Schloss Lerchenhof
Untermöschach 8
9620 Hermagor
Carinthia / Austria
Tel.: +43 4282 2100
info@lerchenhof.at
Discover the sustainable Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof, a family-run Biedermeier castle near Hermagor surrounded by expansive nature — offering slow food, warm hospitality, and pure relaxation amid meadows and mountains.
Description
From the moment you arrive at Schloss Lerchenhof in Hermagor, you will sense the calm and genuine hospitality of the Steinwender family. They manage the intimate, 20-room boutique hotel with a personal and heartfelt touch amidst a vast natural oasis of meadows, forests, and fields.
The hotel has its own castle farm, which operates according to ecological principles and provides most of the food used. Whether it's grain, vegetables, fruit, herbs, or meat, everything is sourced and processed on-site. Thanks to the hotel's close connection to food production, slow food and mindful enjoyment are at the heart of your stay.
Highlights
- Family-run, sustainable hotel in a Biedermeier castle
- Family-owned since 1880
- Personal, warm hospitality
- Certified Slow Food cuisine with a zero-kilometer philosophy and its own organic farm
- Seasonal natural cuisine with a strong focus on artisanal quality
- Surrounded by 14 hectares of natural meadows, forests, and fields
- On-site energy production with a small hydroelectric power plant and a biomass facility
- Individual rooms, halls, and a library for your personal retreat
- An impressive staircase at the heart of the house
environmental protection
being local - authentic experiences
giving back
cultural commitment
Responsibility with a history: Lerchenhof Castle in Hermagor, Carinthia
At Schloss Lerchenhof, freedom, love, responsibility, ecology, and health form the basis for all decisions. These values influence how the hotel treats people, animals, and nature and represent a long-term approach that transcends the traditional hotel business model.
Active around Lerchenhof Castle in Carinthia
The sustainable Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof is nestled in the quiet Gailtal Valley near Hermagor, offering stunning views of the Carnic Alps. The heart of East Tyrol and Carinthia, including Lake Pressegger See, Nassfeld, and Lake Weissensee, is within easy reach. Hiking trails begin right at the hotel, and in the winter, guests can enjoy a cross-country ski trail and an illuminated toboggan run. At the Lerchenhof, you can experience pure nature and tranquility without having to travel long distances to reach the region’s highlights.
Schloss Lerchenhof “Kraftplatz”: Fourteen hectares of pure nature
At the heart of the Lerchenhof concept lies the 14-hectare Power Place. It surrounds the castle with meadows, forests, fields, springs, and a cultural landscape of nature reserves. While there is a cozy castle garden, it is not a classic park; rather, it is a combination of natural, protected areas and respectfully cultivated land.
Slow Food cuisine at Austria’s Schloss Lerchenhof
At Schloss Lerchenhof in Hermagor, the team cooks with whatever nature provides, embracing the concept of seasonal produce. The menu changes with the seasons, depending on what the hotel’s own farm and the neighbouring Gailtal Valley have to offer, and the produce is handled with care and respect. Quality is achieved through patience, time, and craftsmanship rather than over-staging and excessive effort. You can experience this approach at the Slow Food breakfast and the multi-course dinner from the Natural Kitchen.
Find peace: room categories and inclusive services at Schloss Lerchenhof
At Schloss Lerchenhof, you will find 20 unique rooms — each with its own character, yet all cozy and well-designed. Warm colors, natural materials, and historical accents come together to create a relaxing atmosphere. This includes the path to your room. The impressive original staircase and two historical halls on the upper floor offer quiet corners for reading and reflection, allowing you to become part of the estate’s history.
Learn more about Schloss Lerchenhof in Carinthia
- Current offers
Would you rather be active or relax? At Schloss Lerchenhof, you can do both.
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“To ensure a better future for future generations, we are committed to promoting an eco-friendly approach to nature.” Steinwender Family
What sustainable measures does the Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof in Gailtal, Austria, implement?
At the Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof in Hermagor, sustainability means using resources consciously, preserving regional cycles, and protecting nature. Although the historic property is a listed building, it is managed with an eye to the future so that tradition and responsible business practices go hand in hand.
