Tag: Switzerland

Winter Escape – Falkensteiner Sport & Wellness Hotel in Kärnten

January 29, 2020

The Hotel

As soon as you arrive at the hotel, you have to admire the modern and spacious reception hall. We were accommodated in a junior suite with a view of the village. The room had the usual sleeping area and bathroom, but there was also a spacious lounge and a walk-in closet.

From the first floor we could go directly to the ski and snowboard rental, which is located in the hotel, and also had direct access to the wellness area.

The wellness area is an exciting experience from both exterior and interior with its floor to ceiling windows and a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains. In addition, you can enjoy the heated indoor and outdoor pool and a variety of saunas with a separate pool area. Twice a day there is even a free sauna infusion, to let the long ski day come to a relaxing end. And if that’s not enough, you can also relax completely with a body massage.

For those who want to get even more exercise, the modern cardio-fitness centre with yoga and workout room is a must.

Falkensteiner Hotel, Fasten Ur Seatbelts,

Culinary Experience

I am a big fan of Austrian cuisine. With it, you could start the day at a breakfast buffet! Everything that one could desire for a snack was there along with a variety of egg dishes, porridge, fruits, muesli, and so much more with it.

At dinner, you can look forward to a fusion of Carinzian specialities: South Tyrolean delicacies and Mediterranean influences.

A Kaiserschmarrn is of course not missing from the buffet!

Outdoor Activities

Outside of the hotel, you shouldn’t be without Ulli and Marco from the Sportfabrik! Together with the hotel, they‘d created a unique program for us. Whether it was ski trips, snow yoga, snowmobile driving, helicopter flying or snowshoe hiking, everything was included.

The ski slopes are less than a minutes‘ walk from the hotel, as well as the gondola.

From there, you have numerous downhill runs for every level of experience. Ski passes and ski equipment are available at the hotel, of course.

For the romantics among us, a carriage ride was also offered. On this trip, I have experienced so much fun & action in 2 ½ days as I haven’t for a long time.

Good to know

Try the Kaiserschmarrn on the Kofel Alm.
Dine at the “Bärenwirt” in Hermagor.
Après-Ski is a great way to celebrate at the Kristallalm!
You can celebrate until late at night in the bar “Zum Alois” right next to the hotel
The Klagenfurt airport is small and fine, but flies directly to Cologne, for example.
In the meantime, you can also travel to Villach by train from Bonn or Frankfurt at low cost, sometimes even for 29,90€!

In Kooperation mit Falkensteiner Hotels

Andermatt – A hidden gem in Switzerland

August 12, 2019

by fastenurseatbelts

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!

Spontaneous Weekend Getaway in Switzerland

March 31, 2017

by fastenurseatbelts

comments 3

JUCKERs Boutique-Hotel, Restaurant Linde, Thurgau, Schweiz, Switzerland

I did not know that Lake Constance is such a beautiful place. The many old buildings in this area are lovely and charming. I visited Lake Constance last weekend and took a flight from Cologne to Zurich. From Zürich airport, I took the train to Jucker’s restaurant hotel which took 45 minutes. I had reserved a room before the flight through their website. The hotel is just perfect!

Ich wusste nicht, dass der Bodensee so ein schöner Ort ist. Die vielen alten Gebäude sind wunderschön und charmant. Letztes Wochenende besuchte ich das Hotel der Familie Jucker am Bodensee und flog von Köln nach Zürich. Vom Flughafen Zürich, nahm ich den Zug zum Jucker’s Restaurant Hotel. Die Fahrt dauerte ca. 45 Minuten. Das Zimmer hatte ich schon vor der Abreise auf der Website gebucht! Das Hotel ist einfach perfekt und sehr stylisch!

There are 15 natural lifestyle rooms which are designed with natural materials which makes one feel good and at peace. The large windows provide plenty of light. Also, the rooms are clean and spacious. I must not forget to mention the welcome chocolate in the serene environment.

Es gibt 15 natürliche Lifestyle-Räume, die mit natürlichen Materialien entworfen sind. Man fühlt sich direkt sehr wohl und entspannt. Auch die Zimmer sind sauber und geräumig. Ich darf die leckere Willkommensschokolade nicht vergessen!

The spa area filled with Finnish sauna and the Jacuzzi hotspot provide precious recreation. Furthermore, the cozy GinChil offers an open selection of wines, fresh beers, and fine spirits. For those who like tours and picnics, Jucker provides them with bicycles, a picnic basket or a Vespa. I enjoy cycling and therefore I decided to take a bike for the trip.

