APRIL 2020
AUSTRIA ISSUE
EXPLORE OUTDOORS
Hike your way through
Salzburgerland
HIKING TRAILS & ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
EXPERIENCE THE TALLEST WATERFALL IN AUSTRIA
BRAVE THE HIKE UP TO CASTLE RIEGERSBURG
TAKE A PEACEFUL DRIVE DOWN THE ALPINE ROAD
DEPARTMENTS
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EDITOR'S LETTER: FIND ADVENTURE
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR BY: ABBY SCHEUERMAN
FEATURES
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BRAVE THE HIKE UP TO CASTLE RIEGERSBURG BY: KA R E N B R OW N
A Medieval adventure awaits atop this extinct volcano. Hike or take the lift up the hill to see a witch museum, climb across obstacles, and shoot bow and arrows at the new 3D outdoor course.
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IKUNA TIPIDORF
HIGHEST GLACIER
LODGING:
TRANSPORT:
A GLAMPING PARADISE
WILDSPITZBAHN CABLE CAR
BY: REED GARWOOD
BY: BRIDGET BORGOBELLO
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FIND ADVENTURE IN SALZBURGERLAND BY: M I C H A EL G RÖSS I N G ER
Where better could there be than in SalzburgerLand, surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain peaks, flower-filled pastures, crystal-clear lakes, and buzzing insects, to pursue this fun, relaxing and satisfying activity? In SalzburgerLand a wealth of wonderful hiking trails and themed paths are just waiting to cast their spell over walkers with the countless delights that can be encountered along the way. Whether you’re looking to explore Alpine pastures or take a guided hiking tour with or without your luggage, here are some suggestions for your walking break.
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EISRIESENWELT
SWEET AND SAVORY
ALPBACH
NATURAL WONDER:
FOODIE:
LAST STOP: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE
CAVE OF ICE GIANTS
TAFELSPITZ & GUGELHUPF
BY: DURANT IMBODEN
BY: BA R BA RA C AC AO
BY: MARIA THERESIEN
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EXPERIENCE THE TALLEST WATERFALL IN AUSTRIA BY: K LAUS EBNER
Enjoy a spectacular hike to Austria’s highest waterfalls. The three stages of the hike, starting in the village of Krimml, take you to ever more spectacular views of the falls and the surrounding countryside.
TAKE A PEACEFUL DRIVE DOWN THE ALPINE ROAD BY: C H R I STOPH BAU E R
With their countless hairpins, narrow tunnels carved into the rock and breathtaking views, Tirol’s high mountain roads offer visitors the chance to admire tin awe at this beautiful region from a whole new perspective.
THE 10 BEST PLACES TO UNWIND IN VIENNA BY: C A RLY H UL L S
With striking, stop-and-gawp architecture, steamy stress-repressing saunas and a near certified statute for sipping the hours away in a coffee house, grandiose Vienna is a city that exudes calm.
EDITOR IN CHIEF:
Abby Scheuerman ART DIRECTOR: Vicki Meloney
ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Mena Abdelsayed
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Emily Rudolph
PHOTOGRAPHER: Alex Guerra
ILLUSTRATOR: Megan Brady
OTHER CONTRIBUTERS: Emma Fries Karen Kresge Josh Miller Dannell MacIlwraith Ann Lemon TREK is published monthly by Hatton-Brown Publishers at 225 Hanrick St, Montgomery, AL 36104 Volume 6, Issue 4. Printed by Alabama Media Group, 18S Royal St, Mobile, AL 36602 ©Copyright 2018 TREK and the individual contributors
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AUSTRIA ISSUE
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR As the editor of Trek I am very excited about this issue due to my family’s rich history in Austria. Having grown up in the United States, it was interesting to finally learn about the country that started the frequent mispronunciation and misspelling of my last name over the course of my life. Shower-man, Shoe-er-man, Shev-er-man, I’ve heard it all. Despite its overuse of vowels, Austria is a magnificent country and it is my dream to visit there one day. Austria is not only home to some of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but also to many national parks and top-notch hiking routes for adventureseekers. In this issue of Trek, climb your way up to Reigersburg Castle to witness its grandeur, discover the most scenic and thrilling hiking routes in
Salsburgerland, or relax and enjoy the breathtaking view as you drive down the Alpine road. Also featured in this issue: Tipi glamping, the highest cable car in Austria, the breathtaking Eisriesenwelt
Ice Cave, and not to mention to-die-for Austrian food. You can also expect to find tips and how-tos along the way as well as testimonials from outdoor lovers like you. I hope that you enjoy
“Shower-man, Shoe-erman, Shev-er-man, I’ve heard it all.” immersing yourself in the culture and beauty of this wonderful country just as much as I did. Safe travels,
Abby Scheuerman Editor in Chief
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IKUNA
T I P I PA R A D I S E ARTICLE BY: REED GARWOOD, PHOTOS BY: SUSAN CZERNY Campfire under the starry sky, luxurious tepees and pure nature—indulge yourself with some unforgettable days in Austria and experience the Native American culture in a modern way! We have ten tepees, each one unique, each one designated to one tribe of the Plains Culture.
