Gmunden & Alt Aussee August 10, 2010

Gmunden is a charming excursion from Haus Mirabelle, ca. 40 minutes drive of 50 minutes in the train. (If you decide to go by train, you can take the tram from directly outside the station at Gmunden into the centre of the town). Gmunden is quaint and delightful – it is like going back in time.  Its main feature is a small marina and Gmunden is famous for the Gmundener ceramics, which has distinctive green and white colourings. Gmunden is one of the most scenic places which I have visited in the Salzkammergut.  In terms of sightseeing, there is not an awful lot to see, but take in the view at the harbour and enjoy one of the excellent cafes along the pier.

Closer to Bad Goisern, are the villages of Bad Aussee and Alt Aussee. One drives direction Lake Hallstatt to reach both of these places. Though Bad Aussee and Altsee are only about 30-40 minutes drive from Haus Mirabelle, the surrounding countryside already looks quite different from the Salzkammergut. Bad Aussee and Altsee are both in the county of Styria or ‘Steiermark’. Styria is well-regarded in Austria for its natural beauty, cuisine and folklore traditions. It is considered to be the ‘Austrian Tuscany’.

Delicious food and musical entertainment can be had at the Gasthaus Loser in Alt Aussee. The food is highly recommended, with traditionally Austrian food. There is smoked trout on Monday and Tuesday nights, with folk music played on Thursday nights. Even the landlord joins the local band in singing and plays the whistle! Locals dress up in traditional clothes, known as ‘Trachtenmode’ and it is quite a spectacle. Booking is essential and Gasthaus Loser provides a good insight into Austria life and culture.

Top tips: dining at Wesn & Blaa Alm November 8, 2010

Despite my initial resistance to dining at Wesn in the one-eyed village of Lauffen, the meal was well exceeded expectations. The restaurant is like an Austrian style pub with wood panelling and traditional décor. Wesn is a small, family-run restaurant, where the owners’ children charmingly come to chat to diners at their tables.
Surprisingly for Austria, Wesn offers a number of vegetarian options, with a large range of pasta and excellent salads. I was told by my fellow-meat eating companions that the steak is excellent. The portion sizes are extremely generous and the service is both quick and friendly.

Every Thursday from 6pm onwards, Wes´n serve ribs cooked in the Austrian style, called ‘Ripperl’, served with ‘Krautsalat’, a kind of cabbage salad. On the first Thursday and Wednesday of every month, there is a pasta evening. The chef prepares 10 small pasta dishes served in pots, (the tenth variety being a pudding) and it is advertised as ‘all you can eat’. For both of these evenings, a reservation is essential.
You can find Lauffen on the road between Bad Goisern and Bad Ischl, driving from Haus Mirabelle, the turning is after the Church on the left, take a sharp left and take care on this busy road.
http://www.wesn.at.tt/

Tel.: 06132/24713

 

I wish that I could share my enthusiasm for the culinary experiences at K&K, Bad Ischl and Bella Italia at Bad Aussee. The food at Bella Italia was unimaginative pizza and pasta, complete with a spaced out waiter who managed to overcharge. K&K remains a firm favourite for cocktails, winning national accolades, but a venue which I would avoid for dining, (despite previous recommendations). The owner of K&K walked past our table on several occasions and did not stop to greet us or enquire how we were enjoying our food.

So frequently in Austria, businesses lack professionalism and seem to be almost in contempt of their customers. The food was passable but not a place where any of us would return for another meal, the duck was tough, the rice dish was stirred into the sautéed vegetables and generally the experience left us uninspired. However, this might have been overlooked had the service been more personable as a little hospitality and warmth, can sometime forgive below par food.

Travelling further from Bad Goisern towards Bad Aussee and Bad Altausse, you will find the Blaa Alm. This is in the neighbouring province of Styria. The Blaa Alm is situated in a small valley surrounded by a stunning mountain range. The Alm is next to a cross-county ski loipe and in the surrounding grounds there is an adventure playground for children and a marmot enclosure. (If you are looking for additional activities to make a day trip worthwhile, there is nearby alpine and cross-country skiing and in the non-Winter months a climbing area for adults and children). The Blaa Alm is a traditional hunting lodge, serving no nonsense Austrian food. In the Summer months, take advantage of sitting outside and enjoying the scenery.

