Retreat in the Austrian Alps: Stockinggut, Leogang
Imagine closing your eyes to the serene sounds of nature, the symphony of birds serenading your senses. The tap water you sip tastes as pure and refreshing as an iced glacier, a cool elixir in the midst of a warm mountain breeze. A gentle zephyr occasionally caresses your face, a respite from the mountain air that, only weeks before, would have sent a cascade of snow tumbling from the rugged peaks in front of you.
But when you open your eyes, you are greeted by a panoramic masterpiece. Jagged, verdant mountains sprawl out before you, reminiscent of a scene from a blockbuster movie. You find yourself entranced, spending an hour gazing at this natural spectacle, captivated by the beauty that surrounds you. It’s as though the mountains and the cerulean skies have conspired to offer a soothing escape from the screens and blue light of the modern world.
You move between two balconies, attempting to decide which view is more breathtaking, but the choice proves impossible. Both vantage points are winners in their own right. Only 90 minutes have passed since you checked into Stockinggut, a rustic retreat nestled in the shadow of Mount Asitz, and already, you’re reluctant to leave.
In a rare departure from your usual routine, you decide to fully unpack, transforming this little slice of paradise in the Austrian Alps into a temporary home. This almost all-inclusive style escape to the Alps is the ideal sanctuary for rejuvenation, exploration of the surrounding villages and mountains, and a chance to leave, hopefully, feeling recharged.
Why Stockinggut by AvenidA in Leogang?
In the winter, the hotel and its surroundings transform into a wonderland of pristine, powdery snow, making it a sought-after destination for ski-in and ski-out holidays. However, during Austria’s summer, when you had the privilege to stay, the landscape underwent a remarkable metamorphosis. Lush, vibrant vistas, adorned with full-leafed pine trees, adorn the valley. Wooden homes, bedecked with fuchsia and white flowers, dot the villages, creating a picturesque tableau. Silent gondolas ascend from the valley, carrying passengers to the pristine mountains that beckon with a network of trails.
Nestled in a prime location, mere moments from the lift station, Stockinggut offers a room with a view in the outskirts of the laid-back village of Leogang. This transformation is not unique to this corner of the world, as the arrival of summer ushers in a similar change of scenery in cities like Innsbruck. However, amidst the towering mountains in every direction, the transition feels more pronounced.
The Saalfelden Leogang region offers a plethora of activities, catering to diverse interests. You can embark on hikes to hermitages, savor delectable organic dishes, explore schnapps distilleries, visit historic castles and museums, and, of course, marvel at the star of the show—the Asitz Mountain.
This remarkable peak, known as “the mountain of senses,” seamlessly marries Austria’s passion for culture with Mother Nature’s finest handiwork. Art trails meander through the forest, orchestral concerts grace the lakeshores in summer, and small wooden huts offer a space for contemplation and meditation while enjoying the music and the magnificent view. The Asitz Mountain alone is reason enough to visit, and Stockinggut serves as an excellent base to explore this enchanting region.
The Accommodations
Stockinggut caters to a diverse range of guests, including couples, friends, families, and groups, offering a variety of room options. From standard double rooms to larger apartments, you can choose the accommodation that best suits your needs. The one-bedroom apartment you enjoyed featured a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for preparing dishes with the local organic produce. Two balconies, a spacious bathroom, and a welcoming lounge area, complete with an expansive dining table, added to the comfort and convenience of your stay.
The bedroom offered breathtaking views across the valley and towards the majestic peaks, capturing your heart and soul. The bed itself felt like a plush, enveloping marshmallow, making it difficult to tear yourself away. Unsurprisingly, the TV on your left remained untouched, as the live-action mountain scenes before you far outshone any program it could offer.
Culinary Delights
Stockinggut extends a half-board dining option, a choice you don’t typically opt for, but it proves to be a delightful surprise. While an à la carte menu caters to those who prefer a non-inclusive option, the five-course evening meals you savored were nothing short of fantastic.
Whether dining on the terrace, where you could watch a bee dance around a lavender plant on your table, immersing yourself in the natural surroundings, or inside the modern and futuristic-looking dining room, both settings showcased the beauty of the mountainous backdrop.
The menu featured an array of dishes, from roasted wild garlic cream soup to river fish and polenta that redefined your palate. Sustainability was not merely a marketing point; it was ingrained in every dish. Breakfast was equally impressive and extensive, offering a perfect start to your day.
Relaxation and Amenities
The hotel, both spacious and tranquil, provided a welcome haven for relaxation after a day of exploration. Lounge chairs on the balcony, as well as indoor relaxation spaces, offered a perfect retreat after unwinding in the sauna (a clothing-free experience, as is the Austrian tradition) or enjoying a refreshing shower under the rain-shower programs.
While a pool or jacuzzi would have been a welcome addition, as your room did not feature a bath, your overall stay at Stockinggut left little room for complaints.
Service with a Personal Touch
The service at Stockinggut can be aptly described as thoughtful, friendly, relaxed, and yet professional. From the efficient check-in process to the provision of your Saalfelden Leogang card, the staff demonstrated a commitment to ensuring your stay was seamless. The restaurant staff even remembered your preferred drinks, adding a personalized touch to your dining experience.
Saalfelden Leogang Card
Participating hotels in the region provide guests with a complimentary Saalfelden Leogang card, and Stockinggut is one such hotel. This card offers an array of benefits, including free regional transportation, encompassing buses, trains, and daily gondola rides to the mountains during the summer season. The card further enhances the sense of all-inclusiveness during your stay.
In addition to transportation, the card unlocks discounts at local attractions, restaurants, and shops. It also grants free access to select museums. Your stay in Saalfelden Leogang at the Stockinggut by AvenidA left you recharged, especially after days spent atop the magical Asitz Mountain.
In this Alpine haven, the Stockinggut transcends the ordinary, providing an unforgettable retreat amidst breathtaking landscapes, sumptuous dining, and impeccable service, leaving you with cherished memories and a desire to return.
