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Austria removed completely from Germany’s Covid risk list

All Austria's states will no longer be considered Covid-19 risk areas by Germany from Sunday, allowing travel between the countries.

Published: 11 June 2021 15:32 CEST
Austria removed completely from Germany's Covid risk list
Cars at the Germany-Austria border. Photo: JENS SCHLUETER / AFP

Germany’s Robert Koch Institute (RKI) announced today that the federal states of Tyrol and Vorarlberg are no longer considered a risk area.

It is the first time since November 1st 2020 that no areas of Austria have been on the RKI’s red list. Back in November all of Austria apart from the communities of Jungholz and Mittelberg / Kleinwalsertal were considered high risk.

EXPLAINED: The new rules for entering Austria

However, since June 6th the institute has only advised against travel to Tyrol and Vorarlberg.

However, anyone entering Austria from Germany or vice versa must still prove they have tested negative for, been vaccinated against or recovered from Covid-19. 

Tyrolean Governor Günther Platter told broadcaster ORF : “The fact that Germany has announced that it will remove Tyrol from the red list from Sunday is very good news – also for tourism in our country,” 

Tyrol has had a 7-day incidence well below 50 for a few days, according to the governor.

“I am pleased that on Sunday, for the first time since September 25, 2020, Tyrol is no longer classified as a risk area, which also means significant relief for all Tyroleans – but especially for those in the Tyrolean-Bavarian border area”, said Platter.

Tyrol has been under particularly strict restrictions since the beginning of 2021 due to its classification as a “hotspot” for the so-called South African virus variant, now re-classified as the Beta variant. 

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Ten unforgettable places to stay in Austria

Talk about a land of contrasts: Between alpine chalets, imposing fortress and, well, sewage pipes, there’s no shortage of unusual and unforgettable plays to stay in Austria.

Published: 22 February 2024 16:46 CET
Ten unforgettable places to stay in Austria

Here are ten of the most spectacular, historic, unique or just plain weird places to stay on an Austrian getaway. 

Steirisch Ursprung Erlebnishotel – Relive the good old days

Eggersdorf by Graz, Styria

Let’s start our list by taking one giant step back… in time. The Erlebnishotel’ Steirisch Ursprung‘ (Styrian Origin Experience Hotel) has been designed to celebrate Styrian culture, folk art and cuisine of the 19th century, with rooms themed those of a typical farmer, as well as a wedding suite…

…and an ‘erotic room’ full of spicy paintings and carvings for those seeking a romantic getaway.

If you fancy a drop, you’re lucky – the hotel has its own brewery and pub, where you can sample the local beer in two-hundred-year-old surroundings. 

Hotel Schafbergspitze – Spectacular views from Austria’s first mountain hotel

St Wolfgang in Salzkammergut, Upper Austria

If you love a good view – and have no fear of heights – the Hotel Schafbergspitze is your destination. 

Austria’s first mountain hotel was opened in 1864, with guests travelling to the hotel by a cog railway that climbs around 1190 metres over almost six kilometres. 

The hotel features 17 rooms and a restaurant serving hearty local cuisine, which you can walk off exploring the Schafbergspitze’s summit, with stunning vistas in every direction. 

https://twitter.com/_NATUREBEAUTY__/status/1698300920751337895

Dasparkhotel – Stay in a sewage pipe, anyone?

Ottensheim, Upper Austria

You may not want to gaze across the Alps from your double bed. You may want to stay in a sewer pipe instead. Fortunately, Austria’s dasparkhotel covers you, in the charming market town of Ottensheim, near Linz. 

Three stylishly appointed cabins have been constructed from repurposed sewer pipe, with comfy bedding, electrical outlets and storage space. 

Doesn’t sound very appealing? How about this – staying at dasparkhotel is free, although donations are welcome. 

