Hiking and wellness vacation with mountain views, healing waters, and natural materials – sustainable, enjoyable, and “in the middle of the outdoors.”
Imagine gliding into the crystal-clear water of the natural pool, purified without any chemicals. With an infinity view of the mountains of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Afterwards, relax in the first Deferegger healing water brine bath or enjoy your cozy room with warm natural materials. In the evening, regional culinary delights await you. Right here, in the heart of the great outdoors in East Tyrol, you will find your retreat in the mountains.
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Naturhotel Outside Lobby | Credits: Dragan Dok
Hiking and wellness vacation with mountain views, healing waters, and natural materials – sustainable, enjoyable, and “in the middle of the outdoors.”
Sustainable vacation in Tyrol | Part of the hoteliers’ family DNA
At the Naturhotel Outside, sustainability is not just a marketing slogan, but a way of life. The Ganzer family of hoteliers has deep ties to the region. They are the third generation to run the family business. Respect for the environment is a matter of course. Lots of wood, natural materials, and high-quality furnishings made by local companies reflect their love and connection to nature and the region.
The Ganzer family has been committed to environmentally conscious tourism for many years. As a certified holder of the Austrian Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel, the hotel consistently focuses on resource-saving solutions. Energy-efficient construction, regional cuisine, and the use of natural materials are common threads throughout the entire business.
The Slogan “Mitten im Draußen” (“in the middle of the outdoors”) is deeply rooted here | Credits: Elias Bachmann
Wellness with a view | New nature spa in East Tyrol
This conscious use of resources is particularly evident in the nature spa, whose expansion was completed just in time for summer 2025. The highlight is the newly designed nature spa with 2,000 m² of indoor and outdoor space. With the renovation, the Naturhotel Outside remains true to its philosophy: sustainability and regionality are the focus. Materials from the region were predominantly used – including the East Tyrolean natural stone “Dorfergrün,” a serpentinite from the Virgental valley.
The centerpiece is the 20-meter-long natural pool in the newly created SPA garden. The natural pool’s water is purified biologically without the use of chemicals – a natural purification concept using microorganisms and aquatic plants.
Equally impressive is the first Deferegger healing water brine bath – filled with certified, mineral-rich healing water from East Tyrol, which comes from a depth of 1,850 meters, is around 600,000 years old, and is one of the oldest and most effective healing waters in the world. This true natural treasure promotes healthy, radiant skin and strengthens the respiratory tract.
Energy efficiency has also been consistently considered: the hot water from the heated outdoor pool is drained into highly insulated storage tanks outside operating hours – thus maintaining temperature and energy. The in-house photovoltaic system has been doubled to around 60 kW peak and now covers up to 25% of the hotel’s own energy requirements.
Highlights in the 2,000 m² Nature Spa:
- 20-meter natural pool in the spa garden – biological purification, chemical-free
- Outdoor pool at 35°C – sustainable construction with insulated storage tank
- Deferegger healing water brine bath at 35°C – healing water from the region
- 5 saunas: Finnish sauna at 90°C, brine steam bath, aroma steam bath, bio sauna at 60°C, and infrared cabin
- Indoor pool with lounging area
- Spacious relaxation rooms with natural materials
- Sun salutation with mountain views: yoga program and outdoor yoga deck
- Beauty salon with premium natural cosmetics by TEAM Dr. Joseph
Nature sauna, natural pool & brine bath | Credits: dangphoto, Dragan Dok
Cuisine | Regionality you can taste
What else does sustainability mean at the Naturhotel Outside? Culinary delights with provenance. The gourmet cuisine has been awarded 3 Falstaff forks and the AMA seal of approval and delights guests with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Producers are selected with the utmost care: local fish, cheese, meat, fruit & vegetables, honey, grains, herbs, etc. – all of which come primarily from farms in the immediate vicinity or from the hotel’s own garden.
