JUST BACK FROM ... AUSTRIA

 The stunningly verdant countryside in Austria 

Followed by the snow capped Austrian Alps

A sky high view of Klagenfurt from 17th century Stadtpfarrturm (parish church tower)

The coat of arms of the Rosenberg family, and Fromiller’s painting of Justitia, the goddess of justice, with the coat of arms of Klagenfurt and Carinthia on the old town hall (Rosenberg palace)

The arcade courtyard at the old town hall in Klagenfurt

Taking a ride on the Nostalgia Tour bus to see more of Klagenfurt.  More than a few tourists whipped their heads around in delight to see this bus!

A relaxing Sunday at Hotel Moser Verdino in Klagenfurt

One of the red rooms inside Klagenfurt's Moser Verdino hotel

The turquoise water on Lake Worthersee is unreal.  Luxury hotels, and lakehouses line the periphery

Maria Worth on Lake Worthersee

A beautiful and classic lakehouse on Lake Worthersee

The blue Danube lit up at nighttime is a sight to behold

A group of  children take in the breathtaking views of Linz.  So how did we get this view?  Pöstlingbergbahn, constructed in 1898, is Europe's steepest mountain railway and takes around 16 minutes to get to the top

At the top, we had a beautifully classic Austrian meal with city views of Linz at Pöstlingberg Schlossl restaurant

 Ars Electronica in Linz - where art and the future intersect.

We enjoyed a fabulous meal at Restaurant Cubus (pictured)

The Italian courtyard in Linz, hidden in through a narrow pathway

Fresh berries at the market in Salzburg

A lakeside view of Salzburg, with the rolling hills in the background

Yet another landscape typifying Austria- the hills really are alive here

Walking to the Hohensalzburg Castle and fortress led us through a forest lined with shady trees

 The view from the top of Hohensalzburg Castle in Salzburg

Historic hotel Goldener Hirsch  is in the 'centre of the action' on Getreidegasse in Salzburg's old town, dating to the 15th century.  The truly unique Austrian decor inside this hotel is quaint, with an emphasis on the deer.  We loved the turn down chocolates left by our bedside- every corner we turned we discovered something new.

Do you recognize this house?  Yes it was the Von Trapp's abode in the movie, The Sound of Music

St. Peter Sfitskeller is Europes oldest restaurant (803 A.D) , and a UNESCO heritage site in Salzburg

A musician plays at the Mozart concert dinner at Europe's oldest restaurant, St. Peter Sfitskeller in Salzburg

 Hotel Castellani is just a jaunt away from the bustle of central Salzburg, with a quiet park nearby

Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna

After an exhausting journey, we relaxed with a massage at The Grand hotel in Vienna and then enjoyed a libation at The Ring before dinner At Eight restaurant

Sipping a beer at Plachutta before nibbling on the requisite Austrian specialty, wiener schnitzel.  We were also delighted to try the eierschwammerl (chanterelle mushrooms) in a cream sauce with herbs.  At sister property Plachuttas Gasthaus zur Oper, we loved the Styrian pumpkin butter and fall apart slow cooked lamb and delicious fresh fish.

The newly renovated lobby at Hotel Bristol in Vienna. The hotel was originally opened in 1892.

The stunning interior at Hotel Bristol Vienna is typically Austrian Viennese. Our deluxe rooms with balcony opened out to views of the Vienna Opera House- jaw dropping.

 A pastry chef creates an apple strudel in front of our eyes with skill and masterful technique at Demel in Vienna

 

We met with head pastry chef Dietmar Muthenthaler for a tour of Demel bakery-
Vienna's Imperial and Royal Court bakery to sample more than a few delicious cakes, including the famous Sacher torte.

The restaurant at hotel Sans Souci in Vienna.  This luxury boutique hotel is warm, inviting and charming.  Our master suite was an oasis- complete with separate living and sleeping spaces, large bathroom with circular soaking tub, two basins and separate shower.  Each morning we were greeted with a lavish breakfast spread including: couscous and grilled vegetables, a selection or vegetarian and vegan options, freshly baked air light croissants (to die for - watch out Paris!), cheese selection, silky creamy yogurt and granola, fresh honeycomb and much more. The details of this hotel are truly impeccable- pillow menu anyone?

The mirrored effect of the swimming pool at the spa club of Hotel Sans Souci is a little hidden gem.

One of CSL's teams is just back from Austria.  Look out for the editorial in the Fall 214 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.

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