Hotel Seerose, Fuschl am See: Austria's Lakes Winter Walking

When we were looking at this holiday, we wondered if going before Christmas was a wise decision, as there were so few reviews for this time of the year. However, we’re so glad we did!

We had the opportunity to combine enjoyment of the local landscape, dusted with snow which picked out the trees and the contours, with visits to Advent markets and to Salzburg and Bad Ischl when shops were decorated and the streets were alive with people, both locals and visitors. As the weather was not of the best, being cloudy and sometimes misty with temperatures hovering around freezing, we appreciated the added interest of bright lights, Nativity scenes and seasonal food and music. Although the Salzburg Advent Market is extensive we found it nothing like as attractive as the smaller markets in the villages, where traditional music enhanced the atmosphere and there were a number of life-size Nativity figures in different styles. We enjoyed Inntravel’s three suggested walks, and invested in our own copies of the two sheet Salzkammergut maps, which added context, and would give many additional walk options on a longer or subsequent holiday. The recommendation to try a fish soup lunch at the Fuschl fishery was appreciated, and contributed to a great first day. The Zwolferhorn webcam allowed us to keep an eye on conditions at the top of the mountain and to seize the opportunity on the one sunny day of the week. Although expensive the cable car trip to the top is well worth it for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and down over the Wolfgangsee. A stick proved essential for walking in snow, and on some of the steep and potentially slippery paths on the other walks. Sadly we were unable to try snowshoeing as there is no hire at the top of the Zwolferhorn, and the only option available from the hotel hadn’t had enough snow. The valley bus service was wonderful and we invested in the weekly ticket covering two zones for 32 euros each, which sensibly also allows you to visit Bad Ischl, with many Art Nouveau villas in the wider town. The Kaiservilla is open on Saturdays in Advent and although tours are only in German (brief notes available in English) it’s very interesting, if rather dear. In Salzburg we especially enjoyed the midday concert in the cathedral demonstrating several of the many organs, and the Weinachtsmuseum (Christmas Museum) which is fascinating, based around a private collection showcasing the years 1840-40. Be aware that despite being a major tourist attraction the museum has no toilets. And last, but not least, the delightful Hotel Seerose, where we felt immediately at home. We loved our spacious room, and unlike many hotels there was an expectation that you might both want to sit on a comfortable chair at the same time! Soundproofing was also excellent, so it was very quiet. However, we were glad we’d taken some light clothes as the room was very warm, and on a couple of nights we slept with the balcony door open despite outside temperatures being below freezing. The food was wonderful at both the breakfast buffet and the five course dinner, and we were able to sample a number of traditional dishes including Tafelspitz and soup with liver dumpling. Highlights included local honeycomb at breakfast and fish from the lake. We enjoyed the pool (we saw a kingfisher whilst swimming!) and the infra-red room and saunas, a lovely relaxing end to most afternoons. Many thanks are due to the lovely helpful owners and their staff, who made our stay so special.

The hotel could not be more accommodating, the food plentiful and excellent.

The walks well sign posted for all degrees of fitness.

Fuschl is a very pretty village in a scenic area.  The hotel was very comfortable and welcoming. We enjoyed using the panoramic pool in the mornings, the gym, and a sauna after a long walk.

The winter weather was very varied - warm and sunny, rainy with sleet, and then snow!  But we were able to find a good mix of low level and hill walks suitable for all weathers.

Amazing holiday apart from travel. Wonderful location, hotel, food, walks and info provided by Inntravel was superb! We will recommend you!

Thank you Inntravel for selecting Hotel Seerose for a winter holiday. The food, room, facilities and service were excellent and the atmosphere warm and relaxing. The staff and owners were helpful and friendly.  Beautiful location. Fuschl am See, St Gilgen and St Wolfgang quiet without the summer crowds which was fine for us. Tourist information open and staff helpful. Regular bus service to Salzburg and Bad Ischl with places to visit en route. 19 Euro ticket for 2 adults for unrestricted 24 hour bus travel excellent value. Although there wasn't any snow except on mountain tops, we were able to walk summer routes. The yellow signs and Inntravel walking notes were easy to follow. Most local shops shut at midday in winter but places open for coffee and other refreshment. Everywhere clean and well cared for. Salzburg and Bad Ischl interesting to visit and within easy reach. 

The whole holiday was fantastic (even without snow). The Inntravel booklet was extremely helpful and accurate, we took advantage of all the recommended walks and town/city visits. We shall most definitely book another holiday with Inntravel, their customer service from start to finish was outstanding.

We had an excellent holiday with Inntravel, we enjoyed every second and the hotel and food was great. Salzburg is an absolute must if you are a Sound of Music nut like me and I thoroughly enjoyed the Sound of Music Tour! If you are going to use buses every day, I believe there is a pass you can buy to save you money. We went into Salzburg a couple of times, we also took the bus to St Gilgen and took the cable car (68 euros for 2, but worth every penny) for a 4km snowy walk - there is a great restaurant up there. The hotel took us to a nearby ski resort, called Postalm - they have an arrangement with Inntravel to do this - a nice touch, we thought. On our last day, we did the 11km walk round Fuschl Lake, it was stunning and lunch at the fisherie is a must! Overall, we had a great time.

The Musical Instrument Museum in St Gilgen is wonderful.

Austrian cafes are lovely - some close soon after midday, and some are found in bakeries and confectioner's shops.

Many shops and other businesses are closed on Mondays.

