stieg'nhaus, a six-suite design hotel in Mühlbach am Hochkönig, Austria

In Mühlbach am Hochkönig, about an hour from Salzburg, a building that has long been part of village life has become stieg'nhaus, a six-suite hotel. It used to house a restaurant and sits directly opposite the church. The name comes from Stiege, the Austrian word for staircase, a nod to the original stair that still anchors the place.

Architecture is by Hkollektive, with interiors by Carolyn Herzog and owners Maria and Tom Heidenreich, and they have let the old building lead. The curved rendered walls and historic metal railing stay, and their lines carry on into rounded niches and sculptural details. New floor-to-ceiling windows brighten the public spaces, where natural stone, solid oak, brass and regional materials meet soft pastels drawn from the landscape.

Each suite has generous living space, a private balcony and a freestanding bath, with bespoke furniture giving a homely feel; some add a private sauna or a terrace whirlpool. There is also a wellbeing area and a rooftop terrace. In the restaurant, the menu is organised around pasture, water, earth, fire and nectar, with pared-back cooking served around a central fire ring.

The hotel is a member of Design Hotels. With only six suites, it suits couples or small groups after a quiet base in the Hochkönig region in any season.

Our summary of a story from We Heart, published 4 November 2026. Read the original