Hotel zum Hirschen

There are many good reasons to pack your bags and head to Salzburg for a long weekend: its unique urban-alpine character, the charming old town, Kasknödl and fluffy Nockerl ... but first and foremost is the newly reopened Hotel zum Hirschen. The “Hirschen” is a Salzburg institution: with its roots dating back to 1526, it has many stories to tell. It hosted Mozart's sweetheart Constanze (although she failed to pay her bill), and survived a bombing raid during WWII. The hotel has been run by the Wallmann family since 1830 and the management is now in the hands of the eleventh generation, Katharina and her husband Nikolaus. They have undertaken a complete renovation of the historic building and added a wooden extension. The two buildings offer 106 rooms, suites, and apartments that combine traditional flair with fresh design using warm earth tones, lots of wood, bronzed brass, and linen fabrics. It is a place where everyone can feel at home and, despite its size, has the character of a boutique hotel. Couples and families are just as welcome as business travelers. In particular, the hosts welcome cycling enthusiasts. Why? Because they have founded the Joyful Cycling Club: a community for anyone who wants to explore Salzburg and its surroundings by bike. Not only do they have the best tips for tours of all levels, from leisurely to challenging, , but the hotel also offers a bike room and bike rental. But cyclist or not, every guest will find just what they were looking for, be it in the Hirschen Bar with its mid-century appeal and excellent drinks, in the spa, or in the restaurant next door, “furo,” where Austrian and Israeli cuisine meet. Sound like a pretty appealing mix? It is!

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The urban, understated design, the natural materials, and the spacious rooms with plenty of natural light.
• That the furniture and lighting have been selected to last. The high-quality pieces come from Olaio in Portugal and Ercol in Great Britain or from young labels such as Popus Editions or Atelier Areti.
• The art on the walls: originals by contemporary artists hang in the common areas, art prints in the rooms, suites, and apartments.
• The Hirschen Bar! Decorated with designer wallpaper, upholstered cocktail chairs, and retro lighting, it feels like a movie set from the 1950s.
• The mix of yesterday and today. Scandinavian designer pieces meet character pieces from before the renovation: grandpa’s hand-made furniture or treasures from the 1980s.
• The lobby with its beautiful parquet flooring. We particularly like the window seat, which is perfect for planning the day ahead.
• The breakfast buffet with regional delicacies and “Egg of the Day” creations, all organic. Guests can start their days in the breakfast room in the historic part of the hotel or on the terrace on warm days (Saturday and Sunday are late riser-friendly, with service until 11am!)
• The large, quiet garden – a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
• The green concept: the new building is a wood-hybrid construction, and there is green electricity and a photovoltaic system as well as a geothermal system for sustainable cooling and heating.
• Martin Eder, Salzburg's hottest restauranteur, has chosen the hotel as the new home for his restaurant “furo.” The focus is on sourdough products and vegetarian Levantine dishes.
• The location in Elisabeth-Vorstadt district, just a few minutes from Salzburg's old town, the train station, and the Salzach River.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• With a wide range of room categories, there is something for everyone. From double rooms to fully equipped two-bedroom suites for 2-5 people.
• The two-story Comfort Suites with terraces are ideal for families or friends. Nestled in the garden, the former stables are the most spacious rooms in the hotel. With a king-size bed and apull-out couch, they can accommodate up to 4 people.
• Children are welcome! As parents of a small child themselves, the hosts wanted to make a city trip to Salzburg relaxed and uncomplicated for other parents. That's why there is a play area near the bar and play facilities in the garden.
• Coffee-based skin care products from Terre de Mars are available.
• The wellness area offers two saunas, one of which is a bio sauna reserved exclusively for female guests. Two infrared cabins provide deep heat.
• If you want to train for a summit climb, the fitness studio, which is equipped with weights, bikes, and rowing machines is the place for you. There is also a separate yoga room.
• The Hirschen Bar opens its doors at noon and offers coffee and cake, Austrian wines, beers, and cocktails, as well as a small selection of hearty dishes and snacks.
• The hotel also offers seminar rooms equipped with the latest technology.
• Salzburg and the surrounding area are a paradise for cyclists – from the old town circuit to challenging tours in the Salzkammergut or the Ciclovia Alpe-Adria.
• The bike room has a parking space for your beloved bikes – with tools, air pumps, maps, and sockets for charging e-bikes.
• Perfect for arriving by train: the train station is only a few minutes' walk from the hotel.