Traveling across Europe this summer I learned so much! The moment you step in, you’re greeted with this enchanting vibe that’s a mix of its rich past and lively present. It’s got everything – from those crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean to the wine-filled stretches of Bordeaux. Yet, among its many jewels, for me Austria often shines the brightest, especially for those who seek a blend of urban sophistication and untouched natural beauty.
My journey begins in the heart of Vienna, a city that effortlessly marries its historic ambiance with modern vibrancy. From sipping coffee topped with whipped cream in iconic Viennese coffee houses to indulging in gourmet delights at Michelin-starred restaurants, Vienna promises an experience like no other. But Austria is not just about its capital. Beyond Vienna lies a countryside that beckons with its wine valleys, tranquil lakes, and the allure of timeless towns like Salzburg. Whether it’s the nostalgia of tracing the footsteps of ‘The Sound of Music’ or the tranquility of Lake Fuschl, Austria truly offers incredible experiences.
In this article, I’ll go over some of the best spots for amazing coffee and food, cool places to see and of course my love for nature. Come with me as I go from the busy roads of Vienna to the calm lakesides of Salzburg. Austria is truly one of my favorite countries to visit and soon you’ll know why!
Vienna: A Blend of Culture, Cuisine, and Coffee
Vienna, the capital, is a symphony of art, culture, and history. Its streets, alive with the echoes of the past, are juxtaposed with the modern hustle and bustle. Unlike many European cities that are overwhelmed with tourists in the summer, Vienna offered a serene experience, reminiscent of my tranquil visit to Lisbon.
One cannot speak of Vienna without mentioning its world-renowned coffee culture. Austria takes immense pride in its coffee culture, especially with its iconic Viennese Coffee Houses dotting every corner.
The Viennese Coffee Houses are not just places to drink coffee, they are institutions.
Their coffee is a delightful treat, generously topped with whipped cream and delicately adorned with dark cocoa, cinnamon, chocolate curls, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup- a treat for the senses!
Most famous is Cafe Central. If you’re on the hunt for an authentic and lavish experience, this beautiful establishment is a must-visit.
Another favorite of mine is the Gerstner cafe, a cherished and traditional spot in Vienna that’s both stylish and charming.
But Vienna is not just about coffee. The food in Vienna was just insanely delicious!
IL Melograno served the best Italian food I’ve ever tasted, the owner was a young Italian gentlemen from Puglia and even came out to talk to us, so much class and style. The burrata was exceptional, and the pasta, prepared with parmesan cheese, was out of this world — unlike anything I’ve encountered, even in Italy!
For those seeking traditional Austrian flavors, Plachutta Wollzeile is a must-visit, especially for its Tafelspitz beef soup! It was so delicious that I went there twice in 4 days.
Michelin Star Restaurant Experience
I always make it a point to dine at least once at a Michelin star restaurant in every city I visit (though not all of them live up to the hype). In Vienna, I was particularly impressed by Steirereck, which is not only graced with two Michelin stars but also ranks in the first half of S. Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Located in City Park, the experience at Steirereck was delightful from the outset. The stunning architecture of the restaurant, combined with its inherent elegance, truly stood out. Moreover, the white-gloved waiters serving refined and creative cuisine added a touch of awe to the entire dining experience.
Note: The guy who was cutting breads and cheeses on a table wasn’t that friendly or pleasant, but that didn’t spoil our evening (you just have to laugh off his ignorance).
I should also mention that I went to see an opera for the first time in my life! I had always wanted to experience an opera in Vienna, which is home to one of the world’s leading opera houses. I chose “Madam Butterfly”, one of the most enduring tales of unrequited love. It was very special!
Almanac Palais Vienna
My stay at the newly renovated boutique hotel (I prefer boutique hotels), Almanac Palais Vienna, added to the city’s charm. The hotel’s central location, super stylish interiors, spa, pool, and restaurant were top-notch!
If you’re in Vienna, put Hotel Satcher on your to-go list, not only is it beautiful but the the bar has the best cocktails and deserts!