Der Wellnessbereich mit finnischer Sauna und der Jacuzzi-Hotspot sorgen für kostbare Erholung. Darüber hinaus bietet das gemütliche GinChil eine große Auswahl an Weinen, frischen Bieren und feinen Spirituosen. Für diejenigen, die Touren und Picknicks mögen, bietet Jucker Fahrräder, einen Picknickkorb oder eine Vespa an. Ich genieße das Radfahren gerne und deshalb hatte ich beschlossen, ein Fahrrad für diese Reise zu nehmen.

After the pleasant breakfast buffet, I went to the Konstanz village which is only 10 minutes away by bike.

The tranquillity and beauty of this old village in the warm morning made me feel fantastic and at peace with nature. In this ancient village you find everything you need and the good thing is that it’s close to the lake and the port.

Nach dem reichhaltigen Frühstücksbuffet bin ich in das Dorf Konstanz gefahren, welches nur 10 Minuten mit dem Fahrrad entfernt ist. Die Ruhe und Schönheit dieses alten Dorfes an einem warmen Morgen ließ mich fantastisch fühlen und ich konnte die Natur friedlich erleben. In dieser atemberaubenden Stadt findet ihr alles, was ihr braucht und die gute Sache ist, dass es direkt am See und dem Hafen liegt.

While in this old city, you have to visit Pano café. Pano stands for bread in Esperanto. I had a delicious chocolate cake.

Während ihr in dieser historischen Stadt seid, müsst ihr das Pano Café besuchen. Pano steht für Brot in Esperanto. Außerdem hatte ich einen Schokoladenkuchen.

You definitely have to try Jucker’s restaurant! I had a salad as starter, whcih was very fresh and tasty! The main course was one of the best I have had. The meat was so tender and juicy! The vegetables with it were very good, too. The white chocolate mousse was very good as well.

Du musst das Restaurant des Hotels Jucker ausprobieren! Ich hatte einen Salat als Vorspeise, der sehr frisch und lecker war. Das Hauptgericht war eines der besten, das ich je gegessen hatte. Das Fleisch war so zart und saftig und auch das Gemüse war sehr lecker. Abschließend gab es ein köstliches, weißes Schokoladenmousse – ideal für die Naschkatzen unter uns.

On Sunday, I visited Arenenberg and had a picnic at its garden. “Schloß Arenenberg” is rather a manor house than a castle, overlooking Lake Constance. You will love the calm garden and the stunning view at the lake.

Am Sonntag besuchte ich Arenenberg und konnte ein Picknick im Garten genießen. “Schloß Arenenberg” ist eher ein Herrenhaus als ein Schloss, mit herrlichem Blick auf den Bodensee. Ihr werdet den ruhigen Garten und die atemberaubende Aussicht auf den See lieben.

I finished my scouting by visiting the village of Gottlieben. The village is small yet fascinating and provides a wonderful jogging route. On my way back I visited Zürich for 2 hours and had a drink at the stylish Hiltl restaurant. If you want to know more about what to do in Zurich, have a look at my video or article about the largest city in Switzerland.

Ich beendete meine Wochenendreise, indem ich dem Dorf Gottlieben einen Besuch abstattete. Das Dorf ist klein und doch faszinierend und bietet eine wunderbare Joggingroute.

Auf dem Rückweg besuchte ich für 2 Stunden Zürich und trank im stilvollen Hiltl Restaurant. Wenn ihr mehr darüber wissen wollt, was in Zürich zu tun ist, schaut euch mein Video oder meinen Artikel über die größte Stadt der Schweiz an.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0AUf7O8OQ8&t=35s

I bet you don’t know this excellent five-star lifestyle hotel in Zurich!

February 21, 2017

by fastenurseatbelts

Komfortable Zimmer und Suiten – Comfortable rooms and suites

Ich habe ein Luxe-Doppelzimmer für rund 480 CHF pro Nacht mit großzügigen 40 Quadratmetern gewählt.

I have chosen a luxe double room for around 480 CHF per night with generous 40 square meters.

Toll ist die Suite Hublot 107, in die ich einen Blick werfen konnte, und die mit ihrem Design das Uhrenthema des gleichnamigen Schweizer Herstellers aufgreift. Dank der hochwertigen Innenarchitektur mit edlen Materialien wie Holz, Marmor und Stoffen habe ich mich in meinem Luxe-Zimmer sehr wohl gefühlt.

