Last Updated on January 5, 2025 by gregor
We were thrilled as we planned our stay at the Lürzer Hotel Kesselspitze, located in the breathtaking Obertauern region of the Austrian Alps. The 3-hour drive from Vienna was enjoyable from the moment the majestic snow-covered mountains came into view. As we approached our destination, we were awestruck by the surrounding peaks, including the Weißeck (2,711 m), Hochfeind (2,687 m), and Mosermandl (2,680 m), which created a truly magical alpine setting.
Obertauern’s reputation as a winter sports haven is well-deserved, thanks to its ideal location in the Alps. With approximately 140 snow days per year, it is often referred to as a “snow hole.” This winter paradise boasts 26 lifts and cable cars and 100 kilometers of perfectly groomed ski slopes, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every winter enthusiast.
Whether you’re a skiing pro or a beginner looking to embrace the magic of the snow, Obertauern promises an exceptional winter holiday with its world-class facilities and breathtaking alpine views.
The Lürzer Brand
Since 2013, the Lürzer brand is the umbrella for the four columns “Lürzer Ferien”, “Lürzer Freude”, “Lürzer Feeling” and “Lürzer 365. The Lürzer brand stands for an overall tourism concept that combines luxury hotels with entertainment and après ski as well as shopping enjoyment with ski rental facilities and ski service as well as ski schools and taxi services. In case of bad weather, one can take advantage of the Sports Center Obertauern.
Superior Hotel Kesselspitze
We stayed at the Kesselspitze Lürzer hotel, the most elegant of all three hotels. We walked into a sportive luxurious four-star superior hotel ambiance. The friendly staff at the reception warmly welcomed us and immediately took care of our luggage while informing us of all the goodies at our disposal. Furthermore, the hotel offers iPads, which can be borrowed at the reception at no cost (against a deposit). The main focus here is families and a cozy atmosphere as well as excellent service.
Kesselspitze Rooms
The first impression, entering the room… WOW!!! The exquisitely decorated “Alpenart” room was not about a comfortable bed but the design and atmosphere, which gave us a sense of beauty and pure luxury, no matter if it was the bed head or the cover, the precious crystal antler and my favorite place to sit, the huge sofa with its inviting vivid red color. The Bathroom was modern, efficient and well equipped.
The Kesselspitze hotel offers more than 67 rooms and suites.
Hotel Rooms
All rooms are non-smoking rooms and are comfortably equipped with a bathroom including a bathtub or a shower, toilet, cable TV (flat screen with Sky), radio, hairdryer, telephone, safe, cozy bathrobes, and slippers. The double and single rooms include a double or single bed as well as a corner seating unit or a couch.
Hotel Appartments
The hotel apartments are either equipped with a double bed and a sleeping couch or an additional living room with two separate beds. Those, who want to experience a more exclusive ambiance, can stay in one of the DesignArt or AlpenArt rooms. They impress with their high-quality equipment and selected local materials. Custom-made furniture made of larch wood, loden covers, and chairs with cow fur in the living area offers comfort and a modern ambiance.
Hotel Suites
In the DesignArt suite, guests reside absolutely noble. In the style of a loft apartment its 40 sq. m. stretch out on two levels. An open fire place, a cosy area with two flat-screen televisions leave nothing to be desired. Each of the rooms as well as the hotel lobby provides free access to Wi-Fi. For an extra charge, guests can use the baby.com system via the in-room telephone and via mobile phones. As a special service newspapers can be ordered and will be put on the breakfast table. Dogs are allowed upon request.
Kesselspitze Restaurant and bar
After such a long hour drive, we were really looking forward to having dinner. The restaurant was very spacy and the tables were disposed of in such a way that we did not feel overcrowded.
The courteous Maître de table, brought us to our table, overlooking the neighboring sky slope. The cutlery, the glasses, the elegant white tablecloths, were a delightful first impression, which quickly turned into further amazement at the site of the gourmet starters’ buffet.
Amazing Dinner Buffet
Lobster, tiger shrimps, salmon and several kind of other local and sea fish, duck, meat, ham, a salad bar, many different oils to choose from, bread in all assortment and way more than I can elaborate on. We really had to restrain ourselves to save space for the following delicious dishes on this award-winning four-course menu.
