Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A DATE WITH DAISY
Elsa, Klara, Bibi, Dora and their sisters are there for the milking at the
Kräuterbauernhof
( 05515-22 98;
www.kuhforyou.at
; Argenau 116, Au; d/tr/q €45/56/67). The Erlach-Dorle family will rent you the cow of your
choice (€29 per week for a minimum of two months, though you don't have to stay the whole time). The price
includes 8kg of cheese which they can post to your home country, regular visits and milking sessions, and a
keepsake photo of your long-lashed alpine beauty. Cow or no cow, this 300-year-old farmhouse is a fantastic
place to stay, with spacious apartments full of woody charm, a herb garden and plenty of dairy goodness at
breakfast.
Sleeping
The Bregenzerwald has some incredibly charming places to sleep and eat. Local tourist
offices can help you book farmstays and holiday homes. You'll receive the Bregenzer-
wald Guest Card when you stay more than three nights, giving free access to cable cars,
buses and outdoor pools.
Gasthof Hirschen
HISTORIC HOTEL
€€
(
05512-29 44;
www.hirschenschwarzenberg.at
;
Hof 14, Schwarzenberg; s/d incl half board €117/256;
)
This is a 250-year-old dream of a
Gasthof
. The wood-shingle facade is festooned with
geraniums, while inside low-ceilinged corridors lead to antique-filled nooks and indi-
vidually designed rooms.
Dirndl
-clad waitresses serve up spot-on regional fare like
saddle of venison in a walnut crust and
Bregenzerwälder Käsknöpfle
(cheese noodles) in
the restaurant (mains €14 to €27).
Bio-Pension Beer
( 05515-23 98;
www.bio-pension.at
; Gräsalp 357, Schoppernau; d €60-70)
The light, cheery rooms
at this
Pension
are done out in sustainable wood from the Beer family forest. You'll feel
right at home at this ecofriendly country retreat, complete with pure spring water, cluck-
ing chickens and organic produce at breakfast.
PENSION
€€
Hotel Gasthof Gams
( 05514-22 20;
www.hotel-gams.at
;
Platz 44, Bezau; d €206-246, ste €310-350; )
A real glamour
puss of a hotel, the Gams (chamois) whispers romance from every last gold-kissed, heart-
strewn, candlelit corner. An open fire in the dreamlike Da Vinci spa, starry ceilings, a
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
€€€