The modern suite called “Hublot 107”, which I could take a look in, is designed after the watch concept of the Swiss manufacturer with the same name. Thanks to the high-quality interior design with noble materials like wood, marble and fabrics, I felt very comfortable in my Luxe double room.

Eine Ausstattung mit Tablets, über welche die Menüfolge im Restaurant bestellt wird, hochmodernen Lichtschaltern und JBL-Anlagen, die sich per Bluetooth mit dem Smartphone verbinden lassen, bieten dir im Atlantis Hotel by Giardino allen Komfort. Kostenlose Getränke aus der Minibar und Snacks wie Chips, Mandeln, getrocknetes Obst und Schokolade versüßen dir den Tag. Mit einer Nespresso-Maschine kannst du dir deinen eigenen Kaffee zubereiten.

The Atlantis Hotel by Giardino offers all the following comforts: ordering the restaurant menu with a tablet, ultra-modern light switches and JBL systems, which can be connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth. Free drinks from the minibar and snacks such as chips, almonds, dried fruit and chocolate will sweeten your day. With a Nespresso machine, you are able to make your own coffee or tea.

Das Frühstück wird dir auf Wunsch im Zimmer serviert oder du startest am reichhaltigen Buffet in deinen neuen Tag. Die entspannte Atmosphäre und das freundliche Personal haben ihr Übriges zu meinem Wohlgefühl beigetragen.

The breakfast is served in your room on request or you can start the rich buffet in your new day. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff have contributed to my well-being.

Pure Entspannung im dipiù-Spa – Pure relaxation in the dipiù-spa

Für einen Kurztrip mit Wellness-Faktor ist das Atlantis Hotel by Giardino der ideale Rückzugsort für dich. In seinem dipiù-Spa mit schönem Ambiente kannst du Erholung tanken.

The Atlantis Hotel by Giardino is the ideal retreat for you. Relax in the Dipiù spa with a nice ambience.

Besonders relaxen kannst du in dem wohltemperierten Jacuzzi des Spas im Atlantis Hotel Zürich. In den Sommermonaten lockt auch der 25 Meter lange Außenpool zum Badevergnügen. Kein anderes Fünf-Sterne-Hotel in Zürich verfügt über ein solch ein großzügiges Schwimmbad im Außenbereich. Ein 60-minütiges Treatment ist übrigens bei dem Day-Spa-Ticket inklusive.

You can especially relax in the well-tempered Jacuzzi at the Atlantis Hotel Zürich. During the summer months, the 25-meter-long outdoor swimming pool is also ideal for bathing. No other five-star hotel in Zurich has such a large outdoor swimming pool. A 60-minute treatment is also included with the Day-Spa-Ticket.

Lukullische Sternegenüsse – Excellent award-winning cuisine

Den krönenden Abschluss meines Tages bildete ein Abendessen im Restaurant Hide & Seek. Eine andere Möglichkeit für ein ausgefallenes Abendessen ist das Gourmetlokal Ecco, das mit zwei Sternen des Guide Michelin ausgezeichnet wurde.

The culminating conclusion of my day was dinner at the Hide & Seek restaurant. Additionally, the hotel has the gourmet restaurant Ecco, which was awarded two Michelin stars.

Das Hide & Seek eignet sich hervorragend für das Casual Dining, denn es ist zugleich Bar und ein Ort, an dem Fusion großgeschrieben wird. In der Küche verschmelzen europäische Rezepte mit asiatischen Noten zu grandiosen Gerichten.

The Hide & Seek is ideal for casual dining, as it is both a bar and a fusion location. In the kitchen, European recipes with Asian touches merge into grandiose dishes.

Abschied – aber nicht für immer – Farewell – but not forever

Mit dem Shuttle des Atlantis Hotels by Giardino bin ich am nächsten Nachmittag zum Flughafen gebracht worden, nachdem ich noch den kostenlosen, stündlichen Transfer zum Bürkliplatz genutzt habe. Ein bisschen „Lädele“, wie die Schweizer zum Shoppen sagen, hat mir den Abschied etwas leichter gemacht. Bestimmt bin ich nicht zum letzten Mal im Atlantis Hotel Zürich gewesen!

The shuttle of the Atlantis Hotel by Giardino brought me to Bürkliplatz as the hourly transfer is also included in the room fee. This definitely will not be the last time I stay at the Atlantis Hotel Zurich!

