Hotel Ebner’s Waldhof am See

Home at last: Take a well-deserved break in the Austrian Alps

TEXT: SONJA IRANI | PHOTOS © HOTEL EBNER’S WALDHOF AM SEE

Whether you are looking for a romantic couple’s getaway, a relaxing wellness break, an action-packed adventure trip or a fun-filled holiday for the whole family: Hotel Ebner’s Waldhof am See has it all. Located just 22 kilometres from the city of Salzburg in Austria’s stunning Salzkammergut region, the hotel offers a broad range of nature, wellness and sports activities. Thus, you can be sure to find something for everyone all year round.

Originally founded in 1958 as a small bed and breakfast, the family-run hotel has expanded massively during the last 40 years. Nowadays, the superior four-star hotel on the shores of Lake Fuschl offers the biggest private spa in the Salzkammergut region, a wide range of summer and winter activities, a nine-hole golf course, high-quality restaurants with traditional food from the region, an indoor gym and a huge adventure playground for the little ones. But this is not all. “There is so much to do here that many of our guests return for another holiday,” says CEO Daniela Kari, responsible for marketing and finance within the family business. “Our guests’ constant positive feedback and the fact that we still manage to surprise them is our biggest motivator.”

Summer: A beach holiday with a difference

“In the summertime, many of our guests explore the crystal-clear Lake Fuschl, which is located just a few steps from the hotel,” explains Kari. Activities include taking a boat trip on a traditional wooden passenger boat, rowing a boat yourself, kayaking, cycling, walking, hiking or simply relaxing at the hotel’s private Lakeside beach garden.

“The region also has a longstanding reputation as a fantastic hiking area, which is best discovered with one of the regular hiking tours led by our fitness coach Conny,” adds the hotel manager. Along the way, you can rest at one of the many charming mountain hut restaurants, including the hotel’s own Waldhof Alm, and try some traditional Salzkammergut food.

Indoor pool.

Winter, or WWW: Waldhof’s Winter Wonderland

“Our winter activities include skiing, snow-shoe walks, curling, ice yachting, snow-tubing, snow-biking, ice skating, tobogganing, the new trend sport Nordic Cruising or horse-drawn sleigh rides,” says Kari. “So whether you’re after action or relaxation, there is something for everyone.”

After an active day in the snow, there is no better way to relax than in the hotel’s spacious and luxurious wellness area. With over 4,000 square metres of leisure and wellness facilities, the largest private spa in the Salzkammergut features a Water World, a Sauna World and the Waldhof Spa. Plus, the hotel offers a wide range of wellness treatments and serves particularly well-balanced meals made from local products and home-grown herbs in the Gütl Restaurant.

Where golfer dreams come true

Just a few steps from the hotel, you will find the hotel’s private nine-hole golf course for guests. “Whether you are a complete novice or simply want to improve your game, the Waldhof Golf School with its professional golf trainer Willi Marbler will help you find your swing and improve your game,” says Kari. “From the beginning of the golf season to the end of October, we offer introductory golf lessons for beginners and special training session to improve your handicap. Plus, in close proximity to the hotel you have a choice of 15 other golf courses.”

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a famous film location

Thanks to the hotel’s proximity to Salzburg and the rich cultural heritage of the region, culture lovers will be spoilt for choice, too. Mozart´s hometown and UNESCO World Heritage Site Salzburg is always worth a visit, especially during the annual Salzburg Festival in the summer. Furthermore, fans of the musical film The Sound of Music will recognise many of the beautiful backdrops, which are best to be explored on the dedicated film location tour that runs all year round starting in Salzburg.

With so much to choose from already, what more is on the hotel’s agenda for 2017? “Like every year, it is our goal to help our guests have the most special time of their year,” says Kari. “That’s why we are constantly improving our services and facilities as far as both range and quality are concerned. Guests should be able to relax and unwind and yet be active. But above all, they should feel at ease here, just like they are ‘home at last’.”

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