Refugium Lunz

They say there’s a boutique hotel right on the church square in Lunz am See where you can leave your everyday life at reception. Who would turn down such an offer? Swap tax returns, kettle descaling and rush hour traffic for room keys—for a home away from home, but without all the stressful things that often come with it. The history of the hotel in Lower Austria with its 23 individual rooms and suites goes back five centuries. What was then a hostel for traveling salesmen has attracted an urban clientele since its reopening in spring 2023—people looking for a retreat that combines nostalgia with the desire for something new. And those who enjoy being out in nature, swimming in the lake, boating, long walks and hikes, ice skating and cross-country skiing or simply having a good time “at home”. Swim a few lengths in the year-round heated pool, find your inner center in the yoga room (or at least search for it) and enjoy the regional and seasonal cuisine, which encapsulates the hotel’s philosophy in a rather delicious way: “Not more of everything, but enough of the essentials”. High-quality ingredients meet artisanry: Hand-churned butter, home-baked bread, pickled vegetables just like back in grandma’s day. The aesthetic concept of the rooms is just as tasteful and harmonious. During the renovation, the fabric of the building, such as the centuries-old vaulted arches, the rough stone wall in the old parlor and a wooden beam dating back to 1661, were carefully repaired. There is also plenty of matt black wood, a concrete look, oak floorboards and elegant furniture—and the comforting feeling of having completely forgotten about the “to do” folder on the desk at home.  

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The host couple, who put their heart and soul into their work. Stefanie Metzger, known as “Fanny”, runs the store and has a solution for every problem, no matter how unusual. Her husband Christian is the master of pots and pans and can always be found wherever there’s the smell of freshly baked and cooked food.
• The owners Joachim Mayr and Heinz Glatzl, who operate in the background, are the founders of a cooperative for crafts, architecture and design called “Formdepot”. Just like the cooperative, the Refugium is set to develop into a vibrant place to showcase design and craftsmanship.
• The location in the Mostviertel region between the River Ybbs, which flows right in front of it, and the 15th century Gothic parish church. Village life and untouched nature—you can find both here.
• A love of the unusual: The old apothecary cabinet (actually a mini concept store) at reception, the stone floors, the original ornate larch doors and the tiles from Viennese Wilhelminian style houses
• The open parlor kitchen—the true heart of the home. This is where people come together for a chat, the first cappuccino of the day or a glass of wine in the evening. Small delicacies await guests here at any time of day. And sometimes they even cook together.
• Natural care products from the Saint Charles apothecary range are available in the rooms.
• The parlor dating back to 1661, where the fire crackles in the fireplace on chilly days. Eye-catching features include the ceiling with its original wooden beams and the parquet flooring that has been converted into table tops.
• It’s obvious that someone has thought about conserving resources here. For example, energy and heat come from local supplies, a heating plant in Lunz is powered by wood chips from Lunz and the hydroelectric power of the Ybbs provides electricity.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Cult Caffè from a roastery around the corner is served for breakfast, egg dishes to your taste, freshly squeezed and baked goods—all included in the price.
• The “Wilde Wunder Card” is included in the room price and gives you free access to various natural and cultural experiences.
• Hiking equipment is available to borrow: Poles, water bottles, and snack boxes.
• Bicycles can be borrowed free of charge.
• Some of the garden rooms are reserved for travelers with four-legged friends; they have their own exit to the outside—ideal for short walks.
• Guests are invited to take part in the activity program. This includes yoga and sports activities, guided excursions and joint activities in the house and in the open kitchen.
• Kids on board? Some of the garden rooms can be extended into family suites by connecting doors. There is an extra sofa bed in the “Peter & Maria” accommodation that is big enough for two little ones. A baby bed, nursing pillow and a baby monitor are available on request.
• The à la carte restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday, while the lounge kitchen is open seven days a week.
• A few steps through the garden and you reach the sauna house with a super cozy relaxation area: Pillows, fine teas and reading material await. Suites with private saunas are also available.
• For those with an affinity for water, the personal bathing bag with cozy bathrobe is already packed for the hotel’s own pool (with counter-current system) or of course Lake Lunz.
• Explore the Ötscher nature reserve today, hike to the summit of Dürrenstein or why not listen to a concert on the lake stage? Depending on the weather and vibe, the team will post suggestions and ideas on the notice board at reception. 

Photo credits: Sophie Kirchner (pictures 7,36,37), Gregor Hofbauer