NEWS! An Exciting Opportunity at Alpen Schatz!

Read all about it in our Memorial Day Newsletter! Also featuring new Alpen Happy Schatzi's :)

Click HERE to read more!

2018 Alpen Schatz 4th of July - Come Join in the Fun!

You are invited to join in our ALPEN 4th of July Fun, marching in the nation's most amazing, quintessential 4th of July Parade in picturesque Telluride, Colorado! 

Check out 2017 Pics HERE

This will be our 15th year gathering up enthusiastic Alpen Schatzi's, both furry and human, who like to don their Alpine gear, decorate their precious pups and march in one of the most amazing parades in the nation.

Pups of all sizes are welcome, and the smaller ones, just might get to ride in one of the many wagons being pulled by grown-up Bernese draft professionals.

Bernese puppy in training

DETAILS: We meet at Alpen Schatz, 100 W Colorado Avenue, anytime between 9:00-10:45am to get decorated-up and for pre-show breakfast snacks sponsored by Alpen Schatz.

And then we sneak down the back alley way to join our spot in the parade which kicks off at 11am.

We hope you can make it, as we all have lot's of fun!










Following our march, we head for the river...

where the pups get to cool-off before reconvening back at Alpen Schatz to watch the remainder of the parade in the shade and have celebration cake!

And we even win prizes - more cause to celebrate!

Be sure to don your Alpine apparel on the 4th or get yourself and your pup a new Alpine outfit from Alpen Schatz! 

Check-out highlights from previous year's

Alpen Schatz 4th's HERE 

We truly hope you can make it this year, or if not visit us on-line at www.AlpenSchatz.com

HAVE A

HAPPY 4TH!!!

ALPEN TRAVEL TIPS: Victorian Charm in the Heart of Oxford

Click HERE to check out and reserve my Oxford Home

I have recently acquired a beautifully renovated Victorian home in the heart of Oxford, England - my old home town. When not there myself, I will be sharing my home as a unique holiday rental on AirBnB. I hope my Alpen Schatz travel enthusiasts will take advantage of staying there whilst traveling abroad.

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It is light and airy 

 

 with many new furnishings offering modern luxury mixed with old world charm.

A fully equipped kitchen for cooking at home.

 

 I have decorated it with my favourite antiques, such as a Victorian dinner gong, and beautiful classic art to give it that homey feel.

 Some features are its claw foot tub in the master bedroom

 and a beautiful dining room in which to entertain.

 There are three bedrooms, two Kings and one double, all furnished with comfy mattresses and soft luxurious bedding.

 

The third bedroom has a Victorian fire place for extra charm

and french doors leading to a private deck

overlooking my secluded back garden (yard).

 

 My Berner boys adorn the mantle piece.

 Sunset from the Master Bedroom overlooking the rooftops of Oxford.

 My dear English friend, Timothy and I on a visit to Divinity Road in the spring time.

 

Built in 1892, my period property lies a mere 15 minute walk or a 5 minute bus ride to Magdalen Bridge, which is the entrance to historical Oxford City Centre.



Magdalen College - Photo Mary Dawn DeBriae

The dreaming spires of Oxford from South Park

It is in a sought after neighborhood of Oxford, minutes away from the colorful Cowley Road with its myriad of ethnic restaurants, organic cafe's and eclectic shops.


For the nature lover, it is a short walk up to two great parks - perfect for strolling, jogging or taking a lovely picnic whilst overlooking the dreaming spires of Oxford.

Perfect for the solo traveler or couple wanting space or for a family or group of friends needing multiple bedrooms. Divinity Road is available from 2 night minimum rentals up to two months. For its size and what it offers, it is one of the best priced options for a comfortable stay in Oxford.

Book now!



A spring day in Headington Park - just up the road

I hope to welcome you to my new home in the Divinity Road,

Oxford, England, some day!

Mary Dawn DeBriae

Alpen Travel Tips and Picks

Divinity Road at Dusk

Book Divinity Road on

AIRBNB Listing #14981833

ALPEN TRAVEL TIPS & PICKS - AUSTRIA: Schloss Matzen - An Austrian Castle Hotel Fantasy

Romantic Schloss Matzen

Gut translates to
"The Property of"

Since my early twenties in England (working in the days of early "high tech", where I was given carte blanche to stay where I liked on business trips), I have always gravitated towards period properties, aka. classy, historic places to stay.

Twenty five years later, I still seek out those unique hotels, inns and Bed & Breakfasts which exude centuries of character and indiscrete luxury - establishments to be heard, felt and understood by those who have that rare sixth sense. I was born - for the better or worse: "one of those".



Grand entrance to Schloss Matzen

Majestic Schloss Matzen

Ex high-tech slave turned luxury lifestyle journalist, I recently just "happened" upon one of the most amazing properties in which I have ever had the privilege of residing: Schloss Matzen. This thousand year old beautifully restored and maintained castle is a one of a kind in the region. It is nestled near the ancient village of Reith in the Tyrolean Alps and at the gateway to the scenic Alpebachtal Valley (known for its beauty and great hiking and skiing). 

Furry greeter (with an Alpen Schatz Swiss Collar - go figure!)

For history buffs, the location of the castle has been documented since Roman times as the location of strategic staging posts and eventually this gothic castle which was built sometime before 1150. Read more about the fascinating history of the castle HERE.

