Sloho Bergurlaub

What brings a Slovenian family to a village of 400 people in Austria? Damira, Jelka and Vladi Slodnjak actually came to Hohentauern in Styria as holidaymakers—and ended up staying as hosts. In 2012, the three of them spent their vacation in the village at an altitude of 1274 meters. The Styrian way of life and untouched nature appealed to the family. They wanted nothing more than to become part of this world. This happened faster than expected. In 2013, the family bought an apartment building and added a new building with even more space in 2018. A small shop for everyday needs and a coffee bar were created. And things are continuing at this pace: The “Bergschau’n” apartments have their own panoramic sauna houses. A stylishly furnished communal spa with a Swiss stone pine sauna is also available to all tenants. The Slodnjaks have rethought the typical country house style in the Sloho apartments. Selected antiques meet modern furniture, cheerfully colorful Scandinavian kitchens and lots of flowery accessories. Together, these different influences create a harmonious whole. The panoramic view of the mountains and the crackling open fire complete the vacation feeling. The host gene runs in the Slodnjak family. Everyone fulfills their tasks with passion, whether it’s Jelka putting together the breakfast box from regional foods and conjuring up flower arrangements for the apartments or her daughter Damira warmly welcoming guests at reception. Her father Vladi is around the house all day, taking care of repairs and bookkeeping. This family atmosphere and the many loving details make holidaymakers feel really welcome. 

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• Austria away from mass tourism and yet with an excellent infrastructure, that’s what travelers can expect in Hohentauern: From the ski slopes to stores for daily needs, they’ll find everything available.
• By vacationers for vacationers is the motto here. The hosts have discovered Styria as tourists themselves and have plenty of good tips to offer.
• Cordiality runs in the family—the Slodnjak family really do everything they can to make their guests feel at home.
• Damira’s knack for beauty is evident in the furnishings: The Soho apartments are furnished with carefully selected Art Nouveau furniture. Details such as an upcycled ladder used as a wall decoration are a constant surprise.
• From the balconies, the view extends as far as the neighboring two-thousand-meter peaks. This view alone makes guests feel relaxed.
• In the well-equipped vacation apartments, guests can decide how they want to cater for themselves. On request, the Slodnjak family will prepare breakfast or a snack for a mountain tour. There’s a bread roll service and a small shop selling local and Slovenian groceries.
• The cozy coffee bar and store “Vorbeischau’n” at the reception
• The Slodnjak family originally comes from a farm and loves animals. Dogs are welcome. There’s even a dog-friendly cross-country ski trail nearby.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• A car is handy in Hohentauern, but you can do without one. The hosts pick up travelers from the nearby Trieben train station.
• A toboggan taxi runs in winter.
• The Swiss stone pine sauna is available to all guests. This is a wonderful place to relax after a day of mountain adventures. If you want something even more exclusive, simply book a Bergschau’n apartment with a private panoramic sauna, relaxation room and magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
• The Sloho’s package deals are suitable for anyone who wants to stay a little longer and take a few extras with them, such as those who like going fishing or hiking, bikers or dog owners.
• The surroundings are a dream in both summer and winter. Hikers and mountain bikers get their money’s worth, as do skiers, tobogganists, cross-country skiers, ski tourers and snow walkers in winter.
• Had enough of peace and nature? The Red Bull Ring in neighboring Spielberg (40 minutes away by car) regularly hosts competitions on the winding race track.
• The minimum stay is usually two nights.