The Blaa Alm is open 7 days a week and booking for larger parties is recommended. On the drive back from Altaussee, take a detour via Grundlsee for some of the most scenic routes in Austria.
http://www.blaa-alm.co.at/
Telefon: 03622/71102
Lichtersberg 73
8992 Altaussee

“A few of my favourite things…” September 23, 2010

“Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favourite things”

“My favourite things”, Maria – Sound of Music

In a recent article in the English newspaper, the Independent, TV celebrity and adventurer, Ben Fogle, wrote about his favourite things in Austria, having recently discovered the Salzkammergut area…

Highlights which he recommends in the area are:

Eating & drinking there

* Cafe Tomaselli, Salzburg (00 43 662 844 488; tomaselli.at).

* Holzinger, Mondsee (00 43 623 23841).

* Herzl, Salzburg (00 43 662 80840; goldenerhirschsalzburg.com/herzl).

Visiting there

* Sound of Music tours are operated by Salzburg Panorama Tours, Gray Line Tours and Fraulein Maria’s Bicycle Tours (00 43 662 889870; salzburg.info).

You can read his insightful article at the following link:

www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/my-austria-a-few-of-ben-foglersquos-favourite-things-2075979.html

Kaiserbummel & Batzenhäusl August 30, 2010

Kaiserbummel – the Kaiser’s Birthday

On August 17^th, 2010, the Kaiser would have celebrated his 180^th Birthday. As every year, Bad Ischl was decked out in 2.5 km of red carpet and welcomed locals and tourists to celebrate and sample specialities of the region. The Kaiser nostalgia was out in full force, with a few people in fancy dress as the Kaiser and Princess Sissi. For the most part, the locals were dressed in the traditional dress and enjoyed the music, food and festivities. The local Church holds a mass in memory of the late Kaiser, with participants dressed in period costume.

In addition, there were local bands with folk music as well as jazz bands and other kinds of music. The food stalls provided the usual fare of schnitzel, sausages, sauerkraut, strudel and were really delicious! The Kaiser villa hosts a private party for young, fashionable people every year and it is given over to a clubbing event.

Batzenhäusl, St Gilgen – a new culinary discovery

Batzenhäusl is a former toll-house located on the edge of St Gilgen. The building is very atmospheric and you can almost feel the history in this 400 year old building. The food is high quality and the price does not break the bank. We had an excellent 2 course meal with wine for ca. 20 Euros / person. The style of food is lighter than most Austrian restaurants and the menu is imaginative and the food well presented. I would not advise sitting outside in the Summer as it is on the main road.

To reach it from Bad Goisern, drive direction Bad Ischl and then onto St Gilgen, on arrival at St Gilgen drive direction Mondsee and you will see the restaurant opposite a small yellow castle on the mountain opposite. Reservations are recommended.

http://www.batzenhäusl.at/

Batzenhäusl OG

Winkl 10

A 5340 St. Gilgen

Tel.: + 43 6227 23 56

Out & About in the Salzkammergut August 5, 2010

I would like to share with you some tips for eating out in the Bad Goisern / Bad Ischl area, these are some places which we have enjoyed and would recommend.

Eating out for vegetarians can be a bit of a challenge, those Kaes Spaetzle, (a delicious kind of home-made pasta is usually an option, accompanied with a green salad), or baked Camembert with cranberries. Austrian food is neither light nor contemporary in its style. However, if you are out biking or hiking all day, you will welcome the generous portions!

1. Post am See – Grundlsee

http://www.postamsee.com/

In 2006, this husband and wife team won the Gault Millau – 2 star award, well worth a visit.

2. Umenko – Bad Ischl

http://www.umeko.at/

This is a pan Asian restaurant based on the outskirts of Bad Ischl. They offer an ‘all your can eat’ buffet at lunchtime and offer food from China and Thailand – including Dim Sum. This makes a nice change if you are ‘schnitzled out’. The service can be a bit uncharismatic, but the view from the restaurant is fabulous and the food good for value and tasty.

