Naturhotel Forsthofgut (Detailed Review)
I could have happily stayed all day in the ‘Onsen Pool’, in the middle of a small lake, watching the snowcapped mountains and the stunning autumn foliage. While floating there, the warm water seemed to melt away my usually racing thoughts, while the cool breeze gently invited a sense of mindfulness in its place. It was easy to quiet my mind and focus on the present.
But it was not just me who felt completely content. It was one of those ideal family vacations where everything seemed to fall into place. Do you know how rare that is?
The kids were in their element, exploring every little detail as if the whole hotel was their playground. They literally became painters for an afternoon. Then they turned monkeys (not literally) in the indoor parkour course.
Time also seemed to slip away (or stopped?) as we went forest bathing together. Neither the kids nor we could tell that the activity lasted more than two hours. We followed our lovely guide and opened our senses to the forest’s sounds, scents, colors, and the feel of nature.
Welcome to my review of Naturhotel Forsthofgut, in Saalfelden-Leogang, Austria. They hosted me for three days in September 2024. But nobody told me what to write. These are my honest views and the true reflection of my experience. I did not accept any payment in exchange for any coverage.
Introducing Leogang
Have you heard of ‘The Sound of Music’? It will celebrate its 60th(!!!) anniversary in 2025. I bet you did. Then you have probably heard of Salzburg, Austria. Leogang is a small alpine village approx. one-and-a-half-hour drive away from this culturally rich, historic city. The village lies in a picturesque valley surrounded by green meadows, thick forests, and towering mountains with snow-capped peaks on either side.
Leogang is also home to Asitz Mountain, known as the ‘Mountain of Senses.’ Within just a two-minute walk, we were already on the ski lift, ready to explore the mountain and awaken our senses. I will share more about our adventures there later, but for now, I cannot wait to introduce you to this amazing 5-star eco-hotel.
Introducing Naturhotel Forsthofgut
Naturhotel Forsthofgut is not just a strikingly designed 5-star hotel set in a picturesque location—it is so much more. As you would expect, every detail is meticulously crafted, and every staff member greets you with a warm smile, but you can also see and feel the hotel’s commitment to sustainability. They provide guests with a perfect example of how nature and luxury can seamlessly coexist.
ECO PROFILE – Learn about how Naturhotel Forsthofgut embraces sustainability
The hotel consists of multiple buildings with connecting passages underground. The reception area is right in the heart of the whole complex, overlooking the lake and the spa facilities. But even before you reach it, a huge blackboard greets all guests BY NAME (‘Frau Maczko and Fam. Barta’). I thought it was a lovely gesture, making you feel that, yes, you have arrived in the right place.
At the reception, we were welcomed by a friendly receptionist in traditional Austrian clothes, and each of our girls received Rocky, a stuffed toy deer, as a gift. To say they were over the moon would be an understatement. Kids appreciate kind gestures, and these small acts of kindness did not stop there. They also felt the special treatment during the activities and the meals.
The hotel has four types of family suites: ‘Heimatgefühl’, ‘Bergbalance’, ‘Glück’, and ‘Schwalbennest’. In English, these translate to ‘Sense of Home’, ‘Mountain Balance’, ‘Luck’, and ‘Swallow’s Nest’, respectively. We stayed in ‘Glück’, which, true to its name, brought us the luck of sunny weather throughout our stay, even though it had been raining heavily before.
The family suite had a lovely main room with a double bed for the parents and a separate room with bunk beds for the kids. I don’t know about you, but I truly appreciated the convenience of having an extra bed in the kids’ room. They love it when I go to sleep with them especially in a new place. It was just perfect. They also thought it was their personal hideout since the door seamlessly melted into the wardrobe doors, like a secret passage.
The bathroom was wonderful—chic, simple, and comfortable all at once. The tub was inviting, and the shower felt like a spacious rain chamber. Being a notoriously private person, the glass walls with a curtain initially caught me off guard. Nonetheless, I found myself enjoying the playful design.
