WHERE TO STAY

RUTHS HAUS The delightful historic vacation home directly on Lake Hallstatt (above), lovingly run by master tailor, innkeeper and art lover Ruth Zimmermann, is an absolute gem that is worth every trip to Salzkammergut. It’s not for nothing that it’s part of the extraordinary Pretty Hôtels portfolio – rarely are vacations this authentic. In addition to the cozy bedrooms, visitors can enjoy a homey and inviting lounge, a sauna and a spectacular lakeside terrace. 3 nights from €850. ruthshaus.at

FEISTERERHOF The family-run, all-organic hotel in beautiful Ramsau am Dachstein attracts guests all year round with its alpine charm, youthful spirit and delectable farm-to-table culinary fare. The hotel’s own farm, with its goats, cows, rabbits and other animals, is a highlight for families with young children; from spring to fall, there’s excellent hiking to be had in the surrounding area, while the Dachstein mountain is an absolute delight for skiers in winter. The farm also o‹ers yoga courses and multi-day retreats to re-center yourself and find inner peace amid the stunning Alpine scenery. Doubles including breakfast from €179. feistererhof.at

VILLA ALMA This historic lakeside villa on the shores of Lake Wolfgang shines after extensive renovations – and thus fits in perfectly with the blend of tradition and modernity that characterizes Salzkammergut today. It’s a classic Alpine house with wooden cladding on the outside and a colorful refuge in Scandi-chic style on the inside: the eight stylishly furnished rooms and suites will inspire you with their cheerful design and modern furnishings, while the in-house concept store with regional products invites you to take a piece of the region home with you. Doubles including breakfast from €170. villaalma.at

DACHSTEINKÖNIG Perhaps the most elegant resort in the Salzkammergut region, this hotel is the perfect hideout for a luxurious family vacation on Dachstein. Guests can choose between comfortable family suites and spacious chalets, which come equipped with every luxury you could possibly desire, including a log fire and private sauna. The spa facilities also focus on the needs of children, as does the cuisine, which draws on local suppliers for everything from honey to Wagyu beef. Suite from €687. dachsteinkoenig.at

LANDHAUS ZU APPESBACH If you’re seeking rest and relaxation next to a crystal-clear lake, this country house in St. Wolfgang is just the place. Sustainability and authentic culinary fare are a top priority here. The rooms have the charm of an old manor house, while the spa is all about holistic wellness. Doubles including breakfast from €158. appesbach.com

SEEHOTEL GRUNDLSEE Stylish rooms with modern furnishings draw visitors to this pretty hotel, directly located by the picturesque Lake Grundlsee. Foodies will appreciate the traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist based on seasonal ingredients, such as wild garlic ravioli and a dessert of rhubarb tiramisu. Doubles from €309. seehotelgrundlsee.at

GOLDENER OCHS One of the most popular places to stay in the former imperial town of Bad Ischl since 1791, this shines after a recent makeover. The rooms may have received a stylish upgrade, but the hospitality remains as tried and true as ever. The cuisine and the wellness area are impeccable as well. Doubles including breakfast from €76. goldenerochs.at

CORTISEN The adults-only boutique hotel’s motto is “dare to be di‹erent” – and that mission statement carries right over into every design element of the colorful interiors (below). Set on Lake Wolfgang, Cortisen also has a culinary reputation thanks to its gourmet restaurant. Doubles including breakfast from €385. cortisen.at

Color blocking The Cortisen hotel on Lake Wolfgang stands out with bold interior design.