The beauty of Salzburg in Austria can be more easily heard than described: in the peerless music of Mozart you can catch an echo of the city that inspired him. The riverside domes and towers of the old town – a Unesco world cultural heritage site – are dominated by the mighty 900-year-old clifftop fortress of Festung Hohensalzburg. Architectural wonders range from the baroque splendour of the Residenz palace and the Schloss Mirabell to the simple glass and marble box of the Museum der Moderne.
Walking Salzburg’s streets, or sitting on the terrace of the Sacher cafe to sample Austria’s favourite cake, the Sachertorte, you will feel like you are in a fairytale dreamed up for some Hollywood musical. And indeed, Salzburg is also the home of The Sound of Music, the much-loved film which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary with tours and special events culminating in a gala concert on 17 October at the Felsenreitschule theatre.
But it’s the hills, as Julie Andrews will tell you, which are truly alive. The surrounding Salzburgerland contains some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, with Alpine peaks soaring above picture-book lakeside villages. To the south you will find the spectacular Hohe Tauern national park, Austria’s largest, with its network of hiking trails and the famous 380-metre Krimml waterfall.
The Guardian and the Austrian Tourist Board have teamed up to give one lucky reader the chance to sample the delights of Salzburgerland with a three-night break for two at the Weisses Rössl (White Horse) hotel, a member of AUSTRIA’S FINEST Experience Hotels. An easy 30-mile drive from historic Salzburg itself, it is built on the shores of the lovely Lake Wolfgang.
Nearly 140 years old, the Weisses Rössl was made famous by an operetta about a lovelorn hotel waiter, and has since had half a dozen film adaptations, the latest in 2013. Yet despite its long history, the Weisses Rössl offers all the modern conveniences, including wonderful Austrian cuisine prepared by Gault Millau-award-winning chefs, having been transformed from a traditional hostelry into a four-star hotel.
Its biggest draw is a 1,500 sq m spa, spread over three floors, which features the world’s first heated outdoor whirlpool and a heated lake pool so that you can enjoy the majestic mountain views while relaxing. A spa treatment is included in the prize, as well as flights and transfers from London. For your chance to win, simply enter your details below.
The Sacher Salzburg and Weisses Rössl are both members of AUSTRIA’S FINEST Experience Hotels.
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