Amid the magnificent alpine meadows and forests of Leogang stands a hotel that is more than just a place to stay – it is a retreat where one can draw new strength and feel a deep connection with nature, especially with wood. Since its founding in 1972, Forsthofalm has grown from a small ski hut to a splendid wood hotel that breathes sustainability and a love of nature into every beam.
Why Wood?
The decision to choose wood as the foundation of Forsthofalm was a thoughtful and significant decision by our owners. Since childhood, they have been instilled with a deep appreciation for sustainability, aesthetic beauty, and health well-being, which serve as fundamental inspiration for today's Forsthofalm concept.
Wood, as one of humanity's oldest and most versatile building materials, not only combines sustainable, technical, and emotional aspects but also fits perfectly into the concept of our house, which focuses on nature. Particularly noteworthy is the ecological sustainability of wood. It is a renewable resource that stores CO₂ during its growth, significantly contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases. This CO₂ remains bound until the end of the wood's life cycle, closing the natural cycle and contributing to the reduction of global warming.
When selecting wood, we place great emphasis on regionality to keep transport routes short and support the local economy and forestry. This decision underscores our commitment to the region and the environment. However, the choice of wood was not made solely for local and sustainable reasons; its technical versatility also played an important role. Thanks to its excellent insulating properties, wood helps to naturally balance the temperatures. This ensures that the indoor climate of our wood hotel remains pleasant throughout the year, reducing energy consumption and significantly enhancing our guests' comfort.
Beyond the practical advantages, wood offers an unparalleled aesthetic and emotional quality. The natural warmth, texture, and scent of wood create a sense of comfort and peace that is unmatched. It is scientifically proven that wooden environments enhance well-being, reduce stress, and contribute to mental relaxation. Therefore, the use of wood in the architecture of Forsthofalm is not only a decision for ecological sustainability but also for creating an environment where our guests can naturally feel comfortable and rejuvenate.
Thus, choosing wood for the Forsthofalm is more than just a construction decision; it is a holistic concept that emphasizes sustainability, beauty, health, and the well-being of our guests. Through this philosophy, we aim not only to offer a unique vacation experience, but also to make a positive contribution to protecting our environment and to show that modern tourism and sustainability can go hand in hand.
The Architecture of Forsthofalm
The architect of our beautiful wooden hotel is Alfred Waltl, who, together with the visionary ideas of our owner Markus Widauer, designed the Forsthofalm. The vision was to create a clear, puristic architecture that allows an unrestricted view of the surrounding nature. The guiding principle was to design a hotel that does not distract from the beauty of the Alps, but rather brings it to the forefront and provides guests with space to breathe and the freedom to experience. The Forsthofalm subordinates itself to nature, it does not surpass it.
What is Moonwood?
The term Moonwood, as the name suggests, originates from the connection of when the wood is cut with the different moon phases. Particularly wood that is felled during the waning and new moon phases has a particularly high durability and resistance. The reason for this is that during the waning moon a tree is able to absorb more liquid, whereas the opposite happens during the waxing moon. This process is comparable to the rhythm of ebb and flow in the world's oceans. If a tree is felled during the waning moon, it contains more bound water inside, which evaporates during drying and results in the wood shrinking more and becoming denser, more pressure-resistant, and more resistant to fungi and many other pests. This means that Moonwood is more durable and long-lasting than wood that was cut during other moon phases, and it helps protect the Forsthofalm from weathering and aging for many more years.
