As part of the Captivate #12hotels campaign with Visit Austria we were invited to experience some of the finest hotels the country has to offer. Last month we stayed the weekend in the stylish eco-retreat Gartenhotel Theresia located in Saalbach-Hinterglemm in the Austrian state of Salzburg.
The summer months are officially the quietest time for tourism in the village with many only thinking of the Alps as a snowy winter sports playground and not much else. More fool them. Those in the know swap their skies for hiking boots and make the most of the fresh mountain air, clear blue skies and comfortably warm temperatures. Hiking isn’t the only activity on offer, mountain biking down the steep peaks or along meandering roads to explore isolated mountain meadows is another popular pastime and the mountain cable cars offer a more sedate way to make the most of the Alpine scenery.
The scenery in this region is truly spectacular – a place where you easily imagine Maria Von Trapp skipping and singing her way over the lush green mountain meadows. Streams trickle through deeply carved valleys, rolling emerald green pastures are dotted with bell-adorned cows and impossibly picturesque chalets. In all directions the towering peaks of the majestic Alps envelope the whole area. Here is our favourite summer views of the beautiful Austrian Alps in BIG pictures…
Where to Stay
We stayed in the Gartenhotel Theresia located in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. From the outside the hotel looks like a typical picturesque wooden chalet inn but in fact it’s a very impressive eco-retreat a place which admirably has a strict philosophy of sustainability and welfare and only serves locally produced, animal welfare friendly organic food. With a green, progressive ethos flowing through the hotel, the retreat is also home to a Green spa (where only organic products are used) and a natural swimming area filled with mountain spring water. Interiors are a striking mix of the contemporary and traditional and the weekly activity programme is aimed to help you get back in touch with nature. A very unique and exceptional place to stay!
All words and images by Becky Padmore, all my opinions are my own.
36 Comments
Patrick Dunn
16 September, 2015 at 3:47 pmFabulous photos Becky it truly does look idyllic!
Becky Moore
24 September, 2015 at 2:20 pmThanks Patrick!
Maddy
30 August, 2015 at 6:08 pmWow… These are some seriously gorgeous photos. You’ve definitely convinced me to revisit the Austria. I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to squeeze it into my Summer 2016 Europe itinerary. Thanks for sharing these stunning shots!
Becky Moore
2 September, 2015 at 4:37 pmThanks Maddy hope you do manage to make it over in 2016!
Sofia
28 August, 2015 at 7:59 amIt’s so green anywhere you look is green and blue! The colors of nature, so pleasing in the eyes, quite relaxing, and the fresh air you do need. Everyone needs fresh air.
Becky Moore
29 August, 2015 at 9:58 amVery true Sofia and the Austrian Alps has plenty of it! 🙂
Agness
26 August, 2015 at 6:57 pmOh sweetie, this place is so green!!!!!! The greener, the better and more healthy. If I could, I would teleport there right away.
Becky Moore
27 August, 2015 at 7:44 pmIt was soo green Agness, you would love it I’m sure!
Emma
24 August, 2015 at 3:43 pmBeautiful photos, you are really making me want to go! I’ve never been before but it looks like I’m missing out!
Becky Moore
25 August, 2015 at 1:50 pmThank you Emma, it’s a very beautiful place!
Scott
24 August, 2015 at 3:42 pmFantastic photos they are like out of a story book! Love the chalets!
Becky Moore
25 August, 2015 at 1:51 pmThe chalets were so pretty!