Experience Salzburg’s Finest: A Stay at Das Edelweiss Mountain Resort

In 1978, the foundation stone was laid for what would become one of Salzburg's most beloved mountain resorts - Das Edelweiss. Spearheaded by Senior boss Peter Hettegger, this family-owned venture began as a small bed and breakfast with 14 rooms and a charming cafe. Over the next few decades, Das Edelweiss underwent remarkable expansions and renovations, with Peter's dedication and the support of his family shaping it into the modern holiday destination it is today.

At the young age of 17, Peter Hettegger and his father took the first step in realising their dream by acquiring the initial plot of land that became the foundation of Das Edelweiss. In 1985, Peter assumed full ownership, and the resort experienced its first expansion, reaching a total of 35 rooms. The demand for Das Edelweiss continued to grow, leading to further expansions in the late 1980s and early 1990s, resulting in a capacity of 100 beds. 

In 1998, Das Edelweiss saw a transformative period, undergoing significant upgrades and expansions under Peter's leadership. A new annexe was built, increasing the capacity to an impressive 240 beds. The addition of an indoor pool, sauna area, and a dedicated beauty and vitality residence further enriched the resort's amenities, providing guests with unparalleled relaxation and rejuvenation. The commitment to continuing the family legacy was evident as Peter's siblings and children began to actively participate in the operation of Das Edelweiss, infusing their own unique passions and expertise into the business.

Peter Jr. and his wife Karin assumed the reins of Das Edelweiss in 2018, embracing the responsibility of carrying forward the family's storied history. True to their roots, they approached the task with meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for the pioneering work of their predecessors. Drawing on their experiences and aspirations, Peter Jr. and Karin transformed Das Edelweiss into a holiday resort of the future, blending tradition with modernity to offer guests an unmatched experience in Salzburg.

The story of Das Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort is one of evolution and dedication, shaped by the passion and vision of the Hettegger family. From its humble beginnings as a small pension, the resort has grown into a cherished destination that offers a seamless blend of comfort, hospitality, and entertainment. Through various expansions and upgrades, the family's commitment to enhancing the guest experience has remained unwavering, ensuring that each visit to Das Edelweiss is filled with cherished memories and a sense of family warmth. 

And we had the fabulous opportunity to stay at this well-loved family heritage resort. The first person we encountered each, and every morning was Peter Senior, the “big boss” as he is affectionately referred to can be found perching on a bar stool, as the guests all file into the restaurant for breakfast. He’s hard to miss, head to toe in traditional Tyrolean dress, it’s apparent that he is quite the legend. He is not the only family member we encountered, thirteen family members work at the resort, and they are so lovely and humble it was always a treat running into them and chatting about this wonderful heritage project that they are all so invested in. 

What started as a humble Alpine guesthouse has blossomed into one of the finest and most modern wellness and design hotels in the region, thanks to the vision and dedication of the Hettegger family. Steeped in rich history and warm hospitality, Das Edelweiss offers a plethora of high-quality rooms and amenities that cater to every discerning traveller's desire. And we weren’t disappointed. We were assigned a two-bedroom, two bathroom high quality suite with an expansive balcony with stunning views of the breathtaking beauty of the Austrian Alps. The suite is carefully designed with a seamless fusion of modernity and Alpine charm. The Hettegger family's meticulous attention to detail ensures that we felt right at home.

The wellness and design elements blend harmoniously to create an enchanting atmosphere of relaxation and rejuvenation. The family has painstakingly crafted state-of-the-art wellness facilities, including world-class spa centers and relaxation areas. The seamless integration of contemporary design elements with traditional Alpine influences elevates the overall experience, making it a haven of tranquility and sensory indulgence. The only one fault we noted was that outside the massage rooms there was a fair bit of noise, which didn’t really go hand in hand with the massage experience, the tranquility was lacking. 

The cuisine is based on a blend of local flavours with international influences, the on-site restaurant, showcases the best of Austrian cuisine, using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Whether savouring traditional mountain specialties or relishing modern gastronomic creations, we were treated to a symphony of flavors that tantalised our taste buds. The cuisine was pretty consistent throughout our stay. The salads, breads, cheeses, meats etc all offered on the buffet were of a high standard. 

What sets Das Edelweiss apart is the Hettegger family's commitment to personalised service and attention to detail. Each guest is treated as an honorary member of the family, ensuring that their every need and desire is surpassed. From the warm welcome upon arrival to the personalised recommendations for exploring the region, the Hettegger family exudes genuine warmth and a deep-rooted love for their hometown. This personal touch made us feel like a cherished part of the Das Edelweiss family.

The Hettegger family recognises the importance of preserving the breathtaking natural environment surrounding the resort. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in various eco-friendly practices implemented throughout the hotel. From energy-efficient infrastructure to responsible waste management, the family has taken significant steps to reduce their environmental impact. Additionally, they actively support local initiatives dedicated to preserving the delicate Alpine ecosystem, ensuring future generations can enjoy the splendour of the Austrian Alps.

Das Edelweiss proudly owned and managed by the Hettegger family embodies the perfect harmony between tradition and modernity. From its humble beginnings as an Alpine guesthouse, Das Edelweiss has flourished into a world-class wellness and design hotel. With its impeccable accommodations, culinary experiences, unmatched hospitality, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, this captivating Alpine retreat promises an unforgettable journey that echoes the Hettegger family's unwavering dedication to excellence.

For over four generations, the Hettegger family has been guardians of Das Edelweiss, pouring their heart and soul into transforming it into a world-class Alpine retreat. Today, the family continue this legacy, upholding the family's commitment to excellence and creating an unforgettable experience for their all their guests.