Let’s get this out of the way first: No kids. Cortisen am See is for grown-ups only. The placid Lake Wolfgang and the sleepy town of St. Wolfgang are no place for teething youngsters anyhow.
Set on the shore of Lake Wolfgang, comfortably nestled between the Schafberg Mountains, this destination is perfect for exploring natural Austria. Hiking, biking, water skiing and golf should all be high on your to-do list… as well as a good dose of plain old rest.
The hotel’s motto - ‘the spirit of enjoyment’ - is not just a saying; it’s what they undertake to make their guests feel special. The idea is to get away from it all with some good old-fashioned hospitality and pampering thrown in.
Inside, though, is where this renovated chalet-style hotel really jumps out from the crowd. Twenty rooms and 12 suites, each with a picturesque lake or mountain view, feature playful, modern furnishings such as zebra-print pillows, over-mounted sinks, black rattan chairs.
The overall feeling is one of quiet relaxation and tranquillity, where guests can enjoy leisurely strolls, dive into a good read from the library or enjoy a pamper session in the spa.
Eating and drinking are of course almost a sport here, with a team of renowned chefs creating dishes both classic and contemporary, and pairing them with the region’s best wines.
After dinner, relax at Blue in the Face Cigar Bar, and burn away fine tobaccos from Havana, Honduras and Dominica.
Complimentary bicycles provide the opportunity to explore the beautiful sites of Sankt Wolfgang, or the more adventurous can take the resident Harley Davidson for a spin.
Cortisen am See proprietor Roland Ballner is a connoisseur of the finer things in life, among them art, cigars and whiskey. He not only has the largest selection of single malt scotch and fine wine in the area, but also offers a premier selection of some of the world’s finest cigars. The hotel also serves as a permanent exhibition centre for some of the area's best local artists.
Getting there
The nearest airports are Salzburg (50 km) Munich (180 km) and Linz (115 km).
And please remember: this hotel is not appropriate for children under the age of 12.