press trip
Summer, sun and culinary highlights – the Culinary Way of St. James and the summer activities in Ischgl and the surrounding area, which I had the pleasure of discovering as a travel blogger. Together with Marvin, I was able to experience the culinary treasures of the Paznaun region and follow in the footsteps of the Culinary Way of St. James. I would like to tell you about my unforgettable experiences.
After a wonderful journey via the Silvretta High Alpine Road, we arrived at the Hotel Modern Mountain in Ischgl, where we were warmly welcomed. The hotel is located directly at the entrance to the village of Ischgl and offers a stylish, modern ambience.
Culinary market at the start of the Culinary Way of St. James in Ischgl
After check-in, the programme began with the ceremonial opening with a gourmet market at the Pavillon Ischgl, bringing together the chefs and mountain hut hosts of this year’s Culinary Way of St. James. The anticipation for the coming days increased as we got to know the passionate restaurateurs who enrich the region with their culinary creations. We were allowed to taste the fine culinary creations that will be on offer from 21.07. – 16.09.2023 in the participating huts. We rounded off the evening in Ischgl at the Genussmarkt.
Llama hike with Lamatirol in Kappl
Saturday began with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Fortified, I set off for the llama hike with Lamatirol in Kappl, which had the motto “NoProbLama”. Together with the curious llamas, I explored the picturesque landscape and enjoyed the peace and harmony of nature. The view is truly breathtaking and with these unique animals by my side, hiking was even more fun.
Relaxing in the Silvretta Thermal Baths in Ischgl
In the afternoon, I had the opportunity to discover the Silvretta Therme. Pure relaxation awaited me in the soothing thermal pools and saunas. The Silvretta Therme in Ischgl is the ideal place for anyone who wants to combine relaxation at the highest level. With its architecturally fascinating exterior and luxurious interior, it delights with an extensive panoramic pool landscape, an exclusive sauna area and high-quality spa treatments for a wellness experience with Alpine flair. Guests can enjoy a variety of pools and baths in a purist, elegant ambience, experience hourly infusions in the sauna area and relax in themed relaxation rooms.
Dinner at Hotel Fliana with gourmet chef Andreas Spitzer
In the evening, things got culinary when we met for dinner at the Hotel Fliana with the friendly chef Andreas Spitzer. His culinary philosophy combines Mediterranean elements of French and Italian cuisine with traditional Austrian influences, while always remaining cosmopolitan and yet showing a strong attachment to Tyrol and Tyrolean agriculture. Andreas Spitzer is known for his curiosity and love of experimenting with textures, colour combinations and flavours, and the awards he has received from leading gourmet guides such as Gault&Millau and Falstaff confirm his outstanding skills as a bonnet chef. The culinary delights we were served were truly a feast for the senses and reflected the diversity of Paznaun cuisine.
Hut party at the Alpenhaus on Idalp with Benjamin Parth
On our last day in Ischgl we visited the hut festival at the Alpenhaus, where Benjamin Parth, another renowned gourmet chef, presented his dish for the Culinary Way of St. James. At all participating huts there is a hut party with the respective top chef. Lunch at the hut was accordingly a real treat for the palate and rounded off our culinary voyage of discovery perfectly.
Ischgl Skyfly – back to the valley at up to 85 km/h
It was hard for us to say goodbye, so I chose an adventurous way home after the hut party. The “Ischgl Skyfly” promises pure adrenaline rush at speeds of up to 85 km/h. Attached to a safe steel cable, you fly for two kilometres through the Ischgl Kitzloch Gorge and enjoy breathtaking views of the valley. The flight time is around 3 minutes in total, while you hover 50 metres above the ground and overcome the height difference of 307 metres. A great experience and the perfect end to an eventful weekend in Ischgl.
About the Culinary Way of St. James
In the period from 21 July to 16 September 2023, the Culinary Way of St. James will take place in Paznaun. This unique event is a highlight for gourmets and mountain lovers alike. For over a decade now, the Culinary Way of St. James has attracted locals and tourists alike who are looking for the perfect combination of alpine tradition and creative cuisine.
Five gourmet chefs and the #YoungChefsPaznaun each take on the sponsorship of a hut and create an exclusive dish from high-quality, regional ingredients. The presented summer dishes are presented at the hut festivals, which are jointly organised by the hut hosts and the sponsor chefs. This gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy these culinary highlights throughout the summer at the selected huts.
Conclusion on my stay
The trip on the trail of the Culinary Way of St. James in Ischgl was an unforgettable journey for all the senses. Not only did we get to discover the spectacular nature of the Paznaun region, but we also enjoyed the culinary diversity of the gourmet chefs. The Culinary Way of St. James is a real treat for the palate, combining alpine tradition and modern cuisine in a unique way. I can only warmly recommend Ischgl as a destination for all gourmet lovers, especially in summer.
