Leaving the lively hum of Zagreb behind, we crossed into Austria, where the landscape changed almost at once. The roads wound gently through green valleys and alpine meadows, framed by misty peaks that seemed to rise straight from storybooks. Small villages dotted the countryside, each one marked by a steeple and a handful of tidy houses with flower boxes spilling over in bright color.
Our destination was the region surrounding Lake Hallstatt, one of Austria’s most stunning areas. The drive felt almost magical, with mountain tunnels revealing sudden, cinematic views of the lake shimmering between dark pines and gray cliffs. We decided to stay in Obertraun, a peaceful town on the opposite side of the water, where the pace of life seemed to slow as the clouds drifted by.
Our chalet was cozy and charming, with large windows that offered breathtaking views of the mountains and a fireplace that captivated us. On rainy afternoons, we would relax on our covered balcony, listening to the gentle sound of raindrops tapping on the roof, paired with the faint scent of fireplaces warming homes throughout the town. Outside, the world was shrouded in mist and reflections, creating an atmosphere where time seemed to stand still.
When the skies cleared, we took the bus to Hallstatt, and it was just as beautiful as we had imagined. The town clings to the edge of the lake, as if it had grown out of the mountain itself. Narrow lanes, steep roofs, and balconies overflowing with flowers characterize the picturesque scenery. The swans glided across the still water so gracefully that they seemed like a living reflection of the town’s perfection.
We walked along the shore, passing small boathouses and cafes whose terraces extended over the lake. The air was crisp and clear, carrying the scents of wood and water. Everywhere we looked felt like a living postcard: the calm surface of the lake, the reflected peaks above, and the gentle sound of church bells echoing across the water. We enjoyed some schnitzel and bowls of soup along with fresh baked bread and glasses of beer and wine. It was perfect.
That evening, back in Obertraun, we enjoyed the warmth of the fireplace. The flames flickered softly as twilight settled over the mountains. Outside the window, the horizon catching the last rays of light, we sat in silence, letting the tranquility of the Alps envelop us. After visiting so many lively cities — the music of Zagreb, the history of Prague, and the winding vineyards of Germany — Austria provided something different: peace, reflection, and the quiet beauty of a place that seemed to belong to another world.
Thinking of you in all these lovely places.
You are loved.
Tom and Nancy’s Journeys 