Lovers of "blondes" in Carinthia will have something to rejoice about
For those who already know Alto Adige, the beauties of Austria and the hospitality of the locals will not be new, for everyone else it will be a pleasant discovery. Cross the mountains along the Brenner motorway It means finding yourself in an almost enchanted world, made up of very green lakes and meadows, hills (sometimes mountains), wooden cabins and charming little villages. Colorful houses, flowers on the balconies., extreme cleaning. Maybe not everyone speaks Italian, many speak English, but the hospitality is great and there is a way to understand each other. And for those who think that Austrian gastronomy is too small, this tourist route will be a surprise. Lovers of "blondes", then, will have something to rejoice about.
The beer journey begins immediately After the border with Italy, a Villach. to breathe the traditional scent You cannot miss a meal at the Villacher Brauhof. Located in the city center of Villach, the restaurant belongs to the most traditional restaurants in the city of Drava. Villacher beer, local specialties and traditional cuisine are the basis of the offer. Every week there is an ad hoc menu based on seasonal products. everyone offers beer specialties, brewed naturally and fresh, in the largest brewery in Carinthia. Among the dishes to taste: brewer's pot, Carinthian tortelli, various types of goulash, oven-roasted pork with crust, grilled beef with onion and beer, beer-based cream and strudel.
Here's another curiosity in Carinthia: the famous Gourmet Hotel Karnerhof (four-star luxury) offers offers on request. beer-based treatments. refined pleasures of enjoy at the lake. A name that is already a program: the Wellness & Geniesserhotel Karnerhof of the Melcher family is able to meet the needs of guests looking for a completely relaxing stay as well as the most sporty vacationers and refined gourmets. Geniesser actually means "gourmets." Even families with children find here the ideal place to relax, unwind and recharge their batteries thanks to the 100.000 square meters of lawn and garden, the lake with its almost Mediterranean shores and the swimming pools.
Who will find themselves sweating outdoors? area reserved for saunas, he will do it for a good reason. Can be made to order baths with hop flowers (relaxing and restorative) or a bathroom to the yeast, what leaves skin glowing and purified. Obviously the dinner begins with a beer appetizer and the gala dinner also has a beer theme. Thomas Guggenberger, the chef awarded two hats in the Gault Millau guide, is inspired by the proximity of Mediterranean countries, mixed with the unmistakable Austrian culinary art. The ideal setting for a romantic statement in panoramic terrace with views of the lake.
A back massage, a Treatment of rosebuds on the lounger swing. with perfumes and glass of cava and solarium session. For those who want, there are also guided excursions, bicycle rides of 3 or 4 days with half board.
Further north in Carinthia is the Hirter brewery in Michelsdorf (Hirt). It's about a among the oldest breweries in Carinthia founded in 1270, from which the brewery itself will take the name of one of its own more particular drinks and special ones, the “Hirter 1270”. It is located not far from the brewery. Friesach, the oldest village in Carinthia. Mandatory visit to the castle. Hirter produces an excellent “Hirter Marzen”! Other specialties: "Hirter 1270" (11,9 saccharometric degrees for 4,9 degrees of alcohol) "Hirter Zwickl" (12,3 saccharometric degrees for 5,2 degrees of alcohol) "Hirter Pils" (12,3 saccharometric degrees for 5,2 degrees of alcohol) and finally "Hirter Morchl" (12,8 saccharometric degrees for 5,0 degrees of alcohol). The brewery has a splendid beer garden.
Head towards Klagenfurt to reach another Carinthian brewery: the "Schleppe". Easily accessible: just take the highway exit. keep going towards Graz in the direction of St.Veit and follow the signs for Klagenfurt Zentrum, at the first big bend you will find it on the right, imperious and dominant. In addition to the factory, with relative sale of products and gadgets, the "Schleppe" also has a cafeteria and the "Felsenkeller", a small, picturesque restaurant where you can also eat very well.