The small, peaceful village of Goldegg sits on a high plateau between Salzburg and Zell am See, about an hour south of Salzburg. You cross the Pongau valley, wind up a few hairpin bends near Schwarzach, and there it is: a postcard village with beautiful old farmhouses, a castle and, in the middle, a lovely lake fringed with reeds.
Right by these meadows, overlooking the lake, stands the Seehof. On the facade of the house, which dates from the 1740s, hangs a neon sign: “There are a lot of good people around.” What’s not to like? And it gets even better.
The Seehof is much more than an ordinary hotel. Think of it as an eclectic blend of cultural clubhouse, artists’ enclave and, above all, culinary hot spot. More on that later.
First, the rooms: all different, all furnished with art, yet cozy and homey. The bathrooms are renovated, lovely and, above all, spotless. Most rooms have a wonderful view of the mountains or a neighboring farm. For the more extravagant traveler, there is Helmut’s Art Suite, painted entirely in pink.
The art
Art hangs and stands throughout the house, most of it beautiful and intriguing (and probably very expensive). As in 1920s Paris, renowned artists come as artists-in-residence, drawing inspiration from the often enchanted mood of Goldegg and staying in the building next door. The Austrian writer Thomas Glavinic is a regular; he even writes a column for the hotel.
THE OWNERS
The Schellhorn family is behind it all, and they didn’t exactly start yesterday: the house has been in the family since the 1740s, and the fifth generation is now at the helm. After son Felix left at the end of 2025, host Susi Schellhorn took charge again in December 2025 – together with Maxi Ferrari and Andreas Gratz, who form the Seehof’s new culinary trio with her.
THE FOOD
Many guests come for the food, and it has always been excellent here. Since the restart, the kitchen focuses on uncomplicated, comforting classics: in the evening there are up to 20 dishes à la carte, five of which change daily. Produce comes from the region’s fields, barns, forests and waters and from the hotel’s own vegetable garden, with a few faraway accents such as lemon, lime leaf or sumac.
For something special, book a seat at the Chef’s Table: Wednesday to Sunday at 7 pm you sit right in the kitchen for a multi-course tasting menu. At lunchtime there’s a small lunch menu, and on Sundays brunch – on the terrace in summer, by the open fire in the lounge in winter. Reservations are requested for all meals.
WELLNESS
The Seehof has its own jetty on the lake, a mere 70 meters from the house. Who needs a pool? On warm summer days, take a dip in the lake; there is hardly anything more liberating than swimming in nature. You can, of course, also spend the whole day by the water.
Since summer 2022 there is also a solid-timber sauna house next to the vegetable garden, designed by Munich architects Meier-Scupin, with a hay sauna, a Finnish sauna, views of the Hohe Tauern and a relaxation room overlooking the lake. Yoga, massages and – for the brave – ice bathing complete the offer.
SPECIAL
Come for a boules tournament, with pastis and canapés, colorful outfits and mixed teams; the Seehof takes the French national pastime very seriously. There are also readings and other events. Just check the events calendar.
GOOD TO KNOW
The Seehof is currently closed for the season and reopens in December 2026.
IDEAL FOR
Everyone who believes that art, good food and beautiful surroundings make life better.
Prices
Classic rooms from 350 euros including breakfast, single rooms from 260 euros, suites from 450 euros. Dinner à la carte or at the Chef’s Table.
Booking & Contacts
Der Seehof
Hofmark 8
5622 Goldegg, Salzburg
Austria
Phone +43 6415 81370
