In July we celebrated our first summer holiday in our brand new holiday home in the magnificent Austrian Alps. The house was decorated, the garden was laid out and the terrace was ready for lazy lounging, so we finally could enjoy the cosyness of the apartment and the beauty of the surroundings. Here’s why we love our place so much, and why you should consider spending a holiday at Haus FÖN.

1. CHARMING GRÖBMING

Gröbming is a small town with 2800 inhabitants, but it has everything you need, like a big SPAR and BILLA for groceries, a couple of nice restaurants, bars and shops and a lovely square, from where you have a striking view on the old church and the impressive peaks of the Kammspitze. In just a few minutes you walk from Haus FÖN to the town center.

2. BREATHTAKING SCENERY

Can you be in love with a mountain? Well, I am. I just love the Grimming, the highest stand alone mountain of the Alps (2361 m). From our terrace you can catch a glimpse of the striking limestone rocks, but when you drive all the way up to the traditional Michaelerberghaus, not far from Gröbming, you have an impressive view over the Grimming and the whole of the Ennstal valley.

3. REST AND PEACE

Do you sometimes long for a period of rest and relaxation, so you can finally read a couple of books? You’ll find it in Haus FÖN, with its big couch, comfortable armchairs, large terrace, lounge sofa, and its peaceful atmosphere.

4. OLD-FASHIONED FRIENDLINESS
Living in the city of Vienna, with its notorious grumpy waiters and sometimes unsociable citizens, I’m always struck by the friendliness of the Styrian people, especially in Gröbming, where all the employees in every store welcome you (Griaß di) and say goodbye (Pfiat di). Feels like old times.

5. HOMEMADE COOKING

There are plenty of nice restaurants in the area, but when we check in in Haus FÖN, we like to cook ourselves in our well equipped kitchen. Or do some grilling outside. Luckily I’m married to a Grillmeister. Mahlzeit!

6. NETFLIX ADDICTION
I like to read a good book, but I also like to watch series or a good movie. No greater joy than to end a beautiful day outdoor with a good meal and some proper binge watching, especially when it’s raining. There’s BVN TV for Dutch viewers, Netflix, and a DVD player as well, so you can also watch my favorite (Alain Delon) movie.

7. PANORAMA POOL

Gröbming definitely has the most scenic outdoor pool I’ve ever seen. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (until August 15) you can go for a swim from 06.30 till 08.00 o’clock, for only 1,50 euro. A great thing to do, if you manage to get up early, because you have the pool more or less for yourself. Sssshhhh.

8. HIKING PARADISE

We went hiking to the amazing Schwarzensee in the Kleinsölk valley near Gröbming. It’s the largest mountain lake in the Schladminger Tauern and it can be reached after a 45 minutes hike. Everyone can make it, if you’re not afraid of the cows. Here you can find the most beautiful hikes and mountain tours in Schladming-Dachstein.

9. STODERZINKEN

Stoderzinken is the home mountain of Gröbming. The beautiful 12 km long serpentine road to the top is the highest Alpine Road of Styria. There’s a small magical ski station in wintertime, during summer it’s a great hiking spot. The trail that leads to the iconic Friedenskirchl, a romantic peace chapel, takes about 20 minutes. Not to be missed.

10. BIKING PARADISE
A great way to discover the Ennstal region is to get on your mountainbike and hit the road, or one of the many mountainbike tracks. The good news is that you don’t have to bring your own bike. You can just rent them around the corner at Mandl’s sport store in the heart of Gröbming. (And they have E-bikes as well : )

11. NEARBY CITIES GRAZ & SALZBURG

Graz is, next to Vienna, my favorite city in Austria. It’s a 1,5 hours drive from Gröbming. The alien-like museum Kunsthaus Graz is a must-see. We often go to restaurant Eckstein, because of the good vibes, great food and professional service. The view from the rooftop bar Freiblick at the 6th floor of shopping center Kastner & Öhler is also a nice feature and a  great place to have breakfast, but you better make a reservation.
Salzburg, the city of Mozart, The Sound of Music and the Salzburger Festspiele is just 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Gröbming. Worth a journey, so just check it out and enjoy.