stieg’nhaus

The location

The stieg’nhaus opened in the middle of June 2025, making it a still untouched gem in the heart of the Hochkönig region. Mühlbach, the small village in the center of which the new hotel is located, is situated in the middle of a popular vacation region: in winter, the slopes of the alpine mountains are ideal for skiing, ski touring, and winter hiking, and of course, in summer, the alpine region in the Salzburg region offers a true vacation paradise for all bikers, hikers, and families. Nevertheless, there are more famous places in the Salzburg region (such as Lake Wolfgang or the Salzkammergut), but the Hochkönig is still an insider tip.

Philosophy

The name “stieg’nhaus” is derived from the heart of the building—the staircase. In Austria, “Stiege” means staircase, the connecting element of a building. The staircase is truly striking: although it has been preserved in its original form, the corners have been rounded off and, in combination with its rounded, plastered walls and old metal railing, it exudes a subtle imperfection that conveys warmth and comfort. 

The goal of the two hotel founders was to create a place that combines inspiration with natural elegance and a keen sense of all the senses. This claim is more than just a phrase: the high standard of design of all elements is a recurring theme throughout the entire stay: scents that inspire, materials that touch, and cuisine that delights the palate. 

The owners

We met the young hotelier couple in person and were impressed: in a relatively short time, the two entrepreneurs have built something that is truly impressive. Tom and Maria Heidenreich are originally from Franconia, Germany, but fell in love with certain regions of Austria early on and decided to get married there. In 2021, the two are in their early thirties and work in the IT industry. They had led a solid life, but noticed that somehow the feeling of burning passion for something was missing. Then things fell into place. By chance, they learned about the small mountain village of Mühlbach am Hochkönig through a good friend. Almost Dolomite-like, the rugged rocks of the massive mountain climb into the blue sky, and this sight immediately convinced them both, even though they had originally been looking for a home in Carinthia.

The vision and journey started in early 2022, and after some ups and downs, the construction of the future stieg’nhaus finally began. Maria and Tom Heidenreich wanted to create a Mediterranean retreat surrounded by warm stone and old wood. Together with Carolyn, who had become a close friend, Maria and Tom shaped and refined every detail. Trusting their own instincts, they discovered a natural talent for design and felt that they could create something truly special. Their wishes guided the process, and Carolyn translated them into architectural form—making the stieg’nhaus a reflection of their vision.

Individuality and quality

In June 2025, the vision of a hotel that radiates inner peace was realized.

In collaboration with architect Carolyn Herzog from “H Kollektive Studio für Architektur & Design,” a gem has been created that even the residents of Mühlbach have yet to discover.

Tom and Maria Heidenreichs’ credo: equality. Appreciation of the extraordinary. The owner serve only the best, from artfully presented breakfasts to evening menus, always ready to fulfill our guests’ every wish. The stieg’nhaus provides images, smells, and summit views; it is a refuge and a place where, for a moment, one can remember what it means to truly live. A handful of selected partners and suppliers have completed this vision: the ceramics in the restaurant are from Soulwerk-Keramik (Sarah Lehmann) in Tyrol, the cosmetics are from woods in Copenhagen, and the products in the spa are from the Hungarian luxury skincare brand Omorovicza. The Gessi fixtures were inspired by the old metal handrail in the Stiegenhaus, reinterpreting its character in a contemporary way.

The architecture

High-quality materials and minimalism characterize the overall atmosphere of the hotel. A natural elegance pervades the guest suites, corridors, and restaurant. Rough stone walls, genuine substance, thoughtful color and material contrasts, and high-quality artisanship characterize the hotel. The hotel’s philosophy is based on “quiet luxury.” The stieg’nhaus comprises six suites, the largest of which measures 80 square meters. Curved shapes, irregular structures, an antique brass line from Gessi, and rounded plastered walls are the focus here—this style has been adopted and runs throughout the entire hotel.

In fact, it is surprising that nothing is left to chance: the hotel appears to be cast from a single mold. Every detail is chosen with intention and continually refined, guided by the belief that both the house and the owners are allowed to grow. The stieg’nhaus reflects this evolution—an expression of Private Hospitality and Quiet Luxury, where authenticity and attention shape the experience. It is no coincidence that, shortly after opening, the hotel became part of the renowned Design Hotels group, an accolade that some hotels have to wait years to achieve. 