- Architecture
- Energy & Resources
- Water Use
- Waste Management
- Food & Culinary
- Social Engagement
- Accessibility
- Communication
- Mobility
- Environment & Nature
Preserve instead of rebuild
The tradition of architectural reuse lives on at Lerchenhof Castle in Hermagor. Historic furniture and regional craftsmanship characterize the image of the Biedermeier castle.
- Construction measures in compliance with regional regulations and preferably using regional, eco-friendly materials according to the principle of “preservation before new construction”
- Design of rooms and common areas based on the circular economy principle (especially furniture and fabrics): 15 of 20 rooms with recycled furniture
- Historic furniture and details, e.g., clocks, piano, or special lamps—all with their own history
- Renovations and further developments exclusively with regional craftsmen and traditional craftsmanship
- Listed building: all measures subject to strict requirements and with a focus on substance preservation, durability, and resource conservation
- Property owned by the family for generations
- Land use in accordance with local building, environmental, and cultural protection laws
- Protection of cultural substance as a personal commitment
On-site energy supply
Schloss Lerchenhof is self-sufficient thanks to its own energy production from forests and water. At the Power Place, you can see the hydroelectric and biomass power plants in action.
- Extensive coverage of energy requirements through self-production (self-sufficiency)
- Biomass plant for heat generation (using damaged wood from their own forest)
- Small hydroelectric power plant for electricity generation
- Microgrid and heat pump system
- Additional storage facility in planning
- Modern flush-mounted infrared heaters in historic buildings: reduction in energy consumption by approximately 50% with an improved indoor climate
- Continuous measurement of energy consumption and demand-based control according to weather, occupancy, and season
- Largest electricity supplier to EEG Wulfenia (>250,000 kWh/year)
- Extensive conversion to LED lighting, motion detectors in public areas, and timers for outdoor lighting and decorations
- Energy-efficient electrical appliances
- No minibars in rooms
- Monitoring and reduction of CO₂ emissions, with compensation where appropriate
- Optimization of energy efficiency through seasonal ventilation and darkening (trained floor staff)
Own springs and careful handling
At Lerchenhof Castle in Carinthia, water is treated as a valuable resource. This is achieved through the use of water-saving technology, rainwater harvesting, and the castle’s own springs.
- Drinking water from two private sources
- Regular monitoring and demand-based control of water consumption
- Collection of rainwater for garden irrigation and agricultural use
- Water-saving fittings throughout the hotel (saving up to 40% water), with a planned renovation of the old stock
- Change of bed linens and towels only upon request
- Option to consciously forego room cleaning by means of a door sign, which many guests also use
Less waste, more recycling
At the sustainable Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof, avoiding waste is the main focus. Here, too, the hotel’s focus is on circularity.
- Avoiding packaging wherever possible, e.g., purchasing from regional producers with minimal packaging
- Actively encouraging external suppliers to avoid excessive packaging
- Preferential use of reusable systems
- Avoiding single-use products throughout the entire business
- No plastic items in the bathroom; only recyclable paper packaging is used when necessary
- Monitoring waste volumes and continuously reducing them
- Several waste separation stations for guests and employees
- Consistent and clean waste separation through ongoing training, daily checks, and rotating weekly responsibility for the central waste collection point
- Complete in-house recycling of organic waste
- Restaurant takeout in recyclable materials only
- Use of recycled paper and waste bags made from recycled material
From farm to table
At Schloss Lerchenhof in Carinthia, you can experience the region through its cuisine. The focus is on short distances and in-house production. Regional partners provide items that cannot be sourced from the hotel’s farm.
- Zero-kilometer restaurant
- Farm shop open year-round (365 days, approximately 14 hours per day) for local, regional supply
- Strict seasonality: menu created daily after harvest and delivery
- Personal contact with approximately 50 regional partners (many certified organic and/or Slow Food partners)
- Regular visits to producers to ensure transparency and trust
- Support for regional supply chains
- Equal network without favoritism
- High proportion of organic (approximately 80%) and fair trade products (e.g., coffee, chocolate) in purchased goods
- Own production according to organic guidelines (not certified) on approximately 46 hectares of grassland, arable land, and forest, including complete processing
- Grain ground into flour in our own mill
- Nuts, vegetables, and fruit
- Herbs
- Syrups and juices
- Honey from our own bees (certified organic by Bio Austria) Fresh meat and meat products from our own EU-certified butchery (nose-to-tail processing), e.g., Carinthian wine bacon
- Waiver of organic certification due to restrictive animal husbandry requirements; animal welfare takes precedence over certification.
