Biohotel Rupertus sits in the stunning Pinzgau region of Salzburg, right next to the slopes and bike trails of Leogang – yet it feels a world apart in its sustainable ethos and heartfelt atmosphere. Run by the Herzog family, this four-star superior hotel has been transformed from a traditional inn into a cutting-edge 100% organic and climate-positive retreat without losing any of its Austrian charm. From the moment you arrive, the commitment to nature is evident: the hotel’s architecture blends wood, natural stone and lots of glass, mirroring the mountains beyond and flooding interiors with light. A living green wall in the lobby and planters of edelweiss and herbs bring the outdoors in, symbolizing Rupertus’ philosophy of “bringing valuable things from outside in”. The rooms and suites are chic and contemporary, with Alpine flair – think larch wood floors (all FSC-certified), furniture crafted by local carpenters, plush organic wool rugs, and beds dressed in organic cotton linens. Big photo murals of Alpine scenes or abstract nature motifs adorn the walls. Many rooms have sweeping views of the Leogang peaks or over the hotel’s own natural swimming pond and garden. Importantly, everything is hypoallergenic and toxin-free, from the wall paint to the adhesives, ensuring healthy indoor air. Rupertus is proudly climate-positive: since 2019 it has offset twice the CO₂ it produces. The hotel runs on 100% green electricity and its heating is powered by biomass district heating and solar thermal panels. By investing in reforestation and renewable energy projects, they actually create a positive impact. But their primary focus is reducing emissions at source: superb insulation means minimal energy waste, they’ve installed a state-of-the-art energy management system, and they even have a herb garden roof that helps with cooling. Rupertus is the only hotel in Leogang with certified organic status – everything you eat or drink is guaranteed organic, and as much as possible is sourced locally (over 60 regional suppliers!). The culinary experience is thus a true farm-to-table delight. Their day starts with an expansive breakfast buffet showcasing organic eggs (cooked to order), homemade bircher muesli, fresh fruit, an array of local cheeses and charcuterie, and rustic breads from a nearby organic bakery. You can boost with a shot of wheatgrass or a turmeric latte from the vitality corner, or indulge in one of the chef’s daily sweet creations (perhaps buckwheat crepes with birch syrup). In the afternoon, the hotel lays out a Jause (snack) including organic cakes, salads, and hearty soups – perfect after returning from a hike or bike ride. Dinner is a gourmet 5-course affair with multiple choices. Chef Josef, who’s been with Rupertus for years, blends Austrian tradition with modern wellness cuisine. A sample dinner might include: a starter of pickled baby beetroot carpaccio with goat cheese mousse, a creamy forest mushroom soup, then a main of organic Tauern lamb in herbed crust with polenta and seasonal veggies (or a vegan main like walnut “meatballs” with celery puree – their plant-based dishes are so good even meat-eaters are tempted), and finishing with a dessert like homemade elderflower sorbet or a classic Salzburg nockerl (soufflé) using free-range eggs. The flavors are bold, fresh, and nourishing; the kitchen even makes their own jams, chutneys, and syrups from scratch. In the bar, you’ll find organic Austrian wines (the owners often personally visit small vintners), local organic beers, and creative cocktails using house-infused spirits and herbs from their garden. Well-being and activity are equally balanced at Rupertus. Their “ErholPOL” (literally ‘Rest Pole’ – a clever pun, as Pol in German means pole like North Pole, and also stands for Power Of Life) wellness area is outstanding. It spans indoor and outdoor facilities: there’s a beautiful natural swimming pond in the garden where water lilies bloom and guests can take a dip surrounded by reeds and mountain views. Next to it, a wood-heated garden sauna cabin and a brine steam bath offer open-air relaxation, with lounge chairs on the lawn to cool off. Inside, the modern spa features a panoramic Finnish sauna (with daily infusions using Alpine essential oils), a sanarium (milder sauna), and infra-red loungers. A light-filled relaxation room has a tea samovar and huge windows looking out to the forest. One unique space is their “Sinnesgarten” or sensory garden – a series of small scented gardens and barefoot paths to mindfully experience different natural stimuli (great for kids and adults alike). The hotel also has a fitness room, but most guests get their exercise in nature: and here Rupertus shines with outdoor offerings. In winter, the hotel is ski-in/ski-out adjacent to the Leogang-Saalbach ski circus; they provide ski storage, boot dryers, and even have an in-house ski school office and rental shop. The slopes literally end at their door. They also have cross-country skis and snowshoes available for exploring quieter trails – perhaps a guided moonlight snowshoe hike followed by Glühwein by a bonfire? In summer, Rupertus transforms into a biking and hiking paradise. As a certified “Bike-Hotel,” they provide top-notch mountain bikes and e-bikes for guests (plus guided tours). The famed Leogang Bike Park (with thrilling downhill trails) is next to the hotel, and they cater to riders with a bike wash station, workshop, and secure bike garage. Hiking-wise, the hotel’s activity guides (including Herr Herzog senior himself on some days) lead daily walks – from gentle herb foraging strolls to challenging peak ascents. You also get the Saalfelden-Leogang Card for free lifts in summer, meaning quick access to high alpine terrain. The team also offers yoga classes on the rooftop terrace or by the pond, because what better way to start the day than sun salutations facing the Steinberge mountains? Children are warmly welcomed at Rupertus – it’s family-friendly luxury. There’s a nature playground with a petting zoo area (rabbits and goats), and a kids’ playroom indoors. They even created a small “family spa” times so kids can use the pool and a dress-on sauna with parents. At dinner, kids can have an earlier meal with tailored dishes if needed. However, the vibe of the hotel remains tranquil and sophisticated; families who come here tend to be nature-loving and appreciative of the peaceful atmosphere (screentime is replaced by mountain time). Special touches abound, reflecting the Herzogs’ personal engagement. They collaborate with local craftsmen – you might notice the beautiful hand-forged iron decorations by a nearby blacksmith, or the ceramic basin sinks made by a potter in Saalfelden. The hotel’s linens are Fairtrade and organic, and if you’re curious, the staff will proudly tell you about their sustainable laundry practices and how they use mountain spring water for most cleaning, with minimal detergents. In the shop at reception, they sell their homemade jams, organic cosmetics used in the spa, and stylish sustainable activewear – even the souvenir offerings are eco-conscious. After an active day, evenings at Rupertus can be as lively or relaxed as you wish. Enjoy live acoustic music at the bar some nights, or simply lounge by the fireplace with a book from their library. Many guests enjoy star-gazing from their balcony (the dark sky is phenomenal here). By bedtime, you’ll feel utterly satisfied – breathing fresh air, pleasantly exercised, well-fed with organic goodness, and perhaps even inspired by the Rupertus example that luxury and sustainability not only coexist, but enhance one another. As the Herzogs like to say, a stay here lets you “leave hardly any ecological footprint, except maybe the tracks of your hiking boots in the mud”. Departing Biohotel Rupertus, you carry with you rejuvenated energy, a clear mind, and maybe a bottle of their homemade elderflower syrup as a sweet reminder of your green alpine adventure.