A look inside

Selected details await guests in the suites: a minibar with small treats, high-quality toiletries, Dyson hair dryers, and a steamer. Everything is of the highest quality: coffee machine, kettle, tea selection. Some suites have a private sauna or whirlpool—each has a freestanding bathtub. And once again, the design details catch the eye: a mix of materials including natural stone, linen, reclaimed wood, wool, and filigree metal in curved shapes. The washbasins were milled from solid natural blocks. The wooden furniture in the restaurant was designed in collaboration with the architect and carpenter. The fittings in the suites were supplied by Gessi and are inspired by the old brass handrail in the stairwell. In the fitness studio, guests can concentrate fully on their body and mind, after which the wellness room invites them to enjoy massages and treatments. The roof terrace offers an unobstructed view of the Hochkönig mountain. 

Cuisine

The stieg’nhaus serves breakfast with naturally friendly à la carte service until noon, and guests are welcome to stay for lunch until 1:30 p.m. In fact, the village of Mühlbach—and the entire region—has now gained a culinary hotspot. Maria and Tom developed the kitchen concept together with their team and refined it step by step. The work continues, with the aim of creating an experience that feels authentic, evolving, and deeply enjoyable. It is based on the elements of pasture, water, earth, fire, and nectar. The hoteliers are currently creating the dishes with the kitchen team. A glass of wine on the terrace, a leisurely brunch, an exclusive dinner—all of this becomes a sensual experience.

Surrounding area

Anyone who occasionally visits other mountain regions in Austria knows that taking the gondola up the mountains can cost over EUR 100. Not here: in summer hotel guests also receive the Hochkönig Card, allowing them to enjoy numerous benefits—including free gondola rides up the mountains. During the warmer months, the Hochkönig region offers beautiful hiking and mountain bike trails with cozy and authentic alpine huts for a break. In winter, the ski area is right on the doorstep. The Zell am See-Kaprun Golf Club is 27 miles away, and Bad Gastein train station is 30 miles away. Salzburg Airport is 40 miles away and can be reached by airport transfer (subject to a fee).

Interesting spots

From Toni’s Alm playground to horse-drawn sleigh rides, tobogganing, slackline park and the Hochkeil nature ski area at Arthurhaus—the area around the stieg’nhaus has a lot to offer. Guests can take archery lessons, explore the copper mining museum with its exhibition tunnel and narrow-gauge railway, go geocaching in summer and winter, or ride mountain carts. Various themed hikes and groomed winter hiking trails are waiting to be discovered.

What we love about it?

Several things. The roof terrace with whirlpool and panoramic mountain views, the restaurant and the very personal and friendly service. The Stieg’nhaus also offers two different all-inclusive packages that leave nothing to be desired. The mountain views can also be enjoyed from other rooms—a perfect place to write a novel.

Who is this place best suited for?

For couples in love and nature lovers. But families with babies or young children and dogs are also very welcome.

Details

All-inclusive packages

All-In Premium
Prices per person/night: Cubo: from €575 | Aura: from €625 | Circular: from €790 | Pergola: from €915

• Services:
  Cuisine: breakfast, lunch, dinner with up to 5 courses and snacks throughout the day–freely selectable according to personal preferences.
  Beverages: beer, open wines, bottled wines up to £150, aperitifs, cocktails, spirits, coffee, tea, soft drinks and water.
  Minibar: fully included.
  Wellness treatments:
 From 2 nights: 2 treatments per suite
. From 5 nights: 4 treatments per suite
. From 7 nights: unlimited, freely selectable according to personal preferences and availability.
• Included services:
  Rooftop & Spa: Sauna with mountain views, whirlpool (cold/hot filling), cold plunge, gym & room for treatments/yoga.
  Suite amenities: Beauty fridge with cosmetics to take away, high-quality care products from Woods, Dyson Airwrap, Airstraight & Dyson R with attachments, smart TV, Marshall Bluetooth speaker, yoga mat, Dyson Air Purifier, desk, bathtub in every suite (some with private sauna/whirlpool), bathrobes & slippers, steamer, lint roller & lint shaver, safe, kettle, individual pillow selection.
  Snacks & extras: Coffee, tea, snacks & sweets.
  Amenities: vanity set, toothbrush, comb, shoe cleaning sponge & cloths, shoehorn.
  Service: turn-down service, room service & laundry service, high-speed WiFi.
  Mobility & leisure: parking behind the hotel (e-charging station on request), ski lockers with boot dryers, e-bikes in summer.
  For families & dogs: Equipment for dogs (sleeping area, bowls, washing station, welcome gift) & children (baby monitor, bottle warmer, baby bathtub, changing mat, nappy bin, high chair, cot, safety rail, snacks and baby food on request).
  Special features: Exclusive booking possible; personal service.