A personal greeting from the fashionable owner, Heribert Lürzer gives a special touch to the whole adventure. The waiters were polite and diligent, the services was entirely great and after indulging in this exploration of our taste buds, we headed towards the Einhorn bar with open fire place, finishing our day with a cocktail and a glass of wine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Breakfast
Breakfast was a joyful experience with another amazing buffet and everything your heart desires…. healthy baked bread, freshly pressed orange juice and other juices, fruits, ham, cheese, meat, yogurts, and the whole assortment one can imagine. A chef was preparing egg dishes of our choice and a health food and gourmet corner extends the rich offer. We enjoyed a sensational morning meal. Comfort and quality are extremely important in the hotel’s restaurant
The Jagdstube
It focuses on healthy cuisine with local products from neighboring farms. The result: high-quality cuisine with sophisticated and diverse creations from traditional Austrian dishes to international classic cuisine. Enjoy a rich breakfast buffet and energize yourself before you start your day on the ski slopes. Apart from that, the hotel serves organic food and hot meals from the open buffet kitchen. Whoever wants to have something for lunch or in the afternoon, can select from the à la carte menu in the hotel bar and order exquisite cuisine and small snacks.
Skiing at Obertauern
The Kesselspitze is located right at the end of the ski slope. The hotel has a ski room where you can comfortably sit in a warm room, put on your ski boots, and get ready for the fun. The equipment is safe and only guests can enter with their room card. From there, just slide down towards the two different ski lifts. For those who do not have skis, you can cross to the other side to the new FREUDENHAUS branch Schaidberg with ski rental and ski service. Guests can borrow all the newest models in all ski categories.
Wellness and beauty
A luxurious pool awaits you after a hard day of skiing.
Moreover, guests can relax in a Bio-herbal sauna, a Kelo-sauna, an aroma steam bath and wellness showers after a day on the slopes. In the brine bath grotto, energizing mineral salts and essential oils have a positive effect on the skin and the respiratory organs. Magnetic field therapy loungers bring back new energy, strengthen the immune system, and encourage metabolism and blood flow. Moreover, there is a vitality bar with healthy snacks, special showers and a rest are.
For the massages, precious products with 100% pure and local ingredients are used. If the weather is not good enough for skiing, the in-house gym with special cardio and wellness machines offers an alternative activity.
Children and young adults enjoy special massage packages and beauty treatments offered by the hotel.
Child care and special youth room
Children are always welcome in the Kesselspitze hotel. In order to make sure that they feel well, the hotel offers a special room with a climbing tower. A professional caretaker does handicrafts, paints and plays with the kids or they go on a funny sledge tour. The childcare is available for kids older than three years and is open every day from 9.30 a.m. until 3.30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m, with the exception of Saturdays. Young adults and all guests still feeling young find a newly renovated youth room with a multimedia lounge and internet access. Apart from that, guests can play table tennis, table football, billiards, pinball as well as darts and spend some time together at the PlayStation.
Conferences
The multi-functional conference room Almwiese is used for presentations, meetings, or company events. It is equipped with the latest technology and can seat up to 50 people. During breaks, guests can choose from a healthy lunch menu and order little snacks. A beautiful view of the Obertauern Mountains awaits them.
The Lürzer Experience
The Lürzer Brand encompasses two more hotels, the four-star Edelweiss Sport hotel, and the four-star Hotel Garni Frau Holle, both situated in the town of Obertauern. Every day from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. in the morning, the Lürzer-owned taxi service FREUDENHAUS Taxi takes guests to the ski school Obertauern Frau Holle, the sports and fashion shop FREUDENHAUS, the sports and leisure centre, the après ski hot spot Lürzer Alm, the People bar or the MUNDWERK in the FREUDENHAUS to enjoy day- and nightlife.
The two Lürzer mountain inns
Lürzer Alm
Cosy atmosphere, dinner in front of the crackling open fire or hot parties on the vibrating dance floor – this is the Lürzer Alm, one of the first après ski bars in Austria most famous hot spots in the Alps. From 12 a.m. onwards winter sports lovers can take a break while enjoying small delicacies or simply stretch out their legs on the sun terrace to be ready for the next ski run.
