Edelweiss

"Edelweiss" may be most familiar to English speakers around the world as the title of a famous song sung by Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, but it is also one of the most well-known and easily recognisable flowers in the Alps. As an endangered species, Edelweiss is subject to strict protection measures in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

Extraordinary as standard

Inspired by the beauty and elegance of this delicate white flower, the Edelweiss boutique in St. Anton am Arlberg offers an exclusive selection of fine presents and accessories. The range also includes high-quality souvenirs produced by the Geschützte Werkstätten Salzburg, Austria's largest business aimed at integrating people with physical and mental disabilities into the working environment. The most remarkable thing about the Edelweiss boutique, however, is its ability to draw you into its realm and convince you that you absolutely must have this one special item which, until five minutes ago, you had never even laid your eyes on, let alone thought about buying.

Owner Lukas Jennewein spends much of his time travelling throughout the Alps in search of even more such eye-catching objects, from cushions and blankets made by a 180-year-old firm based in the Rhine Valley to smartphone covers from South Tirolean wool, marble from a family-run business in Italy, or traditional wood carvings by a Tirolean farmer's wife – whatever the season and whatever the occasion, Edelweiss has the perfect present just waiting to be discovered. The shop has plenty of regular customers who pop in as frequently as possible in the knowledge that many items are available only in very limited quantities and are often sold out quicker than you can say ... Edelweiss!