Austria is bringing the Alps to the Thames, promoting the traditional culture of the Tirol region with a “ski lodge” at this free London 2012 Olympic attraction. We’ll be live-blogging updates from Austria House Tirol during the Games, plus we’ve got all the essential information for you to plan your visit below:
Live blog updates:
Wednesday, 8 August
5:47 p.m. No queues at the Austria House right now, but it’s packed wall-to-wall! Feel the great atmosphere with traditional Austrian music in front of a range of nationalities. There’s also Good food offered here tonight – sausage with sauerkraut £6, spinach and cheese dumplings £7.
Saturday, 4 August
6:25 I’m in! 45 mins and the queue is getting bigger. It’s my own fault, I wanted to test these places out at night on the weekend, and so does everyone else! The a capella singers entertaining all are fun though. I’ve run to the bar to check your vital information. £4 for a pint of Stiegl (lager) and £8 for a stein. It’s just a big outside party, music blaring and Olympics on the screens.
5:50 It’s Ischgl day today. A big part of the Alps, skiing fans might know the significance. Been in the queue 10 minutes but the place does look magnificent fun. Big cheers for the Brits watching the Olympics too.
5:40 Almost unbearably loud Europop is drowning out every thought, as I discover a queue here at Austria House. The people here seem intent on having a lot of fun. Everyone seems to be drinking and dancing to this awful music outside.
Sunday, 29 July – ‘Snow Day’
15:45 Just announced that the winner of the best dressed skiing costume will be announced at 17:45, so there is still time to find your winter gear. Well worth it as well as the winner will win a trip to Austria!
15:40 There is plenty of Austrian food going around and you can get yourself stuck into some sausages, mashed potatoes and rye bread – very tasty!
15:35 The rain is really coming down now, but it hasn’t dampened spirits as there is plenty of drink to go around under the tents. So if beer is your thing then this is a great place to be. They even have an Austrian post box were you can send your mail.
15:30 With the rain pouring down the crowd are rushing for the beer tents, were they are selling pints of Stiegl, the Austrian beer. They are now auctioning off some skis, which were ironically won by an Austrian gentlemen. I am informed that there will be more skis auctioned, so get yourself down and you could win some top snow gear!
15:25 It’s raining and snowing here at the Austria House on ‘Tirol Snow Day’! Austria House is transforming into a ski lodge, and there is fake snow coming down courtesy of the special effects director from the film ‘The Day After Tomorrow’. Of course, there’s also the real London rain to deal with, but that is just a minor quibble. Later in the day, there will be an apres-ski party here at the House, with classic apres-ski hits playing over the sound system and people in ski gear hoping to win a trip to the Tirol.
Need-to-know
Where is it: Trinity House at Trinity Square on Tower Hill
Nearest tube: Tower Hill or Tower Gateway DLR
Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Cost: Free
Watching the Games: Yes, on screens on the marquee in front
Highlights: Snow Day and Après-ski party on 29 July, with loads of “snow” and an ice bar. Traditional Austrian food and beer in the “Alpine Garden”. Record your best yodel for a chance to win a trip to Austria.