From 3.30 p.m. onwards it is all about après ski – from live DJs to the famous Jagatee. Those who like it a little bit more relaxed can enjoy the LA-dinner at the open fire place from 7 p.m. onwards. The mountain inn is serving specialities like home-made Nockerl made of fresh alpine cheese as well as steaks and spare rips with baked potatoes.
From 9.30 p.m. onwards, the mountain inn is the setting for the famous dance house party. All the lovers of the night can dance and celebrate here until 2 a.m.
Edelweissalm
Winter sports fans can also enjoy après skiing at the traditional Edelweissalm. At 1.850 m above sea level, they can celebrate right in the middle of the slope and reward themselves with a sun break on the terrace. The mountain inn is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. and serves typical Austrian dishes. From 3.30 p.m. on DJ C-Mon puts on a fresh sound for all the party lovers. Apart from being an amazing place for après ski events, the rustic Edelweissalm is also the perfect place for corporate events and celebrations. In 2013/2014 a gallery was built, offering 60 additional places, which can be rented exclusively for company celebrations.
FREUDENHAUS
The FREUDENHAUS opened in 2009. The architecture, the indoor design, and also the products are combining Alpine Lifestyle with modern accents. This concept guarantees a shopping experience for all senses.
Three Floors
On three floors various sports and fashion labels, café-restaurant MUNDWERK, ski rental services, ski and snowboard services as well as the ski school Obertauern Frau Holle are representing themselves. Fashion-conscious customers can choose from high-quality and trendy winter sports and fashion clothing made by exclusive top brands like Adidas, Porsche Design, Atomic, Aunts & Uncles, Better Rich, BLUi, Bogner, Canada Goose, Capranea, Daddy´s Daughter, Frauenschuh and many more.
Gourmets are meeting up at the MUNDWERK for lunch, a cup of coffee in the afternoon, a cocktail in the evening in a relaxed and casual atmosphere or later at night for the dance house party with DJ C-Mon.
Winter sports fans are getting professional advice concerning all questions about skiing at the rental and service area with online booking possibilities at www.meinFREUDENHAUS.at.
Here they can choose from the latest ski and snowboard models with all necessary accessories from home and get a 15 percent early booking discount. The chosen rental equipment will be ready upon arrival at the FREUDENHAUS. The entire ski equipment can also be rented directly at the store – all categories, from Silver Category for the first time in the snow to Ski Bogner Exclusive Category, are available. The team of the FREUDENHAUS offers top quality ski service as well as personal advice in the fields of foot analysis and ski boot adjustment.
Ski school Obertauern Frau Holle
Ski school Obertauern Frau Holle is the right place for everyone who tries skiing for the first time or just wants to refresh his skills. Snow lovers can learn how to ski and snowboard, or how to Freeski and freeride, in the areas next to the slopes. Certified ski instructors offer private lessons or courses for groups of up to a maximum of 10 persons. The ski school also offers special courses for children including child care during lunchtime and a contest with an award ceremony.
Sports Centre Obertauern
The sports center Obertauern is run by Lürzer. A fitness room with new equipment, a multipurpose hall with two tennis courts, football or basketball as well as three bowling alleys, two billiard tables, and various computer games, darts, and pinball are available for guests at leisure. Afterward, they can enjoy culinary delicacies in the restaurant. The offer ranges from light, vegetarian meals up to fish and meat dishes or pasta and burgers. The sports center is open daily from 9 a.m. onwards. Inside of the sports center Obertauern there is also the FREUDENHAUS Outlet, where you can get selected bargains from top brands of the sport- and fashion house. The outlet is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
History
Lürzer does not only stand for a harmonious overall tourism concept but also for a family business with a long tradition. Its origins go back to the year 1966. At that time, Herbert and Emilie Lürzer took over the guest house from their parents together with the connected cowshed. After its reconstruction, they opened the guest house Kesselspitze with two rooms in 1967. Five years later, the small accommodation became a four-star hotel. In 1976 they expanded their services and opened the Lürzer Alm. Whereas at the beginning it was planned to merely offer simple snacks it later became the first après ski location in the Alps. Today, it is one of the most well-known hot spots in Austria. In 1992, the Lürzer family purchased the property for the hotel Frau Holle. At the beginning of the 90s, their three sons Heribert, Gerhard und Harald took over the successful family business and added the sport hotel Edelweiss to the portfolio in 1999, such as the Edelweissalm in 2007. One of the latest projects has been the opening of the sports and fashion shop FREUDENHAUS in November 2009. Like this, the story of the success of the Lürzer family continues. In 2010 they also took over the sports and leisure center in Obertauern and started their own taxi service Taxi FREUDENHAUS.
