Waking up to a view of the ski slopes, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, hiking in the Alps, relaxing in a panoramic sauna and then sitting down to a delicious dinner. Sounds rather good, doesn’t it? During a stay at the Holzhotel Forsthofalm in Leogang, my partner and I were able to experience all this together for a few days. From the unique wooden building to the exceptional wellness facilities and the incredibly friendly staff. But what might stick in our minds the most (and anyone who knows us a little might already have guessed…), is the food. Because we’d come back here again just for the restaurant alone.
A wooden hotel in the heart of the mountains
Spending the night on the ski slopes
We’ve already spent a few days in the Alps, but we still can’t get used to the imposing mountain peaks and stunning views. We drive further and further up a winding mountain road until we arrive at the Holzhotel Forsthofalm at an altitude of 1,050 metres. The hotel is nestled in the heart of nature, surrounded by the mountains of Leogang in the Austrian region of Salzburgerland. What immediately strikes us is the unique architecture. As the name suggests, wood plays the leading role here – not just in the interior, but throughout the entire building. The rooms are made of solid wood, without any glue or metal. As we walk round the hotel and view it from a distance, we notice how beautifully the building blends into its surroundings. The hotel is also situated right next to the ski run: so in winter, after a day’s skiing, you can glide straight back inside.
Inside, too, the hotel feels warm and relaxed. There are plenty of cosy nooks and large windows offering views of the mountains from everywhere. For us, the scent of wood always creates a cosy atmosphere. An added bonus: the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, making you feel completely at home in no time.
Breakfast at Forsthofalm
A celebration every morning
If there’s one thing that makes me happy, it’s a lavish hotel breakfast. And at Forsthofalm, that’s organised absolutely perfectly. In fact, breakfast is something to look forward to every morning. Whilst my boyfriend never takes the time to have breakfast at home and I often eat my yoghurt quickly at my desk in the office, we now do take the time to start the day at a leisurely pace.
There’s a huge buffet laid out with fresh rolls, various fillings, yoghurt, fruit and all sorts of other treats. But what I find particularly special are the fresh smoothies and egg dishes prepared especially for you. The choice is so extensive that you can try something new every morning. They also cater for various dietary requirements, and there’s plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans. You really notice how much they value organic and fresh food here. So we have another cup of coffee, a warm apple bun and a little something extra from the buffet. After all, it’s a holiday.
Dinner at KUKKA
We’d come back just for this alone
Although we thoroughly enjoy breakfast, dinner is truly the highlight of our stay. On two evenings, we take a seat at the KUKKA Restaurant, where not only the food but also the whole atmosphere is special. In the centre of the restaurant is an open kitchen with a grill where the chefs prepare the dishes. Whilst we’re sitting at our table with a glass of red wine, we watch as the salmon we’ve ordered is cooked over the fire. The aroma from the grill wafts through the restaurant, making us all the more curious about the food. The cuisine here revolves around surprising combinations and dishes in which vegetables play a key role, complemented by fish and meat from the grill.
We’re treated to all sorts of special dishes, with flavours and combinations we’ve never tasted before. Each dish is more surprising than the last. From grilled beetroot with goat’s cheese to flank steak with chimichurri: every dish is a feast on your plate. We settle down in the bar, where we play a few games by the fireside and have a chat with the barman.
Walking on the Asitz
Panoramic views and art in nature
Of course, we’re not just coming to Leogang to eat and relax. My boyfriend and I are keen hikers, and this area is far too beautiful not to explore. A nice bonus is that your accommodation includes the Saalfelden Leogang Card, which allows you to use the gondola. On the first day we walk up, but on our second day we make good use of the card. We take the gondola to the summit of the Asitz, also known as the ‘Berg der Sinne’, or the mountain of the senses. As soon as we step out at the top, we’re treated to a stunning panorama of the surrounding mountain peaks. What makes it even more special is the blanket of cloud lying over the landscape below us.
