Landhotel Häuserl im Wald

There's much to write about this hotel so let's start with a summary: this was a fabulous place to stay when the sun came out. The Styrian Alps south-east of Salzburg may be less well known than the Tyrol, but proved during our visit in May 2022 to be just as beautiful. The village of Gersdorf lies in the heart of a lovely unspoilt plateau at around 800m above sea-level, covered with glorious wild-flower meadows and surrounded by hills and mountain peaks. I must admit that I was initially disappointed by the outlook from our room - across the road towards a kindergarten and several trees that partially blocked a wider view - although we did arrive during a particularly wet afternoon. When the sun came out the vista improved but overall the rooms at the back of the property enjoy a better panorama. Hauserl im Wald is probably the smartest hotel on the plateau - and one of very few to show up on a Tripadvisor search. We might have chosen one of the cheaper-looking guest houses in the area had we seen them online but I'm very glad we stayed where we did. Although family run it's a substantial property and caters for the corporate events market as well as holidaymakers. The staff we met were welcoming and attentive with bags of personality and were all clearly encouraged to speak English - which they managed to a variable but in all cases sufficient standard. Our room was of a decent size and overall quite neutral in design but made more special by a lovely shower room and large balcony. They have a small heated outdoor pool that was an absolute delight to swim in whilst gazing at mountain scenery in the distance. There's also a sauna (which we didn't sample). Several signed walks radiate from a nearby crossroads. Walking on the plateau is brilliant because the gradients are mostly modest, the terrain is a varied mix of woodland and pasture with beautiful views at almost every turn. The 5km trail M6 was absolutely stunning in warm late afternoon sunshine: right up there among the most memorable walks of my life. We plumped for half-board and were very pleased to have done so as the hotel's restaurant definitely provides a fine dining experience and, at EUR 24 per person for 4 courses, is notably good value. The menu is fixed but you can choose between three main course alternatives. The quantities are generous and the presentation stylish (I was particularly taken by the overlapping thin slices of baby courgettes placed on top of a hake fillet to mimic fish scales). There were also some interesting textures, such as a delicious horseradish foam served with one of our starters. The house red was an exceptionally fine local wine at EUR 22 a bottle (we didn't like the white quite as much). Breakfasts were substantial with eggs cooked to order and some notably fine bread rolls.