Welcome to the Inspiring Family and Seminar Resort
BEDROOM IN ONE OF THE TIPIS
The IKUNA Naturresort, one of Europe’s most unique holiday, team-building and excursion destinations, stretches over 120,000 m² between the Danube and the Inn, nestling harmoniously in a vast hilly landscape. In addition to a 4-star tepee hotel and a modern nature adventure park with over 50 cool play stations and a magnificent animal kingdom, the nature resort combines a smart seminar box and a wonderful organic certified restaurant, complemented by many art scenes and a MYSTIC BOX with a celebs exhibition. IKUNA is according to the meaning - inspiration, art and nature , a unique nature resort which wants to bring the people with special offers closer to nature.
“IKUNA means inspiration, art and nature.” Art and Culture
BEDROOM/ KITCHEN
On October 14, 2017, the free Plant-for-thePlanet Academy took place in the IKUNA Naturresort. Children from grade 3 to grade 7 dealt with the causes and consequences of the climate crisis and were trained as ambassadors for climate justice. The highlight of the event was a planting campaign in which the participants planted trees themselves under the guidance of a specialist. The goal was and is to raise awareness of the climate crisis and to bring climate protection ideas to the world in a very personal way.
Scheuerman Illustration By Abby
STAIRCASE INTO THE UPPER LEVEL
Every year in the autumn, IKUNA becomes the venue for a few days’ work over the shoulder of a group of artists at work. The resulting works are subsequently issued as loans for one year in the Naturresort and can also be purchased. Accompanying this will be an illustrated book with a photo documentation of the symposium.
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TAKE A RIDE ON AUSTRIA’S HIGHEST GLACIER WILDSPITZBAHN CABLE CAR
ARTICLE BY: BRIDGET BORGOBELLO, PHOTOS BY: MICHAEL HANNIGAN Perched atop of the Pitzal Glacier at an altitude of 3440 meters (11,286 ft.), the spectacular Wildspitzbahn became Austria’s highest coffee destination when it opened its doors late last year. The visitor center designed by Austrian architectural firm Baumschlager Hutter features a free-suspension outdoor terrace to make the most of the breathtaking views across the surrounding Alps and is accessible by a new 61-gondola mono-cable ropeway.
ndolas o g 1 6 e h T “ 5 visitors 8 1 2 t r o p s tran istance d a r e v o r per hou d altitude n a s e l i m of 1.24 nly five o n i t f 8 6 of 19 onds.” c e s 0 4 d n minutes a
an cheuerm y Abby S B n o ti ra Illust
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Building
Capabilities
Building atop of one of Europe’s most impressive alpine landscapes is always going to be challenging. Approximately ₏20 million (US$26.75 million) went into the 18 month-long project that saw workers facing icy and unpredictable weather conditions. Heavy steel and construction materials transporting had to be helicoptered to a base site before being brought to the summit via a cable pulley.
The 61 working gondolas transport a staggering 2185 visitors per hour over a distance of 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) and altitude of 600 meters (1968 ft) in only five minutes and 40 seconds. The 8-person gondolas also feature heated seating and enough space for users to carry their skis and snowboards with them, making getting in and out significantly easier.
HEATED SEATS Each gondola has heated seating and enough room for your skiis and boards
THE LOOKOUT ON TOP OF PITZAL GLACIER.
During the long winter season which extends from September to May, the Pitztal Glacier offers a total of 68 kilometers (42.25 miles) of impressive natural snow slopes, ranging between altitudes from 1,700 meters (5,577ft) to 3,440 meters (11,286ft).
