Sustainability

Mindful luxury of nature – across generations

For three generations, our family-run hotel on the Gumpenberg, in the green heart of Austria, has lived in harmony with the rhythm of nature. Sustainability is both our heritage and our future. Every day, we strive to protect the natural treasures entrusted to us and to pass them on with joy to future generations. Since 2012, Natur- und Wellnesshotel Höflehner has proudly carried the Austrian Ecolabel – a seal of quality that stands for sustainable consumption and ecological business practices.

Sustainable measures at the Natur- und Wellnesshotel Höflehner:

• CO₂-neutral heating with our wood pellet plant
• 150 kW-peak photovoltaic system
• Geothermal heating for staff housing
• 18 e-charging stations for guests and employees
• Fleet of 20 e-cars for team members from the region
• Maximum waste prevention, recycling and in-house waste press
• Energy-efficient lighting throughout the hotel
• Water-saving showers
• Digital processes in all areas of the hotel
• Sustainable construction with regional wood, natural stone, and Sölker marble
• Certified with the Austrian Ecolabel

_{PV systems on the roofs of the staff houses and on the roof of the farmstead near the Gumpenbar}

_{Our employees have been travelling to work by electric car since 2022}

_{Solid Swiss stone pine rooms for a good night's sleep.}

We pay attention to sustainable cooperation in all areas of everyday hotel life because

"Many drops make a stream"

 

Regional cycles and partnerships for our natural cuisine

• 70% of our suppliers come from Styria, 100% from Austria – ensuring short transport routes, strong local partnerships, and secure jobs in the region.
• Game from our own wildlife reserve, processed in-house – ethically and sustainably.
• Fresh baked goods from the local Stefflbäck bakery.
• Regional beef from Maierlhof farm in Ruperting.
• Herbs from our own gardens – fresh for the kitchen, dried for spa peelings, and brewed for Höflehner’s own teas.
• Alpaca wool pellets from our own herd as natural fertilizer for the herb gardens.
• A “snack garden” with berries and vegetables for our young Nature Heroes in the Kids Club.
• Regional delights in your energy-saving minibar.
• Certified with the AMA Genussregion seal for regional food quality.

_{Sebastian Knapp from the Stefflbäck bakery in Haus im Ennstal provides us with fresh pastries.}

_{Edith Fuchs, our hiking guide and nature expert, lovingly looks after the herb beds.}

_{Regional products, such as those from Nicole Reiter from Steirische Hagebutte, can be found in the energy-saving minibar in your room.}

Natural Wellness & Sustainable Wellbeing

• Soaps and massage oils from our HöflehnerNatur line (alpine rose, Swiss stone pine, hayflower), produced locally in Styria.
• Scent concept designed with the Mandlberggut distillery.
• Organic cosmetics: Pharmos Natur Green Luxury.
• Sauna village built with untreated wood and natural stone from the region.

_{PINE | ALPENROSE | HEUBLUME - 3 beneficial ingredients from our region}

_{Together with Katharina and Theresa from Mandlberggut, we created a signature fragrance for our hotel.}

_{Sauna area with regional wood and natural stone.}

Social Responsibility & Employee Wellbeing

• On-site team housing within walking distance.
• Employees use FEX by Höflehner e-cars – charged for free at the hotel.
• Proud of our many long-term employees and year-round jobs.
• State-certified training company, committed to youth development and career opportunities.
• Staff meals from the same kitchen team that prepares our guest menus – ensuring quality and connection.
• Zero-waste training for the entire team.

_{Our employees refuel for free.}

_{Our apprentices are Stars of Styria.}

_{Team accommodation within walking distance.}

Sustainability Throughout Your Stay

• Green Arrival: Free shuttle from Schladming train station – for a car-free journey.
• Bonus for Green Arrival: 1 day of free e-bike use (in summer) or a regional snack (in winter).
• Vegetarian and vegan menu options daily.
• Yoga platforms in the forest, built with natural materials.
• Healthcare retreats focusing on nutrition, yoga, and detox – for lasting wellbeing.
• Car-free access to ski slopes and hiking trails directly from the hotel.
• Immersed in nature: spruce forests, alpine pastures, red deer, and starry skies free of light pollution.
• Guided nature experiences: hikes, herb walks, forest bathing, snowshoeing, and more.
• Regional design: Swiss stone pine wood for our rooms, Sölker marble in the bathrooms.
• Upcycling of furniture and sauna interiors with reclaimed wood.
• Höflehner Natur Shop: house-made jams, granola, teas, spirits, honey, coffee, and alpaca wool products.
• By avoiding disposable slippers, we save 670 kg of plastic waste annually – we kindly invite you to bring your own.

_{Hiking in the Schladming Dachstein region. The region of a thousand springs and lakes.}

_{HEALTHY | CREATIVE | HOMEY - you choose your favourite menu every evening.}

_{Höflehner Health Care Programme in the new yoga house.}

Gerhard Höflehner never runs out of ideas. With an open ear for the wishes of our guests, he ensures that no year passes without new innovations. Many of his forward-thinking concepts focus on sustainable, guest-oriented improvements here on the Gumpenberg.

Senior hostess Gerti Höflehner has a true passion for flowers. With her green thumb, she creates the magnificent floral displays on our balconies and around the hotel – and has already won several awards in the Styrian flower decoration competition “Die Flora.”

Senior host Reinhard Höflehner has a deep love for animals. Every day, he personally and carefully looks after our red deer, ensuring they thrive in their natural habitat.

Katrin Höflehner is often out in nature herself, collecting wild herbs such as plantain, bilberries, or spruce shoots for our natural cuisine. She is always on the lookout for special touches to surprise and delight our guests.