It takes a generous dose of courage to extend a 180-year-old family inn like the Stern with a contemporary addition — one that turns heads the moment you see it. Yet what the Hauser family has created with Hauserei in Steeg is a masterclass in balancing modern design and deep-rooted tradition, understated luxury and genuine Tyrolean hospitality.

On one side stands the Stearawirt — the Stern: rustic, traditional, and grounded, exactly what you’d expect from a long-standing Alpine family business. Beside it rises Hauserei: a striking modern structure with fluid lines, endless warm wood, and sweeping panorama windows. The contrast between the old Stern and the new Hauserei couldn’t be greater — and yet the two form a seamless symbiosis that guests can experience for themselves, whether they come in summer or winter.

And when you talk to host Tanja Hauser, you immediately feel the passion and clear vision she, her husband, and their team poured into bringing Hauserei to life. Because Hauserei isn’t just a contemporary design hotel — it’s also a herb-focused retreat, where everything naturally revolves around Alpine botanicals: from the renowned Tyrolean kitchen to guided walks and hands-on workshops that open up the fragrant world of local herbs.

Modern or traditional — what’s your pick? Guests can choose from twelve contemporary rooms and suites in the Hauserei (the new wing) or fifteen Alpine-style rooms and suites in the historic Stearawirt. Our clear recommendation: the suites in the new building. They impress with generous floor plans, beautiful natural materials, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies overlooking the mountains. And even with all its modern comforts, Hauserei never forgets its roots: you’ll spot elements from the family’s long history, including embroidered details from traditional Lechtal costumes woven into wall and pillow décor throughout the house.

The highlight of our Almajur Suite is the private hot tub on the balcony, which fills at the push of a button with fresh, wonderfully warm mountain spring water. We wake with the first rays of sunlight streaming through the panorama window, and in the evening we sink into the steaming hot tub to watch night settle over the Lech Valley. During the day, the suite becomes a quiet little hideaway — perfect for putting our feet up or swapping hiking boots for slippers and backpacks for bathrobes.

Up on the top floor of Hauserei awaits the Rooftop Spa with its Sky Lounge. Whether curling up by the crackling fireplace, tucking into a cozy snug, or stretching out on the rooftop terrace, there’s no shortage of inviting corners for switching off. In the 85° panorama sauna, we work up a sweat with front-row views of the Lechtal Alps. There’s also a stone-pine bio sauna in the new building, and in the historic house you’ll find a steam bath, a traditional Schwitzstubå, and an infrared cabin. And when your muscles are pleading for mercy after a day in the mountains, simply head to the Knetstuba for a soothing massage that brings you right back to bliss.

As a guest at Hauserei, you’ll inevitably brush up against the long, storied history of the Stern — if not earlier, then certainly at mealtimes. Breakfast and the four-course dinner are served in the old parlors of the historic main house, charming spaces with wood-paneled walls and ceilings and countless heirlooms and memories that tell the inn’s tale.

The cuisine at Hauserei stands out for two reasons. First, hardly a dish leaves the kitchen without a touch of fresh herbs — either grown onsite or foraged from the surrounding mountains. Second, the Stern is part of the Tiroler Wirtshäuser, meaning the kitchen is deeply committed to regional recipes and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

And it’s not just dinner that impresses — breakfast is a true showstopper. It’s rare to see such a colorful spread of homemade spreads, dips, muesli, porridge, fresh juices, and smoothies, paired with local cheeses and charcuterie. Naturally, you’ll also find a vibrant bouquet of herbs at the buffet first thing in the morning.

Fast-forward to the evening: you can wind down either together on your balcony or in the relaxed, stylish bar on the ground floor of Hauserei. The drinks menu showcases a thoughtful selection of alcohol-free options, wines, and spirits, and the atmosphere pretty much guarantees you’ll be tempted to stay for one or two extra drinks…

Hauserei sits deep in the Tyrolean Lech Valley, close to the Vorarlberg border and right along the popular Lechweg trail. From easy valley walks to challenging alpine routes, the area is full of adventures waiting just outside the door.

A winding mountain road passes directly by Hauserei and climbs into the Kaisertal, a hidden, idyllic valley with plenty of rewarding hiking destinations. One particularly gentle tour leads to Alpe Kaisers in just about an hour — perfect for a stop and a bowl of hearty Kaspressknödelsuppe.

The Arlberg is also just a short hop from Hauserei, and with the Lechtal AktivCard, not only is the Jöchlspitzbahnincluded, but so are the summer lifts in Lech and Warth. It’s well worth hopping in the car or taking the free bus and gliding up the mountain. A standout option: hiking from Oberlech through the picturesque Auenfeld to Körbersee, with a well-earned stop at the Auenfelder Hütte.

Equally scenic is the hike starting from the hamlet of Lechleiten up to the beautifully situated Schänzlesee, where—if you’re lucky—you might spot a few marmots. Those looking for a bigger challenge can extend the route with a climb to the Rappenseehütte.

In winter, it’s just a stone’s throw to the Arlberg ski area, and a cross-country trail lies only 100 meters from the house. Ski tourers, winter hikers, and snowshoers will find Steeg in the Lech Valley equally irresistible once the snow settles in.

True to the Mountain Hideaways philosophy, every image in this story was captured during our personal stay.

All images © Mela Hipp, 2023

Family portrait — courtesy of the host family.

Published: 2023 | Last Updated: 20.11.2025