The valley

A field guide, kept short.

Everything below starts at the door, or within an hour of it. We've left out plenty — the full list lives in the welcome book, on the shelf by the fire.

winter

When the snow is down

Tauplitz is one of the snowiest corners of the Alps; the season runs from November until after Easter. Most of this needs no booking and no talent.

The pistesDie Tauplitz — 43 km across three mountains, mostly above the treeline. Sun with your snow.Lift, 10 min

The night sled runGrafenwiese, down to the village, after dark. Borrow the sledges from the boot room.Village, 10 min

SnowshoesThrough the forest from the gate. Two pairs hang by the door; the tracks are signed.From the door

The thermeGrimmingTherme in Bad Mitterndorf — thermal water from the spring, mountains through the glass.Drive, 10 min

summer

When the meadows are up

The Tauplitzalm above the house is the highest lake plateau in Central Europe — six lakes at 1,650 metres, strung along the paths like mirrors.

The six-lakes walkUp to the alm on foot from the house, or take the chairlift and save your knees for the lakes.From the door

GrundlseeThe Styrian Sea. Swim from the free shores, or take a wooden Plätte across to Toplitzsee.Drive, 30 min

The Thursday marketChlumeckyplatz, Bad Aussee — honey, spirits, cheese, handwork. Mornings, spring through summer.Drive, 20 min

HallstattThe one everyone asks about. Go before eight, or go in the rain — it's better in the rain.Drive, 40 min

Deep-blue gentians open in the alpine grass — Gentians on the alm — the blue comes out in June

One of the Tauplitzalm lakes seen past an old wooden fence — One of the six lakes, at the top of the climb

A weathered timber hay barn in a green meadow below the peaks — A hay barn in the meadows below the house

The Grimming rising over the green valley in summer — The Grimming across the valley — high summer on the meadows

The year

One house, many moods

Fresh snow across an open meadow, boot tracks and the mountains beyond

winter

Snow to the rail, the fire going by four. The longest season, and the quietest.

summer

Doors open until ten. Lakes warm enough to argue about. Hay in the air.

Autumn colour across the forested slopes, a peak in the low sun

shoulder

The larches turn gold and the valley empties. Our favourite, if we're asked.

Without a car

Take the train. Leave the car behind.

Direct trains run from Vienna to Tauplitz's own small station; from Graz, change once at Stainach-Irdning. The house is a short way up the valley from there, and once you're here you won't need a car at all.

From ViennaDirect, ~3 h 30 by rail

From GrazOne change, ~3 h 15

Tauplitz stationIn the village below

On the almCar-free in winter anyway

Check the dates