Cultural Highlights and Natural Spectacles

Schloss Leopoldskron has always been a place where art, theater, and intellect converge. In 1918, Max Reinhardt, co-founder of the Salzburg Festival, bought the castle and created a space where theater productions and social gatherings blended in unique ways. This tradition continues today with regular exhibitions and artistic installations that reflect the spirit of the Festival and the cultural richness of Salzburg.

One particular highlight for guests in autumn is the splendid Schlosspark, restored to its full splendor after years of restoration. Over 15,000 plants, including peonies, tulips, and asters, adorn the Garden Parterre, transforming the park into a veritable sea of flowers. A stroll along the yew-lined pathways affords not only the chance to admire historic sculptures but also enjoy the atmospheric autumn backdrop. The park invites you to reflect and find peace whilst showcasing nature in its vibrant autumnal glory.

In the magnificent halls of Leopoldskron, exhibitions of contemporary art are regularly staged, blending the historical aura of the building itself with very modern perspectives. The Venetian Salon, once used by Max Reinhardt as a music room, is a special place where art and history meld. The current exhibition "Transformative Visions" presents works by international artists, exploring the evolution and transformation of societal and cultural norms. Visitors to the Schloss are not only able to experience its Baroque grandeur but also immerse themselves in a world of modern artistic interpretations that inspire reflection and thought.

Since 1154, Castel Rundegg has been a place of retreat and contemplation. From the medieval walls to the sensitively renovated suites, every detail reflects the long and storied history of the castle. Here, the historical legacy is not only preserved, but also combined with modern comforts and luxury. Guests of Castel Rundegg experience a unique blend of history and the present, accompanied by sweeping views of the expansive grounds and surrounding mountains.

Amid the spacious gardens, surrounded by centuries-old trees and vibrant flowers, Hotel Castel Rundegg offers a place of personal restoration. The 17-meter-long outdoor pool and the diverse spa facilities with an indoor pool and beauty treatment rooms invite you to unwind completely. The regional cuisine, featuring fresh and seasonal ingredients, completes the sense of glorious well-being. With its combination of luxurious amenities and an appreciation for the simple pleasures of life, Castel Rundegg is very much a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Hotel Castel Rundegg is not just a retreat but also the perfect base from which to explore the famous gardens of Schloss Trauttmansdorff. Spanning over twelve hectares, these terraced botanical gardens captivate with their diversity and harmony. Guests of Castel Rundegg can wander through the flora of various continents, surrounded by fragrant flowers and rare trees. A visit to these "Gardens of Wonders" is a journey through nature and a true highlight of any stay in Merano.

At Stiegl-Gut Wildshut, brewing is understood as a holistic process that begins with the cultivation of raw materials. Ancient grain varieties such as Laufener Landweizen and Ebners Rotkorn grow on the fields of the estate, thriving in the healthy soils and being harvested in harmony with nature. The estate's malting facility, a combination of malt house and roastery, processes the grains into malt, which is then transformed into various beer specialties at the unique all-wood brewery. Each beer tells the story of this process and reflects the commitment to sustainability.

In the "Kråmerladen", the heart of the Stiegl-Gut, tradition meets culinary pleasure. Here, seasonal organic dishes are served that bring autumn to the table: pumpkin, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs from the garden all find their way into the kitchen team’s imaginative creations. Tasting these dishes in the cozy ambiance of this historic store, paired with a Wildshut beer, thus becomes an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

The guesthouse at Stiegl-Gut Wildshut is a perfect hideaway for those cooler days of autumn, inviting both reflection and relaxation. With views of picturesque fields and forests, guests are able to recharge in cozily furnished rooms. In addition to classic beer tastings, the estate offers special autumn workshops where visitors can delve deeper into the philosophy of circular economy and explore the diversity of species – a place where autumnal nature reveals its countless facets.