We also had a lovely wooden balcony with geranium, both typical in Austria, overlooking the village. I could imagine being there during the summer enjoying the sunrise with a cup of tea.
Restaurant
Let me start by saying, it was an absolutely brilliant idea not to have one massive dining area for all the guests. Instead, the hotel created several smaller spaces around the serving area, each with its own unique style and name. I don’t know if it was intentional or simply a result of the original layout, but it worked perfectly. Every time we dined, it felt like stepping into a charming little restaurant, offering superb food and a cozy, intimate setting.
Breakfast
As you would expect from a 5-star hotel, the breakfast selection was extensive, full of fresh produce and freshly baked goods. They call the breakfast area ‘Forsthofgut Delicacies Market’. And it did feel like a real farmer’s market, with different types of stalls offering fresh bread, a wide variety of cheeses and dairy products, multiple types of honey, fresh fruits and vegetables, an impressive charcuterie section, handmade jams, and even specialty coffee and herbal teas.
Since I need to eat gluten-free and my husband needs to avoid dairy and eggs, we appreciated the wide selection of allergy-friendly options. I enjoyed warm, soft, gluten-free bread (not an easy feat), granola, and a muffin for breakfast. My husband also tried their soy yogurt, which surprisingly didn’t taste like soy at all—it was smooth, creamy, and had a neutral flavor.
My kids adored the sweet breakfast station. They tried pancakes, waffles, rice pudding, and oatmeal with different toppings of fresh fruits, nuts, and syrups. Our waitress even packed a chocolate croissant or a bagel roll to go at the end.
I also have to tell you about the ‘juice bar’. We got to choose from an amazing selection. For example, there was strawberry-banana smoothie, apple-avocado-coconut smoothie, apple-red berries juice, and mango-maracuja juice. You can also drink infused water, kombucha, ginger shot, green smoothie, hand-pressed apple and grape juice.
Afternoon snack instead of lunch
You might have already seen it on the hotel’s website, but it is true—there is no lunch menu. Honestly, we did not miss it, and here is why:
Breakfast is served until 11 am, with the option to pack a sandwich to take with you. Then the afternoon snack starts at 3 pm. With such a hearty breakfast, we did not even get hungry until then.
On our first day, the afternoon snack was baked goods, various charcuterie, and vegetables for toppings. The next day, we could choose from three different types of pasta dishes. The third day would have been strudels—a traditional pastry made of thin layers of dough filled with fruits or other fillings. All while sipping a cocktail from the Botanist Bar.
Dinner
The dinner menu for adults has five courses. You can mix and match from three cuisines: Alpine-Mediterranean, R50 (regional within 50 kms), and Vegan. The first course is a salad you can make at the salad bar. Then they serve you an appertizer, a soup, a main course, and a dessert at the table.
I especially loved the burrata with prosciutto as an appetizer. My husband raved about how flavorful the baked cauliflower with vegetable marsala was. We both agreed that the vegan white chocolate mousse with fig jelly, basil ice cream, and chocolate cream was fantastic.
The kids could choose from the same serving area where the salad bar was. While they loved the lasagna and the ‘wiener schnitzel’, they were always eager to finish so they could get to the dessert section—especially the artisan ice cream, which had five flavors waiting for them.
It can be a slow dining experience with five courses that you can stretch from 6.30 pm to 9 pm. If you so choose, the kids can have dinner in Rocky’s Club or join the activities there after dinner since it is also open until 9 pm. Teens and older kids can disappear into the Teens’ Lounge for a movie night.
If you prefer to choose á la carte, the hotel has three restaurants: ‘Mizumi’, a Japanese restaurant serving sushi, ramen, and other Japanese main dishes, ‘echt. gut essen,’ a fine dining restaurant offering private dining experience with chef Michael Helfrich, and ‘Restaurant 1617‘ serving only typical Austrian dishes.
