The Naturhotel Forsthofgut in Austria is located in a very special place, right at the foot of the Asitz, surrounded by forest and meadows in summer and wonderfully covered in snow in the winter months. The hotel itself looks like it belongs there, in fact it has been rooted in Leogang for 400 years and the Schmuck family has called it home for five generations, so unsurprisingly it feels like it shouldn't be anywhere else.
Entering the reception at Forsthofgut felt a bit like entering a friend's alpine hut rather than the lobby of a hotel. Wood, stone, glass, nothing too elaborate, just beautiful and in harmony with the surroundings. The entrance welcomes guests with a crackling fire in the background, warm air and a woody, aromatic scent, as if immersing yourself in an alpine sensory experience. And this is where the magical experience begins.
Rooms within reach of the Alps
The rooms and suites at the Naturhotel Forsthofgut offer a perfect balance between Alpine tradition and modern design and impress with natural wood, soft textiles and muted tones with unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks and forests. Many rooms have a private balcony, inviting guests to step outside and enjoy the fresh mountain air. But they also offer thoughtful functionality with carefully selected lighting and luxurious linens that make the rooms more like private mini-retreats in the Alps.
More time in the room usually means less time on the slopes, but with Naturhotel Forsthofgut offering incredible ski-in/ski-out, it offers the best of both worlds and is a total game-changer when it comes to maximizing your time on the snow.
Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Austrian Alps, the Saalfelden-Leogang ski area offers some of the most beautifully groomed slopes in the region. With perfectly groomed slopes, reliable snow conditions and a wide range of slopes for beginners to advanced skiers, it is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Whether guests are looking for scenic, leisurely runs or more challenging alpine adventures, the region offers an unforgettable ski experience with unforgettable scenery.
Guests can access the slopes of the Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn ski area directly from the hotel, making the transition from luxury retreat to alpine adventure seamless. In fact, you can practically ski back to the hotel, or at least make it to the incredible hotel bar for a well-deserved refreshment from one of the most extensive cocktail menus you'll ever experience.
Another luxurious offering for the ski or mountain bike season at the Naturhotel Forsthofgut is the hotel's state-of-the-art ski room, equipped with heated lockers, generous space for equipment and elegant design. The description as a ski storage room doesn't do it justice at all, it's like a post-ski retreat that removes some of the annoying barriers associated with maneuvering in ski equipment. Additionally, the hotel also has on-site ski rental, which is just another great example of how much care and attention has been put into creating the Naturhotel Forsthofgut experience.
A paradise after skiing
After hours on the slopes, the hotel's spa is a welcome relief, a perfect escape for adults and entertainment for those traveling with the younger members of the family. The spa, spread throughout the hotel, offers everything from adults-only relaxation areas to an indoor slide that takes you from one floor to the next. You'd be forgiven for spending more time at the spa than enjoying the snow, with incredible hot-water outdoor pools and pine-scented saunas to keep you busy and relaxed all day. For those looking to maintain a higher heart rate, the gym isn't the usual dark, sweaty afterthought, but rather a fully equipped, high-end space with incredible mountain views.
Food for thought
Eating at the Naturhotel Forsthofgut is a unique experience for every seat. Breakfast sets the tone with a well-stocked buffet of freshly baked bread, local cheese, mountain honey and seasonal fruit. For dinner, guests can choose between three different menus: one (R50) highlights local ingredients and offers traditional Alpine dishes with a modern twist, while the second offers a more Alpine-Mediterranean menu and finally the 100 percent vegan menu. Each day brings a different selection of well-prepared food that will bring you closer to the environment that surrounds you during your stay.
Table service at Forsthofgut continues to focus on finer details. Guests will be assigned a table for the duration of their stay. This is another example of how the hotel feels more and more like home the longer you stay. Furthermore, the continuity in service continues, with the same attentive staff member attending to your every need every day, adding small details and creating a sense of familiarity and personal connection with the staff. Preferences, from wine selection to dietary needs, are considered and anticipated, making the dining experience feel relaxed and personal.
A big family
Luxury at the Forsthofgut makes no compromises when it comes to family fun, it fits in perfectly. Family is at the heart of the hotel, and generations of the Schmuck family are the custodians of the property. The hotel's outdoor spaces encourage physical activity and connection with nature. Children can explore a forest adventure playground with a treehouse slide, climbing wall and trampoline, or visit the mini GUT petting farm to interact with donkeys and rabbits and even go on alpaca walks. Entertainment for younger guests interested in arts and crafts continues indoors, with painting sessions and wood pyrography workshops offering hands-on creative experiences and memories to take home.
When it comes to a luxurious Austrian experience, it's hard to imagine anything that can compete with Naturhotel Forsthofgut. From the incredible surroundings to the level of detail in every corner of the property, it is a home away from home that you will never want to leave, but when that unfortunate moment comes, you know that these incredible family memories will stay with you forever.
Fact box
Prices at the Forsthofgut start at €280 per adult per night (based on double occupancy), family suites cost between €300 and €325 per adult. The price includes the generous 3/4 board – breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner – as well as daily childcare from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Guests also enjoy spa access, a weekly activities program and a variety of other resort benefits.
Address: Naturhotel Forsthofgut, Family Schmuck, Hütten 2, 5771 Leogang, Salzburger Land, Austria
Tel.: +43 6583 8561
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: forsthofgut.at
All photo credits: Patrick Langwallner