Hotel Nesslerhof, Salzburg, Austria: into the alpine heaven

When the weather gets this warm, we all long for a cool dip to deal with the hot summer days. Not only is the Nesslerhof situated in the cool of the mountains, it also has a total pool area of 805 sqm.

Hotel Nesslerhof is perfect for a summer holiday in the mountains, for refreshing delights are its speciality. Even the word “valley” – the Nesslerhof is in the Großarltal valley in the state of Salzburg, at the heart of the Großarl–Dorfgastein ski region – conjures up images of the cool and refreshing. This is the ideal destination for anyone looking to escape the city and the oppressive heat. Temperatures during the day are great for swimming, and the nights are pleasantly cool.

A lot of water

We are not given to hyperbole, so believe us when we say that Hotel Nesslerhof has a very large spa area and a lot of water. Six quiet rooms give guests something else as well – space. Space for themselves, space for rest and relaxation, and space to forget the heat. As for the water? An indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a salt water outdoor pool and two natural swimming ponds. The hotel also has its very own spring, fed by water from the mountains.

A spa area offers a range of spa and beauty treatments. The hosts, the Neudegger Family, see themselves as “guest whisperers”, and truly appear to divine their guests’ needs in advance. Hermann and Tina Neudegger approach every question and request with warmth, good nature and genuine commitment.

Wood, Loden, Leather

The Nesslerhof rooms charmingly and cosily reflect their Alpine surroundings with wood from local forests, beautiful loden fabrics, soft leather and coordinated colours. A perfect environment in which to lie back and relax after a strenuous day on the alpine meadows: This is also the ideal place to be idle.

Nature

The many Alpine huts – Großarltal is known as the valley of the “alms” or Alpine pastures – are a joy at the end of hikes that are themselves nothing if not rewarding. Fresh air, beautiful scenery and a feeling of freedom are as much a part of hiking here as the “Jause” (traditional snack) is of life on the alms. The Neudegger Family has tips on alms and hikes, and knows where you can get the best Bauernkrapfen doughnuts or watch the Senner – Alpine dairymen – make cheese. Incidentally, the kitchen at the Nesslerhof also uses produce from the alms. Milk, butter, cheese, eggs, meat and fish are all sourced locally.

Guests looking to take things slightly easier will find their own beautiful piece of countryside in the wild and very large (!) garden, which also contains the natural pond. The garden is the hotel’s extended lounge and has “magnificent views”, as the guest whisperers themselves proudly admit.

And to ensure that parents can also enjoy the experience to the full, the hotel provides excellent entertainment for children. A supervised holiday programme, a playground and the animals in the hotel’s own small farm delight the younger guess.

Winter at Hotel Nesslerhof

All these great activities are available until the autumn, when a new selection of highlights begins: winter snow, spa and skiing – the Nesslerhof is right beside the slopes. Come and visit the holiday experts.

Hotel Nesslerhof is a Member of Lifestylehotels

Text:Nina Prehofer