In these Austrian small cities, eating places serve merchandise direct from native producers, inns are family-run companies, and outside journey is plentiful
I’m on an e-bike cruising alongside the quiet streets of Leogang, a village of three,200 within the shadow of the Austrian Alps. Tidy Alpine properties with flower packing containers and stacks of firewood line the winding village path that leads into the countryside, the place cattle graze in lush inexperienced pastures.
Within the winter, skiers descend on this area. The close by Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is among the largest ski areas in Austria, with greater than 70 lifts and 167 miles of ski runs.
Summer season in Saalfelden Leogang
However in summer season and fall, the area of Saalfelden Leogang takes on an entire completely different really feel. It’s the right time to go to. Situated on the base of the ski resort, Bikepark Leogang, the first-of-its-kind mountain bike faculty and park, kicks into excessive gear. Riders of all ranges and ages can take classes and trip on the park. I attempt the newbie’s course, slowly transferring alongside the observe and jumps with trepidation, after which gaining extra confidence.
That afternoon, my pals and I head out for a hike, which is a well-liked pastime right here. The Saalfelden Leogang area has nearly 250 miles of trails. We take the gondola to the highest of the mountain, after which observe a path that guarantees so as to add sound experiences to the superb views.
Alongside the trail are 5 completely different TONspur Islands, every with a distinct sound set up. The concept is to pay attention and benefit from the surroundings with all of your senses. The mixture is compelling. At one cease, I loosen up on a chair and take heed to a soulful orchestral piece. It’s an enchanting alpine expertise.
Innovation Meets Custom
It’s simply one other instance of how custom blends with daring innovation right here. That originality extends to native farms and dairies, too.
I cease at one farm stand that sells produce from self-service chilled lockers. You choose the fruits, greens, and even meats you need, after which open the locker along with your bank card buy. Different artisanal farmers within the valley produce natural merchandise, from cheeses to regionally grown saffron.
I get to pattern lots of these regional merchandise on the award-winning Dahoam restaurant. Government Chef Andreas Herbst’s alpine kitchen highlights native producers. His signature multi-course expertise, a “Nice Journey by means of Leogang,” supplies a culinary tour of native merchandise utilized in exquisitely ready dishes. The restaurant is a must-visit in Leogang.
Resorts and plenty of eating places in Leogang are family-run companies that return generations, however they’ve added fashionable touches that take their places to the following degree.
My base in Leogang is the family-run Naturhotel Forsthofgut, one of many prime resorts within the area. Nestled towards the Leogang Mountains, the resort gives a number of swimming pools, spas, a sauna, playgrounds, a kids’s artwork room, and even an equestrian heart. It’s the sort of place a household can go to and discover every part they want for a memorable vacation—with out even leaving the resort.
A Go to to Seefeld
The small city of Seefeld is one other Austrian alpine treasure. Situated between the mountains and valley on Tyrol’s excessive plateau, its mixture of pastural panorama towards rugged mountain peaks is straight out of a postcard.
With a inhabitants of three,400 residents, you’ll be able to stroll Seefeld’s historic Outdated City in only a few minutes. Stuffed with native artisan retailers, family-owned eating places, and stylish retailers, it’s properly definitely worth the time. We cease for an area beer and a snack at Lodge Klosterbräu, which has been in the identical household for 200 years.
Later, my pals and I go to the close by Toni Seelos ski jumps and the Seefeld Sports activities Area. Many skiers practice at these World Cup and Olympic venues.
The city of Innsbruck is only a quick drive from Seefeld, and one afternoon, we go to the Tyrolean Folks Artwork Museum, which homes some necessary collections of Austrian cultural treasures. I particularly take pleasure in seeing the nativity scenes, painted chests, and conventional Austrian clothes collections.
Subsequent we cease at Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, one of many prime sights within the space. It homes 18 rooms known as the Chambers of Marvel with dazzling shows by proficient artists. The tree in its Silent Mild set up has greater than 150,000 Swarovski crystals. My favourite, although, is the glistening ruby-red slippers of Dorothy from Wizard of Oz.
Alpin Resort Sacher
The spotlight of my go to to Seefeld is my keep on the iconic Alpin Resort Sacher, a five-star wellness lodge that mixes alpine custom and luxurious with ease. Proprietor Elisabeth Gürtler and Basic Supervisor Anton Gustav Birnbaum are the consummate hosts, and instantly make me really feel welcome, as I’m certain they do all company.
A member of The Main Resorts of the World, the lodge is a part of the Sacher Household Resorts. This family-run group is finest identified for the well-known Lodge Sacher in Vienna. Ms. Gürtler served as managing director for a few years earlier than turning over the reins to her kids, Alexandra and George. Then she set her eyes on turning the Alpin Resort Sacher in Seefeld into the highest resort it’s right this moment.
Should you point out Ms. Gürtler to most Austrians, they may acknowledge her title instantly. She is a savvy businesswoman who has performed an necessary position in treasured Viennese establishments just like the Spanish Driving College and the Vienna Opera Ball. Her cautious eye for element is obvious to see when staying on the Alpin Resort Sacher. The design is elegant and helpful on the similar time. Visitors’ wants are anticipated earlier than they’re even requested, making for a really nice expertise.
The very best a part of the lodge is its 50,000-square-foot wellness oasis, which is so giant that I discover myself wandering from room to room, questioning the place to begin. There are saunas, steam rooms, cozy leisure and quiet rooms, sizzling swimming pools, and funky swimming pools. By the tip of my time there, I’m feeling relaxed and invigorated.
All too quickly, my week in Austria is over. However together with my suitcase, I pack a way of contentment. The fantastic thing about the Alps, the folks I met, and my time in nature have all contributed to a sense of wellbeing. That, for me, is among the causes I journey.
If You Go
The best way to Get There: Innsbruck Airport is simply 12 miles from Seefeld. However if you happen to’re flying from the USA, the best solution to attain Seefeld and Leogang is to fly into Munich, Germany.
Getting Round: From the airport, you’ll be able to hire a automobile or take a practice; it’s between 1 1/2 to 2 hours away. It’s additionally straightforward to succeed in each cities by practice from main European cities like Vienna.
When to Go: Should you’re a skier, head to Austria from late November to early March. Should you’d wish to hike and discover throughout hotter climate, Might by means of October is a superb time to go. In December, Austrian cities host Christkindl markets, that are at all times enjoyable to go to.