Entrance to my chamber

My luxurious suite - named after the Countess of Yrsch

Lavishly appointed with priceless antiques, rich bed linens and plush tapestry curtains, one is shamelessly spoiled like the Lords and Ladies who once occupied the property. Indeed each one of its twelve individually decorated suites is named after one of the dynasties who ruled the region for that period starting in the 12th century.



My bathroom - fit for a Queen

Last long hallway to my room after two flights of windy spiral stairs.

The rooms have breathtaking views of the surrounding Tyrolean Alps, however they do come with a price! As in most castles, the royalty lived in the turrets and upper floors - for safety reasons, and this Castle, true to form, has no lifts or elevators.


One gets to hike through classic courtyards, up spiral stairs and along indoor/outdoor passages to get to one's room.



For me this added to the authenticity and adventure - a maze of excitement, however if one has problems climbing stairs or walking this beautiful Schloss hotel might not be for you.

Welcome to breakfast!

The breakfast room and breakfast itself is to die for.

Medieval banquet hall - breakfast! 

Breakfast buffet

My breakfast...exquisite!

Set in the medieval banquet hall, with soft classical music floating like magic through the air, one dines on fresh breads, meats, smoked salmon and cheeses...with the option to order eggs any style cooked fresh to order.



The banquet hall is adjoined to one of the most beautiful private chapels I have ever discovered on my travels. It offers one a sanctuary for personal quiescence and meditation. Amazing...spiritual...and breathtakingly beautiful.

Private chapel for meditation

Manicured gardens in which to wonder

Reflection

The castle is set on acres of meticulously maintained gardens, with its own duck laden ponds and forest with paths to be explored. An idyllic sanctuary for the romantic or those just needing a retreat from the hecticness of day to day life.

In summary, if you are searching for a once in a lifetime castle hotel experience, Schloss Matzen is my top pick. A bit pricey, however every penny is worth it to pamper one's self like a king or queen for just once in this lifetime.

Writing my travel notes from a watch tower on the grounds
 overlooking Schloss Matzen

Check out my pictures of this magnificent palatial castle and the surrounding areas HERE.

Feel free to contact me for reservations to secure a great room and a holiday experience of a lifetime. Or if you book directly, please mention that you heard about this fabulous hotel through Mary Dawn DeBriae's Alpen Tips and Pics Travel BLOG.

Schloss Matzen
Schlosshotel in Tirol
Matzen 5 / 6235 Reith im Alpbachtal, / Austria
Tel.: +43 (0) 676 4459997

www.schlosshotel-matzen.com/

Dining recommendations in the area:

Gut Matzen Restaurant - situated in what was once Schloss Matzen's stable, and inside a romantic walled floral garden on the property, the Gut Matzen restaurant offers fabulous flavourful cuisine from the region at great prices. They do have a night when they are closed so be sure to enquire ahead.

My favourite seasonal cuisine:
White "Spargel" or Asparagus with hollandaise sauce
and delicious accompaniments.

Pizerria Don Camillo - on all of my Austrian adventures, I always take time out to dine in a classic  Italiana Pizzeria, with gourmet thin crust Italian pizzas (meant for one person). These Pizzeria's litter Austria, being so close to Italy, and are always to die for in quality and flavor. Don Camillo's is a short drive from Schloss Matzen and has tasty cuisine and one can dine outside on a nice evening - my favourite style of Euro dining!

Gourmet Pizza (Spinach, Garlic and Gorgonzola)
by Don Camillo in Reith

 
Things to do in the area:

Hiking in Alpbachtal

ALPBACHTAL - Schloss Matzen is ideally situated in touted one of the most beautiful (and believe you me, there are many of them in Austria - hard to quantify!) Tyrolean Alpine valleys in Austria: the Alpbachtal. This area has a handful of villages from which one can hike, ski, or sit and relax and enjoy the stellar views of the surrounding Alps from this region. I had a short amount of time, however plan on visiting again soon to go one some amazing hikes.


KISSLINGER KRISTAL:

Fine Austrian Crystal by Kisslinger Kristal

In the nearby quaint medieval town of Rattenberg lies one of Austria's best kept secrets: Kisslinger Kristal. Kisslinger Kristal has been making beautiful glassware for over a century in Rattenberg. Situated in the base of the "Rat Mountain" and in the caves underneath the castle, it boasts a stunning shop filled with its handmade crystal along with glass blowing and glass etching demonstrations. Alpen Schatz imports Kisslinger Kristal glassware from this special factory who etches custom Alpine designs onto the wine and beer glasses we import.

Check out pictures of their shop HERE.

 

Also see ENGLAND:  London, Oxford, Chester / IRELAND Galway / Dingle
SWITZERLAND: Geneva, Lake Geneva, Gruyers, Appenzell

AUSTRIA: Tyrolean Alpbachtal 
 

Check out all pictures of my trips on

Flickr

 

 

ME! In a pre-historic
Irish Bee Hive Hut

 

  ABOUT

ALPEN TIPS & PICKS 
European Travel Adventures

 

" Life is a book, and those who don't travel read only one page."

 

Enjoy your visit to the Alpbachtal region of Austria. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions when planning your own trip to England, Ireland or Europe! After living in and travelling to Europe for almost 30 years, I love to help plan and recommend as and when I can! I can even assist in bookings and being a personal guide if one likes! My trips offer a different and much more personal perspective to traveling in Europe.

Read a little bit more about me and my travel style and services HERE

Enjoy the adventure!
 

Mary Dawn DeBriae

 

European Tips and Picks -
Alpen Schatz Style

www.AlpenSchatz.com

 

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