‘Best of’ Upper Austria – gracefully into the future

An eclectic one, this province is. And that, for visitors to Upper Austria, is a very good thing indeed.

From its capital city Linz with an arts scene bursting at its cultural seams, to the Danube asserting its place as Europe’s second longest river; the tranquility of pristine national park scenery, to historic towns full of character; the modern exploration of natural sciences to a loyal following of traditional well-being therapies. What’s your pleasure? On this ‘best of’ experience you are invited to make your own Upper Austria discoveries with a choice between three different itineraries.

With an E-Bike to help you on your way, you’ll tour along Lake Hallstatt from the pretty village of Obertraun through the Bad Goisern valley where the Goiserer boots were invented to the Agatha Wirt Hotel, a 16th century storied inn that’s been featured in literature and works by renowned painters, such as Gustav Klimt, and has even hosted royalty. Then, pay a visit to the spirited town of Gmunden, best known for its ceramics and its unique ‘lake castle’, Schloss Ort.

Now the hard part – for your day two adventures it’s all up to you. Option 1 will get you moving, but don’t worry it’s all gentle recreation as you E-Bike along the Danube, hike up a sloping trail to a great view, enjoy a river boat lunch and finally take a segway tour through Linz’s old town en route to the newly completed Linz opera house.

Inquisitive minds may lean toward Option 2 which takes you to Wels, home to Austria’s largest science centre, with interactive exhibits on renewable energy covering some 32,000 square feet. Then, re-energise your own reserves with Iunch at a mountain hut followed by a leisurely hike in Kalkalpen National Park, with the biggest uninterrupted forest to be found throughout any of the national parks in Austria.

Option 3 lets you put your feet up a bit. Either on horseback or by horse-drawn carriage, you’ll discover the Mühlviertler Alm holiday region on your way to the imposing castle ruins at Ruttenstein, one of the most picturesque settings of any historical castles in Austria. In the afternoon, after an outdoor barbeque, you will be introduced to the main ideas and principles of the inspirational art of healing of the Traditional European Medicine (TEM) and be able to personally experience some of its applications at the 1st Centre for Traditional European Medicine in Bad Kreuzen.

Whichever option you choose or whether you decide to experience all three, the diversity of Upper Austria will provide plenty of impressions to take home.






original on treasures.austria.info