The overlooked European city that's a better summer holiday alternative with ‘bread' saunas and new Ryanair flights
But that's exactly why the Eurothermen Spa in Bad Schallerbach, Austria, is so unique.
Advertisement
5
Josie Griffiths enjoys the view of the Danube Loop
Credit: Josie Griffiths
5
The fabulous Eurothermen Resort
Credit: Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Robert Maybach
Perched on a wooden bench, I spend 15 minutes in there, watching a freshly kneaded Salzstangerl — a traditional Austrian salted bread stick — rise to perfection in the wall oven opposite me.
When the sauna session is over, we sink our teeth into still-warm baguettes, which are seriously tasty.
But there's one fact that could turn your stomach — everyone was naked.
Well, except for me. This prudish Brit sat with a towel clasped tightly around her, despite the 70C heat.
Advertisement
Read More on Travel
When I wasn't baking myself next to loaves, I was cooling down in the Ice Grotto, then sweating again in the Most-Fassl, a cider barrel thought to be the largest in the world, converted into a sauna.
With such unusual delights, it's a surprise to me that Austria is often overlooked as a summer holiday destination by us Brits.
The country offers so much more than just ski resorts.
A booming spa culture is just one example, stunning landscapes are another.
Advertisement
Most read in City breaks
During my trip, I stay in three different towns in Upper Austria, on the banks of
There are now direct flights to Linz from
Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival
One of the highlights of the area is the Danube Loop, a point where the river turns a dramatic 180-degree bend — a sight not to be missed.
Conveniently, this is located directly opposite my first hotel of the trip — the four-star Riverresort Donauschlinge — where the restaurant terrace offers awe-inspiring views of the landscape.
Advertisement
Potent pint
Asparagus cordon bleu, spaetzle (pasta) and cream soup are among the Austrian delicacies on the menu.
Aside from serving excellent grub, the hotel sits directly on the Danube Limes World Heritage route, a riverside cycle track which includes stops at well-preserved Roman ruins and the Schutz Art Museum.
Travellers can also visit the Engelszell Abbey, which is more than just a monastery with a stunning ceiling mural.
The monks produce schnapps, which tastes similar to Jagermeister, and beers of up to 10.5 per cent alcohol — a potent pint.
Advertisement
5
Visit the unique Engelszell Abbey
Credit: WGDDonauOberösterreichTourismusGmbHCarlettoPhotopgraphy
5
Explore the pretty town of Grieskirchen
5
The monks brewery at Engelszell Abbey
Credit: WGDDonauOberösterreichTourismusGmbHCarlettoPhotopgraphy
Mostschank Greinecker restaurant has a great sparkling apple cider (famous in the region), with cheese, more schnapps and apple strudel.
Advertisement
A small, family-run restaurant, with gorgeous hillside views, it's the perfect spot for a cosy dinner.
Then you can stumble into bed at the Parkhotel Stroissmuller, which has its own cracking spa, too.
If you'd rather stay in Linz itself, the Park Inn by Radisson offers comfortable, modern rooms just minutes from the tram stop.
Known for being an industrial, steel-producing city, Linz has a gorgeous, quaint old town.
Advertisement
It was bombed heavily during World War Two, and today there's a mixture of buildings from different eras.
Have lunch at Stiegl-Klosterhof, where beef goulash, sausage and cheese-soaked pretzels can line your stomach before you sip the brewery's own beers.
Or try Gruner Veltliner, a tasty Austrian white wine.
And don't worry if you knock back one too many — Linz's town slogan is: Take a risk, visit Linz.
Advertisement
GO: LINZ, AUSTRIA
GETTING THERE:
Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Linz from £53 return.
See
STAYING THERE:
One night's B&B at Riverresort Donauschlinge is from £96pp.
See
One night's B&B at Parkhotel Stroissmuller is from £96pp.
See
One night's B&B at Park Inn by Radisson Linz is from £85 per room.
See
OUT & ABOUT:
Entry to Eurothermen Spa Bad Schallerbach is from £30pp for a full-day pass.
See
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Dad claims he was barred from £4,000 Tui holiday with family because of TINY problem with passport – can you spot it?
