Tag: Hiking

Winter Holidays in PillerseeTal in the middle of the Kitzbühel Alps

October 31, 2020

Wondering where to go next during the winter months? Seek out the nature-made winter haven with thick blankets of snow and fresh pistes – the coveted PillerseeTal. The sloping valleys around the Kitzbühel Alps remake themselves with every season, but it is in winter where this Austrian region becomes a fairytale.

Combine panoramic views and quality snow to enjoy a top-tier ski holiday! Right by the front doors of cozy lodges and cabins are three ski areas with a variety of slopes.

Steinplatte ski area is made for explorers and passionate skiers. Offering up a wide range of slopes, there’s something for every ski level. Add in the expansive views between the Wilder Kaiser to Chiemsee and it is perfect for first-time visitors.
Buchensteinwand ski area is best fit for families and beginners thanks to its leisurely descents and wide slopes. The Jakobskreuz landmark is like a beacon; but it’s the Pletzibär-Park at the Valley Station that draws in the multigenerational families.
Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn ski area is a mouthful to match with its equally generous splay of slopes. Featuring 270 kilometers of ski paradise, 70 cable cars and lifts, and challenging runs for athletic skiers – it is one of the coolest ski arenas in Austria.

If you’d rather leave the slopes to the passionate athletes, PillerseeTal offers other winter activities too. Snowshoeing is another classic to-do as it takes you straight into the snow-draped forests. Well-prepared hiking trails cross through the dreamy landscapes, taking you into Fieberbrunn, Hochfilzen, St. Jakob in Hause and more valley secrets. Explore 100 kilometers worth of fields, farms, frozen hamlets and idyllic winter scenery.

Plenty of beautiful chalets can be found on these ploughed hiking trails. Rest your feet and warm up with their traditional food. One of the best snacks (or late lunch) to have is Kaiserschmarrn, a sweet and lightly-fluffed pancake shredded into easy bites. The rich flavoring comes from rum, applesauce, raisins and powdered sugar; it’s warming after hours out in the snow.

Another PillerseeTal itinerary is walking around the Pillersee. It’s a stunning lake of around 60 acres, where the mountains run right down to its banks. With water flowing in from the Kitzbühel Alps and the Lofer Steinberg mountains, no wonder it’s so clear! Even when it’s frosted over in the winter, the utter tranquility of the place makes it a lovely strolling ground.

Whether you’re coming from the village of Sankt Ulrich am Pillersee (which is near the lake) or exploring the area around Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm, be sure to drop by the market town of Fieberbrunn. It also makes a great base – Tui Blue Hotel is one of its many resorts and lodges. Right by the slopes, the hotel is both accommodation and break stop! The diner spoils you with Tyrolean and Austrian cuisine, while floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the snowy grounds. Enjoy the daily-changing menu as you dig into a well-earned meal.

Swimming with a View Over St. Virgil in South Tyrol

October 18, 2020

by fastenurseatbelts

Leave a comment

Anyone who takes a picture in the Infinity Pool of the four-star superior hotel Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort in San Vigilio will also give those who stayed at home a new taste for vacations in South Tyrol. In any case, the surroundings are breathtaking: the 180-degree panoramic view from the hotel pool extends as far as the imposing Dolomites. One hour north of Bolzano is the 4-star superior hotel in the beautiful Badia Valley in the village of San Vigilio.

Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort, Südtirol, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

The Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort

Our room was located in the new building “Dolomites Lodge”, which has 16 rooms. One of them was ours for 2 days. Not only was it inviting, but also spacious. More remarkable was the roomy and half-open bathroom.

Optionally you can book the rooms with your own sauna or whirlpool. However, the impressive Sky Spa area is also located in the same building.

Feasting with a View of the Mountains

For breakfast, you can choose between freshly prepared egg dishes, pancakes and crepes. The buffet offers homemade juices and everything your heart desires (all organic and regional, of course).

Breakfast is served daily until 11 am so there’s no need for any hurry. Later on, there is a light lunch snack and in the afternoon, homemade cake.

In the evening, you can end the day not only with delicious drinks at the bar but also with a 4-course gourmet menu of your choice.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DSC05042-1-683x1024.jpg

Spa Time

What do you actually do when you are not on a mountain bike or exploring the nearby national park? Relaxing, of course! Especially relaxing in the Sky Spa (Adults Only!), which is located above the roofs of San Vigilio.

The spa area with its unique mountain scenery offers so much that you don’t have to move anywhere from the hotel for having fun.

