Takeover Of The Berghotel Schmittenhohe By Schmittenhohebahn AG
Schmittenhöhebahn AG is taking over the operation of the “Berghotel Schmittenhöhe” with immediate effect, replacing the owners Herwig & Birgit Schiefer as the previous operators. Wolfgang Weiss and his deputy Peter Pfeffer will take over the management on behalf of Schmittenhöhebahn AG. The takeover marks a milestone in the history of Schmitten. Although the building at the summit has always been operated jointly by the mountain railway and hotel, they are now under joint management for the first time. "With this merger, we can combine the best of both worlds and now offer our guests a unique experience in both summer and winter that combines the breathtaking natural scenery of the Schmittenhöhe with the comfort and hospitality of the Berghotel Schmittenhöhe," says Dr. Erich Egger, board member of Schmittenhöhebahn AG.
Herwig Schiefer acquired the “Berghotel Schmittenhöhe” in the mid-1980s and has since then successfully run it as a winter season hotel. Last year, after almost 40 years, he was looking for a successor to his life's work and found what he was looking for in Schmittenhöhebahn AG. As the operator of various gastronomic establishments such as AreitAlm & AreitLounge, Das Panorama & Franzl or the Sonnkogel Restaurant, the step into the hotel industry is another special milestone in the history of the mountain railway. With the new takeover, the accommodation offer will now also be opened up to summer tourism in the future.
The experienced hotel director Wolfgang Weiss will take over the management and will drive further development with exciting new concepts. “In the future, the hotel will offer business customers for seminars and company celebrations as well as nature lovers and hikers an ideal retreat in the middle of the impressive mountain backdrop in the summer.”
With its unique location at 2,000 meters, the mountain hotel presents itself as the perfect location for guests who want to be first on the slopes early in the morning, but also for those who are looking for culinary delights at the highest level. “With our new culinary concept “The Best of Austria” and a fabulous entertainment area that is currently completely reinventing itself,” Weiss is optimistic about the future.
Soft opening in May 2024
After a short break after the end of the season, the mountain hotel's gastronomy will open on May 9th in the middle of the mountains. As part of the newly planned “Best of Austria” gastro concept, classic Austrian cuisine will be interpreted in a modern style. Markus Trojer, the head chef, explains: “Under the motto “Alles Schmarrn”, for example, guests have the opportunity to be seduced by a variety of Schmarrn creations. Starting with classic variants through to creative new interpretations. We look forward to welcoming many curious guests who will try the delicious Schmarrn specialties while enjoying the wonderful view of the surrounding mountain landscape.”
The reopening of the hotel and thus the full operation of the house will take place in mid-July.
