A brief look back
50 years of natural talent history
3 generations have already shaped it, the Molzbachhof, have planned, built, reopened, planned again and so on. It is now 50 years since the hotel first welcomed guests. An incredible amount has changed since then. What has remained is the love and passion for hospitality.
Starting times
The Molzbachhof was opened on December 15, 1969. A guest room with 60 seats and 13 guest rooms were the modest beginning. Even then, most of the guest rooms were equipped with a shower, while the others had a shared bathroom and WC facilities.
The seating terrace was built just over a year later and the dining room was added two years later.
In 1973/74, a new annexe was built next to the main building. Five rooms, all with shower and WC, provided space for additional guests. A slaughterhouse for in-house slaughtering was set up in the basement.
The following year, covered parking spaces for eight cars were built.
In 1979, an extension was added to enlarge the kitchen and create a cozy parlor.
A general refurbishment of the building was also carried out: All rooms were fitted with showers and toilets, the existing sanitary facilities were renovated and energy costs were reduced by installing a solar system and recovering heat from the refrigeration units. The addition of a terrace covered by an awning in 1981 further increased the available space.
Takeover
of the 2nd generation
In 1984, son Peter took over the family business. Driven by the building enthusiasm inherited from his father, he began building a connecting wing between the main building and the annexe in the same year. 12 new rooms, a lounge, a reception and additional WC facilities were created.
On November 9, 1985, Peter Pichler married the innkeeper's daughter Anna Simml from Rettenegg. A son was born to the couple on March 25, 1987, who was given his father's name, and their daughter Elisabeth was born on December 15, 1988.
In 1987, the idea of a "slow train" was realized with master locksmith Matthias Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs converted a tractor into a "locomotive". With its three covered trailers, it has been pulling leisurely through the beautiful surroundings ever since. It has 24 seats and is an attraction for guests and locals alike.
In the same year, the Molzbachhof was extended by adding three single rooms and a seminar room to the attic. A fire protection system was also installed.
The construction of a sauna in 1990 laid the foundations for turning the Molzbachhof into an oasis of peace, health and relaxation. In addition to the Finnish sauna, there is a bio-sauna, steam cabins, whirlpools, a Kneipp course and a solarium.
Wellness center
In 1993, with the help of Herbert Pribil, the massage business was started, and since 1995 a hay bath has also been available to guests. Since then, Herbert Pribil and his team have been pampering guests with a wide range of wellness treatments.
Adventure mill
In 1991, Peter Pichler fulfilled a long-awaited wish. Under the expert guidance of Ernst Rössler, the current, fully functional "adventure mill" was built from old mills from the surrounding area. Most of the original components were used. The mill wheel was newly built by Mr. Rössler.
This mill is a popular place for both locals and guests. Mr. Rössler not only runs the mill, but also bakes bread in the wood-fired oven installed by Herbert Tauchner. The bread is baked using grain he has ground himself. Everyone, young and old, is delighted with the expert and humorous tour given by Mr. Rössler, who was soon awarded the fitting title of "Mill Professor".
In 1992, the Pichler family planted a herb garden in front of the house. The wine cellar is now located underneath. The following year, a house near the forest pond was purchased. The house was given the name "Molzi" and was converted into a vacation home with three vacation apartments according to the latest building biology knowledge.
The founder of the Molzbachhof, father Anton Pichler, died in July 1994.
Gasthaus zum Wellnesshotel
In 1995, a field house was built near the mill. This serves as a room for various activities (such as handicraft exhibitions); fragrant mountain hay is stored in the loft for hay baths. In 1999, a cozy, tastefully furnished conservatory was built in place of the covered terrace. Due to the many additions in recent years, a renovation was necessary to give the Molzbachhof a uniform appearance.
In 2000, a conversion was carried out that united the various construction phases of the house under one harmonious façade.
A new main entrance with reception was created, a breakfast buffet, the kitchen was enlarged and the entire 2nd floor was extended. The additional tower apartments that were built characterize today's appearance and are visible from afar.
The year 2005 brought extensive changes. The earthworks for the Paradiesgart'l, the relocation of the access road and the opening of the covered garage took place during this time.
While the Paradiesgart'l next door was slowly taking shape, the guest garden was completely redesigned in 2006 with elaborate paving and water features.
The Paradiesgart'l, which opened in June 2007, is a new attraction and delights guests and visitors alike.
Takeover
3rd generation & wooden hotel
In 2011, the gourmet rooms, the Finnish sauna, the brine gallery and the wine cellar were built.
2013 Implementation of the Cook the Gart'l and
Feel the Gart'l project, which also won the Lower Austrian "Innovation Award" in 2014.
2015 Renovation of the Zirbe Waldesruh rooms, the first rooms to focus on wood.
In 2016, Peter jun and Nina took over their parents' business and the energy center was built, where green electricity has been generated since October 2016 and the house is heated with the waste heat from electricity generation.
In 2017, the largest project to date was realized, the Holzbach, the wooden construction without glue and chemicals make the extension unique. Guests can now also enjoy the heated outdoor pool with relaxation rooms and the new entrance hall with its many reclaimed wood elements. At the same time, a new laundry was built in the main building, where we still wash our hotel laundry ourselves, the toilet facilities were renovated and new staff rooms were created.
In 2018, the former hotel entrance became the "Lehen" restaurant, our gourmet restaurant Gaumenkitzel was opened and 4 Molzbach rooms were converted into the new single rooms Zirbe Saurücken.
We are change makers.
The Naturtalente can proudly count themselves among the Change Maker Hotels. The hosts have been committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly management for several generations - for a healthy world worth living in.
