Austria stands for hospitality. Therefore, I love to spend my holidays here and try to work at the most beautiful places in Austria as often as possible. In this part of the blog series, I take you along on my journey through my homeland to Upper Austria, Lower Austria and back to Vienna.

Upper Austria
Everyone who enjoys swimming, paddling or sailing at the lake will appreciate Upper Austria thoroughly. I have a special relationship with the Traunsee due to dear friends living there. The lake and surrounding region offer extensive water sports activities as well as rambling hiking trails for everyone, from beginners to professionals equipped with climbing rope. After a day of outdoor fun you should definitely try the cuisine at Seehotel Traunsee. The restaurant Bootshaus, which has been one of my favourite culinary experiences so far, has exceeded all my expectations with its excellent service and captivating warmness of the staff.

Worth more than just a short detour are the three institutions of Philip Rachinger and his family. He serves impulsive, yet nonchalant cuisine inspired by nature at the highest quality at Mühltalhof in Neufelden, whereas you can enjoy your meal at the quaint Fernruf 7 in a more casual way. Sushi and stilt and all kinds of delicious beer food can be found at the new restaurant of the brewery of Neufelden, Hopfen and Schmalz. Since you might need a place to stay after tasting yourself through the enormous range of home-brewed beer, I highly suggest spending the night at the Mühltalhof and starting the day with a jump into the fresh river Mühl after a toothsome breakfast. This is in my opinion the perfect weekend getaway, that you should conclude on Sunday with a piece of the best Kardinalschnitte made by Philip’s grandmother!

For a daytrip, I recommend the textile factory Leitner Leinen in Ulrichsberg to everyone with an interest in design. A visit there is not only rewarding for people working in the hospitality industry, but also for everyone who wants to surprise their guests with the softest towels, elegant tablecloths, premium napkins or fine beddings.

Lower Austria
Due to my delightful time at the HLF Krems, I have come to appreciate Krems and the surrounding region, from Traisental to Wachau, and have some great tips ready for you. Apart from the touristy trails, I suggest the port in Traismauer with its campsite and restaurant located at the bank of the Danube, that is led by dear friends of mine. My journey through lower Austria continues to Hadersdorf with its excellent restaurant Esslokal, which you reach after a 15-minute car ride from Krems. Roland Huber, who was previously the chef of haute cuisine restaurant le Ciel in Vienna, serves irresistible soul food, often inspired by Asian dishes. Just a short drive away, you can experience a traditional Heurigen in a different setting at restaurant Pfefferschiff, where exquisite regional cuisine meets rare, fine wines. If you enjoy outstanding champagne and Pet-Nat, you will be in good hands with Christina Hugl in Langelois, where she offers sparkling delicacies with unique taste. For everyone, who wants to explore the region in between the culinary highlights, I can recommend a trip to the wonderful Walpersdorf castle and its Lederleitner home store, that exhilarates with modern stylistic command and magnificent interior and décor ideas.

As a passionate cyclist, I enjoy taking a trip by bike through the Wienerwald via Tullnerfeld to Langenlebarn. As a reward for the exhausting journey, I like to stop for a bite to eat at restaurant Wolf or Gastwirtschaft Floh. Another great day trip or after work option is my hometown Leobendorf in the Weinviertel. In just 18 Minutes from Vienna, you find yourself in the heart of nature. Absolutely advisable are a visit to the castle of Kreuzenstein and a short stop at the Heurigen Bolzer for the best delicacies of the region.

Another culinary recommendation I hold close to my heart is located further north in the Waldviertel: the restaurant Vianko in Groß Gerungs. Newly taken over by the younger generation of hosts, it presents itself with innovative ideas and an impressive range of wines and beers. Konstantin will certainly be glad to have you as his guest! Other highlights in the region include the Zweitwohnsitz in Drosendorf or the traditional textile manufacturing company Backhausen in Hoheneich with its great design store.

Located further south, the Mostviertel does not fail to impress. Especially the mountain village Lunz am See has won me over. Here, you can hike through fascinating mountain landscapes as well as swim in one of the most beautiful lake of Austria with excellent water quality by day and view cultural plays at the lake stage by night.

Vienna
On the few weekends in summer, where I actually stay in Vienna, you can probably find me reading a good book in the Türkenschanzpark, on my bike in the Wienerwald or sailing at alte Donau. Who wants to experience Vienna in a more relaxed way, I recommend the Weinwanderweg, where you hike along the most beautiful living areas of the city with a magnificent view and a glass of wine. Afterwards, you should walk by Jutta Ambositsch. With her Buschenschank in Residence-project she revives old wineries and serves selected dishes and wine of the highest quality. For a more upscale dining experience, Pichelmaiers zum Herkner constitutes the ideal place. The team combines the charm of the Wienerwald with artfully created dishes and a beautiful pub garden.

For breakfast, Vienna has an extensive range of great spots to offer. Coming from the countryside, I recommend the breakfast at Landkind in the 15th district with all that the heart could possibly desire. If you prefer a chicer breakfast location central in the first district, The Guesthouse is the place to be. It is my explicit recommendation for everyone who values perfect eggs benedict. Due to its outstanding location, you just have to cross the street after finishing your delightful cup of coffee to experience the newest exhibition at the Albertina, Vienna’s leading art gallery.

If you find yourself in the 4th district and are a fan of farm to table cuisine, you should head to Alma Gastrothek, which is for me one of the most authentic restaurants Vienna has to offer. The kitchen serves what delights the heart, always with alpine-maritime influence and freshest ingredients.

Only in summer and just under nice weather conditions, but not to miss, is Gugumucks Gartenbar. Here, I feel as if I was transported to the south of France and enjoy snails au gratin and botanical cocktails. Moreover, there is a discussions forum and you will certainly get new perspectives concerning a sustainable future. What also feels like a quick trip to the south is a visit at Monte Ofelio located next to Augarten. The delicatessen offers the best croissant of the city, maybe even of the entire state, and unbelievably good expresso. For more holiday vibes, the eights district also awaits with a direct access to the sea through the fishery Goldfish. Here you cannot only find the freshest fish to prepare at home, but also taste the Mediterranean dishes directly in the bistro.

Do you have any other insider tips for summer in Austria? Just write me a short message via mail or social media!