Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Heiligenblut (holy blood), a small municipality in the Austrian state of Carinthia, is situated at the foot of the Grossglockner -- the tallest mountain in Austria. Although primarily a skiing holiday destination, Heiligenblut is positively packed with the charm and magic the best alpine villages in this part of the world have to offer. While in Heiligenblut, visit the Alpine Highway, the Pasterze glacier, the Swarovski Observatory and the Cheese Museum.
The Hotel Glocknerhof is a four-star hotel equipped with sumptuous oaken rooms categorized as ibex, edelweiss and almweise. The rooms have a distinctly rustic and alpine style with touches of modernity in all the right places: flat-screen satellite televisions, safes, mini-bars, en-suite bathrooms and balconies. The restaurant, Naturkuche, offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley while serving fresh local ingredients in a variety of international and local styles. The hotel offers a fully equipped wellness spa with a variety of relaxation treatments. When you're ready to venture outside the hotel, you'll find numerous alpine activities (trekking, cycling and motorcycle tours, fly-fishing, glacier walking) in which to take part, all organized from reception. Room rates begin at 85EUR per person as of January 2011.
The Landhotel Post is a four-star hotel situated in the center of Heiligenblut. Just a short walk from the cable car station, the hotel offers unparalleled access to the mountain, unlocking countless ski runs in winter and scenic hiking paths in summer. Staff at the Landhotel Post are very proud of their resident mountaineering expert, Mr. Schiechl, who is present to serve all your alpine inquiries. The hotel offers sizable rooms that sleep up to five people, so it's perfect for families. Rooms are equipped with everything you'd expect from a four-star establishment, such as a safe, satellite television, Internet access and all rooms have balconies. Guests can relax and enjoy authentic Austrian cuisine at Kaminstüberl, the on-site restaurant and bar. Room rates start at 72EUR for a single room as of January 2011.
The Hotel Kaiservilla, the area's historical hotel, was once a residence of Emperor Franz Josef. He would stay there whenever he wished to see the mountains. As of January 2011, the hotel -- a three-star establishment -- stands facing the Grossglockner mountain. Accommodating just 58 guests, the hotel is relatively small. As a result, it offers a more communal experience than the others, accentuated by the sauna pavilion and steam baths, barbecue and deck chair areas. The Hotel Kaiservilla is a good hotel for price-conscious customers, since it offers all the essentials without the frills. All rooms are equipped with a bathroom, television, make-up mirror, hair-dryer, and rates for single occupancy begin at 47EUR per night as of January 2011.
The three-star Guesthouse Schober is everything the budget traveler could ask. There are 17 rooms of varying capacity, decked out in homey, wooden alpine style. It's a short walk to the cable car station and access to the mountain. There is a ski school and ski run directly outside the guesthouse, as well as access to free parking. Ice climbing, wildlife treks and guided ski tours can all be organized directly through the guesthouse. There is a basic restaurant on site serving breakfast and dinner. Room rates begin at around 40EUR as of January 2011 per person depending on the type of occupancy. Rooms come with amenities such an Internet access, a microwave and satellite or cable television. This hotel is perfect for those who just need a location in which to eat and sleep when they are not on the mountain.