Austria Hotel Collection: The Best Mountain & Lake Hotels

Hiking, skiing, mountain biking, trail running, sailing, climbing: Outdoor activities in Austria are nearly endless all-year-round – and so are accommodation options for holidaymakers looking to spend their getaways in the Austrian lake and mountain regions. Guests travelling to the Austrian Alps (and beyond) can choose between traditional family-run hotels, farms turned luxury retreats and cosy romantic hideaways, all of them with state-of-the-art amenities and welcoming hosts, ensuring a memorable stay.

Check out the alpine section of this year’s Austria Hotel Collection, a hand-picked mix of premier hotels that will enhance every traveler’s experience.
 

HOTELS FOR ACTIVE OUTDOOR BREAKS

Stanglwirt Green Spa Resort in Kitzbühel is an organic farm and luxury hotel both in one. Having welcomed guests for over 400 years, the family-run retreat was transformed from a rustic inn into a five-star complex while keeping its Tyrolean charm. Stanglwirt has direct access to an extensive network of hiking and biking trails, as well as golf courses. It also features a luxurious on-site fitness world with gym facilities, personal trainers and tennis courses, as well as its very own Lipizzaner stud, riding and – for winter guests – skiing school. Its signature spa has a saltwater, a rock and sports pool, a waterfall grotto, a natural swimming lake, saunas, steam baths, and a kid’s area.

Insider top: Mind the gap! Stanglwirt Green Spa Resort offers 15% off on studios and spacious suites on selected days. Guests with some flexibility in their diaries should look out for Gap Days.

Hotel Unterschwarzachhof in Saalbach-Hinterglemm offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Guests can explore scenic hiking trails, thrilling mountain bike and downhill tracks or simply relax in the hotel’s beautiful gardens or the mountains right outside. Horse lovers will be delighted by the private stables and riding areas, while families with kids will love the petting zoo. The hotel doubles as a farm that even allows animal lovers to care for their favourites during their stay. Ponies, alpacas, goats, donkeys or sheep are all up for temporary adoption. The weekly activity programme includes everything from guided hikes to cheese and butter making classes.

Insider tip: The hotel offers wine tastings paired with sushi or a delicious dinner at its very own wine bar every Thursday.

Steeped in history and family traditions, four-star Hotel Gotthard in the heart of Lech am Arlberg combines luxury with authenticity, and cosiness with modernity. Run in the third generation of the Walch family, every guest is treated like a member of the extended family. The hotel opened its doors in 1931 and has since become a top-notch home away from home for active travellers heading to the all-year-round sports hub. Guests have hiking and biking trails, golf courses, climbing spots, canyoning options and pistes right at their doorsteps. The hotel itself offers everything from a spacious spa to an in-house restaurant with Austrian delights and even home-brewed beers.

Insider tip: Host Clemens has fulfilled his dream with the OMES 2257 brewery. The beers are brewed using only the best regional ingredients - quality you can taste!

In southern Austria, Hotel GUT Trattlerhof (GUT meaning “GOOD” in German) in Carinthia’s Nockberge region scores with a mix of rustic cosines and modern cool. The hotel in Bad Kleinkirchheim, run by the fifth generation of the Forstnig family, has prime access to hiking and biking trails, and offers tons of on-site amenities such as a stunning spa (steel pool with massage jets, indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, several saunas) and a fitness room with guided yoga sessions. Guests can book “GUTshof” experiences like riding sessions, e-bike tours or explore the region in a vintage tractor or Tesla Y before indulging in regional treats at their mountain inn Trattlers Einkehr.

Insider tip: Six golf courses can be reached within 45 minutes from Trattlerhof. The hotel also offers special holiday packages including unlimited golf.

Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl in the Ötztal Alps is surrounded by 21 three-thousanders. It sits right next to hiking, biking and climbing trails and the slopes and therefore makes an excellent all-year-round base for active travellers. It is also home to Tirol’s highest horse stables with 17 Haflinger horses and an adjoint indoor riding area. Guests can cap (or start) their outdoorsy day at the in-house Glacier Spa with pools, saunas, steam baths and a whirlpool with a glass roof – perfect for watching the sunset. The hotel has been family-run since 1889, and the owners pride themselves in their commitment to sustainability while providing an authentic and luxurious experience. 

Insider tip: The 142 m long Piccard suspension bridge is the highlight of the circular hiking tour from Obergurg, starting not far from the hotel (from July to late September).

The Eder Collection is not just one, but a group of three hotels in Maria Alm in the Zell am See region, each offering a unique experience – but all catering to the luxury-seeking outdoorsy crowd: It all started with Hotel eder, a family-owned gem passed down through generations. While it has grown in size over the years, it has preserved its traditional soul and charm. Next was Hotel SEPP, an adult-only retreat for guests aged 21 and over. In 2021, the owners added Hotel EdeR FriDa, a family hotel with modern amenities and eco-friendly touches. All three are moments away from each other, with countless biking, climbing, hiking and skiing options on and around the Hochkönig right outside. 

Insider tip: The rooftop infinity pool of Hotel SEPP can be rented for a private Midnight swimming session all year round – champagne included!

