Schlosshotel Freisitz Roith

At the northern tip of the Traunsee, where the river flows in replenishing the crystal clear waters, is the pretty resort town of Gmunden. Just southeast of the bustle of town, following the shoreline, is the lovely Schlosshotel Freisitz Roith. Set above the road, the two-story white façade is distinctive, easy to spot with its one end turret. One of the oldest estates on the lake (documented as property of the Lords Polhaim and Wartenburg of Schwans), the castle enjoys an incredible setting looking back to the town and across to the picturesque Schloss Ort. Taking advantage of the panoramic view, the hotel’s principal restaurant, The Winter Garden, is terraced below the hotel and runs almost its full length with an unobstructed expanse of window. There is also a very cozy Jägerstube, known for its gourmet menu, tucked off the modern little bar. There are 19 guestrooms and 4 suites. The most dramatic, number 11, is considered the Honeymoon Suite with a sitting area housed in the single turret and a private balcony overlooking the lake. Although most rooms do overlook the lake, there is no price differential so definitely request one that does. The standard rooms are an excellent value. Number 22 is a pretty salmon-colored room with a double bed whose two windows frame the idyllic scene outside. Although the hotel does not have a pool, there is a little sauna area and access to the public beach is located just below the hotel.

The joys of fine dining and festive moments, ferry rides aboard MS Hochlecken on the picturesque Traunsee, the view of Schloss Orth and a wealth of sporting and wellness opportunities, make any stay on the shores of the Traunsee into a true celebration of life itself;The Traunsee is a lake for those who appreciate the finer things.  Ever since the days of the Victorian-era spa experience, people have been coming here to enjoy the landscapes, the good air, clear mountain waters that are pure enough to drink, and so much more. But above all, and for as long as anyone can remember – and very much in keeping with the old Nestroy motto, that a well set table is the most beautiful place of all -  people savour the culinary temptations that originate from the surrounding forests, streams, rivers and tarns, accompanied by fine wines from Austria and around the world. Master chef, Johann Parzer – internationally acclaimed for his artistry, is one of the most skilled in his craft to be found in the entire Salzkammergut region. As the favourite chef of Thomas Bernhard, he has even written literary history; and his winter garden restaurant, which also provides culinary support to the “Orther Stuben” of TV’s Schloss Orth across the way, stands squarely at the centre of hospitality in this old country seat. Schloss Roith, which the Asamer Family has turned since 1996 into a veritable jewel case of a hotel with every imaginable comfort, is one of the oldest estates in the entire Traunsee region, first being chronicled back in the first half of the 16th century. The most prominent of the castle’s owners was the “Nobleman of Roithberg“, the well-known salt trader, Johann Nepomuk Hörner. Schloss Roith today stands as a centre of seminar hospitality, as the venue for joyous celebrations and as a symbol of upscale conviviality, not rarely finding its romantic culmination on the deck of the castle’s very own nostalgic ship, the “Hochlecken”. And above all, guests in search of recreation and relaxation will be greeted by numerous opportunities for sporting activities, with swimming and climbing right at the doorstep, golf, hunting and fishing, plus wellness amenities that include a sauna, steam bath, whirlpool and fitness area.