3. Mary’s Weinstadl – Bad Goisern

This is a small tavern with seating outdoors, which regularly hosts live folk music sessions. It is located near the station in Bad Goisern. The specialty or ribs or ‘Rippchen’ – which must be ordered in advance.

Marianne Aschauer
Near the Station
4822 Bad Goisern,

Tel.: +43 (6135)8266 (English spoken)

4. Hotel Scalaria – Lake Wolfgang

Another live music venue is Hotel Scalaria at Lake Wolfgang, which hosts the annual ‘Shake the Lake’ concert series:

http://www.richieloidl.at/gigs_dates_rl.html

5. Markets

Bad Ischl – Every Friday morning

If you prefer to cook at home, then there is an excellent, (though pricey) farmer’s market in Bad Ischl every Friday, (8 am – 12). This attracts local farmers and also people who import delicacies from further afield such as Italy. It is a fun experience and worth stocking up for the weekend.

Friday is also the day when the residents of Bad Ischl done their national dress, so watch out for the strapping men in lederhosen and ladies in the pretty and feminine Dirndls. If you feel inspired to buy an outfit yourself, visit the Lodenfrey outlet in Bad Ischl.

Childrens’ Activities

In the hot weather, children may enjoy visiting the Parkbad in the middle of Bad Goisern. It has an outdoor swimming pool and a water slide. There is also lovely to walk along the river and where you can see the ducks swimming in the clear waters and see the odd fisherman angling. Near the hotel, Goiserer Muehle there is also an outdoor childrens’ playground.

Parkbad http://www.salzkammergut.at/e/4-12-2-100271327/detail/Parkbad_Goisern_Hallstaettersee.html

Bad Ischl…alles Kaiser. August 1, 2010

Bad Ischl is about 20 minutes drive from Haus Mirabelle and is a small spa town, apotheosised by the Kaiser Franz Josef as his beloved summer retreat. 35,000 visitors flock each year to tiny Bad Ischl, whose tourist machine lives on imperial nostalgia and the thermal baths, where many elderly people still come to take the curative waters.

Bad Ischl is bijoux and chocolate box in appearance, painted in the imperial yellow, black and dark green. Whilst the town has tried to rejuvenate its image, the main focus is still the royal appeal, with the whole town celebrating the Kaiser’s Birthday every August, decking the streets with red carpet. There are a few sights to see in Bad Ischl, such as the city museum, the Kaiser Villa, the thermal baths, (which offer an excellent day spa service) – though the main attraction is soaking in the romantic atmosphere of this small but perfectly formed little town.

Another feted inhabitant of Bad Ischl, was Franz Lehar, the composer of the operetta, The Merry Widow, (amongst other works). Every summer, there is a Lehar festival, celebrating his works as well as many year long performances at the ‘Kurhaus’ concert hall.

No visit to Bad Ischl is complete without a visit to the legendary patisserie – ‘Zauner’, which supplied the Kaiser with his favourite pastries. There are 2 Zauner cafes in Bad Ischl, offering coffee and cakes and excellent light snacks and meals. The café produces over 200 different types of cake and have a specially dedicated ‘strudel’ kitchen, all of which are excellent.

My favourite pastime in the summer is to have an early dinner on the Esplanade at Zauner, (the menu is traditionally Austrian) and imagine how the 22 year old King seduced his 16 year old bride, Sissy, in this delightful spot by the river Traun.

Perhaps a more contemporary place to enjoy cocktails and a light snack is the K.u.K – Hofbeisl, also in the centre of town. It has consistently won the best bartender of the year award in Austria and appeals to a younger, hipper crowd.

For those who are more interested in eating a good Argentinean steak, the station restaurant provides unbelievably good steaks – an odd location perhaps but reportedly excellent fare.

Bad Goisern hosts the Salzkammergut Mountain Biking Trophy July 19, 2010

This weekend over 20,000 visitors and participants descended on Bad Goisern for the Salzkammergut Mountain Biking Trophy. Along with Lake Garda and other mountain biking hot spots, the terrain surrounding Bad Goisern and the Dachstein is considered amongst the best in the world for mountain biking.

