A Tempting Path To Austria

Reach culinary heights around Ischgl while exploring the Paznaun Valley in summer

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When I go hiking, I usually have an egg sandwich and a satsuma in my backpack. But mountain walking in Austria’s Paznaun region is a foodie’s treat. The ancient pilgrims’ path of Jakobsweg crosses this steep-sided Alpine valley, sited in the western corner of Tyrol. As a celebration of the spiritual scenery and delicious local produce, the annual Culinary St Jacob’s Way starts each July.

Feed the senses

Paznaun is a ‘Genuss Region Österreich’ (Austrian region that provides special culinary highlights), known for excellent cheese, ham and sausages, but menus in rural Alpine Association lodges weren’t always so exciting. Since 2008, however, different teams of award-winning master chefs have been creating signature dishes for ravenous ramblers and attracting gourmands from all over the world. Every year, new recipes are devised from fresh ingredients and served at five rustic Paznaun huts for the summer season.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be serenaded by accordion players in Tyrolean lederhosen and served by waitresses in dirndl outfits with buttoned waistcoats over puff-sleeved blouses and long aprons. Thispart of Austria takes pride in its folk traditions.

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CULTURE VULTURES