photo ; Courtesy of Herr Christian Eder, Castello Konigsleiten
Have you ever fancied yourself as rakish Rolf (the young male romantic), lovely Liesl, or marvelous Maria from the fabulous 1959 film, The Sound of Music? Now you can learn to yodel with the best in the Austrian province of Tirol.
Königsleiten
The western-most village of the Federal State of Salzburg in the Pinzgauer area, is Königsleiten. An enterprising Austrian by the name of Christian Eder, is doing his bit to promote tourism and healthy hiking in this beautiful mountain region, using Königsleiten as his starting point.
Until the 1960s this hamlet in the hills (couldn’t think of anything to rhyme with mountain!) was a mere cluster of huts used by herdsmen and dairy workers during the summer months. Since 1962 the village has grown to become a ski resort of good reputation. It has a mini-golf course among its many fine features.
Hiking with Herr Eder
Herr Eder from the Wohlfühlhotel Castello, is helping promote the summer tourist trade by offering free mid-week guided hikes with a difference. Not only does he heave you up the hillside (truth be told you actually go up in the cable car, but that doesn’t sound as dramatic!), but he then delivers a delightful lesson or two in yodelling.
After a few warm up exercises, you’re off!
The hike – which takes about 3 hours and is rated as ‘easy’ – follows a trail with vantage points and information boards along the way. Herr Eber helps you with your yodelling melodies and guides you to a lovely lunch at the Larmachalm mountain restaurant (charges apply).
Having spoken with Herr Eder, I am pleased to tell you he’s even putting on a yodelling course in a few weeks time. This is what you need in order to sign up for your Austrian special singing session!
You may wish to visit other areas of Austria, so don’t hesitate to contact me about staying in super Styria – the great big Green Heart of Austria – at Chalet Lowonahill in Stadl an der Mur.