The cake and strudel creations at the afternoon buffet are legendary, and the homemade natural lemonades and Swiss stone pine schnapps from the senior chef are unique. Because homemade tastes best.
The breakfast buffet with regional specialties, freshly baked bread, homemade jams, and products from surrounding farms is the perfect start to the day.
In the evening, guests enjoy lovingly prepared 6-course menus that bring the best of East Tyrolean nature to the plate with dedication and sophistication. Vegetarian dishes are also a matter of course. The result is creative, alpine taste experiences that delight even without meat. The cuisine is honest, down-to-earth, and surprising.
Culinary experience at Naturhotel Outside | Credits: Andergassen
Accommodation | From mountain rooms to nature suites plus
Natural materials such as clay walls, larch or Swiss pine wood, loden, and natural stone create a grounding atmosphere in the Outside. A true interplay of architecture and closeness to nature. The rooms – 44 double rooms and various suites – are true retreats. Minimalist in style, but rich in atmosphere. Large windows and balconies automatically draw the eye outside to the East Tyrolean mountains. Nothing too much, nothing too little – but all the more feeling for the authentic.
Rooms at Naturhotel Outside | Credits: Andergassen
Activities: Hohe Tauern National Park | Glacial river | Mountain lakes and 3,000-meter peaks
The Naturhotel Outside is located in one of Austria’s most unspoiled regions: the Hohe Tauern National Park in East Tyrol. Covering an area of more than 1,800 km², it is the largest protected natural area in the Alps. East Tyrol is home to 266 three-thousand-meter peaks and over 100 mountain lakes – a true paradise for mountain lovers. And plenty of space to breathe.
Tour tips from the hotel:
The 3-lake tour with Grünsee (2,246 m), Schwarzsee (2,344 m), and Grausee (2,500 m), all of which are connected by the Messelingbach stream. The northern shore of the Grausee is lined with cotton grass fields and exudes tranquility.
The Gschlösstal valley is considered the “most beautiful valley head in Austria” – ideal for leisurely hikes or as a starting point for the glacier circular trail.
The hotel is located in the immediate vicinity of the Isel, the last free-flowing glacier river in the Eastern Alps. The “Iseltrail” starts directly from the hotel – there are several hiking stages along the wild river.
As a certified hiking hotel, the Naturhotel Outside offers free guided tours with hiking guides several times a week. Guests can also take part in national park ranger tours and, with a little luck, observe golden eagles, chamois, or marmots.
Even in winter, guided snowshoe and winter hikes invite you to experience nature. The Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei ski area is only 900 meters away – an insider tip with plenty of space, guaranteed snow, and no long waiting times. Cross-country skiers and ski tourers will also find ideal conditions here, far away from the hustle and bustle and crowds.
Activities | 3-Lakes Tour, Innergschlöss, Isel | Credits: EHG, TVBOsttirol_twosomepioneers
What guests can expect at the Naturhotel Outside:
- Nature hotel with 44 rooms and suites
- Family-run business with a long-standing team
- Central location in Matrei in East Tyrol, in the Hohe Tauern National Park
- Austrian Ecolabel & EU Ecolabel
- New nature spa with natural pool & Deferegger healing saltwater bath
- Regional gourmet cuisine: lots of homemade dishes from the culinary region of East Tyrol
- Official hiking hotel with free guided hikes & national park ranger tours
- From €150 per night including ¾ board & access to the Nature SPA
- Ideal for active vacationers, wellness vacationers, those seeking peace and quiet & nature lovers
Good to know: Going on vacation without a car – easier than you think. Guests arriving by train are offered a free shuttle to and from Lienz train station.
Book your vacation “in the heart of the outdoors”:
4*S Naturhotel Outside – Familie Ganzer
www.hotel-outside.at
Virgener Straße 3 | 9971 Matrei in East Tyrol | Tyrol, Austria
office@hotel-outside.at | +43 4875 5200
Note: This blog post was created as part of a paid collaboration with Naturhotel Outside.
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