The Panorama Infinity Pool provides a unique swimming experience with a view of the Dolomites. When the sun is shining, you can relax on the sun terrace at any temperature. Of course, there is also an indoor relay room. Especially delicious were the dried banana and nut snacks in the Spa Lounge. Not only the panorama pool inspires with a great view, but also the panorama sauna was equally remarkable.

Wellness with a small child is no problem at the Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort! Here too, everything has been thought of: family sauna, indoor and outdoor whirlpool and a children’s pool.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DSC05049-1-683x1024.jpg

Hiking in San Vigilio

If you do want to leave the hotel, you can walk up the hill directly behind the hotel, or you can go to the Fanes Sennes Braies Nature Park, which is 10 minutes away.

In the midst of fabulous mountain scenery, numerous bicycle and hiking trails are offered. ABSOLUTE highlight was the wild animals! In the middle of the nature park, we suddenly found beautiful horses and Scottish Highland cattle. We watched them for at least an hour and walked a little with the horses.

Nevertheless, I would recommend keeping some distance for safety reasons.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DSC04777-683x1024.jpg

COVID-19

Masks are only compulsory at the buffet and in the dining area. At the table, you can, of course, take off your mask just like in the restaurant.

If you can’t maintain the distance of 1.5m, please wear a mask. In the wellness area also, the distance regulation applies, but there’s no mask obligation.

There are still rooms available for the next season. It is therefore advisable to book quickly:

A Dolomites Lodge is available from 159€ per person per night.

Hidden Gem in South Tyrol: Antholz

October 14, 2020

by fastenurseatbelts

Leave a comment

Falkensteiner Hotel Antholz, Südtirol, Antholz, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

When you enter the Antholz valley, you cannot fail to notice that Antholz is connected to the biathlon. In fact, the annual Biathlon World Championship takes place in Antholz. At the same time, on the way to the Antholz Upper valley, one is already enchanted by the unspoiled nature and the small traditional villages. Before arriving at the Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Antholz, you will feel an inner peace due to the alluring solitude.

At the foot of the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park, you’ll find not only those who’re seeking relaxation and love nature but also active athletes.

Adults Only in Antholz

If I summarize our stay in three words, they would be: secret insider tips, idyll & pure nature.

South Tyrol is and has always been a popular vacation destination, especially during the Corona time, many people escape to the nearby vacation destination. I would describe Antholz as a hidden gem. The concealed but central location does not bring many holidaymakers to Antholz.

The modern Junior Suite Deluxe with loggia in alpine style invites you to a relaxing time. Thanks to the fresh mountain air and the great view of the mountain landscape, you start the day full of energy. We were even rewarded with the sight of a clear starry night from our lounge corner several times. Also, Chuck, our French Bulldog, felt very welcome! He and we especially liked the short walk into the forest in the early morning and late evening.

A personal highlight was the ¾ pension. In the morning, we could press our own orange-carrot-ginger juice at the breakfast buffet and enjoy the view through the panoramic windows. In the afternoon, there was always a snack when we came back from our trip. Not to forget, dinner!

A very special romantic moment in itself.

Every day we were surprised anew with an unusual gourmet menu. Not to forget the pleasant and incredibly friendly service. It was always a successful end to the vacation day.

Activities

Lake Antholz

Only at about 15 minutes walking distance from the hotel is the unknown Insta-Hotspot “Antholzer See”. It is the perfect alternative to the Braieser Wildsee. You have to have your camera with you in any case.

The turquoise Antholzer See has a huge advantage – no mass tourism. Here you can still experience and photograph nature in peace, whereas Braies Lake is also only an hour’s drive away from the hotel. However, it is mostly crowded with tourists who are approached by busses.

Around Antholz Lake, you can still walk in peace without being disturbed by a multitude of visitors.

Biathlon Shooting

Up until now, I had no connection to the biathlon at all. So I was all the more pleased that we were able to take a few test shots (5 shots/5€) in the nearby biathlon center (about 10 minutes walk away). Did you know that the pulse is about 150-170 for a biathlete?! A little tip: Withhold your breath so you can aim better!

This will be explained again on site. I found it very, very exciting! You can also watch the biathletes training in the morning.

Hiking

Of course, there are numerous hiking trails from the hotel. The reception has the best tips, or the hotel offers guided hikes every day. Also to the sunrise!

Wellness

If you just want to enjoy a day at the hotel, you can pamper your body and soul in the 1000 m² spa area. The wellness area offers a wide range of saunas, massages and spa treatments for relaxation, regeneration, health and vitality.