- Founding member of Slow Food Travel.
- Commitment to regional food culture and craftsmanship
- Slow Food workshops for guests, locals, and employees
Part of the region
The team at Schloss Lerchenhof in Hermagor lives in harmony with its surroundings. The connections are palpable—from local artisans to open doors for the region’s youth.
- Zero tolerance for exploitation, discrimination, or harassment—both internally and along the supply chain
- A fair, safe, and respectful working environment
- A long-term, cross-generational management plan that holistically combines ecological, social, health, and economic aspects
- Needs-based adaptation to environmental changes, legal requirements, and operational developments
- Full compliance with national and international legislation (e.g., health, labor, and social law; environmental and nature conservation; safety; and fire protection)
- Close cooperation with initiatives such as Slow Food, regional tourism associations, and Genussland Kärnten
- Co-founder of the initiative “Austria’s Most Sustainable Tourism Region” (awarded in 2024) and a best practice partner in the areas of hotels, restaurants, agriculture, and energy
- Active commitment to sustainable tourism locally and internationally
- Active commitment to regional youth, e.g., through regular invitations to kindergartens and schools to get to know the business and raise awareness of cycles, nature, and craftsmanship
- Strongest partner of the emerging Waldorf School Gailtal
- Financial and organizational support for regional associations, such as fire departments, sports clubs, and music associations
- Year-round jobs and training opportunities
- Self-image as an active part of the region
- Active communication of sustainability
- Motivation of guests and employees through information, role modeling, and personal involvement
- Regular internal and external training, including regional initiatives and Slow Food
- Preference for regional employees, including in management positions, while remaining open to different backgrounds and life situations. For example, a former refugee is now in a management position, and long-term employees with autism are on their way to positions of responsibility.
- Employee card, including free public transportation
- Tableware from a ceramist in Hermagor
- Regular themed evenings to authentically convey history and tradition
Accessibility at Schloss Lerchenhof
At the sustainable Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof, accessibility is gradually being improved wherever the building’s structure allows. The team values transparent communication: you will know exactly what is possible in advance, and the team will assist you directly if necessary.
- Ongoing improvement of accessibility within the framework of the historic building structure
- Restaurant, events, seminars, and workshops are accessible
- Accessible restroom available
- However, due to historic preservation restrictions, the building is not fully accessible; for example, an elevator cannot be installed due to building regulations
- Active personal assistance for those with walking difficulties or other limitations
- Transparent advance information for better travel planning
Clear, transparent, and in line with their values
At Schloss Lerchenhof, all information reflects the hotel’s clear philosophy. Transparency and facts are key, so you can easily understand where the products come from, what the region has to offer, and how sustainability is practiced here.
- Clear concept and philosophy as the basis for all decisions and guest communication
- Sustainability as an integral part of all content
- Consistent communication across all channels (print, website, digital) with a clear corporate identity, transparency, and understandable language
- Structured, fact-based presentation
- Power Place as an experiential communication space with integrated information boards on history, philosophy, and sustainability contributions
- Transparency regarding the origin of food and beverages (producer, location, mileage), as well as visibility of regional craft products
- Personalized information upon arrival regarding nature, culture, traditions, and current activities
- Supplementary print materials and information on respectful behavior in the region and countryside
- Actively recommend regional museums, historical sites, and cultural events, as well as consciously promote regional shopping (grocers, craftsmen, and producers)
Mobility without a car
With free shuttle service, +Card Holiday, and rental options, you can get around sustainably and conveniently.
- Active promotion of climate-friendly mobility for guests and employees
- Bus stop in front of the hotel
- Two e-charging stations and numerous e-bike charging options (powered by renewable energy)
- Bike rental through local partners (reservations possible)
- E-bike rental through regional partner BikeParadies (reservations possible)
- E-Vespa rental for guests and employees
- E-car sharing with Auto Patterer and FReD
- +CARD holiday for your stay, which includes free use of public transportation, the S-Bahn, and other advantages
Preserving and experiencing nature
Environmental protection is an integral part of daily life at Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof. The Power Place is the focal point of this commitment.
