Winter getaway in Traunkirchen, Salzkammergut. The city rarely truly lets go. Even in sleep, something keeps moving — thoughts, to-do lists, distant noise.
It suddenly goes quiet in Traunkirchen. Not artificial. Not staged. Just like that. The view of Lake Traunsee. The mountains behind it. And in between: Space. To breathe. To sort things out. Or maybe not thinking at all. Winter intensifies this feeling. It reduces everything to the essentials. No programme. No having to do anything. Sleeping in becomes a conscious decision. For slowness. For clarity. For a day that doesn't want to prove anything. Just being. And that's enough.
The morning begins quietly . No alarm. No pressure. Soft winter light drifts across the lake. The day is not pressing. Time feels far away. Even before it has really begun, this calm arrival sets in.
After getting up, warmth comes from within. A cocoa ceremony. Gently guided. Grounding. Unagitated. It opens the body, sorts thoughts, brings calm to the system. The breath deepens. The pace drops. Everything settles.
Breakfast follows in the same rhythm. Late. Relaxed. Warm regional specialities, good coffee, long views out over the water. The lake sets the pace. Conversations ensue. Or not. Both feel right.
A short drive, around 25 minutes,into clear air and tranquil forest. The hike to Laudachsee takes about an hour. Snow underfoot. Peace and quiet all around. Time stretches out.
Sometimes a soft crack breaks the silence. A deep, almost singing sound coming from the ice. No coincidence, but tension. The ice is working, reacting to the cold and subtle changes in temperature. Physics that becomes audible. And still feels mystical. Walking becomes a goal. Thoughts slow down. No need to explain anything. Slow walking. Slow thinking. Making space for new inspiration.
On the way back, the stop in Gmunden seems almost natural. La Sonett.A French pâtisserie that makes no compromises. Rich in butter. Precise. Generously thought out. Tartes that carry weight. Flavourful and physical. Not a light moment, but a conscious one. Just right after hours of cold and movement. A place for real indulgence. Rich. Comforting. Unapologetic.
Contrast follows in the afternoon. Cold. Ice bathing. A moment full of presence. Everything becomes clear when you dive in. Breath. Body. Focus. Then calm. Clean and sharp. Then the heat takes over. Sauna. Muscles let go. The breath becomes calm. The day begins to fade away.
The evening comes quietly . Dinner in the Belétage. Bar and restaurant flow into one another. You start with a drink. Or end with one. Sharing plates. Regional flavours, rethought. Time passes between courses. Conversations too. Nothing fixed. Nothing forced. No programme afterwards. Just the dark lake outside. And this quiet feeling: This day was exactly right.
This is what a winter's day in Traunkirchen feels like. Quietly restorative.
For all those who don't want to fill the winter, but deepen it.
With space for slowness. For movement in nature. For warmth, cold and clarity.
Breathwork, ice bathing, spa moments and time at the lake - freely combinable, without a fixed rhythm.
A winter stay. Focused on feeling. Not doing.
Are you ready to dive into an artful adventure? Rediscover your inner artist and get fresh perspectives. Curious about the new post?