From bird watching to hot air ballooning, these trends open up new vistas. PLUS: the best hotels for a break in the airy heights.
The best way to explore the beauty of the local mountains is from above, no question about it. Indeed, there is nothing more exciting than climbing the clouds and discovering the fascination of the local mountains from this exciting perspective.
Neben den positiven Auswirkungen der Bergluft auf die Gesundheit gibt es auch facettenreiche „Luftsportarten“. Der Klassiker ist das Fliegen, egal, ob mit dem Segelflieger, Paragleiter oder dem Ballon. Während das Paragleiten waghalsigen und mutigen Gästen vorbehalten sein sollte, wird beim Ballonfliegen (eigentlich sollte man ja von „Fahren“ sprechen) weitaus weniger Adrenalin freigesetzt. Ballonfahrten werden im Alpenraum unzählige angeboten – von der kurzen Fahrt bis zur Alpenüberquerung, egal ob über den Bergen oder Städten. Auch zu allen Tages- und Jahreszeiten sind Ballonfahrten möglich, stabiles Wetter vorausgesetzt.
CLIMBING IS THE TREND
Climbing and bouldering are also high up in the air. These sports have long since ceased to be marginal, as can be seen from the numerous climbing gyms sprouting up like mushrooms in urban areas. Climbing is therefore very much in vogue. Decades ago, this sport was indeed reserved for daredevils and individualists, but now more and more people are venturing into these effective sports. Via ferrata routes are also popular: year after year, new step clamps are hammered into the rocks and steel ropes are attached in various destinations. The desire for direct mountain sports continues to grow. Especially for guests who dare to try climbing for the first time, the company of a competent guide is highly recommended. With expert supervision by a certified mountain guide, nothing can stand in the way of such an adventure.
High up and over crystal-clear lakes or snow-covered peaks with one of the new "EDELWEISS Experiences": From the reopening of the resort, guests of the hotel have the opportunity to discover the impressive natural landscapes around the exclusive hotel from a new perspective. Thanks to the cooperation with Senn Air, you can conveniently book a breathtaking helicopter flight at the hotel. But even apart from this offer, The "EDELWEISS Mountain Resort", situated at the foot of the mountain world of the Grossarl Valley, is the ideal retreat for active people, those seeking relaxation and connoisseurs. The credo of the Hettegger host family, the third generation to run the luxurious resort, is clear: "The future of hospitality has deep roots." From vision to reality, from hotel to resort: since 2019, guests can expect a modern new building with spacious suites in alpine style as well as the 7000 square meter (!) "EDELWEISS Mountain Spa" including an indoor aqua park, two outdoor pools, various saunas and separate areas for families and adults. The "EDELWEISS Mountain Resort" is also top in culinary matters: The hood kitchen focuses on the use of local ingredients. Further culinary highlights are promised by the "Marktplatz", the fine dining restaurant and the new steak restaurant "Sirloin". Wine connoisseurs will get their money's worth in the wine bar "Kork & Gloria". As a culinary highlight, a wide variety of sushi variations are now also offered there. Tip: The partner company HLK offers a luxurious
Arrival by limousine. Double room from € 180,- including "Genuss-Kulinarik".
Edelweiss Mountain Resort*****
Unterbergstraße 65, 5611 Großarl, Austria
T: +43 6414 3000
edelweiss-grossarl.com
In einer ruhigen, unverbauten Lage in Schenna, eingebettet in eine malerische Landschaft mit sanften Hügeln, findet sich das Hotel Lagrein. Der Name ist eine Hommage an die gleichnamige rote Rebsorte, die am Standort des Hotels zuvor angebaut wurde. Im Gartenparadies mit beeindruckender Flora lässt sich sehr schnell ein präferiertes Genussplätzchen finden – im Panoramapool, der „Lagrein-Laube“, der Himmelsschaukel, der Chillzone am Kakibaum oder im extravaganten Daybed – die atemberaubende Landschaft des Etschtals stets im Blick. Empfehlenswert ist auch ein Frühstück auf der Panoramaterrasse. Die Zimmer des Hauses wurden neu renoviert. Das Meraner Land ist bekannt für seine vielen Möglichkeiten, actionreiche Tage zu erleben. Paragleiten kann u. a. im Hotel organisiert werden. Als Partnerhotel vom Golfclub Lana genießen Gäste auch Sonderkonditionen am Grün. DZ ab € 132,– mit Frühstück.
Hotel Lagrein****
Via Schenna 54, 39017 Schenna, Italy
T: +39 0473 945781
hotellagrein.com
High altitude air: Ideal for allergy sufferers
No pollen and dust mites: the fresh, clear air at alpine altitudes creates perfect conditions for allergy sufferers.
Cool high ropes courses
Thrills are simply part and parcel of Tyrolean high ropes courses. Here in the west of Austria, there is a wide selection for all levels of ability as well as all preferences in almost all summer tourism destinations. tirol.at
Better sleep
Studies prove it: the quality of sleep increases after physical activity at high altitudes in the Alps.
Apps that can be very helpful ...
Das Wetter sollte bei einer Reise in die Berge immer im Auge behalten werden, denn es kann in großen Höhen sehr schnell umschlagen. Das hat leider oft dramatische Folgen. Empfohlen sind also Apps, mit denen das Wettergeschehen stets aktuell verfolgt werden kann. Einige Tipps sind: Bergfex, Wetter Online, Meteoblue oder Regenradar. Auch gut: Immer die Einheimischen fragen – diese kennen ihre Umgebung und wissen meist schon aus dem Bauch heraus, wann ein Abstieg klüger als ein Aufstieg ist.
Birdwatching - the new trend
The meditative outdoor hobby of birdwatching does not only fascinate ornithologists. A predestined area for this and not for nothing very popular with the international birdwatching scene is the natural area of Lake Neusiedl. The 180 km² steppe lake, its reed belt and the lakes in the region are breeding grounds, resting places and also retreats for more than 300 bird species. Birds of prey, such as golden eagles and bearded vultures, can be explored in the Hohe Tauern National Park.
neusiedlersee.com, hohetauern.at
GOOD TO KNOW
14.3 kilogram
At rest, we inhale and exhale 0.5 litres of air per breath, or about ten cubic metres per day, which is equivalent to 14.3 kilos.
The air is getting thin
From 3000 m the air becomes already noticeably thinner, above 8000 m only 32 % of the oxygen content is available.
The shortest route
The flight from Altenrhein on Lake Constance to Friedrichshafen is the shortest scheduled international flight in the world.
The first fliers ...
... were balloonists: 1783 saw the premiere over Versailles.
