Latest news with #EurothermenResort
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
The overlooked European city that's a better summer holiday alternative with ‘bread' saunas and new Ryanair flights
The country offers so much more than just ski resorts from spa culture to stunning landscapes THE BREW DANUBE The overlooked European city that's a better summer holiday alternative with 'bread' saunas and new Ryanair flights Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) I HAVE been in many saunas during my life, but never one that doubles up as an oven for baking bread. But that's exactly why the Eurothermen Spa in Bad Schallerbach, Austria, is so unique. 5 Josie Griffiths enjoys the view of the Danube Loop Credit: Josie Griffiths 5 The fabulous Eurothermen Resort Credit: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach Perched on a wooden bench, I spend 15 minutes in there, watching a freshly kneaded Salzstangerl — a traditional Austrian salted bread stick — rise to perfection in the wall oven opposite me. When the sauna session is over, we sink our teeth into still-warm baguettes, which are seriously tasty. But there's one fact that could turn your stomach — everyone was naked. Well, except for me. This prudish Brit sat with a towel clasped tightly around her, despite the 70C heat. When I wasn't baking myself next to loaves, I was cooling down in the Ice Grotto, then sweating again in the Most-Fassl, a cider barrel thought to be the largest in the world, converted into a sauna. With such unusual delights, it's a surprise to me that Austria is often overlooked as a summer holiday destination by us Brits. The country offers so much more than just ski resorts. A booming spa culture is just one example, stunning landscapes are another. During my trip, I stay in three different towns in Upper Austria, on the banks of the River Danube. There are now direct flights to Linz from Stansted twice a week, thanks to a new Ryanair route which took off this April. Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival One of the highlights of the area is the Danube Loop, a point where the river turns a dramatic 180-degree bend — a sight not to be missed. Conveniently, this is located directly opposite my first hotel of the trip — the four-star Riverresort Donauschlinge — where the restaurant terrace offers awe-inspiring views of the landscape. Potent pint Asparagus cordon bleu, spaetzle (pasta) and cream soup are among the Austrian delicacies on the menu. Aside from serving excellent grub, the hotel sits directly on the Danube Limes World Heritage route, a riverside cycle track which includes stops at well-preserved Roman ruins and the Schutz Art Museum. Travellers can also visit the Engelszell Abbey, which is more than just a monastery with a stunning ceiling mural. The monks produce schnapps, which tastes similar to Jagermeister, and beers of up to 10.5 per cent alcohol — a potent pint. 5 Visit the unique Engelszell Abbey Credit: WGDDonauOberösterreichTourismusGmbHCarlettoPhotopgraphy 5 Explore the pretty town of Grieskirchen 5 The monks brewery at Engelszell Abbey Credit: WGDDonauOberösterreichTourismusGmbHCarlettoPhotopgraphy Mostschank Greinecker restaurant has a great sparkling apple cider (famous in the region), with cheese, more schnapps and apple strudel. A small, family-run restaurant, with gorgeous hillside views, it's the perfect spot for a cosy dinner. Then you can stumble into bed at the Parkhotel Stroissmuller, which has its own cracking spa, too. If you'd rather stay in Linz itself, the Park Inn by Radisson offers comfortable, modern rooms just minutes from the tram stop. Known for being an industrial, steel-producing city, Linz has a gorgeous, quaint old town. It was bombed heavily during World War Two, and today there's a mixture of buildings from different eras. Have lunch at Stiegl-Klosterhof, where beef goulash, sausage and cheese-soaked pretzels can line your stomach before you sip the brewery's own beers. Or try Gruner Veltliner, a tasty Austrian white wine. And don't worry if you knock back one too many — Linz's town slogan is: Take a risk, visit Linz.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
The overlooked European city that's a better summer holiday alternative with ‘bread' saunas and new Ryanair flights
I HAVE been in many saunas during my life, but never one that doubles up as an oven for baking bread. But that's exactly why the Eurothermen Spa in Bad Schallerbach, Austria, is so unique. Advertisement 5 Josie Griffiths enjoys the view of the Danube Loop Credit: Josie Griffiths 5 The fabulous Eurothermen Resort Credit: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach Perched on a wooden bench, I spend 15 minutes in there, watching a freshly kneaded Salzstangerl — a traditional Austrian salted bread stick — rise to perfection in the wall oven opposite me. When the sauna session is over, we sink our teeth into still-warm baguettes, which are seriously tasty. But there's one fact that could turn your stomach — everyone was naked. Well, except for me. This prudish Brit sat with a towel clasped tightly around her, despite the 70C heat. Advertisement Read More on Travel When I wasn't baking myself next to loaves, I was cooling down in the Ice Grotto, then sweating again in the Most-Fassl, a cider barrel thought to be the largest in the world, converted into a sauna. With such unusual delights, it's a surprise to me that Austria is often overlooked as a summer holiday destination by us Brits. The country offers so much more than just ski resorts. A booming spa culture is just one example, stunning landscapes are another. Advertisement Most read in City breaks During my trip, I stay in three different towns in Upper Austria, on the banks of There are now direct flights to Linz from Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival One of the highlights of the area is the Danube Loop, a point where the river turns a dramatic 180-degree bend — a sight not to be missed. Conveniently, this is located directly opposite my first hotel of the trip — the four-star Riverresort Donauschlinge — where the restaurant terrace offers awe-inspiring views of the landscape. Advertisement Potent pint Asparagus cordon bleu, spaetzle (pasta) and cream soup are among the Austrian delicacies on the menu. Aside from serving excellent grub, the hotel sits directly on the Danube Limes World Heritage route, a riverside cycle track which includes stops at well-preserved Roman ruins and the Schutz Art Museum. Travellers can also visit the Engelszell Abbey, which is more than just a monastery with a stunning ceiling mural. The monks produce schnapps, which tastes similar to Jagermeister, and beers of up to 10.5 per cent alcohol — a potent pint. Advertisement 5 Visit the unique Engelszell Abbey Credit: WGDDonauOberösterreichTourismusGmbHCarlettoPhotopgraphy 5 Explore the pretty town of Grieskirchen 5 The monks brewery at Engelszell Abbey Credit: WGDDonauOberösterreichTourismusGmbHCarlettoPhotopgraphy Mostschank Greinecker restaurant has a great sparkling apple cider (famous in the region), with cheese, more schnapps and apple strudel. Advertisement A small, family-run restaurant, with gorgeous hillside views, it's the perfect spot for a cosy dinner. Then you can stumble into bed at the Parkhotel Stroissmuller, which has its own cracking spa, too. If you'd rather stay in Linz itself, the Park Inn by Radisson offers comfortable, modern rooms just minutes from the tram stop. Known for being an industrial, steel-producing city, Linz has a gorgeous, quaint old town. Advertisement It was bombed heavily during World War Two, and today there's a mixture of buildings from different eras. Have lunch at Stiegl-Klosterhof, where beef goulash, sausage and cheese-soaked pretzels can line your stomach before you sip the brewery's own beers. Or try Gruner Veltliner, a tasty Austrian white wine. And don't worry if you knock back one too many — Linz's town slogan is: Take a risk, visit Linz. Advertisement GO: LINZ, AUSTRIA GETTING THERE: Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Linz from £53 return. See STAYING THERE: One night's B&B at Riverresort Donauschlinge is from £96pp. See One night's B&B at Parkhotel Stroissmuller is from £96pp. See One night's B&B at Park Inn by Radisson Linz is from £85 per room. See OUT & ABOUT: Entry to Eurothermen Spa Bad Schallerbach is from £30pp for a full-day pass. See