COFFEE SHOP Warm up with your favorite espresso in the coffee shop
PHOTO WORTHY Take Instagram worthy photos as you pose by the unforgettable snowy scenery
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Illustrations By: Andy Potts
Find Adventure in
Salzburgerlan D HIKING TRAILS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
by: Michael Grössinger
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witch off, clear your head and leave the everyday behind you in the valley. Step by step you’ll start to feel lighter, breathe deeper and come a little closer to yourself. Hiking is a fantastic way to put things into perspective and to build up your fitness and strength. Where better could there be than in SalzburgerLand, surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain peaks, flower-filled pastures, crystal-clear lakes, the gentle chorus of ringing cowbells, chirping birds and buzzing insects, to pursue this fun, relaxing and satisfying activity? In SalzburgerLand a wealth of wonderful hiking trails and themed paths are just waiting to cast their spell over walkers with the countless delights that can be encountered along the way. Whether you’re looking to explore Alpine pastures or take a guided hiking tour with or without your luggage, here are some suggestions for your walking break.
Fuschlam See
Via Alpina
Start this 4-day walk in Fuschl am See. From there you go through the Ellmau Valley to Zwölferhorn Mountain in St. Gilgen am Wolfgangsee, further over the Falkenstein into the picturesque St. Wolfgang and up to the Schafberg summit with its panoramic view over the entire Salzkammergut region. You then take the Lake Wolfgangsee ferry boat to the cliffs in Fürberg and then over the Almkogel over to Lake Mondsee. You countinue over the Schober mountain, past the Wartenfels ruins, before arriving back in Fuschlsee, where you have earnt your hearty meal on one of the most beautiful lake terraces.
This trail, also known as the queen of hiking trails of the Alps, continues over 5,000 km from Triest around the Alps, into the French coast and Monaco. Walkers who have covered the entire way report that the SalzburgerLand leg of the tour is one of the most beautiful. In four day stages from Bischonhofen it wends its way along to Maria Alm or Saalfelden. What was first an Alpine walk soon turns into an impressive panoramic path along the Hochkönig massif with all its rustic huts, deep ravines and thundering waterfalls. You should absolutely use the opportunity to sample the regional delicacies along the way.
Make sure to take the Lake Wolfgangsee ferry Call +43 6138 2232 to book
Visit the romantic Golling Falls Open from May 1st - 31st 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Königsweg
On this walk from Alpine hut to Alpine hut you will have the continuous impressive panoramic view of the legendary and majestic Hochkönig massif in front of you. It’s not only this imposing mountain range, but all areas you pass are a true delight of this tour. Mühlbach, a former mine village, has countless treasures in its rocks, Dienten of the countless fables, and Maria Alm as a place of pilgrimage with the highest church tower of the region. Scaling the peaks of the Hundstein, Schneeberg and Klingspitz mountains are real climaxes of this tour. Spend the night at a rustic hut along your journey Find the perfect one at: www.hochkoenig.at
Gorge Route
Hohenweg
Six stages, a total of 100.97 km and a 5-night stay are the highlights of the Gorge Route in Saalachtal. Along the way you are bound, at times, to stand still entranced and marvelling at the strength and wild beauty of the gorges in contrast with the peace and quiet of the Alpine pastures. At the foot of the Lofer and Leogang stone mountain ranges and at the outlets of the Steinernes Meer, nature has created bizarrely formed cliff faces, raging waterfalls and one of the biggest aquiferous caves in Europe. A particular highlight is the VorderkaserKlamm Gorge between St. Martin and Weissbach.
In five days you will walk along one of the most beautiful ridge paths of the region and over alpine pastures and peaks. A few climbs can be somewhat demanding, but the panoramic views of the imposing peaks of the Hohe Tauern National Park more than make up for this. You take the route into Leogang and over the Schwarzleotal valley and Spielbergtörl to Hinterglemm and finally to Saalbach. At the end you can enjoy the Alpine Rose path in Viehofen and if you’re an adrenaline junkie, take a delightfully hair-raising ride on the Biberg summer toboggan down to Saalfelden.