The adult marathon took place on July 17th, with the junior marathon taking place the day after. The adult course is divided into different capability levels of 27 Km, 37 Km, 54 Km, 66, Km, 114 Km and 206 Km.  The marathon course includes a tour around Lake Hallstatt and completed entirety reaches some 7,000 feet.  Last year at the summit, there was 20 cm of fresh snow which prevented many of the participants for completing the final leg, though a hard core minority, stayed until the snow melted to complete what they had set out to achieve.

The race totally transformed the village of Bad Goisern and was impeccably organised by the event organisers, with refreshment stations, massages, a bike exhibition and many field marshals and helicopter circling overhead.  We have been experiencing weather of ca. 37 degrees daily, so no doubt it was a relief for the participants that the fierce heat abated slightly on the day of the competition. It was not without reason therefore, that the first batch of competitors started competing at 5 am, many using the day before to familiarise themselves further with the route and squeeze in some last minute training and pasta parties.

The marathon drew many international participants, both professionals and enthusiastic amateurs, with bikers traveling as far afield as the US and Canada. Coming from Cambridge, UK, I thought that it was hilarious that the only fellow Brit participant hailed from Oxford and much to my chagrin, the moderator asked, what ‘the other place’ was called….

If you are thinking of competing in next year’s marathon, get your application in early as last year the places were all taken by Christmas. Haus Mirabelle in Bad Goisern backs directly on the course terrain and is an ideal venue for practicing your mountain bike skills

Haus Mirabelle now on Ebay! June 9, 2010

Check out the Austrian version of Ebay, www.ebay.at for the latest last minute deals and offers for Haus Mirabelle.

You can find the latest Haus Mirabelle Auction under lot number: 230485682727 on www.ebay.at

Haus Mirabelle is now completely booked for the glorious Summer season and we are now promoting September and October.  We have good availability from September 4th 2010 onwards and in October, (excluding 16-23rd October, 2010.)

The prices on Ebay are lower than those you can find advertised on www.hausmirabelle.com or any number of internet platforms on which we advertise. The reserve price for one week at Haus Mirabelle is 100 Euros for one week, (6-8 persons sharing).  Additional costs not included in the auction price include end cleaning, (70 Euros), electricity, local tourist taxes and any house pets you may wish to accompany you on holiday, (5 Euros / pet).

Bad Goisern and the surrounding area is highly enjoyable in the Autumn and for many, a best kept secret. The crowd and hordes will have left the very touristy areas such as Salzburg and Wolfgangsee and the high temperatures last well into October. Last October we were still enjoying fine weather in the high twenties. Currently, it is 35 degrees in the shade!

The cuisine in Austria is highly seasonal, (as well as regional) and in the Autumn the new wines are celebrated after the harvest and the many incarnations and creations of the local pumpkin – which comes in many different colours, shapes and sizes! The neighbouring Styria is famous for its pumpkin seed oil, which has a dark tar like consistency but as delicious as any Aceto Balasmico. A particularly unusual and delightful combination which I recently tried was vanilla icecream with pumpkin seed oil, pumpkin seeds and whipped cream known as ‘Schlag’. Hmmm… Another specialty of the region is ‘Salzburger Nockerln’ an oven baked dish made with peaked egg whites, certainly not for the faint-hearted – see below!

Biking in Bad Goisern May 31, 2010

"Dachstein Runde", Bad Goisern

The area around Bad Goisern is a paradise for mountain bikers, offering some of the best terrain in the world.

Every year the world’s best mountain bikers fight against time and each other in the ‘Salzkammergut Mountain Bike Trophy’.

The race climbs 3,799 meters for 105 kilometres between Bad Goisern, Bad Ischl and Ausseerland, a challenge for even the most seasoned mountain biker! Part of this route runs directly behind Haus Mirabelle, through the woodlands, passing pastures with farm animals and the craggy peaks of the ‘Eternal Wall’ or ‘Ewige Wand’.

There are a number of mountain-biking events going on in Salzkammergut region this summer, including a number of activities for children: http://www.biken.at/events_en/top-events.html

Perhaps the most famous mountain bike tour in the area is the ‘Dachstein Runde’ or ‘Dachstein Loop’. The tour ranges from – 4.900 to 7.800 meters, with 3 different tours available, according to ability around the Dachstein massif.

