Austria holiday, summer 2009

We had been so surprised and impressed by our summer holiday in Zell am See in 2008 that we went again in August 2009, staying at the same place, Hotel Stadt Wien.

'Zell' really is a preposterously picturesque part of the world, a quiet, under-stated resort on the shore of a huge lake, surrounded by mountains covered in dense forest.

It takes a lot longer to get there under your own steam, mind: train down to Kings Cross then down to Gatwick, an overnight in a Travelodge where customer service clearly meant inefficient working practices and was accordingly rationed to momentary eye contact only. An early morning flight to Salzburg, then a shuttle bus to the train station, for a train down to Zell am See, and a taxi up to the hotel. But we got there.

This time Valeria's parents, Anna Maria ['Nonna'] and Maurizio, and Liam's cousin Elisa travelled across from Italy for the week, as well.

We had another great week of mostly sunshine. There was only one day when it chucked it down (for which we went to a great swimming pool/waterpark in Kaprun).

As well as just playing in the heated hotel pool, and the one down in town with the big yellow water slide, we took a long mountain walk down from the summit of the Schmittenhohe mountain that towers over the town through the woods, and which is accessed by cable car. It's a stunning walk, with so many vistas.

We also took another trip to the Krimml waterfall, this time by a steam train departing from Zell am See.

It too is a spectacular place, the highest waterfall in Europe apparently, and takes about an hour and a half to walk to the top (where there is a cafe - the proprietor's journey to work every morning must leave her with calf muscles of steel).

But the best day was an all-family bike tour around the lake, a decently long journey of around 22km in circumference - with a stop-off at a lakeside cafe for an ice lolly. Spot the cheeky tongue out at the camera from you-know-who... (click on the picture to reveal!)

A great holiday. Highly recommended.