Quick tip: For jet lag, make sure to use the sauna, everytime I arrive somewhere I always try to go into the steam room or dry sauna or plunge in the pool and then drink an espresso. I also take chewable jet lag pills.
Another essential visit is the Schönbrunn Palace!
The Austrian Countryside: Wines, Valleys, and Lakes
After leaving Vienna, I rented a car to explore further. My journey took me to the wine region of Wachau Valley and the quaint town of Durnstein.
One of the highlights was Josef Jamek, a beautiful and stylish restaurant right by the river. If you ever go, I’d recommend getting a table on their back terrace which overlooks the vineyards. The food there? Absolutely out of this world, featuring classic Austrian gourmet dishes made from local produce. If you’re looking to extend your visit, the place also offers accommodations. They have rooms and apartments, all designed with a stylish ambiance.
The wines, produced by the Jamek family, are truly exceptional. After this experience, I’ve become a huge fan of Austrian wines, their food, and of course the country itself.
My next stop was Salzburg. If you’re in the city, like mentioned earlier, I’d recommend staying at Hotel Satcher. Taking a walk around the old town is a must (where Mozart was born and lived), especially at night when it comes to life, buzzing with young people enjoying beers and dining on spacious restaurant patios.
The Danube River in wine country is also a sight to see!
The following day, I embarked on a private 5-hour tour centered around the famous movie, “The Sound of Music.”
This tour showcases where various scenes were shot and offers a fantastic way to appreciate Austria’s beautiful landscape, which served as a backdrop for many movie scenes.
After Salzburg, just a short 20-minute drive away, I visited Lake Fuschl. The Redbull headquarters are situated right by the lake, and it’s a truly stunning building to see.
Lake Fuschl stands out as one of the most breathtaking lakes in the area. During my visit, I had the pleasure of staying at the wellness resort, Ebner’s Waldhof am See Resort & Spa Hôtel, which also has a golf course and is situated right by the lake. The panoramic views from there are simply mesmerizing. They offered an all-inclusive meal plan covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And trust me when I say, the food was incredibly fresh and delectably delicious.
Incredible wine and views!
I managed to still stay on top of exercising- health is always a priority!
The resort’s spa was top-notch, featuring ten different types of saunas. It felt like my personal slice of heaven and I found myself spending 4-5 hours there daily.
I also played golf in Austria, I tried to play golf as much as I could in Europe. They have some great golf courses!
On another memorable day, we took a boat ride to explore the lake, eventually stopping on the other side. There, we indulged in a lunch that featured smoked local fish – the fresh catch of the day, complemented by some chilled beer at communal tables. I encountered numerous hikers there and like most of the people in Austria they were genuinely warm and friendly.
Conclusion
Austria, with its blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, was the perfect start to my European summer. From sipping on decadent coffees and indulging in gourmet delights at many the coffee houses of Vienna to the serene shores of Lake Fuschl, Austria left an indelible mark on my traveler’s heart!
Beyond the city limits, the Austrian countryside beckoned with its wine valleys, tranquil lakes, and timeless towns. Salzburg, with its youthful vibrancy and historical charm, was a delightful juxtaposition to Vienna. The melodies of ‘The Sound of Music’ seemed to echo in the air, adding a touch of nostalgia to the journey. And Lake Fuschl? It was a dream, the epitome of tranquility, a place where nature and luxury coalesced seamlessly.
But more than the places, it was the stories, the interactions, and the personal revelations that truly defined this trip. From the friendly faces in Vienna’s cafes to the hikers around Lake Fuschl, every individual that crossed my path added to the experience.
Looking back on my time in Austria, I’m really thankful. I’m thankful for all the things I did, what I learned, and the memories I made that I’ll always remember. Austria was truly special! As I move on to the next part of my travels, I carry with me the warmth, the flavors, and the melodies of a summer well spent in the heart of Europe.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of my Summer Trip to Europe – Next Stop Italy!
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