Nestled in the Radstadt Tauern mountains of Austria, Hotel Lürzerhof has reopened following a €10 million refurbishment, transforming its spa facilities into a 4,500-square-metre wellness sanctuary. Located about an hour south of Salzburg, between the towns of Radstadt and Obertauern, the luxury resort now features expanded accommodations—with room numbers increasing from 60 to 68—and a range of new amenities designed to enhance relaxation and rejuvenation.
A standout attraction of the revamped spa is the rooftop infinity pool, measuring 20 metres in length and offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountain peaks. The hotel also boasts four outdoor pools, including a designated area for guests preferring a clothing-free experience, alongside two indoor pools. The resort caters exclusively to adults, allowing visitors the freedom to choose their preferred dress code within its serene environment.
One distinctive wellness experience offered at Hotel Lürzerhof is the traditional Austrian sauna ritual known as Aufguss, which has gained popularity in recent years across Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands. Participants sit in a cedar-paneled sauna heated to approximately 95 degrees Celsius, where a pair of staff members perform a 12-minute ritual involving the infusion of scented oils—such as lemon, strawberry, and mint—onto hot stones, producing bursts of steam. As music plays loudly, the attendants skillfully wave towels to circulate the hot air throughout the room, creating an interactive, almost theatrical ambiance.
Aufguss sessions often draw enthusiastic responses, with guests applauding and cheering the performance. However, cultural differences influence how individuals partake in the experience. While locals embrace the tradition in the nude, visitors from countries such as the United Kingdom typically remain more reserved, often wrapping themselves in towels. Hotel spa owner Christina noted that for Austrians, nudity in the sauna is standard practice, whereas international guests sometimes feel more hesitant.
Following Aufguss sessions, participants often cool off in outdoor pools fed by cold mountain spring water before enjoying hot showers, promoting a refreshed and invigorated sensation.
The hotel operates on a full-board basis, providing a substantial breakfast, a lighter midday meal, and a six-course dinner. The comprehensive restructuring of Hotel Lürzerhof aims to combine traditional wellness practices with modern luxury in a breathtaking alpine setting, appealing to adults seeking a peaceful yet stimulating spa retreat.