At the foot of Tyrol’s Wilder Kaiser, Kaiserlodge offers more than just a place to stay—it cultivates a way of living rooted in place. This privately run retreat in Scheffau blends the intimacy of a home-from-home with the polish of a luxury hotel, set against a backdrop of mountain peaks, mirrored lakes, and clear Alpine air. Its 44 individually designed apartments and suites–14 of them with direct access to a private natural swimming lake–give guests the freedom to choose how they spend their time, whether that means cooking a meal in their own kitchen, dining on fresh regional fare at the in-house restaurant, or simply ordering a warming Topfgericht to enjoy in total privacy.
This summer marked a new chapter for the property with the opening of its Natürlich.Spa on 6 June 2025–a sanctuary conceived to slow the pace and open the senses. Designed in collaboration with architect Marco Holzer, the space draws inspiration from the surrounding mountains, with panoramic glazing, natural stone from the Kitzbüheler Alps, and warm wood tones that flow seamlessly between indoors and out. The spa’s facilities range from a 25-metre sport pool and Sunset Pool to a Finnish sauna, bio-sauna with clay elements, and a cold plunge pool. Daily yoga classes–from meditative Yin to aerial and dynamic Power Vinyasa–take place in the airy Yoga Loft, while treatments feature regional natural cosmetics. The new spa is a serene, adults-only complement to the family-friendly Seelig.Spa, creating two distinct wellness worlds within the lodge.
Those looking for a little more adventure will relish Kaiserlodge’s prime location: it’s situated right in the heart of SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental, one of Austria’s largest and best ski areas. Guests can step outside the hotel, strap on their skis, and head straight onto the perfectly groomed slopes—making a ski holiday in Tyrol as effortless and authentic as it gets.
When the mountains trade snow for wildflowers, Kaiserlodge shifts into summer mode. Guests can dive straight from their suite terrace into the hotel’s 1,300-square-metre natural swimming lake or venture a few kilometres to Hintersteiner See, a turquoise jewel within the Wilder Kaiser nature reserve. Here, stand-up paddleboard yoga sessions invite a playful connection with nature, while hiking routes span from gentle Alpine meadows to challenging summit treks like the Scheffauer. Mountain biking, climbing, canyoning, trail running, and golf at the nearby 27-hole Wilder Kaiser course are all on offer, many with expert guidance arranged by the lodge’s team.
Beyond outdoor pursuits, the lodge embraces creativity and local culture. Fans of the long-running TV series Der Bergdoktor can explore filming locations in nearby Ellmau, while the on-site workshop, Kaisers Schmiede, hosts hands-on sessions led by regional artisans–from flower crown making to bread baking and herbal foraging. For families, the Kids.Club and newly added toddler area provide supervised play, nature exploration, and even a children’s cinema, ensuring younger guests are just as enchanted as the adults.
Accommodation options span from cosy double rooms to lakeside suites, spacious penthouses, and standalone lodges, all styled with reclaimed timber, natural fabrics, and large windows framing the surrounding peaks. Every space has a balcony or terrace, blending Alpine tradition with contemporary design.
Dining reflects the lodge’s ethos of freedom: guests can cook in their own kitchens or settle into the warm, wood-lined Kaiser’s Deli for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Under chef Peter Pitonak, the menu champions seasonal Tyrolean ingredients, earning a 2025 Gault&Millau recommendation.
Behind the scenes, the Kaiserlodge is shaped by its owners–Barbara Winkler, her son Michael Landlinger-Weilbold, and his partner Evelyn Adelsberger–whose philosophy marries sustainability, generosity, and individuality. FOUR speaks with the family to find out more…
What is the history of Kaiserlodge, and what was your original vision when opening the property in 2017?
The Kaiserlodge was born out of a deep connection with our homeland—and the desire to create a place that combines Alpine generosity with personal freedom. In 2017, we realised our vision: a house that is much more than a hotel. A place to arrive, to take a deep breath and to stay. We want our guests to feel like they are staying with friends—with all the comforts but without the constraints.
How do you define luxury today, and how is that reflected in the guest experience at Kaiserlodge?
For us, luxury today means: time, space and a genuine connection—to nature, to yourself and to special moments. At the Kaiserlodge, this is reflected in the spaciousness of our suites and apartments, the freedom of a vacation without constraints, attention to detail and hospitality that comes from the heart.
Sustainability plays a key role in your philosophy. Could you share specific choices or materials that highlight this commitment?
