From relaxing hikes and easygoing lake life in peaceful natural beauty, to the vibrancy of a jet-set lifestyle in a world metropolis: every year, while the days are getting warmer and the nights are getting shorter, this small town on the shores of Lake Woerthersee is transformed into a place where the whole world meets.
Have you ever visited three countries in half a day? This region is unique, nowhere else is there so much diversity, which makes you feel like you are in a completely different world within 30 kilometers. Watch the sunrise on 2166m height mountain peak Dobratsch, have an original Italian espresso and dolce at Panificio Pasticceria Svetina in Tarvisio, walk behind-under the extraordinary Slovenian Peričnik Waterfall and dance the night away or challenge your luck at the famous Casino Velden. Sounds impossible? Not in the Alpe-Adria border triangle!
While visiting one of Austria´s warmest lakes, magical moments are created directly on the water: Cruise aboard a luxury motorboat with your personal captain and barkeeper while exploring the pristine bays and lakefront mansions. Experience a serene fishing trip with a local fisherman and savour life when holding your rod in clear water. Sail into the romantic evening sky with your sweetheart, enjoying champagne and petits fours whilst a saxophonist plays your favorite tunes.
My personal favorite spot for quiet moments on the water is at the neighboring Lake Faaker See, at Maänder, where the crystal-clear waterways wind through a belt of reeds. Amidst the abundance of fish, aquatic plants and birds in wild nature, you will paddle by canoe or SUP in complete solitude.
Wanderlust is a big keyword of the region: One of my favorite hikes fulfills your wishes and rewards you with a dreamlike view. With 1270 lakes, in Carinthia, sooner or later all roads lead to a lake. Take your already prepared backpack, including a traditional Carinthian “Jause” as a snack, a small wooden board and a permanent marker. The trail starts at our lakeside hotel, continues through serene green forests to the hill Kathreinkogel, passing a local farmer’s cow meadow adorned with alpine flowers. Our powerful destination is just a few meters away: Austria’s unique Wish Tree. Write your wishes on the wooden board and hang them on a tree, hoping the wind will carry them with hope and warmth. Some of my wishes have already come true, proving this magical place. Before heading back, enjoy your “Jause” on the wooden bench next to the statue of St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, while this unforgettable experience and the wide mountain lake panorama will be imprinted in your memory forever.
If it has not already happened, you will fall in love with this special piece of earth in the southernmost part of Austria and create a smile in my face, because you will already plan your next stay with me before you leave.
Jean David Wiessmann is a candidate for the 2024 Les Clefs d’Or Award. This article has been published in its original form.
After graduation, I travelled around Australia and Southeast Asia for a year. During this trip, where I was treated with an exceptional level of hospitality, I quickly realized that I would love to work in tourism and provide this kind of outstanding service to guests myself. I completed an apprenticeship as a hotel industry expert in a luxury business hotel in Germany. During this, I was lucky enough to work temporary for the first time with Les Clefs d’Or Concierges. I was fascinated by the individual quality of the service to make the impossible possible and the personal attention given to the wishes of each. In 2019, the desire to experience the leisure market of the hotel industry has taken me to Austria, to the famous Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden and beautiful Lake Wörthersee. Here, I have found a home and being a concierge has become my way of life. With every magic moment that could be created for our guests, I feel the passion and I know it is my profession. In 2021, my long-held dream came true when I was honored to wear the Golden Keys. Since then, I have been supporting the local association in various ways.
As one of Austria's most iconic buildings was built by the Counts of Khevenhüller in the 16th century, it served as a backdrop for the monarchy and higher nobility to showcase themselves as the social center of their time. In the early 19th century, the private residence was transformed into a hotel for the first time. In 2013, a modern new building was added to the hotel upgrading the facilities. Today, historical ambience meets modernity and comfort of the 21st century, according to the saying: opposites attract. The contrast between modern architecture and historical grandeur is matched by its 105 rooms, including 67 suites, spread over three uniquely connected buildings and surrounded by an atmospheric castle garden. Absolute relaxation is guaranteed at the 3600m² Acquapura Spa and at the exclusive Beach Club with direct private lake access. Enjoy culinary delights made with local products in two excellent restaurants, the lakeside restaurant even offers dining on the jetty. Nowadays, as in the past, all the guests' needs and wishes are respected in this special place. All of this is part of the unique charm of the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.
schlossvelden@falkensteiner.com
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