Our bad-weather tips around Mauterndorf
Even in the most beautiful mountain summer, the sun deserves a break now and then. But don't worry: a rainy day in the Lungau is far from a lost holiday. Quite the opposite – around Mauterndorf there is plenty to discover that is perfect for grey or cooler days.
As hosts, we are asked again and again: „What can we do today if it rains?“ That is why we have gathered our favourite bad-weather tips for you right here.
1. A journey back in time at Mauterndorf Castle
When it turns miserable outside, one of the loveliest destinations lies practically right on our doorstep: Mauterndorf Castle.
From our hotel you can stroll comfortably through the historic town centre up to the castle. Inside, you immerse yourself in the history of the Middle Ages and discover old walls, exhibitions and fascinating stories about life at the castle.
For families in particular, the castle is a lovely way to spend a rainy morning or afternoon.
And you might get lucky: if the clouds break for a moment, the view from the keep over Mauterndorf is especially rewarding.
Our tip: pack a rain jacket and set off on foot – that way the car can simply stay at the hotel.
2. Moosham Castle – a little mystery is allowed
If you like castles, old stories and mysterious places, you should also pay a visit to Moosham Castle.
The castle looks back on centuries of history and is closely connected, among other things, with the Lungau witch trials. On a guided tour you can discover historic rooms, old weapons and numerous special collector's items.
On a gloomy rainy day in particular, Moosham Castle admittedly has a very special atmosphere.
3. Take a dip at the BadeINSEL Tamsweg
Pouring rain outside? Then it is time to swim indoors.
The BadeINSEL Tamsweg is a good alternative, especially for families, when hiking boots and rucksack are allowed a break.
Here you can spend a few relaxed hours in the water while the typical mountain weather passes by outside.
And the best part: Tamsweg is quick to reach from Mauterndorf.
4. Enjoy a leisurely trip to Tamsweg
Not every rainy day means constant rain. In the Lungau especially, clouds, brief showers and dry spells often take turns.
Days like these are wonderful for a little trip to Tamsweg.
Stroll through the town centre, browse a shop or two, treat yourself to a coffee and a wonderful homemade ice cream at Bäckerei Hochleitner, and discover a different side of the Lungau.
Sometimes it is exactly these unplanned, easy-going holiday days that you look back on most fondly.
5. Discover the Biosphere Reserve exhibition
The Lungau is not just any holiday region: together with the Carinthian Nockberge mountains, it is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Salzburger Lungau & Kärntner Nockberge.
If you would like to learn more about why our landscape is so special and what actually defines a biosphere reserve, a rainy day is a wonderful chance to do so.
And when you head back outdoors afterwards, you may well look at some things in the Lungau with rather different eyes.
6. An outing to the Erlebnis-Therme Amadé
When the forecast promises a whole day of rain, the outing may lead a little further afield for once.
The Erlebnis-Therme Amadé in Altenmarkt is easy to reach from Mauterndorf and is ideal especially for families or for a relaxed day of bathing.
While it rains outside, you can drift in the warm water, enjoy the various pools or simply do nothing for a whole day.
After all, that is part of a holiday too.
7. A little road trip through the Lungau
Rain in the valley does not automatically mean it looks the same everywhere in the Lungau.
In changeable weather in particular, it can be fun to simply get in the car and explore our region a little. Drive through the various Lungau valleys, for example, make a stop in one of the small villages and pull over wherever you like.
Because the Lungau has its charm even under clouds: wisps of mist between the mountains, lush green meadows and small villages can then seem almost a little mystical.
8. A rainy day = a day to savour
Perhaps our most important tip of all: do not stress yourselves.
A holiday does not have to mean hiking as many kilometres as possible every day and ticking off as many sights as you can.
Sometimes you can simply linger a little longer over breakfast in the morning, have a second cup of coffee, read a book or take a stroll through Mauterndorf as soon as the rain eases.
And when it is cool and wet outside, hearty Austrian home cooking tastes even a little better anyway.
In our restaurant at the Hotel Steffner-Wallner we spoil you with Austrian cuisine, regional produce and dishes that are especially comforting after a rainy day.
9. Simply do nothing for once
Perhaps this is the loveliest bad-weather tip of all.
Sleep in. Have a leisurely breakfast. Plan the next days of your holiday. Play cards. Read. Watch the mountains from the window.
Because this is part of a holiday in the mountains too: not having to function for once.
And by the next morning, the world usually looks completely different anyway.
10. Ask us – we know our Lungau
Weather in the mountains can change quickly. That is why it is worth not writing off the whole holiday day first thing in the morning just because the weather app shows rain.
Just drop by our reception and ask.
We are happy to take a look together with you at how the weather is developing and which outing suits the day. After all, we live here and know many of the spots that do not necessarily appear on every classic list of things to do.
Bad weather, wonderful holiday
Of course we wish every one of our guests sunshine and bright blue skies. But sometimes it is precisely the rainy days that slow a holiday down.
So: rain jacket on, umbrella packed – or simply make yourselves cosy indoors.
Because the Lungau is beautiful not only in the sunshine.
And when you come back to us in the evening, we look forward to hearing about your adventures over a good meal.
Your Steffner-Wallner family & the entire team
