SEMMERING, AUSTRIA
I didn’t know much about Semmering but when I arrived it was the most magical town I had ever visited. I arrived the day after Halloween but I noticed there wasn’t anyone walking nearby. I thought it felt odd as I was the only one out and about. I looked into the empty shops and walked throughout the neighborhood but everyone was completely gone. It was as if I had set foot in a mysterious ghost town and I had it all to myself.
I then saw a man who was cleaning his front steps of his shop and I approached him to ask where everyone went and he told me that it was Day of the Dead, All Saints Day, and that everyone was in the lovely church just down the road! He was so kind and opened his shop just for me to purchase a few souvenirs!
The Mountains in Semmering
PRO TIP: When visiting a new country, try to find a “golden nugget” of information or new product there to bring back with you! When I was in Austria, I had first heard about walking sticks.. and I used them during my trek throughout the mountain top. Since this moment, I have brought walking sticks with me on every hike!
Semmering is about a one hour train ride from Vienna and I would highly recommend to visit. It is a ski resort town that is perfect for any season!
Enjoy hiking in the mountains, exploring the ski lifts, relaxing in the spa, or trying out wonderful desserts like Vienna's famous cakes, Sachertorte and Mozart Torte.
My recommendations for hotels and excursions in Semmering are:
The Panoramahotel Wagner Hotel
Südbahnhotel Semmering
PROTIP: Ever wonder when is the best time of year to purchase flights, hotels, and excursions? I’ve noticed spring and autumn tend to be when the lowest prices are available! However, March tends to have the highest prices in certain areas due to spring break so I tend to shoot for either February or April when booking in spring!