The Beatles in Obertauern
Herbert Lürzer, however, has been well known in Obertauern long before the success of the family business – as a double for Paul McCartney. In March 1965, the Beatles came to Obertauern to produce scenes for their movie “Help”. They stayed at the Edelweiss hotel which later has been taken over by the Lürzer family. For the scenes on skis they were looking for a double and chose the ski instructor Herbert Lürzer as the perfect double for Paul McCartney.
Winter sports location Obertauern
With more than 100 km of ski slopes, deep snow slopes and the famous ski slopes of the “Rote und Grüne Tauernrunde” Obertauern is the perfect location for skiing, snowboarding and carving. 56 blue, 35 red, and four black ski slopes are providing winter fun for all levels.
Skiing away from the hustle is also possible in Obertauern. Freeskiing and freeriding fans can find ideal conditions next to the regular ski slopes.
The snowboard park Obertauern guarantees even more variety. Located at the four people’s chair lift Kehrkopf, snowboard fans find everything their heart desires: big kickers, rails, VQbully, beginner lines, fat corners, and slides.
If you can call yourself a professional and you want to try something completely new you should take off into the sky while snow kiting with an stunt kite. Even for the toughest amongst us, this means pure adrenaline. However, off the ski slopes there are activities, which are a more relaxed, like cross country skiing, sledging, and walking with snow shoes or a horse-drawn sleigh ride.
Obertauern is about one hour away from Salzburg and is one of the most well-known winter sports destinations in Austria and is located at 1.750 m above sea level in the Radstädter Tauern. The highest peaks are Weißeck (2.711 m), Hochfeind (2.687 m) and Mosermandl (2.680 m). Its reputation of being a Mecca for winter sports fans originates from its ideal location in the Alps. With about 140 days of snow every year, Obertauern is regarded as one of the most important ski resorts in Austria where snow is guaranteed. That is also why it is often described as a real „snow hole“. 26 lifts and cable cars as well as 100 km of perfectly prepared ski slopes are promising a great winter holiday. All three hotels have direct access to the surrounding ski slopes and lifts.
You can make reservations via the Lürzer booking platform www.urlaub-obertauern.at. So that the taxi at the airport is booked, the skis are ready to be put on and the instructor is waiting in the lobby. Even spa treatments can be booked easily from home. With this service, Lürzer underlines its overall goal – to create a holistic and unique holiday experience in Obertauern.
Travel to Obertauern
By car
Guests who travel from the north in the direction of Salzburg take the Tauernautobahn A10 to the exit Radstadt (Exit 63). From there they follow the Katschberg-Bundesstraße via Radstadt to Obertauern. From the south (into the direction of Villach) guests take the Tauernautobahn A10 to the exit at the tollbooth St. Michael (Exit 104) and follow the road via Mauterndorf to Obertauern.
Guests can leave their cars on-site. All ski runs are located directly next to the hotels and all other facilities of Lürzer are located in the center of Obertauern, just a few steps away from each other. The superior hotel Kesselspitze is located only some minutes away from the town center and offers daily free shuttles from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to the facilities of Lürzer for all hotel guests.
By train
Guests traveling by train get off at Radstadt station about 20 km away from Obertauern. From there they can take the bus or a taxi to Obertauern. Guests of the Lürzer Hotels can use the hotels’ own transfer services from and to the station on request.
By plane
Guests traveling by plane arrive at the Salzburg airport (one-hour transfer). The airlines, Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa are flying to Salzburg on a regular basis. Guests of the Lürzer Hotels can use the hotels’ own transfer services from and to the airport in Salzburg on request.
Prices and availability
Please check directly the website: www.luerzer.at
In wonderful Cooperation with Lürzers/Obertauner