Hidden deep in the Austrian Alps, Naturhotel Forsthofgut offers a perfect blend of luxury, wellness, and unspoiled mountain beauty.
Located in the picturesque town of Leogang in Salzburgerland, this five-star, family-owned retreat has earned its place as one of Austria’s most beloved destination hotels.
What began in 1617 as a modest farm and forestry business has been reimagined by the Schmuck family into a refined nature escape. Today, Forsthofgut boasts 109 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, including a secluded Alpine Hut designed for a cozy, elevated experience. It might appear as a big hotel at first glance, but, in reality, it doesn't feel overwhelming at all.
Wellness is at the heart of the hotel’s philosophy. The award-winning waldSPA—a forest-inspired spa sanctuary—and the tranquil Lake House spa set a new standard for rest and rejuvenation. Seriously, the sauna here calms all its entrants.
Set on a 54-acre estate, the on-site Mauthof Farm invites gentle strolls and nature walks while families enjoy various activities, including a children’s farm, riding stables, a kids’ club, a playground, and a petting zoo. (This hotel is family-friendly—that said, I went with my partner, no kids, and it was still peaceful.)
Culinary pleasures are just as thoughtfully curated. Guests can indulge in exceptional à la carte dining at Restaurant 1617, sip creative cocktails at the Botanist Bar, or explore a forest-themed wine cellar via the weinWALD menu.
Japanese Mizūmi restaurant adds a refreshing twist for those seeking something beyond traditional alpine fare (the miso soup on gloomy days is clutch).
The hotel’s latest culinary addition, Silva, opened its doors last year. Intimate and refined, Silva accommodates just 10 guests per evening, offering two seasonal tasting menus: the Forest menu, featuring dishes such as braised mountain ox and local brook trout, and the plant-based Meadow menu, with highlights like pickled mushroom stew and hazelnut crêpes. Under the guidance of
Chef Michael Helfrich, the kitchen embraces sustainable techniques such as fermenting and smoking, with a strong focus on reducing waste and celebrating the natural rhythm of ingredients.
Open year-round, Forsthofgut shifts effortlessly with the seasons. Summer brings outdoor yoga, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. In winter, the property becomes a snowy paradise, offering ski-in/ski-out access to the world-renowned Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn ski area.
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of the hotel’s operation. As a true nature hotel, Forsthofgut supports initiatives like waldLIEBE, which captures 500 tons of CO₂ each year, and prioritizes local sourcing. Seventy percent of the vegetables come from nearby organic farms.
From its spa to its elevated accommodations to its wealth of amenities, this hotel has something for everyone.
Top Takeaways
Location: Leogang, Salzburgerland, Austria
Address: Hütten 2, 5771 Leogang, Austria
Rating: 5 stars
The vibe: “Wait... how is this not already my laptop screensaver?”
Food & Drink: Naturhotel Forsthofgut presents a seamless blend of culinary creativity and alpine charm, offering a range of dining and drinking experiences that celebrate both tradition and innovation. At Restaurant 1617, guests can enjoy Austrian classics in a warm, farmhouse-inspired setting, while Silva—an intimate, award-winning dining concept—serves seasonal tasting menus crafted from regional ingredients, all brought to life in a captivating show kitchen. For something more global, Mizūmi offers an elegant Japanese experience with expertly prepared sushi and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel’s drink offerings are just as thoughtfully designed: The Botanist Bar, styled after an old-world natural pharmacy, features inventive cocktails infused with local THORALM Dry Gin, while the elegant main bar, adults-only Beletage, and serene Workation Room offer additional spaces to sip and relax. For wine lovers, the forest-inspired weinWALD cellar provides a curated selection to perfectly complement any meal.
Amenities: Ski-in/ski-out access, waldSPA, pool, sauna, spa, multiple dining venues, kids’ club, horseback riding, nature trails, and fitness center
Our Favorite Part of the hotel? The breathtaking alpine backdrop and the hotel’s forest-inspired, sauna-equipped spa make an absolute haven on those moody, misty autumn days.
Amenities: Ski-in/ski-out access, forest spa, indoor and outdoor pools, multiple saunas, fine dining, kids’ club, horseback riding, scenic hiking and biking trails, and a fully equipped fitness center.
What’s Nearby? You’re steps from the slopes of the Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn ski area and the Asitz Mountain cable car. A short drive brings you to the wide-open beauty of the Pinzgau region and the lakeside charm of Zell am See.
Any Neighborhood recs? Take a 25-minute scenic drive to Zell am See for coffee by the lake and a stroll through town.
Rooms: 109
Pricing: Nightly rates start at approximately $375, with seasonal variations.
Closest Airport: Salzburg Airport (SZG), about 1.5 hours away by car.
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