Five Lodges with Private Sauna, Thoughtful Design and a Sense for Family
When Lisi leaves fresh bread rolls at the door in the morning, it’s not because it’s written down somewhere in a welcome manual – it’s because with her, you simply feel at home. She and her husband Michi, both deeply rooted in this region and parents themselves, have created a holiday place in Kleinarl that’s more than just a picture-perfect Alpine getaway. Five stylish lodges with private saunas, surrounded by meadows, forest and open skies – made for families who see holidays not as a to-do list, but as a time-out. One with style, all year round.
In Kleinarl – a small, charming mountain village at the very end of the valley – Alpine spirit meets a modern take on family life. Instead of a kids’ club, there are rubber-boot adventures by the pond. Instead of small talk in the lobby, a quiet evening by the fire with mountain views.
Location
Nestled between mountain peaks and daisies, Kleinarl sits about 70 kilometres south of Salzburg – right where the valley ends and nature takes over. Das Kleinarl is quietly located on the edge of the village, slightly elevated, with sweeping views across the landscape. The village centre is just a short walk away, with a café, playground, a small local shop and everything else a family might need along the way.
The village is close enough to feel connected, but never too close. If you feel like mingling with the locals, grab an ice cream or fresh milk straight from the farm. If you’d rather keep to yourself, that’s just as easy. The garden with its swimming pond, the terrace catching the morning sun – everything you need to arrive and feel at ease is already here.
Rooms
Each of the five lodges tells its own little story – with generous space, thoughtful design and a love for the real and honest. The living areas are bright and spacious, furnished in a way that makes you feel at home from the very first moment. There are lodges for two, four, six or up to twelve guests, with two to five bedrooms, lots of wood, soft textiles and carefully chosen favourite pieces. Private saunas with views of the greenery are part of the experience – just like the wide terraces and open-plan kitchens that turn breakfast into a highlight of the day.
Upstairs or tucked away on the gallery, cosy hideouts are waiting for little adventurers, while downstairs the fireplace is quietly crackling. And when the door to the terrace swings open, there’s nothing but grass, fresh air and wide open space.
Kids
No kids’ club here – just pure nature. And honestly, it’s even more exciting. The garden is an adventure playground, a space to roam and a quiet retreat all in one. Kids wander through the grass, drop stones into the water, watch snails, build hideouts in the woods or ride their balance bikes across the little wooden bridge by the pond.
Parents can truly relax, because the grounds are completely car-free. No roads, no danger zones – just freedom that feels good for grown-ups too. And because life happens outside, the best moments come naturally. While digging in the mud, building dams, and getting lost in their imaginations.
Breakfast
At Das Kleinarl, the day starts without any rush. Some families are up early, setting the table and filling the kitchen with the smell of coffee and scrambled eggs. Others stay in their pyjamas a little longer and look forward to the breakfast basket delivered right to their door.
Inside: everything you need for a slow, happy morning – fresh rolls, organic eggs, butter, cheese and jam. All regional, thoughtfully selected and without a fixed schedule. Breakfast happens when everyone’s ready – not a minute earlier.
Wellness
Each lodge has its own little retreat with panoramic views. Perfect for warming up in the morning, winding down in the evening or just pausing whenever the moment calls for it.
If you’re in the mood to cool off afterwards, jump into the swimming pond in the garden or stretch out on the wooden deck with a book. On hot summer days, the pond is made for splashing. On cooler days, it’s all about soaking up the quiet. And if the weather takes a turn, the Wagrain Water World with slides and indoor pools is just a short drive away – perfect for happy rainy days.
Favourite Moments
It’s not the big showstoppers that stay with you – it’s the little moments. A hike to the Kleinarler Hütte with the promise of warm, fluffy Kaiserschmarrn at the top. The soft sound of raindrops on the terrace roof. Walking barefoot through the morning dew. Spotting the first snow from the top bunk. A glass of wine in the evening, mountains in view, while the kids are already fast asleep. And if you’re not quite ready to end the evening: the panoramic sauna right by the balcony or terrace quickly becomes a favourite spot.
In winter, you can step straight from the ski room onto the slope. The Shuttleberg ski area is just around the corner. No queues, no rush – just snowflakes and pure anticipation.
Maybe it’s this quiet confidence that makes Das Kleinarl so special. It doesn’t try to impress – and that’s exactly why it does. Kids can run wild here. Design feels warm and lived-in. And the hosts know how to create a family holiday that’s both thoughtful and heartfelt.
That’s rare. And really lovely.
