Austria. Media News.

Dear friends of Austria and fellow travelers,

There is no better reason to travel than to create lasting memories with people who are important to you. As Valentine’s Day is drawing near, we thought we’d use the occasion to introduce you to one of the most romantic locations in Austria. We’ll also take you on a tour of the best sweet treats the country’s famous coffee houses and bakeries have to offer.

With warmest regards,
Sigrid Pichler

Manager of Public Relations
Austrian Tourist Office New York City
sigrid.pichler@austria.info
tel 212 575 7723 x 119

www.austria.info 

    

Austria is lucky to have many regions that are perfect for romantic getaways. From the Wachau Valley with its vineyards and villages to the rugged romanticism of the high Alps, there is no shortage of appealing destinations. But perhaps there is a special case to be made for the Salzburg Lake District. Not only does this region have everything you can possibly ask for to make a trip unforgettable, it also has a truly romantic history which you can still trace today.

It was here in the Salzkammergut that one of Austria's most iconic historic figures, Emperor Franz Joseph first met his future wife, Elisabeth, and fell head over heels in love with her, even though he was supposed to marry her older sister Helene (classic soap material of the mid 19th century!). It was this region and its association with the imperial society that inspired many of Austria’s most beloved operettas like "Im Weißen Rößl", and it was the natural beauty of the Salzkammergut that attracted landscape painters and artists such as Gustav Klimt.

The special allure of the region has not abated in the years since. Picture a region with snow-capped mountains and crystal clear lakes, charming villages nestled between Alpine meadows and a cultural landscape that combines 5000 years of history and cutting edge art and music festivals. And there is no shortage of memorable experiences that will make your trip unforgettable: A boat ride on Lake Hallstatt in one of the traditional wooden boats? A sunrise walk around Lake Wolfgangsee, or a romantic dinner at one of the numerous gourmet restaurants in the area?

If you are wondering where to stay, the iconic Romantik Hotel im Weissen Rössl, directly on the banks of the Wolfgangsee is a perfect choice with its excellent spa, floating jacuzzi and gourmet restaurant and a 500-year history.

    

The saying “Liebe geht durch den Magen” is the German equivalent of the old adage that the fastest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. If that is true, sweet treats must be especially efficient. Which might be one of the reasons why Austrians are so fond of their pastries that many local coffee houses and bakeries have a signature cake or dessert that is famous all over the country. Let’s embark on a little tour of Austria’s most beloved “Mehlspeisen:”

Vienna’s Coffee House culture is of course, second to none. From here, the legendary Cafe Sacher has built a veritable coffee-house empire with locations in most major Austrian cities, delighting residents with chocolatey treats such as the Original Sacher-Torte. Served with a generous helping of whipped cream, this is perhaps Austria’s most famous chocolate cake: the story of its invention is legendary and its exact recipe a closely guarded secret. If you are lucky enough, you can enjoy the luxurious atmosphere at one of the Sacher Cafes along with your cake, but you don’t have to travel to enjoy the sweet treat: It is also available to order online.

One of Austria's most iconic coffee houses is located in the Salzburg Lake District, in the town of Bad Ischl. The Cafe Konditorei Zauner was founded in 1832, catered to the imperial court when the Emperor was in town for the summer - remember the one who was supposed to marry the "other sister"..? It is still a beloved meeting place and social hub today. Its historic interior is as lovely as its chocolates and dessert creations. As with the Cafe Sacher, some of its most famous products, such as the Zaunerstollen - a cake made of nougat, wafers, chocolate and other ingredients - can be ordered online.

Cafe-Konditorei Fürst in Salzburg City is famous for its Mozartkugeln: made from marzipan and pistachio surrounded by nougat and dark chocolate, these sweet treats are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and can be ordered online as well.

Even far from Vienna, in Austria’s easternmost province, Vorarlberg, you’ll find a wealth of coffee shops and patisseries. Among them is the family owned Cafe Konditorei Götze in Bregenz. The smallest coffee house in Bregenz has been in the same family for four generations, and it is famous for its chocolates, cakes and other home-made treats, for which it has won accolades from Falstaff and the Gault Millau guides.

Last but not least, the chocolate factory of Joseph Zotter in Styria has a lovely assortment of Valentine’s Day chocolates available to order online. Best of all, they are sustainably made, fairy trade and organic. If you are ever in the region, Zotter is definitely worth a day-trip, with an Edible Zoo which focuses on how food is made and a Chocolate Theater providing a one-of-a-kind chocolate experience.