From the moment you arrive, one thing becomes clear: DIE HOCHKÖNIGIN isn't simply a hotel run by a family - it's a place shaped by one. For more than four decades, the Hörl family has been creating heartfelt hospitality rooted in warmth, authenticity, and genuine personal connection.

Josef and Hildegard, together with their four children - Stefanie, Marina, Sepp, and Thomas - and daughter-in-law Martha, have built a retreat where every guest is welcomed as if they were returning home. Each family member brings their own personality and expertise to the hotel, creating an atmosphere that feels effortlessly personal rather than polished for show.

Supporting them is the dedicated Team of the Queen, whose passion and commitment bring the family's philosophy to life every day. Whether it's a thoughtful recommendation, a friendly conversation, or simply remembering your favourite table at dinner, it's the small, genuine gestures that leave the biggest impression.

In 2019, the family realised a long-held dream by transforming the former Thalerhof into DIE HOCHKÖNIGIN - a sophisticated Alpine retreat where contemporary luxury meets timeless mountain charm. Every detail has been carefully considered, resulting in a hotel that's as memorable for its atmosphere as it is for its design.

What truly sets DIE HOCHKÖNIGIN apart, however, is something that's impossible to manufacture. It's the Hörl family's decades of experience, their visible passion for welcoming guests, and the sense of togetherness that flows through every corner of the hotel. More than simply offering a beautiful place to stay, they've created somewhere guests instantly feel they belong.

Their own motto says it best: #FAMILYWITHSOUL. Spend even a short time here, and you'll understand exactly what they mean.

From the moment you step inside DIE HOCHKÖNIGIN, there's a distinct sense of arrival. The spacious atrium welcomes guests with an atmosphere that's both elegant and inviting, where contemporary interiors blend effortlessly with Alpine warmth. Golden accents, a striking illuminated stone wall, and the hotel's iconic portrait of the Queen create a memorable first impression, while the soft glow of the fireplace behind glass adds an immediate feeling of comfort.

It's impossible not to be drawn to the view. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows frame the charming village of Maria Alm, its landmark church with Salzburg's tallest church spire, and the dramatic limestone peaks of the Steinernes Meer beyond. This ever-changing panorama is more than just a backdrop - it's at the very heart of the hotel.

The team affectionately refers to it as their "Nature Cinema," and it's easy to see why. Behind the vast glass façades, the landscape is constantly transforming with the changing light, the shifting weather, and the passing seasons. Whether you're waking up to the first morning light, lingering over breakfast, relaxing in the infinity pool, or simply wandering through the hotel, the mountains are always part of the experience.

Natural materials - including oak, stone, and locally crafted felt - bring the surrounding landscape indoors, creating a seamless dialogue between contemporary architecture and Alpine heritage. The result feels sophisticated yet deeply connected to its setting.

That same design philosophy extends into the rooms and suites. A subtle floral theme runs throughout the interiors, while rich textiles, soft natural tones, elegant mirrored details, and beautiful oak flooring create spaces that are refined without ever feeling formal. They're designed to help you slow down, settle in, and truly switch off.

Among the standout accommodations are the spacious lodge-style studios, where generous living spaces and private balconies make the most of the spectacular mountain setting. Whether you choose a cosy studio, an elegant suite with panoramic Alpine views, or one of the luxurious Penthouse Spa Suites, every room is designed to showcase the landscape beyond.

It's this effortless combination of thoughtful design, genuine comfort, and unforgettable mountain views that gives DIE HOCHKÖNIGIN its unmistakable sense of place - and makes every stay feel just a little bit magical.

Connected seamlessly to the hotel's beautifully designed rooms and suites, the QUEEN SPA is a 2,000-square-metre sanctuary dedicated to relaxation, wellbeing, and spectacular Alpine scenery. Spread across two floors, every space has been thoughtfully designed to embrace the outdoors, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views over Maria Alm, the iconic pilgrimage church with Salzburg's tallest church spire, and the rugged peaks beyond.

At the heart of the spa are its inviting indoor and outdoor pools, soothing saunas, tranquil relaxation lounges, and treatment rooms - each offering the perfect setting to slow down and recharge. One of the highlights is the outdoor whirlpool, affectionately nicknamed "Sea View" thanks to its breathtaking outlook across the dramatic Steinernes Meer. Just beside it, the 17-metre infinity pool seems to melt into the mountain landscape, inviting guests to swim a few leisurely lengths or simply float while taking in the view.

Sauna lovers are equally well catered for. The adults-only spa features a panoramic Finnish sauna with immersive infusion rituals, a gentle bio sauna, and a steam bath - all overlooking the surrounding peaks. Families, meanwhile, can enjoy their own dedicated Family Spa, complete with a panoramic Finnish sauna, bio sauna, and steam bath, creating a relaxed wellness experience for guests of every age.

Those who enjoy staying active while travelling will appreciate the panoramic fitness studio and the bright yoga and movement room. A varied programme of fitness classes, guided activities, and relaxation sessions completes the experience, allowing guests to find their own balance between adventure and restoration.

Whether your perfect day involves mountain hikes followed by a massage, a sunrise swim, or simply a quiet afternoon with nothing but Alpine views for company, the QUEEN SPA offers an unforgettable setting to reconnect with both nature and yourself.

