing, so to admire it you can opt for a cruise.
The space and the scenery in the mountains will help clear your mind in a way a crowded beach never could. It’s what the locals refer to as ecotherapy, and many of the hotels offer spa facilities to help relax both mind and body.
The Elisabeth Hotel in Mayrhofen, for example, has leisure facilities that include indoor pool, saunas and steam rooms as well as beauty and massage treatments and, once you have done pampering, the service, food and wine are excellent, in a grown-up atmosphere (over-16s only). The hotel caters for vegetarians, vegans and those with gluten-free requirements.
Another hotel offering great food and spa facilities is the Boglerhof in the fairy-tale village of Alpbach. It dates in part back to the 15th century, and many of hotel’s original features have been lovingly preserved. Alpbach is also the resting place of Nobel prizewinner Erwin Schrödinger, creator of the famous eponymous cat paradox. For those looking to enjoy lazy days, the Hotel Schwarzer Adler in medieval Kitzbühel is a favourite, with a rooftop pool, where you can enjoy the spectacular views – plus a post-dip ice-cold beer.
Inghams offers an unrivalled selection of resorts and hotels in 21 locations in the Austrian mountains. Once you’re there, its staff on the ground can recommend the best places to eat and drink and sights, scenery and culture to help you get the most from your holiday.
So, whether you are a nature enthusiast, a lover of the great outdoors or simply looking to enjoy the best in food and wine, there has never been a better time to head for the Austrian heights with Inghams. Throw in a side trip to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, or to the awe-inspiring imperial capital of Vienna and you will discover that these great hills are alive with so much more than just music.