The Wachau Valley is quite simply one of the world’s most beautiful locations. If you’ve been to Austria but never visited the Wachau, then what are you doing?! This part of the world is heaven for romantics, wine lovers, history buffs, hikers and bikers, and nature enthusiasts alike.From the Wachau’s larger towns which bookmark the start and end of the valley...
Having spent the last 12 winters in Austria, I reckon that December, January and February may just be the best months to visit the Austrian capital, assuming you don’t suffer from Raynaud’s syndrome, of course.I say this because Vienna is a city which thrives in the colder weather, from its Christmas markets, cozy cafes, its city ice rinks with pretty...
We’ve all stayed in those boring corporate business hotels before, with their beige walls, soulless corridors, and monotone staff. When I go on holiday somewhere I want the hotel I stay in to be part of the experience, and I expect it to have real character and authenticity.If you share this mindset, then welcome to my guide to the best boutique hotels in...
Vienna is blessed when it comes to art museums and galleries to visit, but, if like the Tortoise, you’re a bit of philistine when it comes to art, but you feel compelled to one day plug that gigantic chasm for high culture that exists in your life, then this guide is for you.I’m conscious not to give you museum fatigue on your precious city break, so...
Hmmm, a post about car rental in Austria…doesn’t sound much like slow travel to me? Well, despite Austria having a truly world-class public transport system, it is rather mountainous, so to reach some of those parts not served by its trains or buses, hiring a car is necessary – especially if you value having absolute freedom to explore off-the...
Having written a couple of posts about Austrian food, we now need something to wash it all down with. So, what better way to start than by introducing Austria’s most important Grüner Veltliner wine.In my sister company, Venture Vienna, I operate wine tours to some of Austria’s key wine producing regions and top wineries, so I’ve accumulated a whole...
As I continue in my vain attempt to lure people away from Austria’s ubiquitous Schnitzels, literally boring the vegetables off restaurant plates across the country, this one is definitely for the carnivores out there. Ladies & Gents, I introduce to you the Viennese ‘Stelze‘ (a pork knuckle to you and me).Yes, this is the long overdue follow up...
FOOD IN AUSTRIA - A Local's Guide to Avoiding Schnitzel The food in Austria isn’t the main reason why people come here. At the risk of being deported, compared with other national cuisines, Austrian food is really rather boring, samey, and extremely meat and potato dominant. Now to some, this may sound great, as it did to me when I first arrived here, but after...