Austria

Treat Your Tastebuds at These Top Michelin Star Eateries

The best chefs in the world are only awarded 3 Michelin stars if their restaurant is worth travelling to. I mean, really worth travelling to. While the 2-star rating is for food that merits a ‘detour’, the triple whammy signals the restaurant is worth a full-on holiday. And why not? We’re used to organising trips around historic sites or natural wonders, so it makes sense to put exquisite food at the top of the list for a change. So here’s

Wunderbar Vienna: The Hidden Gems of Austria’s Capital

Vienna is renowned for its elegant execution of the finer things in life. The art, architecture and refined musical culture are the hallmarks of this much-loved city that offers just the right blend of historical and contemporary ambience. The world-class museums, stunning Baroque cathedrals and delicious Sachertorte (its iconic chocolate cake) attract tourists from all over the world, but while the city’s high-profile attractions are deserving of their popularity, there’s a whole other side to the city that many visitors

Get Giddy in Gerlos: Spring & Summer Family Fun

The epitome of natural beauty, the small village of Gerlos in the Gerlostal Valley, located on the border between Tirol and Salzburg, is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of a typical family holiday resort. Perhaps better known for its winter holidays, nestled into the valley beyond forested slopes, in the spring and summer Gerlos offers the perfect combination of peace and tranquillity, and activities are geared toward those who love the great outdoors. If you are looking

Top Springtime Activities in Mayrhofen

If the only things you think of when you imagine the Alps in Austria are skiing, snowboarding and, of course, a wild après-ski scene, then you might be surprised to find out that there’s as much going on here in the spring as there is in the winter. Once the snow and ice has melted, the mountains offer a range of spring/summer activities which will get your pulse racing as quickly as a downhill skier! Mountain Mayhem at Ahorn and

History and Gastronomy in Kitzbühel

Though Kitzbühel is most famous for its highly-popular ski resort, this Austrian city offers tourists so much more than just winter sports. Originally a mining town, it has a charming and rich history. Its stunning medieval centre boasts sixteenth-century cobbled lanes, while its various cultural attractions provide fascinating insight into the city’s heritage. Kitzbühel also boasts an excellent gastronomic scene that lets you taste the flavours of the world. Discover Kitzbühel’s Cultural Heritage Visit the Local Museum The Kitzbühel Museum

Accessible Skiing in Hintertux

A ski trip may not be the first vacation idea to spring to mind when planning a wheelchair-friendly holiday, but there has been a huge effort by the ski industry in recent years to make these holidays possible for all. There are now many spectacular ski resorts around the world that are wheelchair accessible. This is fantastic news, as ski holidays are a unique experience that can show you the great beauty of the world and it is something that everyone should be able to experience. There are a handful of resorts to choose from, but my recommendation would be

Smile, Swig and Shimmy in Sölden: A Party Paradise

Sölden is a high-altitude ski paradise with a lot on offer for every ability. With over 140km of wide, open pistes, the resort sits 1377m above sea level, snow-sure throughout the ski period.  Predominantly the destination of German and Dutch skiers, this resort rests on two adjoining glaciers, which skiers head up eagerly at the start of each day, ready for some of the longest and most rewarding descents in the region. The resort also has great snow parks in addition to some of the finest ski-lifts in Austria, so skiers are always on the move and having fun. Après-Ski

Ischgl

Gourmet Gastronomy in Ischgl: The Ultimate Foodie Guide

Over the past 20 years, Ischgl has established itself as one of Austria’s finest ski resorts. It is a celebration of traditional Tyrolean values with a modern and contemporary twist. The resort regularly hosts Top of the Mountain concerts with international stars, including Tina Turner, Elton John, Bob Dylan and Bon Jovi among others. It offers visitors over 230km of excellent ski pistes as well as luxurious accommodation, allowing it to be recognised as a world-class winter destination for anyone with refined tastes. In my mind the resort’s biggest selling point is its wide selection of independent gourmet restaurants that

Kickin’ it in Kitzbühel During the Hahnenkamm Race Weekend

If making New Year’s resolutions is your thing, then a ski break to Kitzbühel in January has to be your number 1 priority. Why, I hear you ask? Just the small matter of the legendary Hahnenkamm Race, the highlight of the World Cup ski racing circuit that has demanded pluck, a healthy dose of risk-taking and no little skill since 1931. In 2018 the 78th edition of the race falls on Saturday 20 January, the culmination of several days of fast and furious action on the slopes. And if it’s anything like previous years there’ll be thousands of fans and

Ski

Go the Distance: Cross Country Skiing in Seefeld in Tirol

If you and your family are looking for a slightly different winter sports challenge this year, but can’t bear to give up the fresh air and stunning Alpine views of previous ski holidays, then you should seriously consider cross country skiing. Nordic skiing (as opposed to the Alpine variety which is basically about pointing your skis downhill and going as fast as you can) is a wonderful way to explore the beautiful mountain landscapes at a slower pace.

Exploring Hintertux: Family Fun that’s Second to None!

The Hintertux Glacier is a family-friendly ski resort in Austria that offers a terrific all-round experience. The snow-covered resort boasts a wide range of fun-filled and adrenaline-fuelled activities that are suitable for all ages. In fact, the resort won the test-winner award by the famous test portal skiresort.de in the snow-safety category. No need to worry about keeping the kids safe!

St Anton and Ischgl: Austria’s Best Après Scenes

Let’s be honest, skiing is more about the partying than the pistes. There is nothing better after a day on the slopes than a few drinks and a boogie to loosen up those legs. Young people from across Europe flock to the twin resorts of St Anton and Ischgl in Austria for this very reason. Nowhere else in the Alps can you find such a vibrant après scene where skiers count down the hours until 3pm when the bars open and the dance floors beckon.

Soelden

Off the Beaten Piste in Sölden

Made famous as the location of the snow sequence in the James Bond movie Spectre, Sölden, in Austria’s Ötz valley in Tirol, is a great place for a winter sports getaway. But don’t limit yourself to the excellent intermediate runs or to the two snow-guaranteed glaciers, because there’s much more going on in this popular resort than just skiing. (And I’m not even talking about the very lively après ski scene in this bustling resort.) There are so many winter activities on offer that, whether you are travelling alone or with a group, you will always find something rewarding and