Sustainability is particularly important to us—not as a trend, but as a practised attitude. That is why we proudly bear the Austrian Ecolabel, which confirms our consistent measures in all areas of our business, such as management, environment, regionality, resource conservation and much more.
We rely on natural materials from the region, pay attention to short transportation routes and energy-efficient construction methods. This attitude is also reflected in the new Natürlich.Spa: during excavation, we discovered fascinating layers of colour in the earth, and used them as a design element. In this way, we make sustainability visible, tangible and an authentic experience.
How do you strike the balance between hotel-style service and the independence offered by your apartment concept?
Quite simply, our motto: Everything can. Nothing must. Our guests decide for themselves how much hotel they want. Breakfast in bed? At any time. Cook for yourself with regional ingredients? With pleasure. Or would you prefer to enjoy the ‘pot dishes’ from Kaiser’s Deli? That’s also possible. Feasting in our à la carte restaurant, which is open daily? You’ll be greeted with a smile. Our team is always there but never intrusive. This balance is our recipe for success.
The new Natürlich.Spa seems to be a pivotal addition. What inspired its concept and design?
The Natürlich.Spa is our answer to the longing for genuine relaxation and a matter close to our hearts. We were inspired by nature itself—its layering, its colours, its clarity. The excavation during construction revealed beautiful layers of earth, which we used as a design element. Each room tells a story of originality, depth and serenity. Inspired by the tension between mountain and water, the focus was on genuine materials, generous architecture and an atmosphere that gives people space to find themselves.
You worked closely with architect Marco Holzer and also oversaw the interiors yourselves. What story were you hoping to tell through the space?
In close collaboration with architect Marco Holzer and through the personal design of the interior spaces, we wanted to create a place that is not staged but rather touching. Our idea was to make architecture tangible—through materials that radiate warmth, through clear lines that provide calm, and through spaces that allow you to retreat without closing yourself off. The story we tell is one of genuine connection with nature, of grounded elegance, and an attitude to life that allows for depth and lightness at the same time.
Kaiserlodge’s approach to wellness goes beyond treatments—can you share more about what guests can expect?
Our understanding of wellness does not begin with the treatment—and does not end there either. For us, wellness means creating space: for mindfulness, for retreat, for new energy. Our guests can expect to experience not just treatments, but a holistic rhythm that slows them down, grounds them and inspires them. Whether in the architecture, the cuisine or in the Natürlich.Spa—everything is geared towards making inner balance a tangible experience.
From SUP yoga on the Hintersteiner See to creative workshops in Kaisers Schmiede, your programming feels deeply tied to nature and place. Why is that important to you?
Because experiences with roots remain, and the offer grows with the great people who work in our company and love what they do. Our programs are not arbitrary—they emerge from the location. SUP yoga on a real mountain lake, not in a pool. Crafting with natural materials, not plastic. Forging in an old craft room, not on an iPad. This creates a connection: to the surroundings, to nature, and yourself.
What was the thinking behind the flexible dining model, and what role does cuisine play in shaping the overall experience at the hotel?
Eating should simply be a pleasure. That’s why we offer culinary freedom with quality: if you want to cook for yourself, you can find regional ingredients in the Kaisers Shop or order a pot dish to cook in your suite. If you want to indulge yourself, choose à la carte in the Kaisers Deli restaurant. Our concept is flexible, without compromise—because good food is simply part of relaxation.
How do you source ingredients for Kaiser’s Deli kitchen, and what guides the food philosophy?
We believe in honesty and origin. Whenever possible, our ingredients come from the region or even directly from our herb garden. Our cuisine is close to nature and seasonal.
You seem to have cultivated a strong team culture. How do you foster that sense of warmth, respect, and community behind the scenes?
We want to make people happy. We are a family business, and you can feel that in our team. Appreciation, trust and humour are our basis. We listen, develop ideas together and celebrate successes together. Many employees have been with us for years, even decades—and that’s the best gift you can get. This energy is transferred directly to our guests.
Finally, what do you hope guests carry with them when they leave Kaiserlodge?
A feeling of being at home in the mountains. Peace in your head. Warmth in your heart. And perhaps a little longing—for your next stay with us.
To find out more about Kaiserlodge and book, contact the hotel using the below details:
Kaiserlodge
Dorf 11a 6351
Scheffau am Wilden
Kaiser, Austria
Web: kaiserlodge.at
Tel: +43 5358 44300
Email: info@kaiserlodge.at
Instagram: @kaiserlodge
Facebook: @kaiserlodge
Hero image © Gunter Standl. All other images © Jenny Haimerl.