Kohlmayr’s Gaisbergspitz

Kohlmayr’s Gaisbergspitz is a cozy alpine hut and family restaurant located at the top of Gaisberg mountain in Salzburg, Austria. It offers traditional Austrian cuisine and stunning views over the city and the Alps.

History

Kohlmayr’s Gaisbergspitz was founded in 1928 by Josef Kohlmayr, a local farmer and innkeeper who wanted to create a place for hikers and skiers to enjoy the beauty of Gaisberg. He built the hut with his own hands, using wood from his farm and stones from the mountain. He also installed a cable car to transport guests and supplies from the valley. The hut soon became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, who appreciated the warm hospitality and the delicious food.

In 1956, Josef Kohlmayr passed away and his son, Franz, took over the management of the hut. He continued to improve the facilities and services, adding a terrace, a playground, a chapel, and a ski lift. He also expanded the menu, introducing new dishes such as Kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy pancake with raisins and powdered sugar. Franz Kohlmayr was a passionate skier and a pioneer of ski touring in the region. He organized many ski races and events at Gaisberg, attracting famous skiers such as Toni Sailer and Karl Schranz.

In 1988, Franz Kohlmayr retired and handed over the hut to his son, Josef, who is the current owner and manager. Josef Kohlmayr has maintained the tradition and quality of his grandfather and father, while also adapting to the changing needs and preferences of the guests. He has renovated the hut, adding modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, solar panels, and electric bikes. He has also diversified the offer, catering to different occasions and seasons. For example, he organizes weddings, birthdays, and corporate events at the hut, as well as summer and winter activities such as hiking, biking, paragliding, and sledding.

Cuisine

Kohlmayr’s Gaisbergspitz is famous for its authentic and tasty Austrian cuisine, made with fresh and local ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to meat and fish specialties. Some of the most popular dishes are:

Brettljause: A platter of cold cuts, cheese, bread, and pickles, served with butter and horseradish. A perfect snack for sharing.
Wiener Schnitzel: A thin slice of veal, coated in breadcrumbs and fried, served with potato salad and cranberry sauce. A classic Austrian dish.
Salzburger Nockerl: A sweet soufflé, made with eggs, flour, sugar, and vanilla, baked in the oven and sprinkled with powdered sugar. A specialty of Salzburg.
Apfelstrudel: A pastry, filled with apples, raisins, cinnamon, and breadcrumbs, baked and served with whipped cream or vanilla sauce. A delicious dessert.

The hut also offers a selection of drinks, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft drinks, beer, wine, and schnapps. The schnapps are homemade, using fruits and herbs from the mountain, such as blueberries, raspberries, elderflowers, and mint. They are served in small glasses and have a strong and fruity flavor.

Views

Kohlmayr’s Gaisbergspitz is situated at an altitude of 1,287 meters, on the peak of Gaisberg mountain. It offers panoramic views over the city of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps. On a clear day, one can see as far as the Hohe Tauern, the Dachstein, and the Berchtesgaden mountains. The hut has a large terrace, where guests can sit and enjoy the scenery, as well as a cozy dining room, where they can admire the views through the windows. The hut is also a great spot to watch the sunrise and the sunset, as well as the stars at night.

How to get there

Kohlmayr’s Gaisbergspitz is easily accessible by car, bus, bike, or foot. By car, one can drive up the Gaisberg road, which is a scenic and winding route, and park at the hut’s parking lot. By bus, one can take the number 151 from Salzburg’s main station to the Gaisbergspitze stop, which is right next to the hut. By bike, one can rent an electric bike from the hut and ride up the mountain, using the designated bike paths. By foot, one can hike up the mountain, following the marked trails. The hike takes about two hours from the valley and offers beautiful views along the way.

Salzburg, Austria