Wellness right on the lake – reside like an emperor

View over lake Wolfgang and the fantastic heated pool

The Weisses Rössl (White Horse Inn) by Wolfgangsee is one of the most famous hotels in Austria with a history and even had an operetta and a movie dedicated to its name. For 500 years, the name is known for hospitality, although the hotel itself was opened only in 1878. Even Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife Elisabeth (commonly known as Sisi) have stayed in the hotel overlooking the lake. Ever since then, guests can stay in the exclusive Emperor room with a beautiful view from the windows and balcony.

The Salzkammergut mountain range reflect in the peaceful lake

That the hotel has developed into a fantastic wellness hotel is not surprising considering the large lake and the healthy mountain air! Relax in a heated pool built into the lake after sweating it all out in the sauna with a stunning view onto the mountains and lake, or in the steam baths, for example the sole steam bath, which will cleanse your pores and smoothen your skin with natural salts. This hotel is particularly great for its rich tradition and offers. Finish off your trip with a bath in the ‘emperor tub’ to have a complete and unforgettable experience in the White Horse Inn at Lake Salzburg.

Bathe like an emperor – the golden bathtub

Would you care for a night in a castle?

Schloss Fuschl in its royal spot overlooking lake Fuschl

On over 1,000 m², Schloss Fuschl, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa offers more than just spa relaxation. Yes, you can enjoy the steam bath, pool, sauna or whirlpool and let your worries fly far, far away. But what would all this be without this scenery? Especially in autumn, the view from the terrace of this hotel is breathtaking. From high to low on the mountains, the magnificent colors give you the impression to be in a fairytale and the fresh air will cleanse your lungs from the city air. In the up to 67 meter deep lake with its crystal clear water you can enjoy especially your summer holidays. In the winter, the region is especially fantastic to go skiing or hiking and watch the snow fall from the hot sauna. Countless other sports can be practised here, and forgetting everyday life is guaranteed.

Room of romance – when housekeeping gets creative

Also in terms of food and drinks, you will feel like kings and queens in the castle’s own restaurant with a view onto the lake. Their expertise lies in the regional delicatessen, fresh fish from the hotel’s own fishery, and much more. Also the wines are regional and convince with excellence!

In perfect harmony

Peaceful Seehotel Das Traunsee with its charm

Not every hotel has a 12 km long and 2 km wide lake to offer as their main swimming pool, and if you find Traunsee lake too cold, Seehotel Das Traunsee offers a wide range of heated wellness. From the sauna, you have a terrific view of the lake and mountains while the stress from the city practically melts away, just like in the steam bath or the grotto with a lake-water-fall. Let yourself get pampered all over, it is worth it – a wide range of massages, treatments and beauty care offers await you.

Modern flair in a traditional hotel – the rooms at Das Traunsee

On the second largest lake of Upper Austria, you can use the hotel’s own sailing boat to feel the fresh mountain breeze run through your hair. Especially for hotel guests, there are sailing courses, so there is no need to be a sailing pro! Other sports like hiking, golf, biking or diving are favourites in summer and make sure your stay is not only the relaxing, but also the exciting kind of wellness. In winter, the region is practically made for skiing and hiking through the beautiful white landscape. Also, how much nicer is it to enjoy the view onto the lake and hills when you are sitting in the hot sauna of the hotel?

Great view onto lake Fuschl and the mountains

Finally, let us not forget the dining. The Austrian cuisine is full of wonderful dishes, and in the hotel’s boat house restaurant you will experience the crème de la crème! Especially fresh fish from the lake is recommendable, while meat is a delight as well, considering the great hunting lodges in the greater Salzburg area.

When it comes to wellness, the tranquillity of a lake can really make your experience, but of course it is the overall image you get from the hotel and its surroundings, the service and the value you receive for the money you pay. We all like to escape from our daily troubles, and Salzburg is one of the great destinations for diving into a different world of peace, quiet, and wellness.

Photos uploaded by author.

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Near Lake Wörthersee you can find other lakes, which are much smaller. They are located mainly south of Wörthersee and extend to the borders of Slovenia. This area is surrounded by mountain peaks of Karawanken mountains, which together with the lake create a beautiful scenery.

Lake Wörthersee is surrounded by a number of resorts – a new modern town of Velden, Krumpendorf or Pörtschach am Wörthersee.

