A real synergy of passions, something out of the ordinary! That’s exactly what I am looking forward to when I reserve tables in four different places instead of  just one restaurant for my evening with friends. Mind you it took just one call. I have signed up for the “culinary walk” in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee – a dinner with a difference!

The meeting point is at the Tourist Information at 5 pm. We arrive punctually and are welcomed by our companion for the evening, Kurt who will guide us during the course of the evening. He will also keep an eye on the time so that our evening walk does not turn into a sunrise walk!

The concept of the culinary walk is that the four courses are served in different restaurants. In between, there is a visit to the Altenmarkt local history museum and about ten minutes of walking, keeping true to the sage advice “After the meal you should do 1000 steps”. Such a great way to spend an evening: Five venues, a fixed menu (vegan or vegetarian also available), so no dithering over choices and despite quite large portions, the anticipation of a tasty dessert is not dulled by an excessive feeling of fullness after the third course.

This evening also benefits from the mix of participants. We are in a group of 17 people, made up of guests and locals of all ages. Although we do not know each other, it is already clear at the first dining area “Under the Spreading Chestnut Trees ” at Scheffer`s Hotel that this is going to be a fun evening. The hosts of the participating restaurants contribute to the genial atmosphere. In each restaurant, such as the idyllic beer garden of the Markterwirt, we are personally welcomed by the host and enlightened about the history and peculiarities of the inn, including amusing anecdotes.

In Krallinger’s hut, our guide Kurt, puts on his other hat as a sommelièr, and lets us taste his own wine-based herbal drinks.

The mood is hilarious and so Kurt has to gently remind the group that there are more stations and delicacies waiting for us.

For dessert, we visit the “Herb garden by the pond” at Schartner’s Hotel, and without any more time constraints, it is time for the landlord to get out his accordion to entertain us with the devil’s violin by making music together.

At the 3^rd stop, in between all of the culinary delights, there is a cultural visit to the „Altenmarkt Hoamathaus“ local history museum. During this highlight, the custodian Helga Sobota takes us on a journey through time back to the smoke kitchen and cooking in the old days. As we say goodbye, we can feel relieved that we were born into a much more comfortable time.

In summary, my friends and I had a really great evening, with delicious food, welcoming hosts, exciting insights and lots of fun, all bundled in a walk – a dinner of a different kind!

Incidentally, we are not the only ones who have enjoyed the “Culinary Walk”, it was awarded the Zipfer Tourism Award 2018.

Photo credits: Anita Ellmer, TVB Altenmarkt