VorderkaserKlamm Gorge is Open May – October from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Zip down 345 meters, 61 thrilling curves and 3 super jumps on the Biberg summer toboggan
Family Hiking The very best in family hiking awaits on 6 days of walking and 7 nights of accommodation. You can tailor your own itinerary taking the stamina, age and fitness levels of family members into account, take the Gorge Route and discover the 3 themed paths in Saalachtal which keep visitors entertained with their interactive stations, exhibitions and sensory stations. You’re bound to count the Orchid experience path through the Vorderkaserklamm gorge and the history discovery path in Unken amongst the highlights of the trip. Find your luggage waiting for you at your night's accomodation when you book a family hut.
BRAVE THE HIKE UP TO
Castle Riegersburg WRITTEN AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BROWN
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he beginnings of Riegersburg Castle started in 1122 when a knight built a small keep on top of the dormant volcano. This picturesque and defensively sound structure was built upon and rebuilt over the centuries by a succession of royals and wealthy families, but it was not until the Baroness Katharina Elisabeth von Wechsler took control of the estate in the 17th century that the castle gained its current identity.
The baroness was known across the Styrian region as a strong-willed woman in the male-dominated society who would go to extraordinary lengths to protect her legacy and her castle. During her residence,
the estate saw a very large expansion into its current opulent state, with 108 rooms, five gates, and elaborate ornamentation. Unfortunately von Wechsler’s lavish lifestyle was sadly mirrored by the fate of one of her handmaidens. Katharina Paldauff, who came to be known as the "Flower Witch,” was unfortunately a victim of the Styrian witch hunts that took place from 1673-1675. Accused of “bad weather sorcery,” the woman was killed, displaying the continued persecution of the medieval times. The castle stayed with the baroness’ family through the centuries and both she and her murdered servant are honored by a pair of museums on the estate, one honoring the famous women of the region and the other exploring the history of witchcraft. Castle Riegersburg was first documented in 1138. Its exact age is a mystery. However, there is proof that it was once known to be "impregnable" or the "strongest fortress in the Christian world." Guests are now very welcome on the once "impregnable" site. Connoisseurs and relaxed visitors ascend using the glass inclined lift to get to the castle grounds. Those who prefer a bit of exercise and the authentic feel of yesteryear, start their walk from the parish church at the centre of Riegersburg and pass seven castle gates on their stroll.
Medieval Activities Illustration By: Abby Scheuerman
An impressive landmark of Eastern Styria, this monumental fortress towers atop a volcanic rock. The oldest castle complex was built here around 1100 A.D. Defence walls extending more than 3 kilometers, 11 bastions and 7 gate houses surround the 15 hectares on the large rocky plateau, rendering the citadel impregnable. It has been privately owned by the Liechtensteins since 1822. Today, 2 exhibitions are housed in 108 rooms of the fortress: The entire first floor, incl. the state rooms, is devoted to the 900 year old history of the princely Liechtenstein
"The baroness was known as a strong-willed woman in the maledominated society who would go to extraordinary lengths to protect her legacy and her castle." family, whereas the basement is home to the continuation of the famous 1987 Styrian Provincial Exhibition “Witches and Wizards.” When you reach Riegersburg you will see high above the town, to the right of the road, the sensational Castle. Park your car at one of the designated parking places and walk up the path to the castle It is at least a half-hour’s hike. But if you are not in a hurry, the walk is part of the fun.
Archery Course
Experience the new 3D archery course with 28 new SRT animals on a mystical hiking trail of 2.5 km off the beaten track.
"The castle hill is a fortress and the way up to the stronghold leads through a total of 7 gates." The Hexenmuseum:
The Burgweg:
Climbing Experiences: Thrill for Everyone
The witches museum goes back to the Styrian national exhibition "witches and magicians" in 1987. The topic was well chosen and the relation to the Riegersburg certainly exists. In the years 1673 - 1675, the district court of Feldbach had witnessed the biggest witch trial in Styria, and Katharina Paldauf, the castle keeper's wife of the Riegersburg, who became known as the "flower witch", was among the approximately 95 men and women who were accused of witchcraft.
Walking time directly from the village center to the castle up to 20 minutes, from the valley station about 40 minutes. The castle hill is a fortress and the way up to the stronghold leads through a total of 7 gates. 5 of them are massive gate structures that could be closed in the event of a threat. The good feeling of being out in nature, the magnificent views, the opportunity to rest on one of the many benches set up and simply enjoy the day.
