by – Dion, Contiki Site Rep (RIC), Hopfgarten

The Gasthof Schöneck is Contiki’s very own authentic Austrian gasthof (guest inn) that is owned and operated for the exclusive use of Contiki travellers. The ‘Schöneck’ sits amongst the hills on the edge of the stunningly beautiful Tyrolean village of Hopfgarten and is one of our staff and travellers favourite stopovers in all of Europe.

Schöneck is used during the summer months as one of Contiki’s special stopovers for Concept/Budget Tours while during the winter the Schöneck is the base for Contiki’s winter ski tours.

Facilities

In a true reflection of the laid-back lifestyle enjoyed by the locals, the vibe at the Gasthof Schöneck is very chilled and relaxed. Schöneck also has internet facilities and a great chill out room where you can relax on a couch, catch up on post cards and diaries, meet up with your fellow travelers and maybe even enjoy DVD or two.

There is a laundry service available for tours spending two or more nights at the stopover where your clothes are washed, dried and returned to you by Contiki’s resident Staff.

Other Activities and Events

Contiki’s Gasthof Schöneck is a great home base for you to use in order to get out and make the most of the sensational Tyrol region as there is so much to do an see in the surrounding hills and mountains.

The stunning scenery of the Austrian Alps provides an unforgettable backdrop for out door activities like hiking, mountain biking and paragliding while the nearby Trout Farm (where you can catch and have your trout cooked fresh for you) is ever popular.

‘Salvena Land’ is open during the summer months and is a great place to take a swim in either the pool or the lake while you can also get up to a bit of beach volleyball or tobogganing with the locals. There is also a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat after a long day swimming.

One of the best ways to take in the breathtaking scenery is a make the short stroll into town and catch a gondola up into the nearby mountains. Contiki travelers receive a discount during the summer and the views from the top are simply too beautiful to put into words.

You can grab a picnic lunch from one of the local supermarkets before heading up or stop off at ‘Gasthof Thenn’ on the way back down for an authentic Austrian feed with spectacular views. You can also go and try some traditional food at some of the local Gasthof on top of the mountain.

If you want to take in even more of the scenery in an amazingly peaceful manner (and also if you’re into extreme sports) paragliding is a must. Oragnised by your tour manager and reps paragliding is one of the best ways to see the whole area and see how beautiful it is.

Once you have got out any about and enjoyed the area come back and enjoy a variety of home cooked meals produced by our Contiki staff.

The Bar

The Gastof Schöneck bar is simply legendary. The bar is stocked with over 20 different varieties of Austrian schnaps as well as the regular bar fare and is home to some of the greatest theme parties ever hosted.

Chill out in the afternoon in our outdoor area and maybe try your hand at a traditional Austrian nail game.

Ski Tours

The winter months see the town of Hopfgarten become one of the hubs for the world-renowned slopes of the Austrian Ski Welt – easily some of the best (not to mention cheapest) skiing in Europe. With 250km of inter connected runs there is more then enough to get out there and explore. Contiki offers stays of one or two weeks with breakfast included with the option to include evening meals, ski and board lessons, ice skating, sleigh ride, paragliding. If you need a break from skiing to rest the body why not let the staff organise a trip to Innsbruck or Salzburg for the day. The Gasthof Schöneck becomes Contiki’s home base for its ski tours in the region.