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It would be difficult not to be inspired by the old world charm and scenic vistas of Austria’s cities and landscapes. Co-founder and creative director of luxury scarf brand, Bird and Knoll, Natalie Knoll spent time there this summer and was delighted to discover and be inspired by the artistic havens of Austria’s “art hotels” – beautiful spaces housed in centuries old townhouses in Vienna and Salzburg and curated with incredible collections of modern art.
Where to stay in Vienna Hotel Altstadt (Kirchengasse 41) takes the art of hospitality to a new level. The boutique property conveniently located a few minutes walk from the Museum Quarter is a unique and colourful gallery of artwork dotted around tea salons, grand staircases and spacious rooms. It’s eclectic collection of furniture and art adds to the bohemian feel of the hotel and it’s surrounding neighbourhood – the perfect environment for artistic musings.
What not to miss in Vienna The Museum Quarter is a city cultural oasis of museums, including the eccentric “MUseum MOderner Kunst” (MUMOK), the charming Leopold and for kids, the very engaging Kinder Museum. Perhaps the most beautiful museum (in the world) and home to Klimt’s “The Kiss” is the Belvedere, a Baroque masterpiece and home to the greatest collection of Austrian art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Where to eat in Vienna The city is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. For modern Viennese head to Glacis Beisl (where you can get your fix of Vienna schnitzel) or for creative mediterranean stroll down to Ulrich. For those with a sweet tooth and a desire for death by chocolate, an afternoon excursion to the Hotel Sacher for their renowned Sacher Torte is mandatory!
Equally charming and rich in culture and history is Salzburg. Small but sophisticated, the birthplace of Mozart is a definite for any travel bucket list! Where to stay in Salzburg Housed in a centuries old townhouse, the Hotel Blaue Gans on the famous Getreide Gasse is a boutique hotel that has refined the art of contemporary design. Every detail has in mind a careful blend of old and new to accentuate its rich architectural history and showcase the 120 pieces of original art displayed throughout.
What not to miss in Salzburg Since 2014 there has been an Open Air Gallery erected on the Krauthügel from Whitsun to the end of September. The “Walk of Modern Art” tours showcases twelve works by internationally acclaimed contemporary artists that have turned the old town into a veritable “Garden of Art”. Marina Abramovic, Anselm Kiefer, Markus Lüpertz, Mario Merz, James Turell, Jaume Plensa, Tony Cragg, Stefan Balkenhol, Brigitte Kowanz, Christian Boltanski, Manfred Wakolbinger and Erwin Wurm give you the opportunity to discover the city from a different perspective and with bicycles available at the reception of Blaue Gans, it is even easier to explore.
Where to eat in Salzburg Enjoy the fresh markets and some of the local delicacies that you can get there.
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Housed in a centuries old townhouse, the Hotel Blaue Gans on the famous Getreide Gasse is a boutique hotel that has refined the art of contemporary design.
