Low cost tips for a relaxing holiday in Carinthia, suggestions from hotels and typical restaurants, as well as spas where you can relax for a pleasant stay in Austria.
La Carinthia is the southernmost region ofAustria, combines the pleasures and traditions of beyond the Alps with the joviality and the desire to live more Mediterranean. In addition to the fact that it is a stone's throw from Italy, which is really well organized to welcome tourists, both in summer and in winter, and which is characterized by a "kinderfreundlich" destination. suitable for families with children, even small ones.
I also always liked her for her many faces. Always a mountain holiday, of course, but with changing characteristics: in summer you love it for the green mountains, the well-equipped trails, but also for the lakes and lakes, really numerous, which give that summer touch to the mountain holiday: the Afritz lake, for example, it is suitable for swimming and motor boats are not allowed, for swimming in complete tranquility, or the great Lake Ossiach, where navigation is allowed, indeed recommended to explore it in its entirety. In winter, on the other hand, you can ski or cross-country: ponds freeze (perhaps in winters colder than this) and skate rentals are set up there, while the fact that there are numerous spas in Carinthia makes a pleasant holiday possible even for those who do not like to put skis on.
Whichever location you choose, a holiday in Carinthia is sure to be one recharge of well-being. The place I know best is Bad Kleinkirchheim, where I spent pleasant weeks both white and green. As the name already suggests, Bad Kleinkirchheim (or BKK, for simplicity) is a place enriched by thermal springs: in my walks I discovered the Gothic church built over the source, the one from which all the water flows. The source and its benefits were known as early as the 11th century !!
Today the spa can be used in two modern and well-equipped establishments: Therme St. Kathrein e Römerbad. Of the two, Römerbad is located right at the foot of the town's most important slope, next to the cable car. Prices are per day or hourly: 19 euros per day in St. Kathrein and tickets modulated over 2 hours (16,50) 3 hours (18,50) or 4 hours (20,00) at the Römerbad.
Both establishments have family tickets, which are more convenient. In both thermal pools are modulated with a pool for relaxation and exercises in the water, another for entertainment (with waterfalls, whirlpools, hydromassage) and a large outdoor pool where you can stay even in the coldest temperatures. In summer, the outdoor area is equipped with sun loungers and deck chairs.
And where to stay? My choice fell onAlmrausch hotels, which is a family-run four-star hotel, with a wellness area and quality cuisine. It is not exactly low cost, but it offers interesting combinations for families and in low season periods. Hotel Almrausch has on the ground floor the wellness area with heated, saunas, Turkish bath, infrared cabin: all can be used by guests. It also has an all-glass relaxation area, with a view of snow-capped mountains, where you can rest on comfortable loungers between a swim and a sauna, drinking an herbal tea and munching on almonds and other oil seeds ... relaxation is guaranteed, and the extra something also justifies the price.
A Bad Kleinkirchheim however, there are accommodations for all budgets, from rental apartments to guesthouses. Two large hotels, the Pulverer and the Ronacher have thermal water in their wellness area. Very nice apartments, on the south side of the valley, are those of Gutziger Hof, ranging from two to eight people. They are owned by a beautiful farm that offers guests products from the garden and animals, such as eggs and fresh milk.
In Carinthia you eat very well, there are already Mediterranean influences, even if many dishes are based on game and potatoes. One of the specialties are the Kasnudeln, that is large ravioli with ricotta and herbs, or the Eierschmarren, a broken omelette, even sweet, with the addition of raisins and rum or berries.
For a culinary experience in the name of tradition, I recommend Loystub'n, a beautiful and high quality typical restaurant. The dishes are very elaborate, carefully prepared, but there are all the elements of the Carinthian tradition. Shopping: for the aforementioned homemade Kasnudeln you spend 12,50 euros, meat or fish dishes around 20 euros. They are unique dishes.
The area also has the lion's share of desserts, which are all worth trying, for example in the Conditorei Sagmeister, which is located in front of the Römerbad and where you can have a quick and low cost meal or a snack for around 6 euros (coffee 2,90, piece of cake 3,00). The setting is a bit kitschy, with small tables and carpets, but the hospitality is cordial.