The Zwolferhorn cable car is often shut down for a while in January and/or February for maintenance.

We loved the whole week, ideal relaxing time after a busy Christmas and New Year. The walks were great and so well marked. The tourist information centre was excellent and the buses ran on time and were very comfortable. Hotel Seerose was extremely comfortable with fantastic facilities and superb food, we've definitely come home heavier but very content. Austria was amazing the roads were extremely well maintained and even the public toilets were heated. A great break away.

Our TUI flight was delayed by 4 hours but on arrival we got the warmest welcome at Hotel Seerose at 11pm! One of the owners came out to greet us in Austrian costume and a cold platter was waiting for us with complimentary drinks. The location and hotel is magical at Christmas/New Year and 5 course dinners each night a wonderful surprise. We could not have been looked after any better and the attention to detail was exceptional.

An excellent holiday from start to finish. Position of hotel is especially good. A wonderful area.

You won`t be dissappointed with your stay at Seerose hotel, or the organisation of Inntravel, both were 5 star. The staff at the hotel were all friendly, the food was outstanding. Even the lack of snow in the valley (March), didn`t detract from the holiday. But when you are walking in the snow, higher up, it would be useful to have crampons and 2 sticks, not essential but would make the walking slightly easier. A visit to Salzburg and a trip up the cable car at St Gilgen, to walk the Circular Panaramic Walk are a must (both easily done by the local bus, pay on board and Visa accepted).

We stayed at the same hotel 3 years ago and liked the whole experience so much we booked the same holiday again. The family run hotel is wonderful and faultless!

This was our first trip with Inntravel - we will certainly use them again and have already recommended them to friends. From the first enquiry we were very impressed with the knowledge and helpfulness of the staff. They took time to understand our requirements and we were extremely happy with our holiday and the information provided to help us with walks and outings. The hotel was amazing, family run, and in a fabulous location. It was reassuring to hear from the owners of the hotel, that they were also impressed with the organisation and service provided by Inntravel. All in all, a great holiday.

Absolutely loved the location and hotel. Holiday was made all the better by a fresh fall of snow as this was what I had particularly booked to see and to walk through. It was magical. However, it might have felt very different had there been no snow and the weather had not obliged! In that case, I think I would have preferred a Spring or Autumn stay as there is less to do in winter if not enjoying the snow. It was very easy to get around on the local buses. Snowshoeing was great fun but quite demanding on energy. The visit up the cable car at Zwolferhorn gave spectacular views and a lovely walk and this was a real highlight of the week.

The area fortunately had a big snow dump just as we travelled to Austria, so we had a wonderful stay at Hotel Seerose. The high number of excellent winter walking paths nearby, or within a short bus-ride, exceeded our expectations, and the view from the top of the Zwolferhorn was amazing. The hotel lived up to its reviews, in particular the quality of the food, and the friendliness of all the staff. 

A wonderful relaxing holiday in a beautiful setting, we were lucky to have snow but it would have been lovely without snow too. Excellent bus service, some people have mentioned that bus travel was not offered for winter activities but if you ask the bus driver they will let you on free. The Nordic Fun cross country skiing course at Faistenau (booked online) was excellent. The equipment could be hired from Sport Auer in Faistenau, where the staff were also really friendly and helpful and you get a special hire price if you are going with Nordic Fun. On the round Fuschl lake walk the inn/restaurant Jausen Berger (near the top of the lake, on the path) was small with traditional food and a good alternative to the Schloss and Fish smokery places, both of which were temporarily shut when we were there. Bad Ischl: walk along the river and then up the Katrin Cable Car was great and watching a stunning view over mountains whilst having a drink at either of the places at the top and an afternoon in the Eurotherm salt spa pools was very relaxing. The hotel is lovely, excellent food and friendly staff and guests.

Walking the 11k around Lake Fuschl with occasional snow flurries was delightful.

The Burglweg walk from Strobl to St.Wolfgang in warm sunshine was also a highlight.

The super efficient 150 bus service means that  many more  places are accessible but we also enjoyed the local walks starting in the village.

Cafe Jakob is a good amenity to have in the village with its friendly and efficient staff.

The Musik at Mittag konzert in Salzburg Cathedral was very pleasant and chilled for a 30 minute cultural interlude and does not break the bank at 6 euro per person

1st time booking with Inntravel and very pleased with the service they provided. Hotel Seerose was excellent, the transfer from the airport was only 30 min. The food was unbelievable, the room and facilities were more 5 star than 4. Would definitely recommend Inntravel and Hotel Seerose.

Our first trip with Inntravel (we usually do our own thing) and it definitely lived up to expectations, if not exceeded. Many other couples we met were seasoned customers and singing your praises, so clearly you've got a great formula and we will certainly be checking out the website for future inspiration. Our highlight was the cable car up from St Gilgen - pricey but spectacular views on a clear day and lovely panoramic walk at the top (take poles/grippy boot add ons if you've got them to make life easier!). The walk from Strobl to St Wolfgang was wonderful too and a handy bus can save you the return leg back to Strobl past cake and coffee in town. Go with a healthy appetite - the breakfasts and dinners are a fab opportunity to sample a wide range of traditional Austrian fare and the Gruner Veltliner suited us very nicely!

Personal highlights include the location of the hotel, with lovely walks available in the immediate area. An excellent bus service to pretty nearby villages and Salzburg, and the swimming pool at the hotel.