weinidylle dreisiebner

On Andi's recommendation we visited a wine region in Austria close to the Slovenian border. We'd already sampled some of the wine at the Farmers Market in Ottensheim and so when we were looking for a place to stay the choice was obvious - Weinidylle Dreisiebner. Spectacular in every way and the perfect touch of luxury to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary.

countryside perfection

a working day for most

roadside austria

Äpfel

suite number 3

das pillow fight hotel

Český krumlov

Our introduction to the Czech Republic was an ever increasingly back road landscape which started in Austria and blended into the Czech Republic, the only indication we'd crossed the border being the unrecognisable text on occasional road signs. We drove for what seemed like forever before seeing any trace of civilisation, instead seeing more and more tracks designated for push bikes only. Finally we reached a road which lined a farm's paddocks, then after a long while, we saw some powerlines, then after a very long while we saw another person!

By late afternoon we had made our way to Český Krumlov which was our destination of choice (recommended once again by Andi). A beautiful town with lovingly ornate buildings built into the rock face, cobblestoned streets and a river flowing through it's heart.

necessity is the mother of invention ... and adventure!

In my last post I mentioned we were going on an afternoon bike ride with some of Andi's friends. What I wasn't sure of then was how we were going to get Nate on a bike given that we had no child's seat. Of course I had underestimated the creative genius of both my husband and Andi. I'm not sure who more appropriately suits the title of 'Macgyver'. Anyway, as you can see by the photo, Nate enjoyed the ride strapped into his car seat.

It was a beautiful ride - flat (which suited me perfectly!) and on a smooth bike path all the way along the Danube from Ottensheim to a lake where we swam and then to the beer garden for an afternoon break (from doing nothing!). On the way home we stopped at the beach* where Andi and Nate took a swim, the rest of us retiring on the sand. Loved every minute.

*When I say 'beach' I mean river with a sand bed next to it. Those who passed Geography will know that Austria is bordered entirely by other countries and has no coastline to speak of.

pre-cider

i never wanted to be a lumberjack ... I always wanted to be a vegetarian

We've been known to do some pretty out of character things in the name of travelling. Stepping inside dark huts in Africa (home of the bird eating spider so they say) without so much as a can of Mortein, drinking cups of tea made by villagers - knowing full well it could be a matter of hours before we could be vomiting it all up again if the water was not fully boiled, and sampling random dishes on a menu when no english translation was available, however our latest was a stretch for me to say the least.

Three words. Pig. Fat. Bread.

Highly recommended by the very persuasive and charming Andi, we spent a few lazy hours on Saturday afternoon in a beer garden in an orchard where cider and the famous Pig Fat Bread were served.

Pig Fat Bread as it turns out is a thick slice of rye bread, lathered, nay, smothered with a helping of pig fat, sprinkled with finely cut raw onion and some herbs. An explosive combination particuarly when coupled with a pint of locally brewed cider!

andi's container

Andi's latest project. A shipping container planted smack bang in the middle of Linz. At night it opens up while 'King of the Road' blares from it's speakers. By day, a 24 ct gold shipping container. By night, a bar and meeting place for the in crowd, downtown Linz. Very, very cool.

i heart austria

Almost exactly two years ago Woz and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary with a trip to Austria, specifically to stay in dasparkhotel, in Ottensheim, Linz. You may remember we absolutely loved it, and particularly loved meeting it's creator, Andreas Strauss, who we are now privileged to call our friend. So, when in Europe, how could we possibly miss an opportunity for another stay and to once again enjoy Andy's hospitality?

Today is our third day here now and the days are becoming increasingly laid back but always with a hint of adventure, and of course, with Andy around, an abundance of new friends to meet.

Yesterday we spent the afternoon in Ottensheim, making our way down to the Farmers Market where we sampled the local wine, bread and sweet delights. Andy introduced us to many of his neighbours, including the Mayor who we had a wine with on the bank of the Danube.

Later that evening we borrowed a friend's boat and took a speedy trip down the Danube to Linz where we met up with more friend's for dinner, some of which will join us this afternoon for a meal and then a bike ride to another local town.

Oh yes, we love it here, and it's wonderfully, wonderfully warm. Life is good.

crazy boat ride up the danube ... "adventure!"

We took these photos on the way to dinner where we took the ride of our lives from Ottensheim to Linz. Coming home we didn't have a light on the boat. Hit the bank once but luckily nothing else. Life on the edge with Andi. Crazy Austrians!

andi samples some austrian wine

dip

return to st wolfgang

Our favourite place by far on our last trip to Austria (with the exception of das park hotel of course!) was St. Wolfgang which is just an hour out of Salzburg. We spent a beautiful sunny afternoon there this week where we hired a paddle boat and had a picnic afloat and a quick dip in the lake. We had a great afternoon rediscovering all the little nooks and crannies of this gorgeous village and discovered some new ones as well. Definitely our favourite holiday destination and one we're sure to return to again and again - perhaps next time in Winter.

yodel odel ay ee ee!

In Germany, as in Austria, there are an abundance of green fields nestled into the mountians, each field with small woodsheds, just metres from each other, each stacked with hay for the winter months, and piled high with immaculate stacks of logs. Here is just one we chose to photograph.

the view from our tent

the last day

Our last day in Austria and yet another gorgeous campsite. Different again from the last it was nestled deep in the mountains by a smaller river and a short walk from a very sleepy little town. Our tent is the small red dot you can see by the river.

Overall I think you could say we enjoyed our trip and you could safely say you'll see many more European camping holidays to come! And now that we've learnt a little German, next stop Germany! Watch this space!