Europe Travel Ticker

Chillon Castle: A Fairytale on the Banks of Lake Geneva, Switzerland

2012-02-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

Visiting the Castle of Chillon is like going back in time! Each hall or room unveils a part of the castle’s history. Modern means enable us to better understand the daily life of the Court of Savoy and also of the Bernese bailiffs.

The castle looks like a fairytale fantasy, but it's an authentic Medieval site - and has foundations from back in Roman times. Over the years, it's passed between the hands of three noble families, who have shaped the castle into what you see today.

The little rocky island is pretty much surrounded by water - evidently, the lake forms a natural moat. As a result, access to the castle is via a modern bridge, which crosses the shallows of the lake. This modern bridge is the remains of the old drawbridge, and some of its workings can be seen to today.

Inside the castle, you'll discover that the buildings and out-houses of the castle are orientated around four small courtyards. The largest of the courtyards is 'The Courtyard of Honour", a site of ceremonial importance and the 'grandest' of all these communal-areas.

One important thing to bear in mind is that Chillon Castle wasn't constructed 'in one go' - it was originally just a collection of 25 little buildings crammed onto the rocky island.
Over time, these buildings merged and joined to form the impressive structure that's visible today. When you explore the castle, you'll see that each of the old rooms and outhouses have been connected to each other through a fairly ingenious network of internal and external passageways.

As a result of the writings of Lord Byron (see below), the awe-inspiring dungeons of Chillon Castle have earned themselves a place in castle-notoriety. Impressively, they are cut into the rock upon which the castle stands, and they offer a - damp and dark - taste of imprisoned life.

A view of Chillon Castle at night, gazing out across the Lake Geneva.

Where to stay in Tirol, Austia?

2012-01-28T14:24:00.000-08:00

If you like to feel atmosphere from heaven, looking for an amazing atmosphere, elegant, quite and relaxing Bio-Hotel Stanglwirt. Amazing hotel in an amazing Austrian corner.

The Stanglwirt, in its entire picturesque splendor, is a place for everyone who enjoys something a bit special. Enjoy feeling healthy and just switch off in the cozy rooms and suites, traditional snags and in the spa area.

Custom-made Spa for recuperating, relaxing and for indulgence. Your body and soul will be stimulated and invigorated in a gentle manner, and brought into a natural state of equilibrium.

Leading Spa Award 2011

The visitors to the website www.leadingsparesort.com as well as the holiday clients of the Leading Spa Resorts annually select the most popular partner establishments and award it the LEADING SPA AWARD. This LEADING SPA AWARD is a certificate for the best wellness-hotel and awarded directly by the holiday guests.

It is more than just a spa. The numbers speak for themselves: 750 tons of rock was necessary to build the rock pool with its phenomenal scenery. Dozens of trucks brought the rocks directly from the mountain. Planning, digging as well as the transport and construction took three years. The floor tiles consist of 200 million-year-old silver quartz dolomite. The new red sandstone comes from the foot of the Wilder Kaiser, but for the white chalk dolomite rocks they had to climb up to 1,000 metres above sea level. Balthasar Hauser, the visionary inventor of the rock pool: “One has to look for what is there and make something out of it.”

Time for two..

Whether you are a couple, spouses (to be) or friends - enjoy a treatment together and forget the stresses and strains of everyday life. Time together for tranquillity and wellbeing.

OUTDOOR POOL

Find refreshment in the outdoor rock pool (33°C) or in the sport pool on the Kaiserwiese.

Stanglwirt has first private Lipizzaner stud in Austria. Horses have always played a major role in the history of Stanglwirt. Today, the guests of the Bio-Hotel are fascinated by the precious Lipizzaner horses.

Exercise . . . makes you mobile – and mobility gets you moving! Mobility is what Stanglwirt provide. Their fitness garden and team or trainers offers a variety of courses for all hotel guests: Yoga, Pilates, Aquagym, back fit, Nordic Walking, Bums- Tums and Thighs, Stretching, Kinesis, …

The most successful tennis school in Europe, Peter Burwash International, provides lessons all year round in the Stanglwirt tennis village, and has

6 indoor courts
8 outdoor courts

Stanglwirt was once again selected as one of the 25 best tennis resorts in the world and amongst the 10 best tennis camps in the world.

... It‘s just like being in a fairytale!

Are you looking for a Ski Vacation on Austrian Alps?

2012-01-28T10:59:00.000-08:00

Definitely we suggest anywhere on the Wilder Kaiser. You can choose any of 4 wonderfull villages Ellmau, Going, Scheffau, Söll. Wilder Kaiser is absolutely ski paradise.

Austrias largest interconnected ski area

279 kilometers of piste
more than 210 km with snow-making equipment
more than 91 cable cars and lifts
more than 70 huts & mountain restaurants in the ski region

The ski resort Wilder Kaiser-Brixental is part of the skiing area "Kitzbüheler Alpen". With the Kitzbüheler Alpen AllStarCard you have over 1,000 track miles in the ten ski area Wilder Kaiser-Brixental, Kitzbühel, St. Johann in Tirol, Fieberbrunn, Steinplatte/Waidring, Alpbachtal, Wildschönau, Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier/Kaprun.

SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser–Brixental, Austria’s largest interconnected ski area, boasts an array of titles and awards including “best ski area in the world”, “best value for money” and “very family friendly”. From 7^th until 28^th January 2012, the region around the striking Wilder Kaiser mountain range invites visitors to a truly majestic holiday experience. Partake in sporting activities such as night skiing and guided snowshoeing or opt for other enjoyable items on the agenda including the Remmdir party or schnapps tasting; during the Kaiser Weeks there is so much to choose from.

Usefull links :
Skiwelt
Wilderkaiser
Kitzbuehel-alpen

Ski Vacation on Austrian Alps

2012-01-28T10:15:00.000-08:00

Brilliant ski trip to Europe. Austria is famous for its beautiful scenery, hotels for families, luxurious spas and world-class skiing.

Hotels in Austria are definitely four or five stars and their service and gratuities included. There are several stations for all levels of skiers and ski lifts are usually only a short walk from the hotel. Skiing for all levels of skiers on the slopes in Austria. Salzburg is a ski destination that has a combination of city culture of “Sound of Music” and the story of the birth of Mozart.

If you have decided to take ski lessons, ski schools, the Austrian’s give it to the world for their ski schools and ski instructors. If you have decided to go other activities with your family, there’s more opportunity to try out ice skating, snowshoeing, or go for a sleigh ride, as most of these resorts offer fun opportunities. If you are looking for a relaxing spa, there are many beautiful spa hotels and resorts available. Spa practitioners are highly qualified and offer a wide repertoire of treatments.

Austria is famous for its pastries and desserts. The food is the most famous apple strudel. Plan for the traditional Austrian cuisine you will find it distinctive in taste and very delicious to try. For the ideal ski vacation for the whole family, you can experience nature with the beautiful Austrian Alps and the wonderful tradition of the Austrian people in Austria, the possibilities are endless.