Talk about an authentic Austrian experience! I stay in Saalbach every winter with my boyfriend's…read morefamily where they have a cabin. They were so excited to take me to Spielberghaus because the journey to and from the restaurant is so much a part of their favorite family traditions. First of all, no cars are allowed to drive up the snowy path that leads to the cabin. You have the option of taking a large snowmobile or a "pistenraupe" all the way to the cabin for a few euro. We decided to walk up the path because it was such a beautiful night. The 45 minute walk was definitely a challenge as it is all uphill, but you cannot beat the views and scenery of this special place, it's truly magical.
At the top of the hill, you feel like you're discovering a special hideaway with the warm lights glowing onto the white snowy banks outside. Indoors is perfectly decorated as you would imagine an Austrian hut in the Alps to be, complete with floor to ceiling wood beams, and local music playing in the background. Our meal of goulash, schnitzel, apfenstrudel, and beers was definitely well deserved after our walk. Service was top notch and so hospitible, it felt like we were in someone's home.
My favorite part of the experience was the way home. Sleds are available to rent for you to take down the path you just climbed up! Believe me, there is nothing like a sled ride that lasts 15 minutes down the most picturesque snowy setting you can imagine. Truly a memory that I will not forget that I cannot wait to repeat already. Go and enjoy yourself!