One tiny fault with his passport meant he was unable to board HOLS HELL Dad claims he was barred from £4,000 Tui holiday with family because of TINY problem with passport – can you spot it? A DAD has claimed he was barred from a £4,000 TUI holiday over a tiny flaw in his passport. Jimmy Gould had been "excited" to fly with his partner and family to the holiday hotspot of Lanzarote, Spain. 4 A dad claims his family were forced to go on their £4,000 TUI holiday without him Credit: Kennedy News 4 His passport had one tiny flaw that prevented him from boarding Credit: Kennedy News 4 Jimmy Gould was 'excited' to fly with his girlfriend and family Credit: Kennedy News But one tiny fault with his passport at East Midlands Airport meant he was unable to join them for their break in the sun. The 48-year-old said that there was a "tiny tear" on the booklet when an old boarding sticker was ripped off. This meant the document was too "damaged" for him to be allowed to board the plane. His 35-year-old partner and three "crying" kids had to jet off on holiday without him. read more in world news POOL SHOCK Son of Brit who 'tried to drown daughter-in-law' ran dad over with car 2 yrs ago A photo shows a small white tear over part of Jimmy's face on the passport duplicate photo. This had been where the boarding sticker was removed. Jimmy claims it was one of the boarding staff who pulled off the sticker, not him. A TUI spokesperson said passports with stickers on would not be allowed. However, they added that agents at East Midlands are trained not to take off any stickers by themselves. Jimmy, from Wolverhampton, said: "It's a total nightmare and I'm absolutely fuming. Southwest to cut flights to holiday hotspot from September 4 as customers unable to book tickets "I'm sitting home alone while they're in Lanzarote gutted and they all want to come home because of the situation. "One year [passport officials] put a sticker on the duplicate photo page. I've been away for six or seven years with no problem at all. "I got to the airport and passed all the passports over and [a staff member] pulled the sticker straight off and she ripped the page. It's a tiny little tear. "She literally ripped my passport in front of us all and said 'you can't go'. "I can't believe she just sat there and ripped my passport instead of giving me the option to tear it off properly so she wouldn't have marked it. "She looked at me and said 'this one's damaged and you can't use this passport now'. "It's a tiny mark and the other page is fine. My kids started crying once they realised their dad couldn't go. "They want their dad there. It's just terrible and I'm absolutely devastated. "I was so excited to make memories with my family this summer. My daughter is seven and I should be playing in the pool with her but instead I'm stuck at home on my own. "They're miserable wanting their dad there. We have one holiday a year and you get excited." He attempted to apply for an emergency passport, but he ended up stuck at home and forced to skip the trip. His girlfriend Zowie said: "The holiday has been ruined. The experience has been awful as we never go anywhere unless we're together. "I'm anxious and worried about being in a foreign country on my own with three children and it has totally changed the atmosphere "All that money wasted and all the months saving to go away together to end up apart."
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Three top hotels yards from Bournemouth beach being used as migrant accommodation sparking fury from tourists & locals
THREE huge hotels near one of Britain's favourite beaches are being used as accommodation for asylum seekers during the peak summer season. Holidaymakers in Bournemouth say they are fed-up at forking out thousands of pounds while illegal migrants are put up for free 200 metres from the seafront. 9 The Chine Hotel, used by asylum seekers, is in Bournemouth, a hotspot for Brit holidaymakers 9 The Roundhouse hotel is near the town centre and is being used to accommodate migrants 9 The Home Office have taken over the 123-room Britannia Hotel 9 We caught an asylum seeker working as a Just Eat delivery rider near to one hotel Credit: NC The hotels — all within walking distance of Bournemouth's seafront — have been closed to the paying public for more than a year. Home Office officials have taken over the 79-room Chine Hotel, the 102-room Roundhouse Hotel and 123-room Britannia Hotel. Around one million visitors book hotel stays in Bournemouth every year and there are fears the arrival of any more migrants in the Dorset town could severely damage its £1.3billion tourism industry. And this week there was anger among paying holidaymakers. Read more on migrant hotels HOTELS STAND-OFF More protests held outside migrant hotels across UK as anger rises Retired great-grandmother Susan Beacham, 70, of Cheltenham, Gloucs, forked out £1,400 for a week's stay with her daughter at the Hampton by Hilton near the town centre. 'Scared to walk around' She told The Sun: 'I don't think they should be in hotels like that if they've come here illegally. "That they're on the seaside makes me cross. It makes me scared to walk around at night when we've paid so much to come somewhere nice. 'If they're trying to escape a warzone, then I understand why genuine asylum seekers would come here. "But the hotels for people who aren't here legally are a waste of money, especially if they cross from France, because it's a safe country. 'The billions on this are taking away money from the NHS — which I need because I haven't been well.' First migrants detained under Starmer's 'one-in-one-out' deal with France as MORE boats arrive in UK Stewart Brown, 34, and Philip Finch, 75, from Cambridge, said putting an asylum hotel by the seaside could scare off young families. PE teacher Stewart said: 'It doesn't sit nicely with me. We've spent about £1,200 to come here. Before I came down, my dad made me aware of the asylum hotels. 'I think if you were staying around there you might feel uneasy about it, especially if you have young children. 'I suppose if you start seeing reviews saying that the crime rate around this area is increasing, I think it would be blocking people coming into the area on holiday.' Bournemouth — along with the rest of the country — is paying the price for Labour's massive failures Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp Retired grandfather Peter Morris, 76, on holiday from Peterborough, said: 'I don't agree with people coming over but they have to go somewhere. It's not good. They're expensive hotels. "The amount we're spending is a big number. You'd think those in power would always go for the cheapest option.' Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told The Sun: 'Bournemouth's tourist trade is being put at risk by the Government. 'There are now more illegal immigrants in hotels than when Labour came to office and this year so far has been the worst ever for Channel crossings. 'Labour promised to smash the gangs and end hotel use. 'Both promises lie in tatters and Bournemouth — along with the rest of the country — is paying the price for Labour's massive failures.' 9 Bikes thought to be for illegal work outside The Chine hotel 9 Migrants gathered outside The Roundhouse hotel Earlier this year local Labour MP Tom Hayes blasted the situation, telling Parliament: 'Bournemouth hotels cost the taxpayer eye-watering sums and everyone is stuck in a situation that nobody wants.' The Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association told The Sun that the Government's choice to use hotels in the town for asylum seeker accommodation was 'disappointing'. But hotelier Rosie Radwell, who is chair of the BAHA, claimed: 'Bournemouth and the South Coast remain a wonderful destination for visitors, and holidaymakers should rest assured of high standards and a warm welcome.' There have been knife fights, armed police outside. I think this will ruin tourism for so many, which is what the town relies on Apartment owner Yesterday The Sun caught an asylum seeker working as a Just Eat delivery rider near to one hotel — despite Labour promising a crackdown on illegal working. The Chine boasts a sauna, jacuzzi and swimming pool but it is understood the amenities were closed when migrants arrived. It now has a security guard at the entrance and parking spaces coned off for bikes suspected to be used by illegal workers. A nearby apartment owner said: 'There have been knife fights, armed police outside. I think this will ruin tourism for so many, which is what the town relies on.' 9 Some of the bikes racked up outside The Britannia hotel 9 The public cannot stay at asylum-seeker hotel The Chine in Bournemouth Volunteer group Safeguard Force plans to start patrols next week to tackle violence and anti-social behaviour. Dorset Police said it was not endorsed by the force and must operate within the law. A Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council spokesman said: 'The council carefully monitors the use of asylum hotels and the impact on our services, community safety and the local economy.' The region's Destination Management Board said: 'Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have over 450 hotels and guesthouses. Only three are currently under government contract to accommodate asylum seekers. 'The wider conurbation remains fully open for tourism, events and business, with strong bed availability, vibrant hospitality and a thriving local economy.' The Government said: 'From over 400 asylum hotels under the previous government, there are now fewer than 210, and we want them all closed by the end of this Parliament.' 'DINGHY SALES MR BIG' NICKED AN alleged international trafficking kingpin charged with selling rubber dinghies to migrant gangs was nicked on his way to a boat show. Adem Savas faces up to 15 years accused of shipping thousands of inflatables and life-jackets from China to Turkey. The Turk, 44, was nicked when he flew into Amsterdam for a boat show after a long probe by British, Belgian and Dutch cops. His case was adjourned by a Belgian court yesterday.
The Irish Sun
11 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Warning for over 50,000 Brits heading to Boardmasters festival as major motorway ‘rammed' & trains ‘especially busy'
Attendees face "chaos" as they head to the anticipated weekend event NOT THE FEST Warning for over 50,000 Brits heading to Boardmasters festival as major motorway 'rammed' & trains 'especially busy' THOUSANDS of Brits heading to a major UK festival have been issued a major warning after a slew of delays on road and rail. Artists including The Kaiser Chiefs, Central Cee and The Prodigy will are set to feature tomorrow with RAYE headlining a jam-packed Friday in Cornwall. Advertisement 1 Brits flocking to Boardmasters this weekend are expected to be hampered by travel disruption Credit: Alamy But Brits gunning to snag a good spot have been dealt a major blow as travel delays look set to paralyse festival goers. "Set off early fellas, M5 & A30 going to be rammed with holiday traffic," Newquay AFC Supporters group wrote on X. In addition, the town is hosting Boardmasters festival, 55,000 extra visitors in the area, clogging up all the roads for miles around. "Newquay population is 21,500 + 70,000 holidaymakers + festival = chaos." Advertisement Away from the roads, punters heading to the festival by train should also expect disruption. CrossCountry anticipates that Plymouth train station will be especially busy as visitors change to connecting trains at this station. CrossCountry said: "Boardmasters Festival is located in Newquay, and you can get to Newquay station easily with CrossCountry. "The simplest way to get to Newquay using CrossCountry services is to change at Plymouth station. Advertisement "From Newquay station, shuttles run to the festival every fifteen minutes on Wednesday, August 6. "Using the CrossCountry network, we expect Plymouth station to be the busiest connecting station. "We expect festival attendees to be travelling through Plymouth on Wednesday, August 6, and Thursday, August 7, and again on Monday, August 11, when passengers are travelling home. "If you are travelling around Plymouth on these days, services may be slightly busier than usual." Advertisement What is Boardmasters? Boardmasters is an annual music and surf festival that takes place in Newquay, Cornwall. The event has taken place since 1981 and started as a Surf competition. It usually takes place over the span of five days and was cancelled in 2019 and 2020 due to poor weather and the Covid-19 pandemic respectively. Owned and managed by Vision Nine Group, the event offers day passes and camping wristbands. Advertisement Notable headliners include Ed Sheeran, Snoop Dogg, Gorillaz, Florence + The Machine, Liam Gallagher, and The 1975.
