The gourmet hotel Der Bär, set against the magnificent mountain backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser region, boasts a diverse range of relaxation, sports, and leisure activities in a soothingly private atmosphere with a rustic feel. Light, down-to-earth specialties with a Mediterranean touch form the focus of the cuisine. The magnificent landscape on the doorstep provides variety, and the wonderful wellness area provides relaxation. Family-owned since 1999, Ursula and Andreas Windisch now run the hotel. Hostess Ursula Windisch grew up in Namibia, studied in Cape Town, and was living in London when she met Andreas Windisch, the son of a hotelier, at a business meeting in Berlin.
Straightforward lines permeate the 62 rooms, including suites with fireplaces or private saunas. Large glass surfaces bring nature inside. High-quality fabrics such as Tyrolean loden, reclaimed wood, light oak floors, and soft earth tones create a cozy atmosphere. Regional delicacies, fish specialties, and creative dishes of cosmopolitan sophistication are served on the restaurant terrace, in front of the fireplace, or in the cozy farmhouse parlor. What the team around Chef Herbert Wieser conjures up on the plate harmonizes perfectly with the fine wines that sommelier Robert Lechner draws from the vintage-deep cellar. The team at the casual hotel bar is also charming and experienced, and the selection of cocktails is creative. For example, the “Tyrolean Mule” with Mountain Gin, hay blossom syrup, and egg white.
In the spa, awarded with 3 lilies, you sit at a lavishly laid table in terms of wellness: Whether in the 20-meter-long infinity pool, which can also be used in winter, or in the 30-meter-long summer pool with a bar and spacious sunbathing lawn, relaxation here is always combined with the spectacular view of the Wilder Kaiser. There are also two Finnish saunas, a steam bath, and a traditional Tyrolean Brechlbad for sweating in the herbal mist. During Spa Night on Thursdays, the wellness area is even open until 10 p.m.
Roman, a five-time Ironman athlete, knows the importance of relaxation and regeneration. Lymphatic drainage and all kinds of treatments, from sports massages to body wraps with algae and sea salt, are available. The herbal stamp massage, for example, is performed on a quartz sand lounger.
Yoga sessions, guided e-bike tours and hikes with mountain guide Sonja (including to the hotel’s own Bärenalm alpine hut), tandem paragliding, and golf provide active variety. In winter, you’re practically right on the ski slopes and very close to the Hartkaiserbahn valley station, providing direct access to 280 kilometers of slopes. During school holidays, there is three hours of childcare for children three and older, Sunday through Friday.
Where: Hotel Der Bär, Family Windisch, Kirchbichl 9, 6352 Ellmau am Wilden Kaiser, Tel. +43 5358 2395, info@hotelbaer.com, www.hotelbaer.com
Charging: 1 electric charging station at the hotel; a total of 8 locations in Ellmau with approximately 30 charging points.
Click here for the region: www.wilderkaiser.info
