Austria - Zell Am See

We drove to the manicured lands of Austria, starting with the ski resort town of Zell Am See. It is doing what mountain areas do best - rain. Though not ideal weather we are get a taste of the germanic love for perfection and beauty. I would have been great to linger longer but alas only two days was all we had available to us.

We stayed in this lovely lodge - Hotel Erlhof in the suburb Erlberg which was on the opposite side of the main town set in a quiet rural area. It had good views of the mountain and lake.

Itching to get some exercise after the long hours in the car I needed to get some exercise. Unfortunately the weather determined a walk or ride in the high alpine areas was not an option. Instead I had a walk on the track near our lodge. On this walk I am struck by the manicured look of all the fields. So precious too: I got into trouble off one of the landowners because I stepped on the grass ! - good thing he was bilingual as I would of had no idea about his rant.

I got on to a public track after a little bit of guidance which was very pleasant with its elevated views of the lake and valley.

Nothing is left to chance, regular signs provide indication of time and destination.

The trees grow large here too.

Along with the manicured fields the horses seem to fit well within that image.

I managed to convince Caroline that the walk was worth doing so the next day we both followed the track.

We enjoy the local delicacy - some raspberries growing wild on the side of the track.

Not the local fauna though:

In winter I reckon the skiing would be quite good in this area along with the evenings to go with it. At the lodge I taste my first strudel, it's tasty but the best is yet to come (in a few days).

An exploration of the town, Zell Am See is not going to disappoint with its traditional Austrian architecture providing a consistent character and charm.