Fodor's Expert Review Mondi Bellevue Alm

Idyllically set on the east side of the Stubnerkogel, directly on the ski slope, this Alpine hut is one of the oldest in Europe, remarkably well preserved, with wooden interiors and a huge open fire. Wooden parlors and a big terrace, with a spectacular view over Bad Gastein, invite visitors in for a substantial meal, followed by a couple of drinks after a hike or long skiing day. Try the roasted Hörnchen (a kind of pasta) with liverwurst hash and endive potato salad, or one of the desserts, such as traditional Austrian Kaiserschmarrn (chopped up pancakes served with fruit compote, often apple or plum) or Schwarzbeernocken (blackberry or blueberry dumplings). You'll need a car or taxi to get here; in winter you can ski in or take the restaurant's own chairlift.

Reservations are highly recommended during winter, when it's a popular après-ski spot.

For the complete Alpine experience, it also has 12 nice rooms.