Facilities
There are even more things to do here than I mention below, but sadly our three days limited our options. I can easily see how one could spend a week—or even longer—exploring everything this place has to offer. Let me walk you through some of the amazing facilities that we visited and loved at Naturhotel Forsthofgut.
WaldSpa
The hotel has an incredible spa spanning over 60,000 square feet(!!!), divided into three distinct areas: Adults Only, Family & Kids, and the Lake House. My favorite was the onsen pool by the ‘Lake House’ in the middle of a small lake.
The Family & Kids area was a delight, with a warm, large, 23-yard pool surrounded by a cozy lounge area. My older daughter couldn’t get enough of swimming and jumping into the pool. She can be quite shy, but she bravely tried the tube slide with me, and her face lit up as she described it as fast and thrilling.
On the other hand, my 6-year-old found her happy place in ‘Rocky’s pool’—a shallow, 10-inch deep pool complete with small slides, a bridge, and a deer water feature. She spent most of her time here, playing pretend and swimming like a mermaid with her arm floats. It was her own little world, filled with imagination and joy.
Did you know the kids can also try the sauna here? Usually, saunas are adults-only, but this hotel offered a kid-friendly sauna at 104°F. My girls were thrilled to experience it. They felt so grown-up as they sat on the wooden bench, giggling at the novelty of it all. It was another wonderful memory for them, and one that made them feel special and included.
We also took a dip in the Lake Pool together. It wasn’t as warm as the Onsen Pool, but it was just right for the kids. They absolutely loved being outdoors while still splashing around in the warm water. Watching them surrounded by forest and mountains, made this my happy place too. We were intrigued by the possibility that you can also swim in the lake surrounded the pool. Sadly, autumn was too cold for that.
The adult-only part of the Lake House was fantastic. I loved the Onsen Pool as you can tell since I keep mentioning it. I could have happily stayed all day there watching the snowcapped mountains and the stunning autumn foliage. It was so peaceful. When you are there, don’t forget to start the Onsen Ritual inside at the Cleansing Station.
For those who love the 194°F Finnish Sauna, it is available in a small lake house right next to the Onsen Pool, with panoramic views of the mountains. But I am sorry to say I am not too adventurous when it comes to activities where clothing is optional or nonexistent. Therefore, we decided to skip it, but saw it was quite popular among the other guests.
Last but not least, let me tell you about the adults-only spa. It was located in a separate building, with each level offering a unique experience—from relaxation rooms to saunas, from gyms to pools. My husband was the only one who got to go there and try the outdoor sports pool. He came back with a huge smile, talking about how invigorating it felt to swim with the crisp mountain air surrounded by such beautiful nature.
Petting zoo (‘Minigut’)
My daughters jaw hit the floor, when we saw in the program that they get to meet Rocky, the stag in real life. Furthermore, Rocky and his deer friends live in a game enclosure right on the hotel grounds and they get to visit them whenever they wanted. We did not know that before going there, and it was more than a pleasant surprise.
Besides the deer, the ‘Minigut‘ had two donkeys, many geese and rabbits. The small pond was home of several species of fish. But my kids truly took the two alpacas to heart. My daughters could feed and pet them. They were friendly, and their fur was incredibly soft.
Next to the animals there was a charming miniature alpine chalet, filled with toy vehicles that my girls could take for a spin around the area. It was as if they had their own little village to explore, adding an extra layer of fun and adventure.
Outdoor playground
Next to the ‘Minigut’, there was a true paradise for my kids. Let me start with the treehouse. Climbing up with the girls was a cute little adventure, and once at the top, the view was simply breathtaking. If you ever visit, make sure to buy a marble for EUR 2 at the reception and give the marble run that starts by the treehouse a try. It is such a simple joy that adds a bit of magic to the forest.
Even though it was autumn, my kids could not get enough of the outdoor play area. They went back and forth between the slide, the swing, the climbing wall, and the trampoline. It was heartwarming to see them enjoying every moment, as if the chilly breeze did not even matter. What do they say? There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. So true.
