Naturhotel Forsthofgut
The Forsthofgut started as a forestry business and farm in 1617. Four hundred years later, the Schmuck family runs it in the fifth generation as a five star nature hotel on a 54 acre estate in Leogang, Austrian Salzburgerland. The transition from farm to destination hotel happened gradually enough that the property still feels rooted in its landscape rather than imposed on it.
The waldSPA is the centerpiece and the reason most guests come back. A 5,700 square meter forest inspired spa spread across multiple levels with an adults only zone featuring an old wood sauna overlooking the forest and mountains, steam baths, a 25 meter heated sports pool, and a whirlpool. The Lakehouse expansion adds three treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge with fireplace and waterbeds, and an onsen style pool heated to 42 degrees with a traditional Japanese washing area. Connected to the main hotel via an underground passage, it overlooks an expanded natural swimming lake. A separate family and kids area includes two heated pools and a 70 meter slide. A boutique gym and studio spaces for yoga, stretching, and meditation are open all day.
The dining runs deep. Restaurant 1617 serves Austrian classics in a farmhouse setting. Silva seats just 10 guests per evening for two seasonal tasting menus, a Forest menu with braised mountain ox and local brook trout, and a plant based Meadow menu with pickled mushroom stew and hazelnut crepes. Chef Michael Helfrich uses fermenting and smoking techniques with a focus on waste reduction. Mizumi adds Japanese cuisine with expertly prepared sushi and mountain views. The Botanist Bar serves cocktails infused with local Thoralm Dry Gin in a space designed after an old world natural pharmacy. The weinWALD cellar curates a wine selection in a forest themed underground setting. Seventy percent of vegetables are sourced from nearby organic farms. A full vegan menu is available daily.
The property offers 109 rooms and suites including a secluded Alpine Hut. Rooms are decorated with warm personal touches including embroidered slippers, home baked welcome gifts, and handwritten notes. In room tablets handle information and booking. Views range from alpine forest to mountain panoramas.
Summer brings hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, outdoor yoga, and e-bike tours across the surrounding trails. The on site Mauthof Farm offers a children's farm, riding stables, kids club, playground, and petting zoo. Winter delivers ski in ski out access to the Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn ski area with 270 kilometers of slopes. Lift passes and equipment rental are arranged through the hotel. Zell am See is a short train ride away.
Sustainability runs through the operation. The waldLIEBE initiative captures 500 tons of CO2 annually. Local sourcing, organic partnerships, and a daily vegan menu reinforce the commitment. Salzburg airport is 90 minutes by car or two hours by train, with free transfers arranged from Saalfelden, Leogang, or Fieberbrunn stations.
