Summer Retreat on the Hohe Salve

The Hohe Salve (1,829 m) is a mountain in the Tyrolean lowlands that offers stunning 360° views. Thanks to the Hopfgarten and Söll lift operators, conquering the summit across 70 three-thousand-metre-high peaks with little effort becomes a gentle pleasure. New horizons are created at Austria’s first revolving panoramic terrace at the summit restaurant, and likewise when the head chef serves up her “Ziachkiachln” (type of sweet or savoury doughnut) every Wednesday and Thursday. Visit the Salvenkirchlein, the pilgrimage church of John the Baptist, and discover the highest church in Tyrol. It looks back over more than 400 years of history (prayer every Wed. 01.07–16.09.09). The Sonnenweg, or sun trail, is a beautiful panoramic path around the summit, which in about half an hour takes you past sundials, a wind harp and explains the history of time measurement (tours daily 11am/12pm/1pm/2pm). Next to the inn and the church you’ll find the “sleeping giant“, a grey monster for kids to clamber over and romp about to their hearts’ content. Tempting tip on the Hohe Salve: sunrise trip on the first gondola for a mountain breakfast with magnificent views.