What is the worlds oldest boy band?

An interesting question, and the answer is the Vienna Boys Choir, it was founded in 1924. The group continues to regularly tour around the world, and goes from strength.

The picture was used by the Austrian Tourist board in 2008 onwards with the new strap line of "It's got to be Austria".

Cycling in Austria

Contrary to some expectations Austria is a great country for cycling. It is a nation a civilized car drivers with a superb interconnected cycle network, which is being extended year on year, with mile upon mile off the main roads, with stunning scenery, fantastic food and a beer or two to help you on your way.

It is easy to get around, with some excellent maps and good signposting en-route. The Austrian railway network ORB even indicate by means of a cycle symbol which trains can take cycles, and which ones to avoid. So for those that don't like the mountain climbs on their bikes, it is certainly possible to pick up a train, and ride up the valley an easy way.

Brian Wassons excellent website gives a fantastic overview on getting around Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic by train with a bike.

There are many routes in Austria but a recognized long distance route is the Tauern Bike path which starts at the famous Krimml falls well worth a visit in Hohe Tauern national park, which is the largest nature reserve in the European Alps. From their it follows the valley down past Kaprun and Zell am See following the course of the Salzach river, down onto Salzburg abnd then onto Passau, it is a superb route and has the added benefit of being predominately downhill, starting at a altitude of around 1200 metres dropping down to around 200 metres over a 310 KM (around 175 miles), with scope to extend the route, approximately two thirds of the route is on paved surfaces, and it is more suited to mountain bikes. For further information please see the http://www.tauernradweg.com/ website.

There are plenty of other cycle routes in and around, with plenty of places to hire your bikes also

Looking for somewhere to stay? then please consider staying at www.austria-holiday-apartment.com

Day trips from Kaprun - Zell am See 12+ things to do

There is lots to see and do in the immediate are of Kaprun and Zell am See, but for those who would like to spread their wings a little further how about these for a few ideas;-

1) Visit to Salzburg about 1 hours and 20 minutes by car also accessible by train.
2) A visit to the Krimml waterfalls about 50 minutes by car / bus, it is also possible to get there by the quaint local train from Zell, and a further possibility is to hire some bikes, put them on the train and cycle back down the valley, there is a superb cycling network, but I would advise book your place on the train in advance of hire of the bikes.
3) Visit the Ice caves above Werfen Castle, they are the largest in Austria, very worthy of the climb / cable car ride to the top.
4) Werfen castle around 40 Km to the south of Salzburg, is a truly awesome setting, if you don't fancy the the walk from the town, there is a funicular railway from the back of the castle. Both the ice cave and Werfen castle can be visited quite easily in one outing.
5) The Olympic city of Innsbruck, again by car, bus or train at just under two hours away.
6) Close to Innsbruck is Crystal World home of the swarovski crystal business.
7) Visit the Gastein valley, famous for it naturally heated thermal springs / spas. There is Ski, mountain Gastein spa complex at the head of the valley in the interesting victorian spa town of Bad Gastein, accessible by train from Zell am See.
8) If you don't wanty to travel as far up the valley at Hofgastein there is the Alpentherme spa complex. In terms of both spas set aside 3/4 hours to get the full enjoyment of the "wellness experience. Tao find out a bit more about the Tauern Spa world Kaprun click on the link to get to the blog, it is due to open in December 2010.
9) Grossglockner Valley pass (the peak of the mountain), starts just a few minutes drive away from Kaprun and Zell am See, from the traditional village of Bruck. To get the most from the trip, aim to do the trip on a day when there is good visibility, there is certainly plenty to see. The trip up the side road up to the glacier is well worth the effort.
10) A day trip to Venice is not out of the question but an early start is recommended because the car journey comes in at around 4 hours! But if you set off at 6.00 am you will be there for 10.00 Am. The quickest route is via Mittersill.
11) Kaprun dams not too far for an outing, open from late May until the Autumn, in a stunning setting and awe inspiring engineering work.
12) Liechtenstein Gorge is not only one of the beautiful gorges, it is also one of the deepest and wildest chasms in the Alps. It is a magnificent natural phenomenon and very much woth the issue. It is close to the alpine town of St Johann im Pongau and the resort of Alpendorf

There is lots more to see and do in and around the area, there are mountain walks galore, plenty of cable cars to take in the views, glacier skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn, where it is possible to ski all year round. A trip to Munich, perhaps for the beer festival, or to Hitlers Eagle nest are all extra possibilities.

For sporting possibilities, there are too many to list, a separate article would be required.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay for between 3 - 9 persons please consider staying at Austrian holiday apartments.

Walking holidays in Austria - Kaprun- Zell am See

Austria is great for walking, whether it is a steady walk along the valley bottom, or something more strenuous at a higher level, you will not be disappointed when it comes to the views?

Zell am See - Kaprun

Are known for the varied terrain. Walkers are able to experience an assorted range of natural topography - sometimes all in one day! mountains, forests, lakes, valleys.

Walks to consider Around the Lake at Zell am See?