First, we take a panoramic walk across the Asitz. The route takes us uphill past beautiful vantage points, where we stop regularly to take photos. Or, like my travelling companion, simply to lie down for a moment and enjoy the view. At the end of our circular walk, we settle down on the terrace of Die Alte Schmiede, where we enjoy our lunch in the sunshine. We order the Asitz Gröstl – a traditional Austrian dish of potatoes and bacon – and a schnitzel. After all, it is a restaurant right by the ski slope. After lunch, we discover the Kunstwanderweg am Asitz. As the name suggests, this walk takes you past various works of art set amidst the natural surroundings. The route mainly winds its way down through the woods and ends at the gondola’s middle station. It’s a nice change from a ‘normal’ ski run.
For those who love cycling, Leogang is also a fantastic destination. The hotel is situated right in the heart of the Bikepark Leogang area, and you can hire bikes there or go on guided tours. We don’t dare tackle the steep descents ourselves, but we’re happy to cheer on the young people who seem to be flying down the slopes.
Sky Spa & Wellness
From the panoramic sauna to the heated outdoor swimming pool
After a long hike, it’s always nice to take your walking boots off again. So, at the end of the afternoon, we decide it’s time to head to the spa. Upstairs in the hotel is the Sky Spa, featuring various saunas, a lovely panoramic lounge and a heated outdoor pool. The view from both saunas is particularly stunning. As we sit in the warmth, we look out through the large windows over the Alps. I can’t think of many places where I’d rather be sitting in a sauna.
After the sauna, we take a dip in the heated outdoor pool. The water is lovely and warm, and from here you have a view of the ski slope, which at this time of year serves as a walking and cycling route. In the Sky Spa, there are various types of tea and tasty nuts available for you to help yourself to. They may be small things, but they make the wellness experience even more complete.
What makes Forsthofalm so special to us is that it is much more than just a lovely place to stay. Everything you could want from a holiday comes together beautifully here. The location right in the heart of the Alps, the distinctive wooden architecture, the extensive wellness facilities and the hiking opportunities right on the doorstep. But it’s the atmosphere that really makes an impression. The staff are genuinely friendly, and you can see that attention has been paid to the details everywhere. And then, of course, there’s the food. With a delicious glass of wine, the aroma of the grill in the background and all sorts of surprising dishes appearing on the table.
With a rucksack full of wonderful experiences, we set off the next day, grateful for our stay, heading back towards (the equally beautiful) Den Bosch.
Love,
Pip
This travel inspiration was made possible by Stromberger PR and Holzhotel Forsthofalm.
An added bonus: use the discount code zzz_honeyguide10 to get 10% off your booking at Holzhotel Forsthofalm. The code is valid until 23 December 2027.
Frequently asked questions about the Holzhotel Forsthofalm in Leogang
Holzhotel Forsthofalm is situated at an altitude of 1,050 metres in Leogang, in the Austrian region of Salzburgerland. The hotel is surrounded by the Alps and is located right next to the ski slope and the famous Leogang Bike Park. Are you curious to find out what other special places there are to discover in Austria? Then take a look at our Austria destination guide.
The hotel is largely built from solid timber, without any glue or metal joints. It also features an extensive Sky Spa, a heated outdoor swimming pool and the KUKKA Restaurant, where special dishes are prepared on an open grill.
Yes! Leogang is a wonderful destination for hiking enthusiasts. You can easily reach the Asitz by gondola, where you’ll find various hiking trails. Highly recommended are the panoramic walks and the Kunstwanderweg am Asitz, where you’ll come across works of art set amidst nature along the way. It’s also a great idea to combine your stay with a visit to Innsbruck.
Absolutely! Holzhotel Forsthofalm is situated right on the slopes in the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn ski area. So in winter, you can enjoy fantastic skiing and snowboarding here, with the convenience of ski-in, ski-out access. After a day on the slopes, you can relax in the Sky Spa and sit down to a delicious dinner at the KUKKA Restaurant. So this is a wonderful place to stay, even in winter.
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