What to see in the neighborhood
Vintgar gorge about 26 km
Minimundus 8 km
Klopeiner See about 33 km
Ski resort Kranjska Gora about 33 km
Planica about 37 km
Waterfall Pericnik about 29 km

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This alpine lake is one of the most visited places in the Austrian Gletscherpark area (the area south of Innsbruck). Rifflsee Lake is accessible only by cable car from the town of Mandarfen. The cableway takes you to the height of 2300 meters, where is a magnificent view of the lake itself and the surrounding Austrian Alps. In the building of the final station there is a restaurant with a renowned panoramic terrace.

Austria is ideal for mountain hikes, and Lake Rifflsee is the famous starting point. It is ideal for young cyclists but also for the older people. There are many tracks of various lengths and complexity. All the tracks definitely have one thing in common – great views of the Alps! Rifflsee is well-known also among skiers and this area belongs to one of the best skiing destinations in Austria.

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Faaker See, Austria by Thomas G. Graf

This lake is surrounded by the Karawanken mountain range, and it is located just south of Villach. The nearby Drava River is located at the northern slope of these mountains. The village of Faak is located to the southwest of Lake Faak, which is how it originally got its name. Faaker See has an average depth of 16.1 meters and a surface elevation of 554 meters. The Faak, Egg, and Drobollach settlements which are located on the northern shore all belong to the city of Villach.

There are numerous hotels, resorts and campsites around this lake, attracting thousands of tourists for fishing, swimming, and other water sport activities throughout the year. The striking beauty of this lake has attracted many people from around the world who wish to visit and see this historical natural landmark for themselves. The Faaker Lake was the primary inspiration for the classic Slovene folk song known as Nmav čez izaro, or “Over the Lake”, which is also considered to be the official anthem of the Carinthian residents.

Faaker See, Austria by Hans Peter Schaefer

The Gail River is the primary outflow for Faaker See, and the primary inflow is Wourounitza, Rotschitza. The village of Faak, which the lake has been named after, is part of the Finkenstein municipality. There is no doubt that Faaker See is one of the most popular vacation spots in the entire area for those who want to relax in a beautiful and scenic region. Its position is also great for one-night stay for the people going from the north of Europe further to the southern countries like Italy or Croatia.

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The lake itself covers more than 6.8 square kilometres of the Austrian countryside. There are public beaches and easy access to the lake from all sides. The water temperature is a comfortable 19° Celsius, which makes spending a day along the shores, floating on the surface or even diving deep below, a more enjoyable experience.

Achensee, Austria by J.-P. Donzey

There is just so much to be seen and explore in and around Achensee. Countless scuba divers make their way to the lake every single year in order to dive in the pristine waters and experience what the lake has to offer. There are also a number of golf courses in the area. For a truly unique experience, you can simply take the cable car up into the Karwendel mountains where you will be afforded some of the most breathtaking views of the countryside. At the same time, you could even take a ride on the nostalgic steam locomotive that makes its way through the valley.

And although it would be nice experience everything that Achensee has to offer on a single day, you will find that you need several days in the area to truly experience all that the region has to offer. However, do not worry because there are a number of hotels and lodges located around Achensee for those who would like to stay longer.

As the popularity of ecotourism grows, more and more people have begun making their way to Austria to see the many natural wonders that the country has to offer. In recent years, the number of visitors to the Achensee region has increased substantially.

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Photo by seegrotte.com

In the past, up to 1800, the cave was used for making red and white plaster. During World War II the cave housed also the factory for the production of combat aircraft. The first jet fighter in the world (Heinkel He162) was constructed right here.

The underground lake was explored in the 30′s of last century, and later open to the public. There are 9 °C in the cave and the tour lasting 45 minutes includes a boat trip. Seegrotte is now great tourist attraction with about 250,000 visitors a year. It is open every day, all year-round. The basic adult admission is €9 or €6 for children.

Open:
1st April – 31 October from 9.00 to 17.00
1st November – 31 March from 9.00 – 12.00 and 13.00 – 15.00

Seegrotte is one of the most impressive natural attractions in the world. Being also a cultural monument it should be definitely included in your list of places to visit when travelling to Austria.

For further information visit Seegrotte official site.

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