Bucket List for Romantics

Whenever the occasion presents itself (a friendly reminder: Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching!) and because a touch of romance never hurts, here are our romantic recommendations.

1: Romantic timeout at a holiday home with pool

For many, the epitome of romance: a small holiday home in the mountains, the landscape covered deep in snow, a crackling fire in the hearth, snuggly socks and a glass of wine (or a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows). This way to our holiday homes in Austria and Bavaria. You can also give someone special a romantic timeout at ALPS RESORTS in the form of a gift voucher.

2: Hiking paths for lovers, engaged and married couples

It's hardly surprising that hikes and outdoor exercise together in the fresh air, with no unwanted distractions whatsoever, work wonders for a relationship. You forge shared memories together that will last for an eternity. Mountain excursions, especially, always have a hint of adventure about them. In Austria and Bavaria, you will discover countless romantic hiking paths, even "Paths of the Heart" including one "Love Path". The "Sentiero dell`Amore" in the Gurktal Alps in Carinthia is probably the most romantic hiking path of them all.

If you want to make your special time in the mountains even more unforgettable, we suggest packing your rucksack for a sunrise tour or a picnic at one of the idyllic mountain lakes close to our holiday homes in Styria. Back at your apartment, run a foot bath to soothe the tired legs of your loved one. One more thing: Whilst Emperor Franz Joseph I may well have plucked an edelweiss during a walk as a token of love for his Empress Sissi - that's definitely something we should avoid since this plant is now a protected species.

3: Sunrise or Sundown on the Mountain

During a sunrise or sundown tour of the mountains, you will experience a truly magnificent display of color and pure romance. Early (love) birds, perhaps preferring to avoid too much sweat-inducing activity very first thing in the day, might well opt to take a lift ride up into the mountains on the Tiroler Zugspitzbahn (about a 15-minute drive from Alpenchalets Biberwier). Once comfortably seated in the Panorama Summit Restaurant, you will be able to enjoy a delectable breakfast gazing out on the sunrise.

Every bit as romantic: Perched atop the Dachstein, watching the sun disappear behind the Hochkönig, all the while snacking on the fondue conjured up for you in the Panorama Restaurant.  

4: Chocolate cake in your holiday apartment

How about conjuring up a magical dinner of your own in your holiday home or apartment? For freshly-found lovers, an ordered pizza enjoyed on the couch can also be wonderfully romantic. ALPS RESORTS Social Media manager Daniel has another great idea, namely a small chocolate cupcake with walnuts and cranberries for two. Something you can easily whip up in the fully equipped kitchen of your chalet or holiday apartment.  

· 125g butter, 100g dark chocolate

· 70g dried cranberries, 70g chopped walnuts

· 40g cocoa powder, 35g flour, ½ tsp baking powder, 175g fine sugar

· 2 eggs

And here's how it goes: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Gently melt the butter together with the chocolate over a bath of steaming water, add the walnuts and cranberries. Stir together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder and sugar in a bowl, then fold into the blended chocolate and butter. Whisk the eggs until frothy and fold into the mixture, until it becomes smooth. Spoon the cake mix into your chosen cake pan and bake in the oven for about 25 minutes. The dough should still be liquid on the inside. Do you know anyone who can resist a chocolate cupcake with a liquid center?

5: Mountain wedding, at Austria's highest registry office

If the two of you love the mountains, our next tip should definitely "peak" your interest: How about getting married at the highest registry office in Austria?! It is located in the "Das 3.440", which (who would have guessed) is perched at over 3000 meters above sea level on the Pitztal glacier in Tyrol. There, loving couples exchange their vows surrounded by the breathtaking panorama of more than fifty 3000ers, before beginning celebrations with their invited guests in this extraordinary event location.

6: Flowers

Despite our five romantic tips, are you going to go with a classic bouquet of freshly cut flowers instead? In that case, remember that flowers keep longer if you give the stems a fresh cut and change the water every two days.

Pralines, flowers, a timeout together in a holiday home or a hiking holiday in Austria or Bavaria. Needless to say, tokens of affection are greatly appreciated by your lover throughout the year, not just on the 14th of February. No matter whether you are newly found lovers, engaged or married for many years.