It’s okay if you can’t pronounce its name; you’ve seen its iconic pool, which speaks more than a thousand words. Forsthofgut could just rest on the pool alone – but, it’s a wellness destination all year round.
Tucked into the pine-covered slopes of Leogang, Austria, Forsthofgut is what happens when a 400-year-old farm decides to become a wellness sanctuary. And a trendy and timeless one at that. The hotel blends alpine tradition with modern sustainability, offering forest saunas, barefoot trails, and a bathing lake that reflects the mountains like a mirror. Guests come for the spa, but stay for everything else. And if you’re travelling with kids, you’ll be surprised at how much there is to do. We stayed for 3 nights, but easily could have stayed another 3. It felt as though time had stopped — but in the best way.
Atmosphere
From the moment you step inside Forsthofgut, you’re met with a kind of warmth that feels completely unforced. Staff greet you like you’ve been coming for years, and somehow it doesn’t feel rehearsed—it seems like that’s just how they are. The interiors strike this wild balance between grandeur and coziness: soaring ceilings, polished wood everywhere, and fireplaces that seem to crackle on cue.
But what really hits you is the scale. The place is huge—like, “wait, there’s a petting zoo and a water slide?” huge. Corridors twist into spa sanctuaries, pools spill from indoors to out, and every turn reveals another nook to explore. And it’s stunning—floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Alps like living paintings, no matter where you stand.
It’s simply beautiful in the summer, so we could only imagine how it must shine during the snowy peak season.
Rooms
Calling it a “room” feels borderline disrespectful. What we stayed in was the Seehaus Suite—a two-story lakeside residence that could probably file for its own postal code. It had a walk-in closet, two bathrooms, two balconies, and yes, our own private sauna. Honestly, we could’ve staycationed there for a week without ever stepping outside. The suite opens directly onto the natural bathing lake, so you can roll out of bed and into the water. Other amenities include a fireplace, a minibar stocked with local treats, plush robes that feel like clouds, and blackout curtains that mean business. It’s alpine living, but make it cinematic.
Forsthofgut’s room categories range from cozy to castle-level, but all share the same alpine DNA: natural materials, warm textures, and views that make you forget your phone exists. Beyond our sprawling Seehaus Suite, there are plenty of other options. The Nature Rooms are snug and serene, perfect for couples or solo travelers who want to wake up to mountain light. Families gravitate toward the Family Suites, which cleverly separate adult and kid zones without sacrificing style. Then there’s the Alpine Hut, a standalone chalet that feels like your own private cabin in the woods, minus the isolation.
Food + Drink
The main bar at Forsthofgut is the kind of place you wander into “just for a drink” and end up staying for hours. It’s all crackling fireplaces, low lighting, and a cocktail list that includes everything from local schnapps to smoky mezcal creations.
The main restaurant is where the real magic happens. Dinner is a five-course ritual that changes nightly. It starts with a buffet-style salad bar so fresh it feels like the vegetables were picked that morning. Then comes your choice of soup (three options, always tempting), followed by a beautifully plated main, and a decadent dessert. Then lastly, the cheese course: a buffet of world-class selections that could easily double as a standalone meal.
Breakfast happens in the same space, and it’s a feast—fresh breads, local honeycomb, smoothie options, and enough variety to make you rethink your usual morning routine. And your table is yours for the entire stay. No awkward shuffling, no waiting—just show up and dig in. We ate at the main restaurant all 3 nights when we were there, and didn’t get bored.
But beyond that, there are alternative options as well. Forsthofgut offers a trio of culinary experiences under its CUISINE concept: alpine-mediterranean, vegan, and hyper-local (with ingredients sourced within 50 km). Mizūmi serves Japanese specialties in a sleek, urban-style setting, complete with a show kitchen and sushi masters. Silva is the tasting-menu spot for serious foodies, with forest-inspired dishes and a wine list that leans biodynamic. And Restaurant 1617 is the more traditional spot, perfect for romantic dinners and family meals.
The waldSPA
The waldSPA at Forsthofgut isn’t just a spa—it’s a full-blown alpine sanctuary carved into the rhythm of the forest. Spanning four levels and over 5,700 square meters, it’s a place where wellness is everything. You’ve got your pick of saunas—Finnish, herbal, infrared—and steam rooms that smell like pine and mountain herbs. There’s a rooftop whirlpool with panoramic views of the Leogang peaks, and a natural bathing lake so pristine it feels like swimming in a glacier-fed dream.
The adults-only Lake House spa is a hushed, glass-walled haven where silence is sacred and the only soundtrack is birdsong and the occasional breeze. Treatments range from alpine herb compress massages to forest-inspired facials, and there’s even a waldSPA Family area with its own water slide and kid-friendly zones. Whether you’re plunging into cold water after a sauna or dozing in a heated lounger, the whole experience feels like a love letter to your nervous system.
Other Amenities
Forsthofgut is the kind of place where boredom simply doesn’t exist. For families, there’s a dedicated kids’ room for the little ones and a separate hangout space for older kids, complete with a daily activity program that ranges from crafts to nature adventures. The petting zoo is a hit with all ages—donkeys, pigs, sheep, rabbits, and alpacas. And yes, adults are absolutely allowed to get excited about it. The stables are home to horses and ponies, and even if you’re not up for a ride, you’d be remiss to not go pet a pony.
Wellness junkies will love the packed schedule of exercise classes—yoga, pilates, aqua fitness, and more—running daily. And in winter, the hotel transforms into a ski-in/ski-out dream, with direct access to the slopes of the Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn ski area.
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FAQs
Q: Is the Forsthofgut Naturhotel kid-friendly?
A: Yes, Naturhotel Forsthofgut is very kid-friendly. It offers a dedicated kids’ club for younger children and a separate space for older kids, complete with a daily activity program that includes crafts, nature walks, and games. There’s also a petting zoo, and stables with horses and ponies. Plus, the waldSPA has a family-friendly area with a water slide and splash zones. In winter, the ski-in/ski-out access makes it easy for families to hit the slopes without hassle.
Q: Is the Forsthofgut Naturhotel open all year round?
A: Yes, Naturhotel Forsthofgut is open year-round. The hotel seamlessly adapts to the seasons—offering hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the warmer months, and transforming into a ski-in/ski-out alpine retreat during winter.
Q: Is there a dress code in any of the Forsthofgut Naturhotel restaurants?
A: No, Naturhotel Forsthofgut does not enforce a formal dress code in its restaurants. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably and appropriately for the setting.