- Protection of nature on the 14-hectare energy site surrounding Lerchenhof Castle, with its historic gardens, regional flora, and heirloom varieties (e.g., forest rye)
- Minimal interference with the ecosystem
- Sustainability as a continuous process, with regular reviews, adaptations, and integrations of new findings
- Active promotion of biodiversity through designated nature conservation areas
- Preservation and promotion of soil health through careful cultivation, crop rotation, natural fertilization, and avoidance of artificial fertilizers and chemical pesticides
- Exclusively natural pest control, using nettle manure and pigs.
- Complete avoidance of harmful substances, such as pesticides, aggressive chemicals, and problematic paints
- Disposal of waste materials, outside of take-back systems, in accordance with the law and in an environmentally friendly manner
- Hygiene, cleaning, and disinfectant products from Hagleitner, awarded the Austrian Ecolabel. Containers are also taken back and recycled.
- Nature trails, guided tours, and a nature-themed quiz
- A sustainably managed castle farm with organic products
Questions & answers about your stay at the sustainable Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof in Carinthia
Find answers to frequently asked questions about your sustainable vacation in the Gailtal Valley in Carinthia at the family-run Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof.
- Is the farm and/or the Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof certified organic?
- Is it possible to experience agriculture at Schloss Lerchenhof firsthand?
- Does the Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof in Carinthia offer vegan or vegetarian options in its slow food cuisine?
- Does the Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof have a wellness area?
- Is Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof in Hermagor family-friendly?
- Is it possible to vacation at the sustainable Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof without a car?
- How many people can I celebrate with at the sustainable Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof?
- Is it possible to work or hold seminars at Schloss Lerchenhof in Carinthia?
- Does Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof have an elevator? Is the hotel wheelchair accessible?
- Is there Wi-Fi at Hotel Schloss Lerchenhof?
- Are dogs allowed at Schloss Lerchenhof in Carinthia?
No, the farm is not officially certified organic, but it operates according to strict ecological guidelines. The focus is on soil quality, biodiversity, and closed cycles wherever possible. Additionally, nature and living creatures are treated with great respect, and the products are processed carefully. Due to restrictive animal welfare regulations, the hotel has decided against seeking certification, stating, “Animal welfare before certification!” The honey produced at Schloss Lerchenhof is certified organic by Bio Austria.
Yes, your stay includes access to the 14-hectare energy site, which features meadows, forests, and fields. Guided tours offer insight into farm life, and activities explain the agricultural cycles and connections. Slow food workshops and picnic trips on two e-Vespas will also bring you closer to agriculture.
Yes, vegetarian dishes have become a staple on the menu. Vegan options are also available upon request, depending on the season. Please specify your preferences when booking.
Yes, Schloss Lerchenhof has a small yet exquisite wellness area featuring various saunas, a steam grotto, a whirlpool, and relaxation rooms.
Yes, Schloss Lerchenhof is very family-friendly, offering family rooms, ample outdoor space, and nature experiences right outside. It also has amenities such as a toboggan run, cross-country ski trail, and easy hiking trails.
Yes, that’s not a problem! You can comfortably travel to Hermagor by train, where you will be picked up by shuttle. Once you arrive, you can easily get around with the +Card Holiday, which covers buses and mountain railways. You can also rent bicycles from a local partner and e-Vespas.
Weddings or other celebrations can be held at Schloss Lerchenhof in Carinthia for up to 70 people.
Yes, the hotel is suitable for workations, as well as small seminars, workshops, and retreats. You can work at your desk in your room or in historic halls that offer direct access to nature, where you can enjoy the personal attention of the hosts and healthy cuisine that energizes the mind.
No, there is no elevator because the castle is a listed building. Rooms are accessible via the historic staircase. However, the hotel is constantly working to improve accessibility. Where this is not possible due to the building’s history (e.g., elevators), the team provides transparent information and personal assistance. If you have limited mobility, please contact the hotel directly before booking.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire building.
Yes, dogs are allowed upon request in select rooms. However, additional fees apply. It is best to clarify this directly with the hotel before booking.
















































