I spent a beautiful weekend tucked away in the Austrian Alps at Gartenhotel Theresia – an eco hotel that felt like a true home-from-home with heart. Located in the picture-perfect mountain village of Saalbach-Hinterglemm in Salzburg, the area was everything I’d hoped for – it had wildflower-dotted meadows, towering alpine peaks, and a soothing stillness I only seem to find in the mountains.
I’ve always loved the idea of staying somewhere that was kind to the planet as it was to its guests, and this family-run hotel truly delivered. From its charming chalet-style exterior to its chemical-free spa, organic gourmet meals, and focus on sustainability, it felt like every detail was designed to help me breathe a little deeper – and leave a little lighter!
Where is Gartenhotel Theresia Located?
I found the hotel nestled in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, a picturesque Austrian beauty spot located in the heart of the Austrian Alps. It’s known as being a fantastic ski resort home filled with gorgeous alpine scenery, excellent skiing opportunities, and a vibrant après-ski scene.
During the winter, I heard from locals that attracted a lot of skiers and winter sports lovers and during the rest of the year and especially during the summer I found it was a breathtaking hiking and cycling destination with a collection of interesting chalet hotels to stay in, some of which prided themselves on being very eco-friendly.
The mountain village resort Saalbach-Hinterglemm occupied a particularly pretty corner of Austria. I discovered a dreamy and charming place filled with meandering streams trickling through deeply carved valleys, rolling green pastures dotted with grazing bell-adorned cows and postcard-pretty traditional chalets all enveloped by the towering peaks of the beautiful Alps – to me, it really did feel like I was standing in the middle of a scene from the Sound of Music!
- Saalbach-Hinterglemm – A Quick Guide
- Location: Salzburg region, Austria
- Famous For: Skiing in winter, hiking and biking in summer
- Vibe: Picturesque mountain resort with rustic charm and alpine beauty
- Best Time to Visit:
- Winter: Dec–Mar for skiing and snowboarding
- Summer: Jun–Sep for hiking, biking, and spa retreats
- Top Experiences: Scenic cable car rides, alpine walks, après-ski bars, wellness spas
What Was it Like Staying at the Gartenhotel Theresia?
From the outside, the chalet looked every bit the traditional Austrian alpine retreat I’d imagined – with its sturdy pinewood façade, flower-filled balconies, and shuttered windows, it was like something straight off a postcard. But once inside, I quickly realised that behind its charming exterior lay a surprisingly stylish and contemporary space with a forward-thinking, eco-conscious ethos.
Describing itself as a ‘hotel with a heart,’ I found this family-run retreat was more than just a pretty place to stay – it was a genuine eco-hotel, deeply committed to sustainability, local sourcing, and social responsibility.
How Eco-Friendly is Gartenhotel Theresia?
I found out from the hotel owner that they had a very admirable and long list of eco-friendly policies which unfortunately is still a very rare find in a hotel!
- They serve 100% organic, locally produced, animal welfare-friendly food
- They use energy from renewable sources (hydroelectric, wind, biomass)
- They recycles heat from kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms to warm pools and water
- They provides fresh spring water for bathing and cleaning (gentle on skin and eco-friendly)
- They uses EU Ecolabel-certified cleaning products
- They minimise chlorine use in pools – only the legal minimum required
- They offer fast-charging stations for electric cars and bikes
- They practice careful recycling and uses energy-saving lightbulbs
- They upholds a policy of social responsibility for all staff
- They follow a resource-saving management philosophy across operations
Inside, I was warmly welcomed by two dirndl-clad receptionists and one of the owners – an efficient yet thoughtful lady who was clearly passionate about both the hotel and its alpine surroundings.
After a friendly chat, I found myself wanting to know more about her and the hotel’s eco philosophy—a subject that was close to my own heart. Her reasoning was simple but sincere: “If we don’t look after nature, then it will disappear.” I couldn’t have agreed more!
One of the receptionists then gave me a tour of the hotel. The décor was an impressive blend of traditional and contemporary—cowhide-print sofas and chic modern touches sat alongside historic photographs and wonderfully cosy log fires.
As I walked, it quickly became clear to me that compassion and progressive values ran through every part of the hotel—from the elderly resident cat padding along the corridors, to the natural swimming pool fed by fresh mountain spring water, to the weekly activity programme designed to help guests reconnect with nature. Their green credentials weren’t just for show—they genuinely felt like a heartfelt mission from the owners.
What Was My Guest Room Like?
My hotel tour ended with the receptionist handing me a keycard for the traditional Austrian ‘nude’ sauna (which I accepted with a slightly nervous giggle!) and then the key to my room for the weekend. I found the room was cosy, stylishly decorated, and featured plenty of warm pine and local oak.
I opened the patio doors to let in the crisp mountain air and sank heavily into the bed. On the bedside cabinet lay a book titled Out of the Head and into the Heart by Franz X. Buhler—a very apt choice, I thought!
The next day, I ventured out to explore the beautiful local surroundings, starting with a steep and scenic cable car ride followed by a brisk walk along a peaceful stream. Later, I returned to the hotel to soothe my aching muscles in the calming embrace of the Mountain Green Spa.
What Was the Spa Like?
I thought the spa area was one of the true highlights of the hotel, and it was clear that wellness was taken seriously there. The facilities were excellent—especially impressive given the hotel’s size—and I treated myself to an indulgent aromatherapy massage in one of their cosy treatment rooms, where (naturally!) only organic products were used.
Wellness Highlights at Gartenhotel Theresia – at a Quick Glance
- Indoor and outdoor pools (chemical-free!)
- A Traditional sauna and a nude sauna (with privacy options)
- A Jacuzzi and panoramic gym
- Spa treatments which used only organic products
- A weekly activity program to help guests reconnect with nature
- A zen-like relaxation room with alpine views
What Was The Food Like?
Food is one of the hotel’s main features and is taken very seriously at the retreat. Starting with a breakfast buffet, then lunch, afternoon tea, and ending with an evening five-course gourmet dinner, they ensure no guest leaves hungry!
At each sitting, ultra-healthy and hearty regional traditional food (all organic, locally sourced, and beautifully presented) are served side by side. The hotel prides itself on catering to vegetarians, vegans, and sufferers of any allergies.
When it was time to check out, my keycard to the nude sauna may have remained unused but I left the Gartenhotel Theresia refreshed, renewed and pleased to have experienced a stay in a hotel with a genuine heart.
More About Gartenhotel Theresia
Gartenhotel Theresia – At a Glance
- Location: Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Salzburg, Austrian Alps
- Type: Family-run, 4-star eco-friendly chalet hotel
- Best For: Nature lovers, wellness seekers, vegetarians/vegans, eco-conscious travellers
- Rooms: Cosy alpine decor with wood furnishings, balconies, soundproofing, and mountain views
- Dining: Organic, locally sourced meals served daily (with options for dietary needs)
- Wellness: Indoor/outdoor pools, sauna, steam room, gym, natural spring swimming area, organic spa treatments
- Green Credentials: 100% organic food, chemical-free pools, socially responsible staffing, resource-saving practices
- Booking Tip: Ask for a mountain-facing balcony room and don’t miss the signature aromatherapy massage.
Gartenhotel Theresia was a very cosy family-run, eco-friendly 4-star hotel housed in a charming traditional wooden chalet building which offers guests relaxation, excellent wellness amenities, and they can even arrange outdoor activities and tours for you.
My favourite hotel highlights included a modern spa area complete with indoor and outdoor pools (eco-friendly of course there was no chlorine here!), an onsite sauna, steam room, a gym, a spa with a great range of treatments and a zen-like relaxation area.
My room was very pleasantly decorated with a wooden beds complete with snug duvets, balcony and stunning views of the Alps and soundproof windows.
The food was also excellent and they served up organic, locally sourced food in a buffet style dinner. The staff were also super friendly too and dressed in traditional Austrian dress.
Final Thoughts
I personally thought my stay at the Gartenhotel Theresia was way more than just a peaceful alpine getaway – it was a very pleasant reminder of how travel can be meaningful, conscious, and deeply restorative!
From the chemical-free pools and organic gourmet food to the heartfelt hospitality and serene mountain views, every detail was carefully considered with both the guest and the planet in mind which I really loved – I stayed and had a guilt-free conscious!
So whether you’re visiting for a ski holiday, a summer hike, or a wellness retreat, I think this is a fine choice for an interesting and comfortable eco hotel in the Austrian Alps which had a good mix of sustainability, charm, and luxury and a warm welcome too!
