Hotel

Haus Hirt

Bad Gastein, Salzburg (state), Austria

Evelyn Ikrath grew up in a family of hoteliers. For her, it’s all about running the hotel, welcoming guests, and doing everything she can to ensure they have a beautiful, relaxing time. She grew up at Haus Hirt and took over the hotel in 2000, learning the management side of things and bringing her husband, an architect, into the family business. Today they run an Alpine Spa Hotel, known for its heart and soul, together in Bad Gastein, Austria. 

An intimate oasis of wellbeing, the 4-star hotel is designed for the modern traveler and is the ideal accommodation for free spirits and people looking for balance, like-minded souls, and plenty of nature. Haus Hirt’s vision is to be a beautiful space for everyone, from children to groups, families, and single travelers alike. 

Born of a love for the outdoors, Evelyn and her team have developed a comprehensive experience for guests, ranging from gentle to demanding. They also offer child care for adults looking to find rigorous exercise without their kids. For kids and teenagers, they have created fun workshops and experiences to keep them engaged and full of exploration.  

Overall, the experience of Haus Hirt is one of lightness and relaxation. From the healthy and uncomplicated menu to the in-house spa and abounding natural environment, it’s an experience itself. Built at 1,000 meters above sea level, you’re surrounded by Bad Gastein’s breathtaking landscapes, magnificent mountains, giant waterfalls, and healing hot springs. 


Rooms + Rates

per night
Single roomfrom130 €
Double roomfrom190 €
Suitefrom294 €

Sustainable

ArchitectureBuilt in 1924 and renovated many times since then, a lot has happened over the years. Since Evelyn and Ike have run the hotel, they’ve added a floor and Ike has added his own architectural touches. Designed with oiled larch or beech floors, the color palette was chosen by a friend, and all the rooms include at least one piece of handmade furniture and custom light fixtures. The art all comes from the artist Giovanni Castell and the renovation work has all been done by local craftsmen with regional materials. 

FoodThere’s always food available for the guests and all prepared foods are local and mostly organic. Food allergies and specific needs are accommodated and guests can enjoy a large selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Tea and fruit are available at the spa. 

Employing more than 50 people, Haus Hirt embraces the local community with a team full of locals and international members alike. With flexible hours, healthy meals, and the opportunity to participate in yoga tours, hikes, and more, they are able to truly enjoy the experience of the Alps. Employees are supported with extensive training for personal and professional development. 

EnvironmentWhile trash is separated at the property, the general ethos is to create as little waste as possible. Cleaned using organic materials, guests are provided organic soaps, and the furniture is even mostly upcycled goods purchased from the region and reupholstered.

Well-BeingDaily yoga classes with different teachers each day, a spa with indoor pool, sauna, and steam bath. Inside, the hot thermal spring bubbles directly into the spa. Enjoy the sun deck, laze around in a bathrobe, relax with massage, and receive beauty treatments with private bookings. Every week, a shaman works with the energy of the space to create harmony in the house, cleansing each space.


Characteristics

  • A beautifully located hideaway in the middle of the countryside with panoramic mountain views 
  • An eclectic mix of modern design and 30’s inspired heritage 
  • The large, inviting main living room with curated books and magazines 
  • A variety of yoga classes in a breathtaking setting
  • Bright, uniquely furnished rooms with views of the valley
  • Refined cuisine that incorporates exotic flavors as well alpine classics 
  • During summer, enjoy days full of hiking, running, mountain biking and climbing
  • Massage treatments that include an anti-stress program and a program for expectant mothers

Alpine Spa Hotel33 roomsRestaurantChildren welcomeWi-Fino disabled accessPoolPets allowed

Features

  • 4-star hotel with 11 double rooms, 11 studios, 10 suites, and 1 single room
  • Nearly every room has its own balcony 
  • Full board breakfast with a light lunch, hiking snack, and a gourmet evening menu 
  • Restaurant + Bar
  • Aveda Spa with indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, sun deck and a wide range of treatments
  • Child care and nanny services upon request
  • Weekly activity program that includes yoga, hikes, bike tours, 
  • Ski Shuttle (10 min to the ski center)

Testimonials

Mondäne Jugendstilhäuser, das enge Tal und die imposanten Berge verleihen Bad Gastein ein außergewöhnliches Flair. Familien, Sportler und jene die ihre Seele baumeln lassen wollen, Ruhe und Erholung suchen, sind im Familien- und Designerhotel Haus Hirt bestens aufgehoben.

Christine Fröschl, salzburgerland.com, August 2021

Das Haus Hirt, am Fuße des Graukogels gelegen, ist kein Familienhotel im klassischen Sinne, aber eines, in dem sich Familien sehr wohlfühlen. Und alle anderen auch. Das geht sich aus, würde der Österreicher sagen. Fee, Philipp, Charlotte, Paula, Henri und Henry lassen sich schminken, malen mit Fingerfarben oder grillen Stockbrot am Lagerfeuer mit den Betreuerinnen Elisabeth, Lisa und Sarah. Das Beste: Die Eltern essen. In Ruhe. Zwei Stunden lang. „Das ist wahrer Luxus“, sagt ein Vater. Die Muter nickt und isst und trinkt. Das Kind kommt um 21 Uhr, glücklich, geschminkt wie ein Löwe, die Treppen zum Restaurantbereich hinauf. Win-win, mal wieder.

Anja Wasserbäch, stuttgarter-nachrichten.de, August 2021

Gemeinsam mit ihrem Mann Ike war Ikrath vor 15 Jahren maßgeblich an der Renaissance Bad Gasteins beteiligt. Mit ihrem Anspruch an Design, den sie im Haus Hirt und im Miramonte umgesetzt haben, waren sie die ersten, die Bad Gastein für ein urbanes Publikum wieder interessant gemacht haben. Man muss im Haus Hirt nur einmal von der Rezeption in den Speisesaal gehen, um das zu spüren – die Bücher, die Bilder, die Bar, die Musik, und vor allem: das Publikum. Männer lesen großformatige Zeitungen, Frauen in Drehbüchern, andere zeichnen. Für einen Wintersportort ist das ziemlich ungewöhnlich.

Andreas Lesti, faz.net, August 2021
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Rooms + Rates

per night
Single roomfrom130 €
Double roomfrom190 €
Suitefrom294 €

Location + Directions

By car

It takes just under 1.5 hours (105 km) by car from Salzburg to Bad Gastein. From Innsbruck it is just under 3 hours (190 km), from Munich also just under 3 hours (225 km), from Vienna it is around 4.5 hours (395 km) and from Zurich it takes just under 6 hours ( 532 km). The exact address can be found on the website.

With public transport

Euro and Intercity trains, express and express trains (also a direct connection Munich - Bad Gastein) stop at Bad Gastein train station. There is a shuttle service from the train station to the hotel (distance less than 2 km).