Of the many places I've had the good fortune to vist by far the most romantic was Hallstatt,  Austria. Both my wife and I were absoluetly enchanted by the lakeside village. It's nestled up  against a rather steep mountainside that drops straight down into the lake. The homes look as  though they are clinging to the slopes out of fear of getting wet.

We arrived there a bit on the late side after spending a little too much time lollygagging around  some mid-summer ice caves. I was worried that our Inn might be locked up for the evening. We had a  room booked at Zauner's Fishmarket-Hotel in the town center. I quietly walked in feeling a little  timid when an imposing figure strode towards me, Mr Zauner himself. As I learned over the next few  days Mr. Zauner's hospitality is typical of the folks that live in this beautiful community. I  sheepishly mentioned that we had a reservation, sorry for being late. "Mr. Hollingdrake - we've  been expecting you!" he boomed..boomed is a great word to describe how Mr. Zauner spoke,  everything about him seemed larger than life; one of those guys that you never forget meeting. I  had met Burt Lancaster a while back - they both have that charisma flowing that is truly magnetic.  While walking up the stairs to show me our room he shared a few brief stories about some of the  stunning photos on his wall - his trips around the world. I enquired about a beautiful silhoutte  standing atop a huge peak. "Is this you as well?" his replied was a quick no..."But I took the  photograph!, ha..ha". If you get a chance to eat at his restaurant, and I recommend you do, do not  miss out on his famous home made soup (bring tissues).

Another experience that typifies the folks from Hallstatt, while dining down by the lake the  server asks me if I'd like anything to drink. I said sure and asked for a beer. He asks big or  small - very big came the obvious answer. He went off into the bistro and came back out moments  later with a gigantic beer keg over his shoulder and a big grin, 'Is this big enough'!'. Just  about everyone we met there was not only friendly but charming.

A couple things to mention, must dos if you do find yourself in Hallstatt. Down at the far end of  Town there is a crystaline little stream beside a road called Kohlstattweg with a footpath that  runs along side. This path/stream heads off into the forest. If you follow it for a couple of  kilometers you will find a beautiful waterfall. The walk is an easy one with the freshest air and  a few spots where rock cairns have been built in the river (over 40 little ones). Well worth your  time. The other thing that you cannot miss is a stroll through the cemetary. It's the large  building that is prominant in the photo. Not the church down by the lake but the other one up on  the mountain side. If you are a photographer get there at early dawn and you will get some amazing  shots. Each grave has a wonderful small flower garden lying above it.

The real treat in Hallstatt though is simply to experience the serenity of the village. The town  square with its cool little coffee shop, the museum, the ancient meandering streets, the little  canal that flows through the town (look for it just above Mr. Zauner's). A photographer's dream  and a true slice of paradise. We visited in early August and the weather was spectacular. If  you've been yourself please comment below and share your Hallstatt memories.

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Bruce writes more about his travels at The Big Desk and has joined up with some of the best hockey writers at The Hockey Writers where they discuss Sydney Crosby and friends