Stadtalm Naturfreundehaus

We went after visiting Festung Hohensalzburg, and the uphill walk was worth it, not too long. The view while dining was beautiful, and service was fast and friendly. The schnitzel and cheese spaetzle were among the best we had in the area, and even our picky kids loved them.

The view deserves five stars, but the service and respect for guests do not. I would strongly advise against staying here, especially for seniors. I told them through Booking.com that I’m 60 and asked for a suitable room, yet got one with dangerously steep, awkward stairs to reach the bathroom. My safety request was ignored. There’s no guest kitchen, so basic groceries mean either paying for their overpriced restaurant, spending 3 EUR for each elevator ride, or making an exhausting hike up the mountain. The rooms have no coat hooks or hangers, so clothes have to stay on the floor. The push-button shower is frustrating, and staff couldn’t fix problems without the owner, who was absent. The owner promised a refund but wouldn’t handle it directly, making the process unnecessarily complicated. Find somewhere in Salzburg that takes your safety and well-being seriously.

What a charming spot, with stunning views from the terrace. We had lunch and weren’t entirely convinced by it. Maybe it’s better suited to drinks, coffee, and cake.

The room had an amazing view, and although we’d booked bunk beds, we got a double bed instead, which we appreciated. It wasn’t too hard to walk up, there’s a lovely cafe outside, and the staff were friendly. The bathrooms were very clean too. But dragging a suitcase up would be impossible, and taxis can’t reach the place. The view and stay were great, but I’m giving only three stars because charging people for towels feels mean. Raise the room price if needed, but don’t make guests feel bad for expecting a basic need.