traunkirchen, a 1,700-strong town on a peninsula all but surrounded by austria’s deepest and legendarily coldest lake, was already firmly in the benign grip of family gröller before they decided to up the ante in their hotel post am see. so far somewhat having played second fiddle to weekend-getaway beauty das traunsee located just a two-minute walk around the bend of the peninsula’s peak, the traditional hotel has most recently seen a major extension: there is a full new build to the right side now housing accomodation and a spa with lakeside view indoor infinity pool (still in the makes at this point). however, the true gem here is new restaurant belétage. located on the original building’s first upper floor, it relies on the same prowess as das traunsee’s famous haubenlokal bootshaus: culinary director and head chef lukas nagl as well as the same local ingredients. rather than doubling down on fancy fine-dining, belétage focuses on straight, hands down delicious dishes with just tiny twists: like pea guac (served with bread baked in-house) or quinoa-flagged eggplant. the spotlight on vegetarian is sensible and versatile, and the bar’s surprisingly loco concoctions give the evening a colorful side punch …