A Slow Travel Break To Austria

Mr W is my soul mate. We are very similar. We both love to travel of course, we are both intelligent, well I like to think so, and we both enjoy comedy, bacon sandwiches, cake and watching films. Important things, not religion and politics – yes I jest! As travel bloggers, we also spend a considerable amount of time together travelling the world. We’ve always got on extremely well although we have had our ups and downs like every couple. He’s my favourite travel companion.

Austria 2007

When we book our holidays we look for certain things, generally great sightseeing, interesting places to explore, scenic vistas, enthralling museums and culture, amazing architecture, and great food. Stir and you have the perfect holiday recipe for us.

This year we are making a mission of slowing down and really enjoying our surroundings rather than going on a mad dash around a country. The term ‘slow travel’ and the ‘slow travel movement’ sums up what we are trying to do, and focuses on discovering a destination, often on foot or bike, immersing yourself in the everyday life and purposely exploring and enjoying localities and the culture. So when Inntravel invited me to take part in their new campaign I thought this was the perfect fit for our blog.

Inntravel are the slow travel people and since becoming established in 1984 they have won numerous awards for the quality of their holidays, including a Which magazine award for recommended holiday provider in 2016.

This #LoveShortBreaks campaign with Inntravel is based around your favourite travel companion and what trip you would surprise them with to show them you care. Inntravel have some new short breaks which look great for a relaxing holiday with a loved one.

I’ve been looking to book a holiday as a surprise for Mr W’s birthday. It’s one of those big birthdays that you wish you would forget… I have a few ideas in mind including discovering Lisbon, Porto and the Douro valley and a walking holiday to Salzburg and Konigsee.

Salzburg, Austria

On balance, a trip to Salzburg in Austria and Königssee in Bavaria would be a great trip for us. We’ve been to this area of Austria before some years ago with our son but would love to explore just ourselves.

The self-guided short break appeals as it’s a combination of a cultural city break in Salzburg with some moderate walking through the beautiful lake and mountain areas in Bavaria. The contrast of the musical city with the serene landscapes would make a short break to remember forever and a perfect romantic break.

Salzburg is an amazing city. The Old Town is full of beautiful baroque architecture expertly preserved and it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The birthplace of Mozart the cultural attractions cannot be ignored.

I remember visiting the Mirabell Gardens where the song Do Re Mi was filmed from the Sound Of Music, one of my favourite films. To spend more time here truly exploring the gardens and the palace would be a dream.

Mirabell Gardens

With Inntravel they rate the holidays on the level of walking difficulty and this holiday is graded 2 as moderate walking. They provide detailed notes on the architectural and historical highlights of Salzburg as well. One of their recommendations is to stop for coffee and kuchen (cake) at a Viennese-style coffee house. We recently visited Vienna and really enjoyed the beautiful grand coffee houses there so this is one recommendation we will certainly take up!

Apple strudel

After Salzburg, you are taken through the alps in a taxi, with plenty of time to admire the view of the Schönau am Königssee area. Mr W will really appreciate not having to drive to really take in his surroundings.

St. Bartholomä on Königssee

This area is ideal for walkers and those that love stunning natural beauty. A ticket to sail the beautiful fjord-like Königssee is included.

Those that like history will also not pass up the chance to visit Kehlsteinhaus, or Eagle’s Nest, Hilter’s former tea room, that offers amazing views over Berchtesgaden National Park to the Alps. Whilst here enjoy coffee and cake or a indulge in the German national drink of beer. Cheers!

Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest

If you are tired of walking a trip on the bus can take you to Berchtesgaden for the local farmers market and Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden to visit the salt mines. If you fancy visiting Bad Reichenhall, Bavaria’s spa town, that is a short trip away too. I didn’t have the chance to visit Bad Reichenhall before so would really appreciate visiting this town and relaxing in one of the spas.

If you like the sound of this break or want to find out about the short breaks Inntravel run then check out their website and discover the slow way of life.

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