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 Alpine village in Salzburg that’s tucked into the heart of the Austrian Alps. It’s known as being a fantastic ski resort home to gorgeous alpine scenery, excellent skiing opportunities, and a lively après-ski scene.
Locals told me that in winter it attracts skiers and snow-lovers in droves, but during the warmer months—especially summer—I discovered for myself that it transformed into a breathtaking hiking and cycling destination…
The mountain village resort of Saalbach-Hinterglemm occupies a particularly picturesque corner of Austria. I discovered a dreamy, charming place where meandering streams trickled through deeply carved valleys, rolling green pastures were dotted with grazing, bell-adorned cows, and postcard-pretty traditional chalets sat nestled beneath the towering peaks of the Alps. To me, it truly felt 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: December to March for skiing and snowboarding
- Summer: June to September 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 Was 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 recycle heat from kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms to warm pools and water
- They provide fresh spring water for bathing and cleaning (gentle on skin and eco-friendly)
- They use 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 uphold 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, comfortable, 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. 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?
Dining at Gartenhotel Theresia – at a Quick Glance
- Meal Plan: Breakfast buffet, light lunch, afternoon tea, and five-course gourmet dinner
- Food Philosophy: Organic, regional, seasonal, and with a focus on being animal-welfare friendly
- Diets Catered For: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergy-sensitive
- Special Mention: Presentation was beautiful and every dish was packed with flavor and nutritional value
The food was one of the hotel’s main highlights, and I loved how seriously it was taken throughout the retreat. The indulgence began early each day with a hearty and varied breakfast buffet featuring fresh fruits, cereals, artisan breads, home-made jams, and a selection of hot dishes.
Lunch was equally satisfying, with a spread that included warming soups, fresh seasonal salads, a variety of main courses (including excellent vegetarian and vegan options), and a tempting assortment of cakes and ice creams for dessert.
Dinner was the real showstopper – a beautifully presented five-course menu focused on seasonal, organic, and locally-sourced ingredients. I enjoyed healthy yet hearty regional dishes and I learned from the manager that they also hosted themed buffets, live cooking stations, and even occasional fondue and barbecue evenings. To me, it felt less like just a meal and more like an immersive culinary experience.
I really liked how the hotel also took dietary needs seriously, proudly catering for vegetarians, vegans, and guests with allergies. With juices, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and cocoa available throughout the day, no one was ever left wanting—including me!
When it was time to check out, my keycard to the nude sauna may had gone unused – but I left the hotel feeling refreshed, renewed, and genuinely grateful to have stayed at a hotel with such a big heart.
More About The Hotel
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 honestly felt like a true hidden gem – a cosy, family-run, eco-friendly 4-star hotel housed in a charming traditional wooden chalet. It was the kind of place that offered everything I needed to truly unwind, from a warm welcome to a thoughtful range of wellness amenities. They even helped me to arrange outdoor activities and local tours, which made exploring the area even easier.
Some of my favourite highlights were found in the modern spa area, which featured both indoor and outdoor pools (eco-friendly, of course—no chlorine here!), an onsite sauna, a steam room, a gym, a spa offering a fantastic menu of treatments, and a zen-like relaxation space that I found it hard to prise myself away from!
My room was just as lovely—cosy and warmly decorated, with sturdy wooden beds which balanced comfort with snug duvets, soundproof windows, and a balcony where I sat and gazed at the stunning views of the Alps while drinking my morning coffee.
The food was another standout. Every dish I tried was organic, locally sourced, and beautifully presented. Dinners were served buffet-style and were always generous and satisfying. I also really appreciated how friendly and polished the staff were—the waiting team were dressed in traditional Austrian attire, including dirndls, and they made every mealtime feel like a special occasion.
Final Thoughts
I personally felt that my stay at Gartenhotel Theresia was more than just a peaceful alpine getaway—it was a gentle reminder that travel could also be meaningful, mindful, and genuinely restorative.
From the chemical-free pools and nourishing organic food to the heartfelt hospitality and those breathtaking alpine views, every element felt like it had been thoughtfully considered for both the guest and the planet.
So whether you’re heading to the Austrian Alps for skiing, summer hiking, or simply to recharge, I honestly think this hotel offers a perfect blend of sustainability, charm, and quiet luxury—with a warm welcome from the staff and manager to match!