All-In
(25% reduction compared to All-In Premium)
Prices per person/night: Cubo: from €430 | Aura: from €470 | Circular: from €590 | Pergola: from €685

• Services:
  Cuisine: Breakfast, lunch, dinner with up to 5 courses and snacks throughout the day – freely selectable according to personal preferences.
  Drinks: Beer, open wines, coffee, tea, soft drinks and water.
  Minibar: Fully included.
  Wellbeing treatments: Voucher worth €100 per suite.
• Included services:
  Rooftop & Spa: Sauna with mountain views, whirlpool (cold/hot filling), cold plunge, gym & room for treatments/yoga.
  Suite amenities: Beauty fridge with cosmetics to take away, high-quality care products from Woods, Dyson Airwrap, Airstraight & Dyson R with attachments, smart TV, Marshall Bluetooth speaker, yoga mat, Dyson Air Purifier, desk, bathtub in every suite (some with private sauna/whirlpool), bathrobes & slippers, steamer, lint roller & lint shaver, safe, kettle, individual pillow selection.
  Snacks & extras: Coffee, tea, snacks & sweets.
  Amenities: vanity set, toothbrush, comb, shoe cleaning sponge & cloths, shoehorn.
  Service: turn-down service, room service & laundry service, high-speed WiFi.
  Mobility & leisure: car park behind the hotel (e-charging station on request), ski lockers with boot dryers, e-bikes in summer.
  For families & dogs: Equipment for dogs (sleeping area, bowls, washing station, welcome gift) & children (baby monitor, bottle warmer, baby bathtub, changing mat, nappy bin, high chair, cot, safety rail, snacks and baby food on request).
  Special features: Exclusive booking possible; personal service.

General infos

Rooms

• The stieg’nhaus comprises six suites, the largest of which measures 80 square meters.

Culinary

• À la carte breakfast until 12 noon
• A light lunch until 1.30 pm
• Until 16 November, guests can enjoy a 3-course meal of their choice every evening, and during the winter season from 5 December onwards, a 4-course meal of their choice every evening.
• Drinks: Included from 5 December. Non-alcoholic drinks such as water, soft drinks, coffee and tea, as well as selected alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine and aperitifs, and refreshments from the minibar are included for guests.

Room service

• Our room service is available at no extra charge.

In the rooms

• A beauty fridge with small amenities
• High-quality toiletries
• Dyson hairdryer
• Steamer
• Hot water bottle
• Selection of pillows
• Coffee machine
• Newby tea and a kettle
• Gessi fittings, natural materials and fine textures create an atmosphere of retreat
• Smart TV
• Bluetooth music box
• Safe
• Some suites have a private sauna or whirlpool—each with a freestanding bathtub.

Families & Pets

• Suitable equipment can be requested—from high chairs and children’s tableware to little things that bring joy.
• Dogs are very welcome at stieg’nhaus: with a cosy place to sleep, bowls, a welcome gift and a washing station in the outdoor area.

Wellbeing

• The gym offers space for targeted strength training, bodywork and yoga—reduced to the essentials, with a clear focus.
• In the treatment room, a spa therapist will accompany guests with massages and cosmetic treatments—precisely tailored to individual needs.
• Self-care routines that guests can perform themselves after a personal introduction.
• On the roof terrace, guests will find a sauna and a whirlpool, which can also be used as a cold plunge.

And also

• High-speed WiFi
• Parking directly at the hotel
• E-charging station on request
• In winter, guests have access to a lockable ski locker with ski boot dryer.
• E-bikes are available free of charge on request.