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If you thought Mother Nature pulled out all the stops in the Austrian Alps, think again: Hohe Tauern National Park was her magnum opus. Welcome to Austria’s outdoor wonderland and one of Europe’s largest nature reserves (1786 sq km), which straddles Tyrol, Carinthia and Salzburgerland and is overshadowed by the 3798m hump of Grossglockner, the country's highest peak.
Try as we might, no amount of hyperbole about towering snow-clad mountains, shimmering glaciers, impossibly turquoise lakes and raging waterfalls can quite do this place justice. Go see it for yourself.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Hohe Tauern National Park.
Eat
Whether you dine in the modern bistro or the dark-wood-panelled Salzburger Stube, Steinerwirt is a winner. The menu plays up locally sourced ingredients in flavour-packed starters such as venison carpaccio with nut pesto and rocket, and traditional mains like Zwiebelrostbraten (grilled sirloin of beef in onion sauce) with baby dumplings. These are accompanied by wines drawn from the 600-year-old cellar.
Eat
Andreas Mayer heads the stove at hotel Schloss Prielau’s refined restaurant, holder of two Michelin stars. Freshness is key, with home-grown vegetables and organic produce shining through in ingredient-driven mains such as crépinette of pigeon with passionfruit and kohlrabi, and Pinzgau venison with sweet pepper, pesto and aubergine lasagne – all served with imagination and flair. One for special occasions.
Eat
Worth the short hop out of town, this nicely chilled restaurant prides itself on season-driven modern Austrian cuisine with an experimental twist – and it delivers. The quality of ingredients is second to none in palate-awakening dishes such as celery and apple with buckwheat and parmesan, and wild sole with pak choi, paprika and gnocchi. Children and vegetarians are well catered for.
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Housed in a converted 1930s power station, this stylish postindustrial, brick-walled newcomer to Zell am See's dining scene puts an imaginative spin on excellent regional products in dishes such as goat's cheese crème brûlée with grapes and nuts, and corn-fed chicken with polenta, rhubarb and broccoli. Try homemade bread, smoked ham and schnapps from their own organic farm.
Eat
Floor-to-ceiling glass, red velvet chairs and rotating exhibitions of modern art define this slinky lounge-restaurant. Local chef and confectioner David Fischböck has put his stamp on the Slow Food menu: herby Mediterranean-inspired mains and spot-on steaks are followed by his delectable homemade desserts. A kids' menu is available.
Eat
This is a burger joint but not as you know it. Slick, contemporary and streamlined, it has fabulous lake views and does a brisk trade in organic burgers with a gourmet touch – everything from the fries down to the ketchup and mayo is homemade – and there are veggie options, too. Organic wine and beer make the perfect match.
Eat
In a rambling villa opposite the Grand Hotel, Daisy hosts full-on après-ski parties in winter and has the most popular terrace in town in summer. Pizza, gambas (prawns) piri-piri and giant salads are on offer in the restaurant (where service can be hit or miss). There's a kids' menu also. Head upstairs for live music, DJs and a real party vibe.
Eat
Warm pine panelling, flickering candles and friendly yet discreet service create an intimate feel in this smart restaurant. The chef makes the most of local ingredients, so expect dishes such as organic Pinzgauer beef Tafelspitz, local trout with dill potatoes and Tyrolean mountain lamb.
Eat
This cracking deli-cafe is a fine place to stock up on regional products – sample some on the terrace while you're at it. Besides wholesome breakfasts, it does tasting plates of Salzburgerland cured hams and cheeses and Styrian fruit juices.