Hotel Schloss Matzen – Live the high life

Reith im Alpbachtal, Tyrol

The hill on which Hotel Schloss Matzen sits has been desirable real estate since Roman times when it was a fort defending trade routes through the region. Since the castle was built in the 12th century, it’s passed through the hands of some of Austria’s oldest and most renowned families – each who left a mark as stewards of the region. 

Since 2007, it has been home to a gorgeous luxury hotel, where each room evokes past grandeur within the eight-hundred-year-old structure. 

It’s a common location for weddings, with the castle’s beautiful gardens and striking silhouette as a gorgeous backdrop for photos. 

Hotel Burg Bernstein – Red knights, white ladies and stunning vintages

Bernstein, Burgenland

We continue the castle theme with Hotel Burg Bernstein, once a fortress protecting Austria’s eastern borders. Consequently, it has a long and bloody history. 

Somewhat unsurprisingly, the castle has a reputation for being haunted by not one but two resident ghosts: ‘Red Ivan’, a furious 13th-century knight who has a habit of appearing to children, and the ‘White Lady of Bernstein’, a veiled figure who may be a 15th-century murder victim.

If that’s not your thing, be of good cheer: The castle also offers wine courses showcasing the region’s vintages. 

Historical tours are also available that explore the lives of previous tenants, including Lazlo Almasy – the explorer whose exploits helped inspire the novel and film, ‘The English Patient’.  

Hotel Rogner Bad Blumau – Soak in the surroundings

Bad Blumau, Styria

Looking like a technicolour Hobbiton, the Hotel Rogner Bad Blumau was designed by famed Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser in the nineties to take advantage of the thermal springs discovered on the site twenty years prior. 

When you’re done soaking and admiring the lively design of the place and eating extraordinarily well in the restaurant, there’s a ‘geomantic’ path designed by artist Marko Pogacnik to balance your energy levels. 

Gästehaus Benediktinerstift Göttweig – Simple pleasures in a House of God 

Furth bei Göttweig, Lower Austria

You may want to nourish your soul in more holy surroundings. 

Gottweig Abbey has been looking over the town of Furth bei Göttweig for over a thousand years. 

Reaching a golden age in the 18th century, the abbey is an artistic treasure house, with plenty to explore throughout its buildings and grounds. 

As is the trend with many monasteries, Benediktinerstift Gottweig has opened its doors to visitors seeking a little solace, with simple, but comfortable rooms and a restaurant with regional dishes based on local produce. 

Iglu-Dorf Innsbruck Kühtai

Kühtai, Tyrol

One of four ‘igloo village’ hotels across the DACH region, Iglu-Dorf Kühtai offers several lodgings for couples, families and groups. Cool temperatures and warm blankets make for a great night’s sleep; many of the igloos are far more spacious than you’d think.

Outside the igloos, there’s a bar, winter sports close by and frequent events to keep you entertained during your snowy excursion. 

Hotel Sacher – An Austrian Icon

Vienna

You knew we’d need to mention the Hotel Sacher to get through this list. 

The Vienna icon first opened its doors in 1876 by restauranteur Eduard Sacher. 

While he – and the hotel – are known for the world-famous Sachertorte he created, we can’t forget Anna Sacher, Eduard’s widow, who single-handedly transformed the hotel with her iron will and charisma into the Vienna stalwart it is today.

Today, run by the equally impressive Gürtler family, it’s Vienna’s only privately-owned luxury hotel. While the restaurant is a giant tourist magnet, the luxurious rooms with their belle epoque style are a more exclusive highlight. 

Honey Farm – Bzz Bzz

Himmelberg, Carinthia

We end with simple pleasures – and a little natural sweetness. 

For several years, Arno Kronhofer and his family have opened their farm at Himmelberg in the country’s south to visitors, where guests can watch and experience raising bees, harvesting honey, and enjoy a country vacation!

In tribute, many of the rooms in the renovated barn feature designs inspired by beehives, with wood, linen and honey-coloured accents filling rooms with golden light.

Have any recommendations for unusual or unforgettable hotel stays in Austria? Let us know in the comments! 

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