ALPINE HOTELS FOR SPA AND WELLNESS FANS

Nestled in Tirol’s outdoor hub Alpbach, Hotel Böglerhof began as a simple farmhouse, was later transformed into an inn and is now the first and only 5-star hotel in the picturesque village. The family-run hotel seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comforts and, above all, a relaxing spa experience. Their Bögler’s Lodge is a stand-alone wellness complex featuring an adult-only spa, saunas, a yoga studio, and an outdoor pool with stunning mountain views. This is in addition to a dedicated family spa area with an indoor-outdoor pool, a “clothes on” sauna and steam rooms for all ages. The hotel uses solar energy and supports local wildlife with birdhouses and bee hotels.

Insider tip: The hotel runs regular Kaiserschmarren cooking classes as well as wine and cheese tastings exclusively for their guests.

Ötztal ranks among the most popular destinations in the Alps and Aqua Dome – Tirol Therme Längenfeld makes the perfect base. The hotel houses Tirol’s largest spa oases with 12 indoor and outdoor pools, 14 saunas, massages and treatment options. The highlight are their three futuristic floating bowl pools, each offering a special highlight: an invigorating massage bowl, a soothing sulfur bowl, and a brine bowl with underwater music and light effects. Guests can relax in thermal water while watching the sunset, then enjoy Austrian dishes with a modern twist! Aqua Dome has more than 200 rooms and suites and is suitable for both a romantic break and a family holiday.

Insider tip: Aqua Dome offers daily guided hikes in the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, head to nearby Stuiben waterfall, Tirol’s tallest waterfall.

Surrounded by the postcard-perfect Leoganger Steinberge mountains in SalzburgerLand, Hotel Krallerhof captures the essence of the landscape and its revitalising energy. The family-run hotel houses the award-winning spa “ATMOSPHERE by Krallerhof” and created a new spa concept called “Regeneration & Longevity by Krallerhof”. Guests can look forward to a natural swimming lake, an alpine Zen Garden, a 50-m outdoor pool, saunas (including a women-only one), and a blue and an ice grotto. Their longevity treatments range from cryotherapy to red light therapy and focus on regeneration, prevention and increased physical and mental health.

Insider tip: Krallerhof hosts a special women-only longevity retreat once a year, featuring workshops, treatments and special experiences such as ice-bathing. The next one is from 9 – 13 November 2025.

Forsthofgut, also in Leogang, is a sustainable farm-turned luxury hotel currently run in the fifth generation of the Schmuck family. The retreat features Europe’s first forest spa, an adult-only oasis with an old-wood sauna, herbal and steam paths, and a 25-m-long sports pool with stunning mountain views spread across 3,500 m². Standout features are the onsen-style pool (42°C) and an authentic onsen washing area where traditional cleansing rituals are practiced. Families with kids are welcomed in a separate water. Forsthofgut has direct access to many hiking and biking trails in the regions. Bikes, walking sticks and bag packs can be rented free of charge.

Insider tip: Forsthofgut runs a sustainability project called Tree Sponsorship Waldliebe, inviting guests to plant a tree on the hotel premises. Choose your place, dig a hole, and receive a wooden plaque with your name engraved on it as well as a tree certificate.

Mountain Resort Feuerberg is a four-star retreat on an alpine plateau with views over all of Carinthia in Austria’s south. Their expansive wellness sanctuary boasts a natural swimming lake, an award-winning (and very Instagrammable) infinity pool, 10 regular pools, 11 saunas and 16 relaxation oases. There’s also a weekly activity programme featuring yoga, qigong, mediation, and other enriching sessions for body, mind, and soul. Mountain Resort Feuerberg is a spa hotel for all ages with a separate family wellness area for younger guests. The crisp mountain air, boundless vistas and excellent cuisine further add to the appeal of this haven of beauty and tranquility.

Insider tip: Swap your bed for a hanging tent! Hotel guests looking for the ultimate nature escape can spend a night in the middle of a nearby forest.

5-star Nesslerhof in Großarl, SalzburgerLand, offers the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure and luxury. Right in a hiking and skiing mecca, guests can relax their muscles in the in-house wellness oasis after exploring the region, enjoying a 25-m long indoor pool, a natural swimming lake, an outdoor saltwater pool and a cold water pond (for ice-bathing), as well as 5 saunas and steam baths, and more than 100 treatment option to rejuvenate the body and mind. There are also beautiful gardens all around the hotel, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sunshine. After sunset, guests will be treated to a 5-course-dinner made with fresh, local ingredients. 

Insider tip: Nesslerhof runs yoga retreats throughout the year including a special one for expecting mums in Mid-June.

 

MOUNTAIN RETREATS WITH A FOODIE FOCUS 

 

Right in the heart of Sölden and yet in a quiet location, multi-award-winning and family-run 5-star hotel Das Central doubles as a gourmet and wellness temple. The cuisine, which has been awarded a MICHELIN star and three Gault&Millau toques, and the wine cellar with more than 30,000 bottles ensure delights at the highest levels. The gourmet half-board includes a breakfast buffet and a 5-course menu in the evening. The Central is also home to the award-winning à la carte restaurant Ötztaler Stube and three top locations on the mountain, including ice Q next to the James Bond aventure world “007 Elements”. Highlight for wellness fans: The Summit Spa with a spectacular infinity pool above the roofs of Sölden.