Indoor playground
This place was unanimously my kids’ favorite. While they enjoyed the swimming pool, the slide, and all the other spa facilities, this was the spot they wanted to come back to the most. The upper floor of the stables had been transformed into a large play area, partly supervised, partly accessible without supervision.
My kids loved the crafting activities, especially when they got to be painters for the afternoon. A simple change in perspective—placing the paper on the wall instead of the table—unlocked their creativity. My 9-year-old told me that she deliberately let the paint slowly flow down the paper to create what she felt true painting-like effects. She was amazed by the results. And so did we.
In addition to painting, kids could also join a wood pyrography workshop. I highly recommend trying both activities since they are not something you often find among the usual children’s activities. They are creative, unique, and so much fun.
The parkour area was just outside the workshop. My 9-year-old, who loves acrobatics, gymnastics, and climbing, was thrilled to explore it. She climbed around the area multiple times, showing off upside-down poses with a huge smile on her face. My 6-year-old climbed up to the alcove and enjoyed having a space just for herself to play pretend.
Activities to do nearby
Naturhotel Forsthofgut offers a wide variety of activities both for adults and kids. From guided nature walks to yoga sessions, from pony rides to woodworking workshops, there is always something fun and exciting to do. But if you have time, I recommend venturing outside to explore Leogang and the mountains.
Forest bathing
Forest bathing, derived from the Japanese concept of ‘shinrin-yoku’, is an activity you can do in any forest. It is all about slowing down, paying attention to the little details, and being fully present in the moment. It is about immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest.
We had a lovely guide, Theresa Sommerbichler, who helped stopping our mind and enjoying being in the forest. She explained that unlike hiking, forest bathing isn’t about covering a long distance or reaching a destination. Instead, it is about embracing the journey, taking in the forest’s atmosphere, and reconnecting with nature through mindful observation.
The highlight was when we created a lovely artwork together. Each of us went off into the forest on our own to find five items that spoke to us—whether it was a rock, a twig, a leaf, or a flower. As we searched, we had to think about what we were thankful for and visualize how these simple items could represent those thoughts. It was a beautiful and meaningful way to connect with nature and with each other. We all learned a bit more about ourselves and each other.
We closed our forest bathing activity with a cup of pine tea sweetened with honey, which Theresa made specifically for this occasion. The tea truly smelled like pine trees and tasted lovely. She also gave examples of how we could use the herbs we found during our walk. Read more details about our forest bathing experience in Leogang here.
Arts Trail
Our forest bathing experience led us to part of the ‘Leos Gang Art’ Trail. It is a less than 2-mile long, easy trail in the valley around the village. You can start at the hotel right by the deer enclosure. If you go around you can spot sculptures and other art works along the way.
Mountain of Senses
Naturhotel Forsthofgut lies at the foot of Asitz Mountain, also known as the ‘Mountain of Senses.’ I love when a mountain is not only a mountain, but also a creative outlet to explore nature. Asitz is exactly like that, and I cannot wait to show you around.
First, you need to walk approx. 5 minutes from the hotel entrance to the ski lift (‘Asitzbahn’), which takes you up the mountain. The hotel gives you an e-card (Saalfelden-Leogang Card) within the app you download after booking. You can use this e-card to go up and down twice every day during your stay. As the ski lift ascends, you can already see an amazing view of the hotel, the valley, and the mountains on the opposite side.
During your ride, you can also see multiple bike trails, as Asitz is part of Austria’s largest bike region called ‘The Epic Bikepark Leogang‘. If offers over 55 miles of lines and trails served by 9 cable cars on 7 mountains, all accessible with one ticket. The bike park seemed like a fantastic opportunity to bike in a breathtaking alpine setting.
