Ebners-Waldhof: The Austrian Lake Fuschl has something to offer for everyone

The summer is not yet over, but you may already be thinking where to travel in autumn. The Austrian mountains are a great destination for everyone enjoying hiking or mountain biking, but also for those searching a calm place to relax from a busy life. Ebner’s Waldhof am See not only lies directly at Lake Fuschl’s shore, but also has its own golf course, a huge wellness world and a family-friendly atmosphere.

When people think about autumn they often imagine dark, deep hanging clouds, raindrops blown onto their cold faces, wet and uncomfortable weather, days better spent at home. But autumn can be quite beautiful, especially the early days in September or October, when leaves turn into bright colours and the landscape looks like a golden painting. But above else, it is a great time for outdoor activities while the weather is still warm enough but not as hot as in summer.

A great holiday destination in autumn is Lake Fuschl, one of Austria’s most beautiful lakes, with its emerald green surface surrounded by mountains and soft green meadows. “The region around the lake is very attractive – no matter how good the weather is,” says Dani Kari-Ebner, managing director at the Ebner’s Waldhof am See hotel that lies directly at the lake’s shore. The four-star superior hotel had started out as small bed and breakfast in the 1950s, founded by Elmtrude und Georg Ebner, but over the years has constantly grown. Today it is still family led and consists of three hotel complexes, three restaurants – one about 15 minutes away is a typical alpine cabin – and a large wellness and pool area.

Waldhof Spa.

Fuschl am See lies not only at Salzburg’s doorstep, but also offers a huge amount of possibilities for those who love outdoor sports. Lake Fuschl for example is quite small, 4.1 kilometres long and 0.9 kilometres wide, and is surrounded by a path that is not too steep but in a beautiful landscape. The lake itself is famous for its clear water; the underwater visibility can be as much as six metres.

The mountain area, the famous Salzkammergut, is perfect for hiking and exploring the alpine landscape in all its glory. But this is not the only possible outdoor activity: “For golfers or those who want to become one, we not only have a nine-hole golf course but also a golf academy where people can learn how to golf or improve their skills,” says Dani Kari-Ebner. 20 top golf courses can be found in the surrounding area.

If indeed a day is cold and rainy, guests can still enjoy their time in one of the region’s biggest hotel spas. Ebner’s Waldhof am See has a large indoor pool with a wild water stream, a waterfall, underwater jets and a relaxing whirlpool area, with underwater seats and a water temperature of 32 degrees throughout the year. Additionally, the hotel has a new outdoor sports pool with rather stunning views on the lake. The wellness area provides a traditional Finnish sauna, a sanarium, an infrared cabin sauna and a saline steam bath.

Archery.

But while there are many possible outdoor and indoor activities and splendid tourist destinations to visit, there is no obligation to do so. One can also quite simply relax in the hotel and enjoy a time of quiet comfort. “In combination with our outstanding cuisine, the hotel leaves no holiday dream unfulfilled,” says Kari-Ebner. The main house restaurant led by Alexander Ebner focuses on traditional Austrian specialities, while the Gütl Garden Restaurant and the Gütl Terrace have quite a different approach: alpine wellness cuisine. According to the philosophy ‘health from within’, the head chef presents culinary delicacies using only the finest regional produce including native herbs.

Hotel Ebner’s Waldhof am See is also a great destination for family holidays: “Our suites are perfect for families and we even have special indoor playing areas and an outdoor adventure playground with, for example, a trampoline, swings and sandbox.” The newest attraction is a 70-metre-long tubing run, where children – and adults – can whizz down the steep run in a soft tire. It is fast, fun and safe and can be used all through the year – summer like winter. The outdoor playground lies right next to the Waldhof stables with a collection of tame animals – from alpacas to donkeys and horses. But the two ponies Max and Moritz are clearly the stars here. The tennis court, an archery range and the fitness course are also all nearby, so parents can keep an eye on their children while enjoying their holidays. “And we also offer childcare six days a week,” says hotel manager Dani Kari-Ebner.

ebners-waldhof.com

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN | PHOTOS: EBNER’S WALDHOF AM SEE