Heritage.Hotel Hallstatt comprises three listed buildings – the Kainz, Stocker, and Seethaler – each with its own fascinating story to tell. Haus Kainz, once known as the Seeauer guesthouse, attracted an array of travelers and prominent figures in the 19th century. In 2009, a comprehensive renovation project also involving the Stocker and Seethaler merged the three houses into one harmonious whole. Every corner of the hotel reflects the cultural significance of the region, with guests treated to breathtaking views of Lake Hallstatt from the rooms.

In the charming village of Hallstatt, where every house is steeped in history, Heritage.Hotel preserves the authenticity of the place whilst offering modern creature comforts. Art lovers and explorers will find inspiration within the historic walls of the hotel in the course of a series of European Capital of Culture 2024 events. The hotel’s three houses feature rooms that tell stories of craftsmanship from past eras, while guests are also encouraged to partake in the numerous cultural highlights that are being hosted in Bad Ischl and 23 surrounding communities.

Autumn brings a vibrant display of color to the region, transforming both the surrounding forests and the shimmering lake with golden hues. One particular highlight is the "Culture is the new salt" program as part of European Capital of Culture 2024, inspiring the Salzkammergut region with new impulses. Thanks to its proximity to an array of cultural events and scenic landscapes, Heritage.Hotel Hallstatt is the perfect retreat to enjoy the harmonious fusion of culture and autumnal nature to the fullest.

Built in 1580 by the Lords of Hohenbühel, Ansitz Heufler has, over the centuries, established itself as one of the most impressive historical estates in the region. The eleven rooms and suites reflect this journey through time, with each detail lovingly restored. In the "Hearnstube," one of the most beautiful Renaissance parlors in the Alpine region, visitors are greeted by intricate inlays and a stove adorned with a coat of arms. Here, elegance and historical craftsmanship come together, while the view of the Dolomites and the Pustertal provides both inspiration and tranquility.

Ansitz Heufler is more than just a place of tranquility – it is essentially a living museum and an exclusive refuge for lovers of the Renaissance. Surrounding attractions, such as Schloss Bruneck and the MMM Ripa Museum, provide a cultural complement, while the majestic nature of Pustertal invites guests to hike and explore. This harmonious blend of history and nature, particularly tangible amid autumnal South Tyrol, makes Ansitz Heufler an ideal starting point for journeys of discovery through the rich culture and scenery of the region.

At Ansitz Heufler, autumn not only brings the natural colors to full effect but also highlights South Tyrol’s cultural heritage in unique ways. The lounge bar in the former smokehouse offers fine South Tyrolean wines and regional specialties, an ideal complement to culinary experiences in the region. The combination of diverse flavors, cultural richness, and scenic beauty creates a calming atmosphere in which guests can truly savor the many fascinating facets of South Tyrol.

Villa Soleil was once a gathering place for writers and artists, including luminaries such as Puccini, Sarah Bernhardt, and Eleonora Duse. Giuseppe Giacosa, whose poetic works influenced Puccini's famous operas, found inspiration and solace here. This literary tradition is reflected in every room: antique ceilings, signed fireplaces, and artistic details make the estate a unique destination for culture enthusiasts. At Villa Soleil, history and literature merge into a living masterpiece, offering guests a journey back to the era of Italy's great poets.

The restaurant "Il Ritrovo dei Poeti", set in a charming space with coffered ceilings and old ceramic stoves, brings the best of Piedmontese cuisine to the table. Each meal here becomes a cultural experience in its own right: seasonal ingredients from the region are used to create dishes that blend both tradition and innovation. Paired with fine wines from local vineyards, the culinary offerings at Villa Soleil become a feast for the senses — a true highlight that perfectly reflects the autumnal gourmet culture of Piedmont.

The surroundings of Villa Soleil are just as impressive as the villa itself. Just a few kilometers away, the Moraine Amphitheater of Ivrea and the Gran Paradiso National Park beckon with opportunities for autumn hikes and excursions. The unique landscape of the Amphitheater, shaped by the Balteo Glacier, offers breathtaking views and geological wonders, while the area around the Five Lakes enchants with its diverse plant and animal life. In this picturesque setting, a stay at Villa Soleil becomes a harmonious blend of nature experiences and cultural richness, showcasing the beauty of autumn at its finest.