Upton St Leonards WI: Salzburg and the spectacular Austrian lakes 2017

STUNNING scenery, majestic pine covered mountains, large atmospheric lakes, beautiful pristine towns and villages was the backdrop to our Austrian lakes holiday.

With Paul as our guide, a fountain of all local knowledge and Herbert and Ulli our patient coach drivers we set off on day one for Hallstatt, a UNESCO world heritage site.

The wooden chalet style houses adorned with colourful flower baskets are set into the mountain side.

We finished the day with a circular boat trip viewing Hallstatt from a misty atmospheric lake.

Day two, an excursion to Bad Ischl home to the Imperial Kaiservilla, summer residence of the Habsburgs and Lehar-Villa.

A picturesque ride to St Gilgen on Lake Wolfgang brought us to the birthplace of Mozart’s mother, a large house overlooking the lake.

An extra was a cable car ride of twenty minutes to pastures green at 5,500 feet looking down on spectacular views of six lakes in total.

Finishing the day at Mondsee with its ornate abbey church, used as the setting for the wedding in The Sound of Music, naturally we sang on the return journey.

Day three, we drove the scenic route to St Wolfgang, home to the White Horse Inn.

Our highlight here was a carriage ride through the town with our friendly driver in local dress.

Stopping for a scenic break and a tot of ‘schnapps’ or two!

Many photographs were taken of the beautiful local horses and fantastic scenery.

Ending the day with a cruise on the largest lake Attersee.

Day four, Sunday we crossed the River Danube at the city of Linz through southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic to the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, the spectacular moated castle guarded by live bears was on a very steep incline and many ladies climbed to the top reaching the castle gardens.

Surrounded by quaint shops and restaurants we liked down on the brown roof tops blending with the colours of autumn.

Day five, Monday was a free day where some of us walked or used local transport to see the sights and chill out.

Paul our guide provided us with many maps which were put to good use except for day one when seven of us got lost, but after a large helping of apple strudel and coffee we were back on an even keel.

Day six, Our last day was to Salzburg birthplace of Mozart, a truly beautiful historic city, with an informative guided tour after which a few of us ate in Mozart’s favourite café, later exploring the narrow cobbled streets of the old city, a must see again place to visit.

Stopping for a ‘Kaffee und Kuchen' en-route to the Hotel Attergauhof.

An evening of local folk dancers and accordion playing rounded off what was a memorable, happy holiday for us all.

Our thanks go to all staff at the Attergauhof Hotel, Paul our guide, drivers and Rose Stower who worked tirelessly to make sure everything ran smoothly.