A romantic place to spend your Valentine’s day!

January 24, 2017

by fastenurseatbelts

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Book a trip for you and your love at a real romantic hotel, and trust me, you’ll definitely be on cloud nine! The Romantik Hotel The Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa will not only spoil you with culinary delights but also with pure relaxation, fun, entertainment and love, especially during the winter time; Tschiertschen is a winter wonderland.

The newly renovated hotel with a modern interior design is directly at the ski lift, which is perfect for beginners or smooth drivers. If you are not into skiing, explore the hiking trails in front of the hotel or rent an e-mountain bike. Duke and I sledged at the back of the hotel, and I was happy that I did not have to run up the mountain by myself all the time. The mountain in the back of the hotel has a small ski lift for children, beginners or sled fanatics. After a long day on the slopes, you have to visit the hotel’s Apres-Ski bar for a flavourful aperitif.

The romantic amongst the guests may prefer a day in the wellness area and relax in the numerous saunas. Afterwards, I highly recommend a full-body massage.

In the evening, you and your loved one will enjoy a festive candle light dinner for two or even with several friends.

I don’t believe that someone will not love it at the Romantik Hotel TheAlpina Mountain Resort & Spa as Mrs. & Mr Gehring run the place with great pleasure and professionalism. They make sure that you don’t miss anything. Loads of guests (including myself) returned to the hotel because of the atmosphere and the fantastic scenery. The Romantik Hotel The Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa is not just worth a visit during the winter time but also during the summer time.

10 photos that will inspire you to visit Zurich!

November 4, 2016

by fastenurseatbelts

comments 3

Zurich, Switzerland, Schweiz, Zürich, Zürichersee, Lake Zurich, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Quaibrücke

Lake Zurich

Bürkliplatz

Grossmünster,Quaibrücke, Quay Bridge, Zurich, Zürich, Lake Zurich

View from cathedral Grossmünster

Münsterbrücke

Hotel Helvetia

Cheese Fondue

View from Cathedral Grossmünster

On my way to and from the Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa, I came across Zurich. I could not resist traveling to Zurich without exploring the city.

I flew into Zurich, and did not expect such a huge airport. Honestly, if you fly to or from Zurich, plan with extra time to spare to have a look at all the shops at the airport. By the way, the airport is only 10 minutes away from the main station (by train). The main station, alone is worth it to come to Zurich! Don’t miss the Nana at the main station.

I stayed at the Hotel Helvetia which is a 7 minute walk away from the main station, or just one station by train. The train station is right in front of the hotel, but you cannot hear it in your room! My room was really big and clean. I love the modern furniture and living right in the city centre. I really felt an urban experience. The large windows made all the rooms bright and fresh.

After checking into the hotel, I decided to go back to the main station, as I heard that the best shopping area start at Bahnhofstrasse.

Definitely do not miss to cross Rennweg from Bahnhofstrasse

Rennweg is one of the oldest streets of Zurich, what you will recognize for sure when you see the lovely traditional Swiss houses. You will not only see the colourful houses, but also many restaurants, cafes, and small shops. From Rennweg, cross Münzplatz and stop at the beautiful flower shop. From Münzplatz, you will go back to Bahnhofstrasse by crossing Augustinerstrasse. Now, you are situated in the luxurious part of Bahnhofstrasse. All luxury brands, which you know, are settled here. Don’t worry, if you need more money, you will come across Paradeplatz, which is the headquarter of the big Swiss banks and also one of the most expensive places of real estate.

Finally, you made it to Bürkliplatz, which will have the biggest surprise for you.

Bürkliplatz is right in front of lake Zurich. From here, you have the best view over the lake, as well as from the Quaibrücke (Quay Bridge). From here, walk to to cathedral Grossmünster. I wanted to climb up the tower to see Zurich from above. The 5-minute climb was totally worth it, and compared to all the expensive places in Zurich, it costs only 4CHF or 4€. Afterwards, I experienced the area around the Cathedral. You have to walk through the alleys and enjoy all the little shops.

You cannot visit Switzerland without trying cheese fondue!

Before I went back to my comfortable bed, I had a cheese fondue at restaurant Swiss Chuchi. The courteous staff will explain how to eat a cheese fondue, and if you are not sure what to order, just ask them; they are more than happy to help you. It was the first time that I was served a cheese fondue with a cherry liquor, and it was really tasty!

Walk around Zurich by yourself and watch my video about my trip!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0AUf7O8OQ8