13. 09. 10. - 16:00

Fogle on 'heavenly' Salzburg holidays

Brit TV star Ben Fogle has recommended a holiday in Salzburg in his latest travel feature for an English newspaper.

The writer and TV presenter admitted he used to think Austria "was famous for long-dead composers, the ex-racing driver and airline boss Niki Lauda and not much else" – before meeting a pretty blonde half-Austrian five years ago.

He writes in his article for the Independent: "Marina (…) and I fell in love and became husband and wife. Suddenly, I became a fully paid-up lederhosen-wearing, yodelling honorary Austrian with a new – and genuine – affection for the country."

Fogle stressed the Austrian Alps "provide the perfect setting for families to enjoy the outdoor life" – with or without the "Sound of Music" in the air.

Salzburg is a breathtakingly beautiful, he writes, not forgetting to mention the various "Sound of Music"-themed tours on offer.

He also explains some hotels offer a "Sound of Music" TV channel which screens the film nonstop – but fails to mention that many, especially younger Austrians have never seen the cult musical movie, let alone heard of it.

Fogle further explains that the placement of the knot of traditional dirndl aprons indicates whether woman are married, single or widowed.

Describing the province’s  Salzkammergut region and its many lakes, the father of one claims: "On a sunny day, there are few places in the world to beat these deep, clear waters."

Fogle also writes: "The walking and hiking in Austria must surely rate as among the best in Europe. Well-marked trails run almost everywhere – and walking across wild-flower-carpeted meadows to the sound of cowbells (…) was heavenly."

The country’s food is described as "one of my biggest surprises when I first visited Austria" by Fogle, who romances over the traditional "Jause" snack, schnitzel, Apfelstrudel (apple curd) and "surprisingly good Austrian wines".