At DIE HOCHKÖNIGIN, dining is far more than part of your stay - it's an experience in its own right. Thoughtfully crafted menus, regional ingredients, and creative flair come together to celebrate Alpine cuisine at its finest, delighting every sense from the very first course to the last.

Each evening, guests can mix and match dishes across three distinctive culinary worlds: Mountain & Valley, showcasing regional Austrian flavours; International, with contemporary creations inspired by global cuisine; and Queen & Green, a vibrant plant-based menu that proves vegan dining can be every bit as indulgent. The result is a personalised tasting experience, where every course tells its own story.

Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Maximilian Reuter, whose philosophy centres on exceptional produce, seasonal ingredients, and refined craftsmanship. Every plate is beautifully presented, balancing bold flavours with elegant simplicity.

A strong sense of place runs through every menu. Fresh herbs are picked from the hotel's own garden, while organic beef comes from the family's Ebengut farm. Local suppliers play a starring role throughout the kitchen, and the abundant gourmet market - with its freshly prepared salads and seasonal specialities - reflects the hotel's commitment to sustainability as much as its passion for flavour.

Of course, great food deserves great wine. The knowledgeable Team of the Queen is always on hand to recommend thoughtfully selected pairings that perfectly complement each dish, elevating every course into a memorable dining experience.

The day begins with an impressive gourmet breakfast served from 7:30 to 10:30 am. Expect artisan breads from the local bakery, cured meats from the family's own farm, regional Alpine cheeses, freshly prepared organic egg dishes, seasonal fruit and vegetables, organic products, fragrant herbs, freshly pressed juices, and an extensive tea selection - a breakfast designed to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

In the afternoon, the hotel's signature Queen Snack keeps guests well fuelled after a day in the mountains. Served from 2:00 to 4:30 pm, it features crisp seasonal salads, traditional Salzburg-style specialities, comforting soups, homemade desserts, yoghurt, and fresh fruit. Standout dishes include the organic house-made sausages from the Ebengut farm and a wonderfully fragrant salmon Thai curry.

As the sun begins to set, the Mountain Lounge becomes one of the hotel's most inviting places to unwind. Sip a carefully chosen glass of wine, a perfectly mixed cocktail, or a premium spirit while taking in uninterrupted views of the Steinernes Meer from the spacious terrace, bathed in the soft glow of the evening light.

One drink deserves a special mention: the hotel's homemade blackberry lemonade. Refreshingly fruity and wonderfully light, it's the perfect companion on a warm summer afternoon.

Inside, contemporary design meets a relaxed Alpine atmosphere. A sparkling disco ball, sculptural lighting, and elegant interiors create a space that feels both sophisticated and effortlessly welcoming - the perfect setting to end another unforgettable day in the mountains.

Surrounding Maria Alm is an alpine landscape that reveals a different kind of beauty with every season. Whether you're looking for an easy walk through flower-filled meadows, a rewarding summit hike, or a scenic family adventure, the Hochkönig region offers endless opportunities to experience the mountains at your own pace.

Our favourite? Without question, the sunrise hike to Prinzensee on Natrun. Perched at 1,253 metres above sea level, this tranquil mountain lake lives up to its fairytale name. Arrive just before dawn and you'll be rewarded with a magical scene as the first rays of sunlight shimmer across the water, while the dramatic peaks of the Steinernes Meer and Hochkönig slowly glow in shades of gold.

One of the lake's highlights is its floating viewing platform, offering an entirely new perspective of the surrounding mountains. If you're in no rush, settle into one of the panoramic wooden loungers and soak up the spectacular 360-degree views - it's the kind of place that invites you to linger.

From Maria Alm, the hike to Natrun takes around 90 minutes along the well-marked Trail 401a, winding through peaceful forests and colourful alpine meadows. For the return journey, follow Trail 26a via the Grammlergut, where adults can enjoy a well-earned stop for regional food while younger explorers let loose at the castle-themed adventure playground. Further down the valley, you'll come across Austria's first Alpine Slide Park, where five stainless-steel slides stretch for more than 200 metres, promising plenty of fun for all ages.

Prefer a more leisurely return? Simply hop on the cable car back to the village. With the Hochkönig Card, both uphill and downhill rides are included, making it easy to discover even more of the region's spectacular hiking trails.

Another unforgettable excursion leads to the Arthurhaus in nearby Mühlbach am Hochkönig. From here, a gentle walk along Trail 84 crosses wildflower meadows and traditional alpine pastures before reaching a remarkable moorland at the foot of the Hochkönig massif. Surrounded by colourful shrubs, delicate lichens and the striking cliffs of the Mandelwand, the landscape feels almost Scandinavian in character. On a clear day, the panorama stretches from the Hohe and Niedere Tauern all the way to the Tennengebirge - one of the finest viewpoints in the entire region.

Spring is an especially enchanting time to visit. As thousands of crocuses blanket the lush mountain meadows beneath the Mandelwand, the landscape transforms into a sea of purple blooms that's impossible to resist photographing.

Our advice? Pack waterproof hiking boots, allow yourself plenty of time, and don't rush. Some places are simply meant to be savoured.

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

All images © Lena Sulzenbacher, 2023

Published: 2023 | Last Updated: 26.07.2026