For those who like there walks on the level, i would recommend the lakeside ramble around the waters of the Zell am See, it comes in at around 7 miles, at just over two hours steady walking and is predominately flat, with interesting vistas across the lake. There are places to stop and have a swim and have a drink. I would recommend the Grand Hotel in Zell, the prices are not too expensive and it is well worth a visit to take in the ambience.

To find the route click on the link and have a play with the terrain buttons? the walk up the valley to the Schmitten ski lift is entirely an optional extra loop.

If you do the walk in winter you may have the further option of walking across the frozen lake to or from the Thumersbach. The lake does not freeze every winter, but when it does it is more likely to be in the middle / end of February.

Route Zell - Schmittenhöhe - walking down the Schmitten to Zell

You can take the cable car up the 2000 metre high Schmitten, it is a little bit cheaper in the afternoon for those who are on a budget. There is a cafe / restaurant and the Empress Elizabeth chapel which is worth a peek inside. The route down the mountain is easy to find and follow and can be found on the attached map again have a play with the buttons to get the most from the map, there is a shorter route down to the Schmitten chair lift base, which is served by a large car park and bus service. For those who take this shorter route your walk can take you past a swimming pond just up from the Schmitten on the south facing slope, there is also a bar, which is certainly welcome on a warm day.

For those who miss the turn for the natural swimming pond (alibi man made), you also have the option of a swim in the drinking water quality lake of the Zell am See ( sometimes called the Zell am Zee).

The walk from the top of the Schmitten down to the base of the lift at a steady pace takes around 2 and a half hours.

Route Talschlußrunde mit Schneeschuhen ( Sallbach Hinterglemm)

Another walk is up the top end of the Sallbach / Hinterglemm valley, it follows the contours of the mountain, going higher as the walk progresses from a start of around 1200 metres up to around 1500 metres, into the higher alpine meadows, look out for the flowers beneath your feet as you take in the views! Again have a look at the map, and click on the options which suit your needs.

To get maps of the area, they are readily sold in and around the area at a reasonable price but can be purchased though Amazon.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay please consider www.austria-holiday-apartment.com
it sleeps 5 - 9 people in comfort, and is only a short walk away from the centre of Kaprun or to the bus stop or mountain cable car.

Activities & Attractions Zell am See & Kaprun

With the onset of another summer, the following list gives a taste of the many attraction in and around Kaprun and Zell am See.

The Kaprun and Zell am See website lists all the attractions in and around the area. From cable car to museum, from castle to a aeroplane flight over the glacier, from stunning scenery to relaxing moments, there is plenty to see and do in the area. Other websites with information on the area and what to do and where to visit include:-

• The Frommers guide gives information of the scenic alpine dams high above Kaprun, part of a massive hydro-electric scheme. There is also a link for night life in the area.

• The planetware website gives much more detail with around a dozen suggestions for things to do and see in the area, along with a star rating system of attractions.

• The Indian Chief Travel guides give another perspective of Kaprun and Zell am See, based on the historical perspective with a few other pages of interest.

• From the Austria tourist board website there is lots of informastion not only of the Europa sports region but further afield right across Austria.

• The Salzburgerland card offers great value and access to over 190 sights and attractions right across the region can be found at the link

• The Tiscover website comes up with a similar list of attractions in and around Zell am See.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in the area please consider www.austria-holiday-apartment.com the apartment is located in Kaprun and will sleep 5-9 in comfort and is ideal for families. With so much to do and see in the area, it makes an ideal base what ever the season.

30 great reason to visit Zell am See and Kaprun in Austria in the summer

30 great reasons to visit and stay in Kaprun / Zell am See in the Salzburgerland area of Austria in the summer

1. Scenery to inspire.
2. Fresh clean alpine air to relax in.
3. The sports centres, indoor pool, spa and recreation centre "Optimum" in Kaprun and similar in Zell
4. A trip to Salzburg
5. A trip to Innsbruck
6. Swimming and bathing fun in Lake Zell
7. Water sport-swimming, sailing, surfing, diving, water skiing on the lake at Zell.
8. Hiking trails at all altitudes, with different challenges, and different views.
9. Cable cars up to 3,000 m above sea level
10. One of Austria’s premier golf clubs with two 18-hole golf courses in a spectacular location.
11. Over 200 km route of the bike cycle route called the "Tauernradweg"
12. Over 700 km of well defined mountain bike routes some used in the mountain bike downhill World cup competition.
13. Over 25 km of bridle paths, for you to enjoy horse riding.
14. Over 40 different types of sports for all the family to enjoy.
15. Summer skiing up on the on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.
16. Kaprun castle festivals.
17. Village, lake, city and alpine festivals.
18. Concerts, theatres, exhibit, museums, galleries locally and in Salzburg and Innsbruck.
19. Canyoning, river rafting, climbing, mountaineering, paragliding, mountain biking and so much more.
20. Fun and varied program for children
21. A visit to Kaprun’s reservoirs.
22. Railway trips Salzburg or Innsbruck.
23. Visit Krimmel waterfalls perhaps taking you cycles on the train, and cycling down the valley with a day to remember
24. An alpine drive over the alps on a road only open May to September!
25. Castles to visit, including Werfen castle with the display of falconery
26. Visit a large ice cave above Werfen castle only discovered just over 100 years ago.
27. Many great places for all the family to visit.
28. A 7 mile walk around the lake at Zell
29. Sit and have a coffee and take in the view
30. Relax you are on holiday.

