WOOD - The Center of the Forsthofalm

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.

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.

Sustainability through Wood as a Guiding Principle

As mentioned earlier, sustainability and environmental protection are of paramount importance at the Forsthofalm. With the turn of the 21st century, the Forsthofalm took on a pioneering role in these areas. The use of regional wood for construction and furnishings, the persistent implementation of environmental standards, and the use of renewable energies are just a few examples of our commitment. The hotel, which is completely constructed of Moonwood, stands as a symbol of biological construction and ecological responsibility. A total of 210,000 beechwood dowels were used in the construction, thus holding our Forsthofalm together without the use of any glue or metals.

The hotel has since received numerous awards for its commitment to environmental protection and continues to set standards as an industry leader. Here you can find more information about it.

Healing Effects of Wood

But wood is also said to have a healing effect, which our guests repeatedly confirm with statements such as: "In the wooden hotel, you sleep particularly well." Or "Everywhere smells like wood, pure relaxation!"

The solid wood walls made of moon-felled wood create a unique room atmosphere that not only enhances well-being but also has a healing effect. Surrounded by natural materials and colors that are warm and grounded, you will find a place of peace and regeneration here, making you feel much closer to nature.

The vision of wood continues to grow: New construction and expansion

In 2013, the desire for more wood in the hotel was realized with the addition of a 1,200-cubic-meter wooden structure to the overall concept. Surrounded by mountains, it is now possible to unwind with an unobstructed view in the SKY SPA, bringing you closer to nature than ever before. Amidst forests and meadows, a vast wooden hotel now stands, drawing its inspiration directly from the natural surroundings.

A Half-Century of Wood for the Forsthofalm

Today, the Forsthofalm represents more than just a hotel; it is a flagship project for sustainable tourism. The consistent use of wood as the primary building material over the years has not only given our hotel a rustic charm but has also demonstrated that 50 years of wood can withstand the alpine climate with ease.