Absolutely special is the heated indoor and outdoor pool, from which you have a view of the Antholz valley and the mountains.

COVID-19

Although the coronavirus certainly brings restrictions, we felt absolutely unrestricted during our stay at the Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Antholtz.

Due to the good organization, we felt completely safe. In the whole hotel, there is mask duty. Of course, you can take off the masks in your room as well as at your place during dinner.

Also, in the wellness area, there is good regulation. Only a certain number of people can enter the sauna. During the day, you simply enter your name in a list for the sauna times.

Basically, like everywhere else, you should keep your distance and act conscientiously.

The arrival/departure

Despite our arrival on a Saturday, it took us only 9 hours from Cologne to the Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa in Antholz. We even made a stopover at the outlet at Brenner Pass. Of course, during the pandemic, there are often border controls, and you might end up spending 1-3 hours at the border if you‘re driving during the rush hours.

Enjoy your time in South Tyrol!

Andermatt – A hidden gem in Switzerland

August 12, 2019

by fastenurseatbelts

Leave a comment

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Nature and outdoor lovers in Andermatt are like a match made in heaven! I would even call Andermatt in Switzerland an insider tip because it is only a 90-minute drive from Zurich and yet you experience pure nature. Although I was on-site during the summer holidays, I could relax incredibly and was able to roam the small towns without much hustle and bustle. If you are planning a short trip or a longer active holiday in Switzerland, you should not underestimate the beauty of Andermatt.

How to get to Andermatt?

From Zurich Airport you have several options to come to Andermatt. You can either take the train and enjoy just under 3 hours driving through the mountains or rent a rental car and reach Andermatt within 1 ½ hour.

We drove from the airport by train to Andermatt. The train journey is incredibly fast. However, you have to change the train about 3-4 times. When you do arrive in Andermatt, you do not really need a car. You can reach everything on the spot by a train or bike. Inside, everything is within easy walking distance.

What to do?

Andermatt offers so many activities that you will not get bored. We borrowed e-mountain bikes, for a day, from the Mammoth Store directly across from our Radisson Blu hotel.

Within less than 2 hours, we drove past the famous Teufelsbrücke to the Göscheneralpsee, a beautiful reservoir that is not so popular, even on Instagram. We also had to drive about 5 minutes of the whole ride the main road. Other than that, you can enjoy the full ride to the fullest at every beautiful place and make pit stops anywhere you want. Take a look at the small lake beyond the campsite. The campsite is about 4km before the Göscheneralpsee. The family-run restaurant right on the Göscheneralpsee is also worth a visit. After a successful trip, we had an Aperol. The return to Andermatt took only 50 minutes.

But you do not have to drive that far to reach about 1800m altitude. The mountain railway in Andermatt drives you directly up to Gütsch and can you get a fantastic view of the Taldörfer and the Alps. At the top, there are numerous hiking routes. We decided to go down the mountain because we really wanted to pet the cows. On our way back to the valley, we made a little stop for a memorable picnic, which we were able to take from the hotel.

Where to stay?

Most of you have probably heard of the Chedi Hotel in Andermatt. But it is not the only place to be in Andermatt. Our hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel Andermatt, was opened at the end of 2018 and is the perfect base for a relaxing or active holiday in the mountains. Here you are ideally kept whether you are enterprising and at the same time would like to use the great fitness and wellness facilities. My personal highlight was the view from the swimming pool and the gym. Also, the fitness equipment is the most modern and latest the market has to offer. The sports offer definitely motivated me to go to the gym every day.

Honestly, that was badly needed because I could not stop myself from eating voraciously at breakfast. Mainly only fresh and local products were offered, which of course I had to try at all costs! On the second day, I restrained myself a bit and prepared a fresh omelette and waffle.

Absolutely impressive is that no palm oil is used in the whole breakfast buffet.

In the evening, in the restaurant, we “Spun” a combination of Italian and Swiss food. There is something for everyone on the map. The spaghetti with truffles or, of course, the main “Surf and Turf” tasted excellent!

In an emergency, the very friendly waiters were always there to give us a tip. I like to pass on an insider tip! Normally I would not have ordered the dessert “Anderwald” before the nut nougat cuts, but I still dream of that refreshing dessert to this date!

Speaking of dreams … After a full day in the fresh air and a short sauna before we went to bed, I slept like a baby in our spacious Scandinavian-style room.

I often think of this great stay even now, because it was a completely perfect holiday for me and, definitely, not for the last time in Andermatt!