Insider tip: Visit the James Bond installation 007 ELEMENT. Nearby “Spectre” filming location ice Q welcomes guests with Austrian gourmet cuisine and stunning views.

Walch’s Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel in Lech am Arlberg is a haven for guests with a love for food. The family-run hotel offers culinary experiences in four on-site locations: Chef’s Table, in a former dairy, is run by 2-Michelin-Star-winner Julian Stieger and scores with creative dishes prepared right in front of the guests. Stuben, awarded with a Green MICHELIN star, offers Austrian classics for lunch and their popular fondues for dinner, while the Hotelrestaurant & Bar has everything from breakfast to lunch, snacks, and multi-course dinners. The hotel’s latest addition Friends and Fools is a reservation-only restaurant with dinner masterclasses, wine and dine, and more events.

Insider tip: “I used to be a dirndl!” The hotel sells bags, backpacks and placemats made from recycled dirndl dresses – a great (and sustainable) souvenir to take home!

Burg Hotel Lech in the same region is a great choice for nature lovers and gourmets. Guests can start their hiking or biking adventures right from their doorstep and cap off the day in the hotel’s award-winning restaurants: The Burg restaurant serves five- to six course menus with Mediterranean and Austrian delights while The Lechtaler Stube additionally offers French haute cuisine. Burg Hotel Lech also houses one of the largest wine cellars in Western Austria with some 60,000 bottles from Austria and all over the world. The hotel was originally a small milk bar offering refreshments to skiers and is today run by three generations of the Lucian family side by side.

Insider tip: Join a cheese spaetzle cooking course at the renowned Kriegeralpe mountain hut and learn how to prepare the famous dish following Grandma Helga Lucian’s family recipe.

Hotel Arlberg Lech is a coffee house turned luxury hotel that has been hosting guests since 1956, way before Lech became the glittery sports hub it is today. Today, the
family-run hotel is a favourite among royalty and celebrities coming to the resort again and again. Hotel Arlberg Lech has 50 luxurious rooms and suites, a generous spa and several on-site foodie hotspots. The highlight of their main restaurant is the six-course Chef’s Choice Dinner, a mix of traditional family recipes with Asian and Mediterranean touches. For Italian specialties, head to the more casual La Fenice, which has been awarded three Gault-Millau toques, before nipping a cocktail (or two) at the hotel bar.

Insider tip: The hotel offers an outdoor barbeque experience including transfer to the beauty spot and a basked full of meat, bread, local cheese, vegetables, homemade dips, juices and wine. 

Der Löwe (“The Lion”) in Leogang is more than just a hotel – it’s a heartfelt slow travel home nestled in the heart of the Alps. Managed by the Madreiter family for over 100 years, this 4-star superior hotel is popular for its down-to-earth cuisine and foodie experiences as well as its sustainability commitments. Guests can enjoy Austrian dishes in the main restaurant; Italian Pinsa vibes in the LEOs Kitchen & Bar and rare spirits and best Austrian wine in the LIONS LOUNGE. Every wanted to master the art of making authentic Austrian Kaiserschmarren? The hotel runs classes every Monday! And on Wednesday and Saturday, guests can learn how to prepare their favourite cocktails.

Insider tip: Guests looking for the ultimate break from busy city life can book the three-day Slow Journey Retreat including forest bathing, pottery and tree planting (end of June).

 

LUXURY HOTELS RIGHT AT THE LAKE SHORE 

Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden sits right on the shores of Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia and has been known as a celebrity hotspot since the 1600s, as well as, more recently, a filming location. Since 2012, the hotel has been operated by the Falkensteiner Group and is now part of the prestigious "Leading Hotels of the World." Schlosshotel Velden scores with luxurious rooms, breakfast in the castle ballroom, gourmet cuisine, and, of course, its prime location. A highlight is their Aquapura Lake SPA with three indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam baths and treatment options. The hotel also has its own Beach Club with stunning views over the lake.

Insider tip: Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden welcomes both humans and dogs. Their special “Welcome Dogs” package includes food, a blanket and tips for dog-friendly walks.    

 

Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl is a landmark in the Salzkammergut region. Having welcomed guests at the shores of Lake Wolfgangsee for over 500 years, it found worldwide fame with the eponymous 1930 operetta and the 1960 musical film of the same name. Memorabilia from the film set are on display all around the property. Today, the hotel is just as elegant, but a heated lake pool, an extensive lakeside spa (with saunas, steam baths and a separate family area), and an award-winning restaurant provide state-of-the-art comfort. Romantik Hotel im Weissen Rössl holds the Austrian Ecolabel and EU Ecolabel for sustainable and environmentally conscious management.

Insider tip: Make the most of the hotel’s location and hop on a boat to explore the Salzkammergut from the water. You can also learn surfing and sailing right at your doorstep.
 

AUSTRIA HOTEL COLLECTION 2025 AT A GLANCE

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