For further information and ideas link to the article 22 - 23 reasons to visit Zell am See, Kaprun and surrounding areas for a winter holiday see this link.

Tauern Spa-world-Kaprun

Another great reason to visit the area will be the opening of a brand new spa complex which is expected to be completed in the year 2010, it will be called the Tauern Spa-world-Kaprun, the cost of the development comes in at around 85 million euro.

The spa will cover a site of 18,600 metres square and with a water recreation area of 2060 metres square. It promises to be a superb enhancement to the area, make it an even more attractive place to holiday throughout the year.

The site of the spa is just a few minutes walk from the centre of Kaprun, it sits in the valley bottom, surrounded my majestic mountains, and a stunning view of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier with its glacier.

I feel sure that it will be worth the wait to visit.

Are there many places to eat in Kaprun Zell am See?

Germknödel

Well the simple answer is yes, there are around 30 restaurants, cafe's, hotels and bars to eat in Kaprun, and plenty more in Zell am See (see link below). There is also plenty of choice to please all budgets and appetites.

Austria is renowned for the quality and freshness of its food which is paramount at all good restaurants. My experience I am pleased to say that is that you will struggle to to get a bad meal! quality seems to come with every meal and at every course.

My advice is come and find out for yourself? The advantage of self catering accommodation is that you have the choice to eat in or out. Perhaps having a breakfast at a mountain restaurant or staying late in Salzburg or Innsbruck and eating at a restaurant / bistro there, or just walking down into the village and taking your choice.

Restaurants in Kaprun (for Zell am See - see below)

Overview with name, address and phone number

Name	Address	Phone
Alpincenter	Kitzsteinhorn (2452m)	+43 (0) 6547-8621-341
Antonius	Schloss Strasse 744	+43 (0) 6547-7670
Baumbar-Reiteralm	Sigmund Thun Straße 734	+43 (0) 6547-8216
Bella Casa	Nikoalus-Gassner-Straße 571	+43 (0) 6547-20132
Burg	Burglindgasse 481	+43 (0) 6547-8306
Cantina Bar Zucchini	Schloßstraße 208	+43 (0) 6547-20010
Di Vino	Geschäftszeile 693	+43 (0) 6547-8663
Die Insel	Parkstraße 700	+43 (0) 6547-7666-31
Dorfkrug - Restaurants & Appartements	Nikolaus-Gassner-Straße 383	+43 (0) 6547-20081
Dorfstadl, Holiday u. Villa Theresa	Kellnerfeldstr.691	+43 (0) 6547-7280
Falkenstein	Nikolaus-Gassner-Str. 434	+43 (0) 6547-7122
Gasthof Auhof	Augasse 560	+43 (0) 6547-8540
Gasthof Künstleralm	Kesselfallstraße 166	+43 (0) 6547-8560
Guggenbichl	Guggenbichlweg 11	+43 (0) 6547-8578
Gut Pichlhof	Schloßstraße 827	+43 (0) 6547-20302
Hilberger´s Beisl	Wilhelm-Fazokas-Straße 149	+43 (0) 6547-7246
Hotel Kaprun	Krapfstraße 546	+43 (0) 6547-86250
Jagawirt	Kesselfallstraße 404	+43 (0) 6547-8737
Kitsch & Bitter	Geschäftszeile 693	+43 (0) 6547-8663
Metzgerstube	Nikolaus-Gassner-Straße 689	+43 (0) 6547-8179
Mitteregger	Schloßstraße 13	+43 (0) 6547-8207
Naturhotel Steiner	Kesselfallstraße 647	+43 (0) 6547-8461
Orgler	Schloßstraße 22	+43 (0) 6547-8205
Rudolfshof Vitality	Lechnerdorfgasse 606	+43 (0) 6547-7183
Sonnblick	Schloss Strasse 394	+43 (0) 6547-8301
St. Florian	Feldstraße 721	+43 (0) 6547-88710
Steigenberger Kaprun	Schloßstraße 751	+43 (0) 6547-7647
Tauernhof	Nikolaus-Gassner-Str. 276	+43 (0) 6547-82350
Unteraigen	Schaufelbergstraße 66	+43 (0) 6547-7277
Vierjahreszeiten	Schloßstraße 550	+43 (0) 6547-8316
Waidmannsheil	Salzburger Platz 158	+43 (0) 6547-82430
Weißsteinalm	Schaufelbergstraße 687	+43 (0) 6547-7439
Winklhof	Winklhofweg 37	+43 (0) 6547-70704
Zeitlos	Schloßstraße 827	+43 (0) 6547-20302
Zur Mühle	Nikolaus-Gassner-Str. 38	+43 (0) 6547-8254

If that is not enough choice, you can always take a bus / taxi ride into Zell am See where there are another 40 plus restaurants to choose from!

For further information please see www.austria-holiday-apartment.com