Certainly, each time is ideal in its own way for a trip to Forsthofalm. In the last days of November, when the first snow fell in Salzburger Land, but the ski season had not yet quite begun, it seemed almost perfect to us. The refuge of the Widauer family is located at 1,050 meters above sea level and has been owned by the family for many years, the last major renovation was completed in September this year.
At first, of course, the mountain pasture was used according to its original purpose, then later, with the advent of the first tourism in the region, as a typical hut for skiers. In the years that followed, the first guest rooms were added. However, the Forsthofalm did not take the really big steps until the business operations were handed over to Markus Widauer. In December 2008, the first all-wood hotel in Salzburger Land opened under his leadership. The second wing, which has now been completed, takes this concept even further: “We offer a unique vacation experience in harmony with nature. For me, nature means freedom and that is our philosophy,” Markus Widauer explained to us in the evening over a glass of gin and tonic (spiked with a herbal extract he mixed himself) at the hotel bar.
I always find it fascinating to meet people who are so enthusiastic about their ideas and who are also interested in all the little details as a matter of course. But ultimately, the whole concept comes together from all these fragments. Widauer has really left little to chance. So we had a long discussion about the advantages of moon-chopped, local wood, and it was explained to us why it is more sustainable and more sensible to use 210,000 beechwood dowels instead of glue to fasten the solid wood walls. Even the wooden beds in the new extension are constructed completely free of screws and metal.
This attention to detail is also reflected upstairs in the spa. Here guests enjoy a 360 degree view over the valley and the Leoganger Steinberge. In addition to various saunas with large floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the forest and mountains, you will also find the SPAbar and fireplace lounge, as well as the 60-square-meter fitness room with all-around glazing and a heated rooftop pool, next to which some stand in the summer. In the spa, Claudia Widauer works with homemade oils, creams and wraps. The basis is hand-picked herbs from the local garden and surrounding meadows. This is also a great idea, which is of course much more local than using classic (industry) brands in the spa. And much more individual.
The newly opened restaurant Kukka provides for the physical well-being of the guests in the Forsthofalm. The share of products from local and organic cultivation is at least 70%. The central element is the open kitchen facing the guest room, with a large charcoal grill and ovens also integrated into the interior, where the bread for breakfast is also baked. For our dinner, I opted for a filet steak from the grill.
Not only did we have an excellent meal, we really liked the whole concept of the restaurant. Of course, Widauer left nothing to chance here either. The tables follow (in width) the dimensions of Italian bistros, so they are much more compact than usually found in restaurants. This means that you are not always distant from your table neighbors and can, if you wish, quickly engage in conversation in between. Obviously, this was well received all around. The open and friendly service also takes this idea into account.
The lounge with open fireplace invites you to a digestif. Here, too, the atmosphere is pleasant – and, of course, there is a good selection of appealing drinks and many local liquors.
We felt extremely comfortable at the Forsthofalm and have already firmly planned the next trip. But then rather in the summer, because finally you can start directly below the hotel in one of the largest bike parks in Europe. But of course, winter is also a perfect season for a visit to the Forsthofalm. The first ski lift is right outside the door and leads to the extensive ski area around Saalfelden. Another aim of the Widauer family, to put the hotel on the guests’ calendars with year-round offers, seems to be successful as well…
Since we arrived in the evening, we were simply overwhelmed by the sight that presented itself in the morning at the first look out of the windows…
Wooden Hotel Forsthofalm
Cottages 37
A-5771 Leogang
Austria
Tel +43 6583 8545
info@forsthofalm.com