Within Bad Goisern itself, you can find a number of mountain bike shops where you can hire bikes and also a local guide, which can greatly enhance your enjoyment of your tour. We have welcomed mountain bikers in the past at Haus Mirabelle and there is sufficient space to store your bikes in the garage or the downstairs hall area.

If biking is not your thing, it is worth taking a walk up to the Eternal Wall behind the house, leading to the mountain bike trail. Children will enjoy the mythical tree sculptures on the way and some locals power up this hill every day to keep fit! There is a breath-taking view from the top and on a clear day, you can even see the lake at Hallstatt.

***
For any more info, please contact, Joanna Park-Tonks, Haus Mirabelle, www.hausmirabelle.com, info@hausmirabelle.com for more information. Thank you!

Welcome to the Haus Mirabelle blog! November 7, 2009

Joanna Park-Tonks, Haus Mirabelle

I bought Haus Mirabelle on my 30th Birthday back in 2007. My motivation for the purchase was to be closer to the mountains (a bit of challenge coming from Cambridge, UK, and the flat, brown fenlands.) I love skiing and hope that you too will enjoy the spectacular countryside of Gosau / Dachstein West. Over the next few weeks in this blog, I hope to impart to you some of my enthusiasm about Austria, its landscape, nature, traditions and food.

We renovated the property and added another bathroom and re-fitted the kitchen. As the years go by, I strive to update the property a little bit each year and update the facilities. I hope to create a peaceful environment for future guests and welcome them as I would my personal friends. Being related to the Scottish explorer, Mungo Park, my family and I all share a sense of wanderlust. Part of the pleasure of hosting guests at Haus Mirabelle is meeting people from many different countries and walks of life. People and their stories continue to fascinate me. Most of all, it is a great pleasure to host families and to see them enjoying the house and garden. What is more warming than a house full of laughter?

However, whilst discovering new places and cultures teaches one a lot about oneself and life, sometimes it is beneficial to focus on rest and relaxation, the ‘here and now’. I remember once a mountain guide commenting that it was not important to be the first up the mountain but to enjoy the view as we went along. I believe that staying at Haus Mirabelle it is possible to truly unwind and take things at a slower pace. It is interesting to watch guests arrive tired and often stressed after a long journey and watch how the mountains and being in nature helps them to recover their calm.

We are now ramping up for the Winter season and are looking forward to guests from Greece and Germany for Christmas and New Year. The ski resort of Gosau is about a 20 minute drive from Haus Mirabelle (in the Winter you will need snow chains and winter tyres in Austria as it a legal requirement.) The runs at Gosau are generally at an intermediate level, with broad pistes making it ideal for families and the first couple of days whilst you get your snow legs! Having skied widely in France and elsewhere in Europe, many resorts tend to be concrete aberrations which offend the eye. Gosau is most likely one of the most stunning mountain ranges I have skied on in my life. Whilst the descents may be more hair-raising in other resorts, Gosau makes up for it in sheer natural beauty and the large network of pistes (125 km in total.) You are unlikely to meet many British visitors there as this resort is authentically Austrian and has not been victim of mass marketing campaigns like elsewhere in Austria. It is a well kept secret.

If you are more interested in ski touring and off-piste powder, then nearby Krippenstein is your destination. However, free-riding and off-piste activity is best attempted only when accompanied by a ski guide. We partner with an excellent local company in Bad Goisern, ‘Outdoor Leadership’ and are able to advise you on the possibilities.

In the run up to Christmas, there are many traditional Christmas markets in Salzburg, Bad Ischl and the surrounding lakes and mountains. We have some great deals and availability in December, contact us at info@hausmirabelle.com for more information.

In 2010, we are considering adding some new services – depending on demand. We would greatly appreciate your feedback on whether any of the following would add value to our operations:

• Daily newspaper of your choice delivered
• Fresh croissants and bread delivered every morning
• Daily chalet clean
• Afternoon tea
• Free internet / WIFI

We are also trying to garner opinion on the correct pricing for Haus Mirabelle and would be grateful if you could please take our 60 second survey: http://tinyurl.com/y8clhdc

For any more info, please contact, Joanna Park-Tonks, Haus Mirabelle, www.hausmirabelle.com, info@hausmirabelle.com for more information. Thank you!

 

Lake Hallstatt