Rising above the glimmering Lake Fuschlsee in western Austria, the Schloss Fuschl looks every bit the enchanted castle. Hence, it was used as a set for the 1950s Sissi films, and still has a museum dedicated to Empress Elizabeth (who was known as ‘Sissi’). Built around 1450 by the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg as a hunting lodge, the hotel has hosted an array of foreign dignitaries – among them Nehru, Sadat and Khrushchev. What a magnificent establishment: the walls are hung with the previous owner’s collection of Old Masters; and on the lower levels is a holistic spa. During the day, guests can rent electric boats and pootle the length of the lake. Along the front of the keep are canopied terraces; sit here, beer in one hand, and watch the sun slowly sink below the horizon.
LOCATION: Salzburg, Austria
BOOK IT: Doubles from £240, including breakfast
WEBSITE: marriott.com
