Page 86 - Mayrlife 2025 English

Certain places have a way of making the world slow
down. Places, where no grand gestures are needed to
leave a lasting impression. Altaussee is such a place,
a serene oasis nestled in the heart of the Salzkam-
mergut. The lake of the same name, one of 59 bathing
lakes in Styria, is among Austria’s most protected
bodies of water. Its waters shimmer in deep blue, still
and clear, as though crafted to reflect the landscape,
the light – and perhaps even a glimpse of one’s inner
self. One of the highlights is the 7.6-kilometre trail
that winds around the lake, its waters plunging to
depths of up to 70 metres. It’s a meditative journey,
offering breathtaking views of the Dachstein and the
local peaks of Loser and Trisselwand. The latter invite
hikers and climbers to explore their rugged trails. In
winter, a quaint ski resort with 34 kilometres of slopes
awaits on Loser mountain. Altaussee is often called a
‘Kraftort’, an energy sanctuary, and it’s easy to see
why: the tranquil atmosphere and magical surround-
ings quickly put visitors at ease, inspiring relaxation
and reflection.
As early as the 19th and 20th centuries, this unique
combination had already drawn artists, writers, and
composers. Johannes Brahms and Richard Strauss,
Rainer Maria Rilke, Oskar Kokoschka, and Hugo von
Hofmannsthal, one of the most celebrated Austrian
writers of his time, all found inspiration here. In his
‘Simplicissimus’ magazine, he published a story
about Altaussee, and in his letters and diaries, he ex-
pressed his deep admiration: ‘I love this landscape so
much. The older I get, the richer it becomes to me,’
he wrote in August 1912.
Even royalty was drawn here. Empress Elisabeth,
better known as ‘Sisi’, visited several times, often
incognito, and loved to walk the mountains. Altaus-
see became her personal retreat – not for
representation, but for peace and solitude.
This tradition continues to be upheld to this day. The
MAYRLIFE Resort, nestled peacefully by the lake, of-
fers a contemporary take on the tradition of retreat.
It’s all about regeneration – an invitation to renew
yourself. Both physically and mentally.
PHOTO: Karl Steinegger
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