Out and about together to culinary hotspots and meet-ups in Altenmarkt.

 Enjoy a taste of something new. Learn fascinating facts about the region and its people and tickle your taste buds at the same time. A wonderful opportunity for this is on the guided „Tasty the Story“ tour through Altenmarkt.

The short journey into the world of pleasure starts within a first few steps. They lead us to Eckart’s traditional carpenter’s workshop in the centre of Altenmarkt. Entering the workshop your senses are overwhelmed. By scents of the forest. The freshly-worked local wood from fir, swiss pine and larch trees envelop the rooms in a cloud of natural aromas. Magnificent handcrafted objects, unique masterpieces are a feast for your eyes. Johannes Eckart, the junior boss, the second generation to run the company starts to talk. About his philosophy, his travels, his approach to craftsmanship. Everyone is hanging on his lips and feeling his enthusiasm for what he does. In his eyes, in his words, his gestures and of course in his products.

The prelude. Joy seems to be perfect. If there wasn’t an important detail missing. Namely the culinary start to the pleasure tour. And it’s waiting for us – enticingly presented – on wonderful wooden tables (of course made in the Eckart carpenter’s) in the form of a variety of perfectly shaped antipasti from the neighbouring wine boutique “Il Vinaio“, which we’ll visit at the end of the tour.

The perfect harmony. Johannes Eckart is an open person. He leads us through his workshop and shows us a very special, unique place – the Eckart-Gütl. A 400-year-old miner’s house made of larch wood, which his father furnished with much heart and love. Each room holds a surprise. Old tools as you’d find in a heritage museum meet modern pictures and sculptures by contemporary, international artists. Just as in the carpenter’s workshop the mix is traditional and modern, which is so fascinating and inspiring.

Harmony in perfection is also offered by the famous “Good-Mood“ wine aperitifs and digestifs, our guide Kurt – a connoisseur through and through – allows us to taste. They are his babies, his own creations. The three varieties on offer “Vivian“, “Felicitas“ and “Amelie“ all have a very special effect due to the added herbs. And Kurt tells us all about them.

Oh, how a few steps do us good. The short stroll along the Schlatterberg, Altenmarkt’s green lung to our next stop, where the main course awaits, is a real joy. Before Herbert Bittersam, the owner of the Urbisgut, serves us his delicate pink roast bio beef tournados, he allows us an exciting insight into the tradition of the house and the family history. A special feature: the little chapel in the grounds, with its 400-year-old bell.

If we hadn’t had our guide Kurt with us, we would have probably overlooked the time and simply stayed here. But Kurt has a job to do – to lead us to pleasure. This time to the sweet. And it’s worth it: The Café Freiraum is a place where you feel at home right away. It’s cozy there, snug and relaxed. A warm treat: the alpine dessert variation. Legendary: the delicious home-made ice cream by Ulli and Hans-Peter Bacher, the two owners.

The grand final. How practical: today Altenmarkt’s only a few steps away from “bella Italia”. Our last ones on this diverse tour. Martina and Emanuele bring a touch of Italy to Altenmarkt in their wine boutique “Il Vinaio“. Italian delicacies as far as the eye can see. The friendly couple ooze light-heartedness, zest for life and dolce vita. The corks pop, Wine is served. Sparkling fresh or down-home earthy to suit your taste. And accompanying cheeses. Each has a story to tell. And you can taste it. All of a sudden you feel as though you are Piemont or amongst the shepherds in Sardinia. How lovely such a little journey is, if you allow yourself to wallow in pleasure totally.

So varied and different the individual stations are on the “Taste the Story“ tour one thing connects them all. They are a gift and an invitation at the same time: enjoy life. In all its variety.

photo credits: Altenmarkt-Zauchensee Tourismus