Situated on the shores of Upper Austria's picturesque Lake Wolfgang, Villa Alma is redefining the idea of the summer retreat – a fresh-faced boutique hotel that masterfully blends historical elegance with contemporary comfort. Dating back to the 19th century, it underwent extensive renovations in 2021, winning a prestigious German Design Award for excellence in interior architecture. Villa Alma offers eight double rooms and suites, each featuring a private balcony with stunning lake views. The interiors draw inspiration from classic European aesthetics fused with modern simplicity. Real wood strip parquet in a herringbone pattern, hand-selected tiles, and bespoke furniture from local artisans add to the villa's sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance.
The Salzkammergut tourist region stretches eastwards from Salzburg to the Dachstein Mountains, 280sq.km of which has been Unesco-listed as a Cultural Landscape. First settled in prehistoric times around the salt mines, the area was made popular by European aristocracy escaping the sweltering city heat, who established quaint cultural hubs and spa towns. Today, these summer retreats are experiencing a revival, and Villa Alma is the perfect embodiment of this spirit year-round. Tranquil spaces, including a private beach, a boathouse, and a library, all enhance the atmosphere of a bygone era. The colour palette features calming hues of blue, green, and earth tones, creating unity with the glimpses of vistas out every window. The surrounding landscape offers up myriad delights, including hiking, wild swimming, snow sports, mountaineering and watersports. It's both a self-contained getaway and a luxury base from which to collect memories that will last far beyond your stay.
Highs
- Location is everything – secluded and private and right on the lake, but within walking distance of the buzzy town of St Gilgen. Meanwhile Salzburg is less than an hour away
- Lots of extras are included – from free toiletries, bath towels, slippers and robes to free bike rental and paddle boards
- Ideal for couples and small families – there’s plenty to keep kids occupied and extra beds are available for under-14s
- The opportunity to discover the Salzkammergut resort region, with glacial lakes, magnificent mountain ranges, spa towns and salt mines dating back to Celtic times
Lows
- There aren't enough free parking spaces for all guests if the hotel is full (eight rooms and only six spaces); additional car parking is available opposite
- It’s an old building so noise can travel especially at busy times in the kitchen
- Outside the high summer months, the lake itself can be fairly bracing temperature-wise
- No twin beds
- No evening meals available – there are restaurants within walking distance
Best time to go
Wolfgangsee is a year-round destination (note that the hotel closes in February). Summers can get pretty hot, although the lake itself keeps things bearable. For the more energetic outdoor pursuits, spring and autumn are great for hiking and biking and in winter there’s the magic of advent with its abundance of Christmas markets and the opportunity to ski on the nearby slopes and cross-country trails.
Our top tips
Salzburg is under an hour away and well worth a visit. It’s a beautiful, Baroque city at the foot of the Alps and you can see most sights in a day trip – especially the Altstadt (Old Town). Visit the cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace and museum, the Getreidegasse shopping area, St Peter’s Abbey and the main squares. It may sound kitsch but a Sound of Music tour is one of the best ways to discover Salzburg’s Baroque old town (where much of the movie was filmed.) It only takes four hours and includes locations such as the Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Castle and Nonnberg Abbey.