We're going to have the time of our lives this time, folks. Here, the heart and palate of the gourmet will dance, and even the body exhausted by the trips will come into its own. Bad Ischl, a charming and elegant town, situated literally between the lakes of the Salzkammergut, showcases its full beauty.
The plan for today is actually quite simple - enjoy it. We're in no hurry; we have plenty of time, and this town of about 14,000 inhabitants in the middle of nature is perfect for this kind of relaxation.
The Suppliers of the Imperial Court
Konditorei Zauner is our first stop. Located right on the Pfarrgasse, you absolutely must not miss this establishment; it is literally a must. A traditional patisserie that does not forget to explore new technologies, you will be blown away by the atmosphere, the service, the beautiful huge display case, and the products you will find there. Order a coffee or a glass of bubbly and let the atmosphere carry you away, which you will perfectly finish if you order a fresh cake or even a delicious sandwich. We were lucky and honored to meet directly with the owners - father and son - Josef and Philipp Zauner, the seventh generation of the family confectionery.
The Zauner brand is all the more prestigious because it boasts an important chapter in its history. This began almost 200 years ago when, at one time, these confectioners also supplied their cakes and desserts to the imperial court. The Emperor and his family liked to go to Bad Ischl for the summer, so he chose the best suppliers to make his summer stay more enjoyable with their products.
Speaking of luck, ours was also in the fact that Philipp took us and a camera to the back of the plant where the confectionery products are made. We saw how everything is made practically by hand, how every single piece matters, which results in a cake, a dessert, the legendary Zaunerstollen wafers, or one of the savory bakery products that are pleasing to the eye and the palate. So apart from the atmosphere and a piece of gourmet history, you can be sure of the first-class quality and freshness of everything you order at Konditorei Zauner.
An Undiscovered Piece of Upper Austria
Bad Ischl has a really great location. Mountains surround the town all around, and lakes are just a short distance away. To the west lies the surface of the Wolfgangsee, and if you go south, you will soon come across Hallstatt. The Attersee and Traunsee are also nearby. But today, let's take a stroll through picturesque Bad Ischl. The place is an important point on the map of the history of Upper Austria, which is not far from the Czech border. Despite its uniqueness and all the attractions it has to offer visitors, it remains almost undiscovered for us for now. And that is a pity.
Walking through the streets, you will come across several other shops selling cheese or various types of sausages and other delicacies. There are also many restaurants and cafes. You're sure to come across a shop selling various kinds of salt along the way - after all, we're in a region where salt is literally a legendary thing, and a significant part of the local history is based on it. Try Rauchsalz, or smoked salt, or Currysalz, which is finely ground natural mountain salt blended with coriander, turmeric, fennel, fenugreek, cumin, ginger, onion, and paprika all rolled into one. The traditional producer, Salzkontor, is of course top quality. And while you're shopping for salt, add Fischergartl Salz to your cart. After all, it's a secret blend of fish seasoning based on an original family recipe. And it looks great.
Accommodation with a Difference
If you plan your day like we do, we recommend you enjoy everything the pleasant Hotel Royal****s - EurothermenResort Bad Ischl has to offer in the second half of the day. The four-star rating may be a little low for the amenities the hotel offers. From outdoor pools to those under the roof, saunas, or for example an infinity pool with a view of the nearby mountains. Anyone looking to boost their health or just relax will appreciate the offerings, with infrared cabins, a salt inhalation grotto, and the Sauna-Garten with its impressive mountain sauna. You can easily spend a whole day here with your family.
And of course, you don't have to go far for dinner either. The local cuisine is rather traditional, the tasty dishes are served by professional smiling staff, and various beers and wines are available. The breakfasts are great too! A wide variety of everything the region has to offer, plus other classic breakfast bites, fresh juices, lots of pastries, a variety of dairy products, and several chefs on hand to prepare your breakfast to order.
After dinner, we recommend you don't miss a moment in the hotel foyer, where live music will play with a glass of good Austrian wine or one of the nice cocktails from the on-site bar. This, combined with the right drink, will perfectly round off your day in Bad Ischl.
