Haus Hirt

A ‘feel-good’ foothold, Haus Hirt Hotel & Aveda Spa was built as an imposingly grand yet elegant alpine lodge gracing a fantastic hillside overlooking the Monte Carlo of the Alps; aka, the spa resort Bad Gastein, Austria. 

The hotel has an immediate ‘Wes Anderson’ moment in that it is gorgeously eclectic, colourful, cheerful, family-centric and most definitely, is a headliner in alpine soul. Elements of the Austrian arts and crafts movement dance close to commissioned pieces of the modern age while oversized sofas play host to a creative crowd. Every bit a ‘private house’, this hotel entices the guest to just feel right at home. 

If you could bottle the energy of Evelyn Ikrath, it would be a sensation – luckily, you can experience this Alpine woman’s quest for the good life right here at her hotel. Evelyn beams with positive energy and it is clear that the Haus Hirt was also her childhood home - her charisma is abundantly present throughout. Few hotels capture the magic of their owners - but here the touch of Evelyn is everywhere, and she obviously adores her beloved Bad Gastein. She has made Haus Hirt a house and family home where all generations sit comfortably together – she has added her whimsical touches to the interiors and her child-like curiosity for people is inspiring.  A passionate yoga enthusiast, a believer in the positivity of life and the owner of a truly lovely hotel – her soul touches you with warmth and her infectious laughter roars through the house - it can almost be heard at her husband’s hotel, Miramonte, just up the hill. 

Whilst the interiors of Haus Hirt Hotel could easily be the centre spread in some glossy, it is an urban country pad without the pretence, playful with lovely quirky corners that are focal points for pleasant distraction, a respite to take in the cinematic views across this truly enchanting alpine landscape of Bad Gastein. 

We just love the relaxed soul of Haus Hirt, it has a warmth and sense of character that is hard to find, both eccentric yet familiar, stylishly actual and cosy – a boutique cross-generational hub that inspires, recharges, and simply prompts unwinding, with or without the family clan in tow. Haus Hirt is a treasure trove of everything alpine - created with heart, the interiors reflect the owner's love of nature, comfort and a little fun.

As you might expect, the rooms and suites of Haus Hirt, spread out over three floors, showcase classic Alpine styling with a modernist touch. Wood-clad walls and floors contrast with bright-white bed linen and contemporary reading lights; bathrooms come with patterned tiles.

For those that like views, the Alpine Suite Morgensonne is as high as it goes – located on the uppermost floor with dramatic views and starry nights. Alpine Suite Talblick has fabulous views onto the undulating valley below.

Good, natural & flavoursome cuisine narrates the foodie scene at Haus Hirt. In the cosy alpine country-chic dining rooms decorated in bright tones, a homemade mecca of foods awaits guests, from great family classics to those with a health conscientious balance perfect for those here on a spa programme. Families and kids are in the best hands with tasty treats menus for the little ones. There is always something for everyone on the table. 

Expect a culinary journey of original and tasty Austrian & alpine delights with epic views of the valley yonder, before hitting the snug for late-night chats over drinks.

Haus Hirt is natural, holistic and soul-inspired, curated by the passionate and ever-so positive owner, Evelyn. Located in the home of the Gasteiner Thermal Waters - which have been quietly filtering through the Tauern Mountains for 3,000 years now - they surge upwards and outwards in a spectacle of nature loaded with minerals, elements and natural radon. This good stuff is on tap at Haus Hirt - and comes to its own in the Aveda Spa. 

Take a bath in this purist water said to be regenerating, vitalising, detoxifying, cell-rebuilding - also claimed to be great for fertility too - go on, hop in there then!  Combined with doctors, this spa sets the tone of the classic Austrian Kur - a spa treatment centred on healing waters. The heated pool with stunning valley and mountain views has ample space inside to chill, as well as outdoor loungers, a sauna, steam bath, hot thermal springs and Thalassotherapy. Yoga enthusiasts flock to this hotel for specialist sessions both in and outdoors - after all, the Alpine air is so pure it is a pleasure to breathe.

A very family friendly affair, Haus Hirt Hotel has all the holistic and practical additions you will ever need, from baby massage courses and mountain jogging buggies to practical cots, nannies and free daytime childcare. Kids also have lots to entertain them, from horse-riding, swimming and shooting bows and arrows to climbing, golf, tennis and rafting. Families can go on mountain excursions together and there is also a children’s club with all things ski in the winter and outdoors-y in summer. 

On the edge of the spa town Bad Gastein, Hotel Haus Hirt commands a lush vantage point of the valley and town, close to its sister Hotel Miramonte.

Haus Hirt is close to the amenities of town, train station and has access to the mountains of the picturesque Pongau region of Salzburg.