When you talk about climbing in Riegersburg, a wide range of possibilities opens up. On the one hand there is the classic high ropes course, especially suitable for groups and teams. High ropes course experiences promote appreciative communication and group cohesion.
A REINACTMENT IN THE WITCH MUSEUM
A GARDEN YOU MAY SEE ON YOUR WALK
Explore Your Dark Side
King of the Skies
See in our flight demonstration the special, birds of prey perform flight maneuvers that you had previously thought impossible.
More Than Just a Climb
Black Smith
As in ancient times, iron is forged by pure muscle power in the fire. Every visitor can lend a hand and create their own individual memory.
There are also four via ferratas with a total length of over 700 meters. The Heinrich-Klettersteig, the Jungfernsteig and the Rittersteig as a climbing route for our youngest climbers.
CLIMBERS ENJOYING THE VIEW
Adventure Tour
A sensational special program lead by GĂźnther Maierhofer that guides its guests through all parts of the once "strongest fortress of Christendom."
Cave Walls The walls of the cave can get up to 35 feet thick and the tunnels extend 26 miles.
Stalactites Tapering structures that hang like an icicle from the roof of the cave, formed from calcium salts deposited by dripping water.
Blue Ice Occurs when snow falls on a glacier, is compressed, and becomes part of the glacier. Air bubbles are squeezed out and ice crystals enlarge, making the ice appear blue.
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EISRIESENWELT WO R L D O F I C E G I A N T S
ARTICLE BY: DURANT IMBODEN, PHOTO BY: DAVID LIN The Eisriesenwelt is a vast underground series of caves with some 42 km (26 miles) of tunnels and chambers. The caverns near the entrance are lined with ice that reaches a thickness of 20 meters (65 feet). Smooth walls, stalactites, stalagmites, domes, frozen waterfalls, and other ice formations have shaped a crystalline world that deserves a 5-star rating on any list of natural tourist attractions.
Frozen Waterfalls
Formed by loose, randomlyoriented ice crystals shaped like tiny needles cluster together and adhere to nearby surfaces and grow downwards, creating the waterfall.
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ALPBACH:
OUTDOOR FUN IN EVERY SEASON BY: MARIA THERESIEN, PHOTOS BY: JASON MEAD Alpbach occupies a beautiful location on a sunny plateau at approx. 1.000m above sea level. Thanks to its homogeneous architectural style and lovely floral decorations Alpbach was voted “Austria’s most beautiful village”.
Summer
Hiking: Shortly before arriving in Alpbach you reach
the Wiedersbergerhornbahn, a 6-seater gondola taking hikers up to approx. 1.900 m at the foot of the Wiedersbergerhorn peak. It has an array of fun things for children to do such as giant slides, tunnels for crawling through, a water wheel, a pond and plenty more is right next to the top station.
Ice Skating: Try out various turns, brake and see the
ice spraying, skate backwards, perform figure 8s, or who knows how to do a camel spin? Depends on temperatures and thickness of ice. Lake Reintal in Kramsach becomes a perfect setting for ice skating.
Rattenberger Advent: On the four Advent Saturdays
listen to traditional music, and storytelling. On the four Advent Saturdays Rattenberg is illuminated solely by candle light, torchlight and open fires.
Illustration By Abby Scheuerman
tranquility is the idyllic Lake Berglstein – hidden between Kramsach and Breitenbach. A cosy inn with beautiful Summer terrace offers culinary delights on the lakes shore.
AUSTRIA ISSUE
Winter
children’s packages, childcare, children’s ski schools up to the best and most suited ski slopes for children.
Lakes: A secret tip for anyone in search of
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Farmhouses situated in the midst of the Kramsach Lake Plateau waits to be discovered on a leisurely walk. Thanks to its exceptional setting a visit to this open air museum is an outdoor adventure and a refreshing outing for the whole family. 14 farms and 23 outbuildings bear witness to past days in the various Tyrolean valleys.
Skiing: Everything from special family ski pass tariffs,
“A visit to this open air museum is an outdoor adventure and a refreshing outing for the whole family. “
FLOWERS ADORN THE HOUSES IN THE SUMMER
History: The Museum of Tyrolean
SLEDDING IS A POPULAR ACTIVITY FOR FAMILIES
FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY