If you’re a family looking for the perfect getaway, look no further than Naturhotel Forsthofgut in Austria. Nestled in the stunningly beautiful Alps, this luxury resort offers something for every member of your family. From child-friendly events and activities to relaxing experiences for parents, Naturhotel Forsthofgut truly has it all. We chose this resort as our first family of four vacation after welcoming our son in February and I’m already planning our next visit. Naturhotel Forsthofgut is truly a hidden gem for families seeking a harmonious blend of adventure and relaxation.
What is a Kinderhotel?
Naturhotel Forsthofgut is not just any ordinary luxury hotel. It is actually considered a kinderhotel which focuses on providing exceptional child-friendly services and amenities. This means that families can expect a warm and inviting atmosphere where children are not only welcomed, but thrive. After moving to Europe, I’m totally sold on the idea of kinderhotels. The rooms are specifically designed for families, the food is exceptional, babysitting is provided and most include a luxury spa. What makes Naturhotel Forsthofgut so exceptional is the absolute beauty and cuisine provided during your stay. While traveling with children (for us, a toddler and baby) always adds a layer of complexity, I can 100% say this was the most relaxing stay with all amenities of home but treatment of a five-star resort.
Getting There
Located in Leogang, Austria, Naturhotel Forsthofgut is situated amid picturesque landscapes and untouched nature. The resort is about an hour and a half from Salzburg, making it the perfect destination for families who want a quick detour on their European vacation. After stepping on the property, you will feel 1,000 miles from the hustle and bustle of city life. The fresh mountain air and natural surroundings are truly serene, giving you the ultimate ability to disconnect and recharge (with babysitting!)
Getting to Naturhotel Forsthofgut is easy and convenient. While we drove from Germany, you can easily fly into Salzburg and rent a car to make the scenic drive. Alternatively, there are also shuttle services available from the airport to the hotel if you prefer not to drive. The resort also offers free parking for guests who choose to bring their own vehicle. Alternatively, if flying directly from the United States, there are many direct flights to Munich. From Munich, it is about a two-hour drive to the hotel. You could also take the train from Munich to Salzburg if you are planning a larger trip! If driving, you’ll need a vignette (a toll sticker / digital permit to drive on the motorway.)
Luxurious Yet Family-Friendly Accommodations
Naturhotel Forsthofgut offers a variety of accommodations to suit every family’s needs. From cozy rooms with stunning mountain views to spacious suites with separate bedrooms for children, the resort has options for families of all sizes. Each room is elegantly designed with natural materials and modern amenities for a comfortable stay. The accommodations at Naturhotel Forsthofgut strike a delicate balance between luxury and practicality. The best part? All rooms have balconies or terraces, perfect for enjoying the fresh air and breathtaking views. Given we booked last minute, our options were limited but we were able to secure the Family Suite “Schwalbennest” which was absolutely perfect for our family of four. Our toddler enjoyed the perfectly appointed bunk bed (with bedrails!) and we were provided a full infant package for our son including a crib, bottle warmer, changing table and diaper pail. Strollers and baby-carriers are also available to use on the resort. This is a huge perk when you want to travel light but have children. The children’s room was separate from the main room, giving us the ability to move around and talk after our daughter went to bed. We also had direct access to the balcony and enjoyed a glass of wine without disturbing sleeping little ones.
A Culinary Journey for All Ages
One of the highlights of our stay at Naturhotel Forsthofgut was the exceptional dining experience. By exceptional, I mean basically Michelin star but with children. We booked the “ForsthofgutCUISINE” package that includes an organic breakfast, afternoon snack and a five-course evening meal (alcohol available for additional purchase.) The hotel’s restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, and this commitment to freshness is evident in every dish. There is also a children’s buffet available during meal times to make sure picky toddlers are well-fed and happy. Even cooler? Upon check-in, you are provided your own table that will remain yours for the entire stay. I didn’t initially understand this benefit but learned to absolutely love it! Five-course meal taking a little long for your toddler? It’s OK – you can take your kids to the children’s club or even take a quick walk and come back to rejoin the dinner where you left off. There’s also a separate bar that had the best cocktails.
Adventures Await
There is no shortage of activities at Naturhotel Forsthofgut, making it an ideal location for families with children of all ages. From outdoor adventures like hiking and skiing, to indoor activities like cooking classes and crafts, there is something for everyone. The hotel also offers a Kids Club where trained staff will entertain your children while you enjoy some much needed relaxation time in the spa. Each morning, you are provided an itinerary of the Kids Club events and you can schedule accordingly. Also, you can add in-room babysitting for children too young to enjoy the Kids Club. Our two-year old absolutely loved the club and we used the babysitting service for our son while we spent an afternoon at the spa. The resort has an entire playground, small zoo, pools, family spas and adults only areas. It was so nice to have a variety of options for our family to enjoy together or separately. And with the beautiful surrounding nature, there are plenty of hiking trails and outdoor activities to keep you busy. Our daughter made pizza with children her age, went on a walk to see the animals located on the resort and spent time playing on the playground all while being watched by the trained staff. On our way to dinner, our daughter saw of member of the Kids Club staff and immediately ran over to see her, truly giving us an additional peace of mind that she loved the resort and activities.
A Sanctuary for Relaxation – waldSPA Adults Only and Separate Family Spa
One of the highlights for us at Naturhotel Forsthofgut was the waldSPA Adults Only area where you can truly escape and relax. With a variety of saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas, it’s the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate. The waldSPA also offers massage and beauty treatments for an additional cost.
For families with children, there is a separate waldSPA family spa area that includes a warm water pool, sauna, steam room, and relaxation areas. It was so nice to have the option to bring our children to this area while still enjoying some spa time together as a family. There are mulltiple slides, sprinklers and water activities for children.
Sustainability
Naturhotel Forsthofgut takes great pride in their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. The hotel is completely powered by renewable energy sources, including solar panels and hydropower from the nearby river. They also use locally sourced ingredients for their meals and support local farmers and businesses. In addition, the hotel has implemented energy-saving practices such as LED lighting and efficient heating systems. Guests are encouraged to participate in these sustainable efforts during their stay, such as using the electric shuttle service or bringing their own reusable water bottles.
The hotel also has a strong focus on nature conservation. They have their own organic farm where they grow fruits, vegetables and herbs for their restaurant. The surrounding forests are protected and guests can take part in guided hikes to learn about the local flora and fauna. The hotel even offers a “Green Spa” with natural products and treatments that are gentle on both your skin and the environment.
Local Area Attractions
Guests at Naturhotel Forsthofgut have the perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful natural surroundings of Leogang. The hotel offers guided hikes and bike tours, as well as access to numerous ski slopes in the winter. In addition, there are many outdoor activities available such as horseback riding, archery, and golfing.
For those interested in cultural experiences, nearby Salzburg is a must-visit destination. This charming city is known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, including the birthplace of famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Guests can also visit local museums and galleries or attend concerts and events throughout the year.
Regardless of your interests, there is something for everyone near Naturhotel Forsthofgut. And by staying at this eco-friendly hotel, guests can enjoy these activities while also supporting sustainable tourism and the local community. I’m be honest though – we were so relaxed and happy with all the child-friendly amenities that we didn’t leave the resort once for our entire stay.
Our Day at Naturhotel Forsthofgut
7:00am: Wake-up and everyone gets ready
8:00am: Family Breakfast
9:00am: Family walk around the resort, enjoying the playground and visiting the animals
10:00am: Dad goes to gym while the rest of us enjoy the waldSPA family area
11:30pm: Toddler visits the Kids Club; Babysitter comes to watch our son; Mom and Dad enjoy spa treatments and Adult Spa
2:00pm: Entire family enjoys outdoor pool, walk to see horseback riding options
3:30pm: Afternoon snack and drinks
4:30pm: Our toddler wanted to go back to the Kids Club to work on a project
6:30pm: Five-Course Evening Meal
8:00pm: Bedtime Routine and Enjoy Wine on Balcony
Cherished Memories
Our stay at Naturhotel Forsthofgut was not just a vacation; it was a collection of cherished memories. The hotel truly understands the importance of family time and goes above and beyond to create an environment where bonds can grow and memories can be made.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a destination that combines luxury with family-friendly amenities, look no further than Naturhotel Forsthofgut. Its stunning natural surroundings, attentive service, and commitment to sustainability make it a top choice for families seeking a memorable getaway in the heart of the Austrian Alps.