If you get off at the mid-station, you arrive at the Senses Park—a place where all your senses come alive. We explored a tree with over 20 different fragrances, each waiting to be identified. Another tree was shaped like a hand, with holes where we could reach in and identify objects just by touch. There were also multiple visual puzzles designed to train our eyes. It felt like a playful journey that truly challenged us in sensory way.
Then we went on to explore the water features park, diving into the unique wonders of water. My girls shrieked with delight as they turned on a Pelton turbine, and they jumped up and down in excitement when they hit the target with a water gun. We climbed, squeezed through caves, and splashed—completely losing track of time as we laughed our way through every challenge.
Our last stop was at a small lake they call ‘Peaceful Water’. During winter, the water is used to create snow if needed, but from spring to autumn, it truly lives up to its name—a tranquil spot complete with a small pier and a Kneipp area. We stood on the pier, taking in the view and the calmness around us.
Of course, we went all the way to the top (6,279 ft). And to our surprise, we found snow! The kids were overjoyed since they hadn’t seen snow since last winter, and they truly missed it. We threw snowballs, wandered around, and for a moment, it felt like we were right in ‘The Sound of Music’—surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery.
Best time to visit
Autumn: Autumn in Leogang is pure magic since the colors of the forests is visual treat. This is a wonderful time for outdoor activities for families like exploring the forest trails or the Asitz Mountain since the sun is still shining. The crisp air also add a refreshing touch, making the warm waters in the pool or the hot sauna feel even better.
Winter: When winter arrives, Leogang turns into a snowy wonderland. The Asitzbahn is approx. 5 minutes away from the hotel. It is part of a larger ski region called ‘Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn’ with 167 miles of pistes, 70 lifts and 60 huts. Here is an interactive map.
I’ve been to several places in Austria, and I have to say there is something magical about being in an alpine town during Christmas. The holiday atmosphere among the mountains is truly special—not just because of the ‘glühwein,’ but because of the way the entire landscape feels like a scene from a winter fairytale.
Spring: While the snow starts to melt, it never disappears from the highest peaks. I could still see snow in autumn there. But what is so special are the green meadows filled with blooming wildflowers. Spring is the perfect time to take forest hikes, especially forest bathing. According to our guide spring and summer are the best seasons since the essence released by the plants is the most concentrated during this time.
Summer: Summer is high season. The sun is shining so the temperatures are warm. There is no shortage of things to do and you can fit in a lot of outdoor fun. A huge plus that you get to dip in the lake in the middle of the hotel. You can soak up the sun lounging in the hotel terrace sipping a cocktail from the Botanist Bar.
How to get there
If you are coming from the U.S., the closest airport is Salzburg Airport (SZG). It is less than 1.5 hours away from Leogang, but it has no direct connections with the U.S. According to the airport’s website they have connecting flights with Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC via larger European hubs like London, Frankfurt, or Paris.
However, the largest international airport is Munich International Airport (MUC) in neighbouring Germany. The three major U.S. airlines (American, Delta, and United) and most major European airlines fly here. The airport directly connects 16 U.S. cities with Europe including five on the West-Coast: San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, and since June 2024 Seattle. You need 2.5 hours from the airport to get to Naturhotel Forsthofgut.
Austria’s main airport, the Vienna Airport (VIE) is approx. 5 hours away from Leogang. It is a well-connected hub and the home base for Austrian Airlines. It may not sound ideal, but it is certainly manageable.
Final thoughts
Three days felt like a beautiful dream that ended too soon. We barely scratched the surface of all there was to explore. I would have spent some extra time in the adult-only spa to enjoy a massage or join a yoga class. My kids would have loved the pony riding and the alpaca hike for sure. And as a family, we would have loved to do the 2-mile puzzle hunt trail at the top of Asitz Mountain.
As we packed our bags, I knew we were leaving behind so many untold adventures. It felt like just a teaser of what could have been. We would love to come back for a week or even more, as this is a place that captures your heart, brings you contentment, and lets you have fun while you spend quality time as a family.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.