THE SIMPLE LIFE

Natural beauty and humanity

AUSSEERLAND

Archduke Johann was a busy man who travelled a lot. But he was happiest in the Aussee region – he even noted in his diary: “I only feel good when I see my mountains once more, breathe the pure air and find myself in the beautiful valleys and locals among people who, though lacking the highly praised refinements of the great wide world, are honest, open, good and hearty.”

We here at SPA Hotel Erzherzog Johann have taken our namesake’s statement to heart. And the many regular guests who come to the Aussee region because of this special mixture of natural beauty and humanity serve to prove us correct.

Dive straight in and bob about

lakes in the Aussee region

Why is water so appealing to us? It is that it glitters and shines? Its unfathomable depths? Or the mesmerising way waves crash against the shore? The lakes in the Aussee region have always captured our guests’ imaginations: Lake Altaussee, known as the inkwell because of its blue colour. Lake Toplitz, deep and dark – perhaps the reason why it has spawned so many legends?

Or the Lake Grundl, the largest lake in Styria, also known as the Styrian Sea, where you can sail and surf. In contrast, Lake Sommersberg lends itself especially well to diving and splashing around, as it is pleasantly warm.

Those who prefer to stay atop the lakes can sail around in a plätte, the typical boat of the Aussee region – at Lake Altaussee, it is very beautiful in the evening: the Dachstein's snow-covered nose glistens, the Loser winks back with its striking peak and the Trisselwand is lit up one last time by the setting sun.