The Story of the Seminar & Country Hotel "Häuserl im Wald"
1937
Karl Schupfer purchased the inn “Häuserl im Wald”,
also known as “Brenner”, in 1937 and managed it together with his wife Hilda. The inn, along with its farm, quickly became a popular excursion destination and gained recognition far beyond the Enns Valley.
Over the years, extensions such as a dining hall, kitchen, guest rooms
and farm buildings were added. Even back then, the “Häuserl im Wald” was considered a hidden gem for holidaymakers seeking relaxation and enjoying the traditional “summer retreat” on the Mitterberg.
Its particularly beautiful and quiet location at 800 meters above sea level, surrounded by a stunning mountain panorama of the Schladminger Tauern and Niedere Tauern, made it an ideal starting point for numerous hikes into the nearby valleys.
1973
Karl and Hilda Schupfer expanded the country inn with a large extension, transforming it into a “country hotel” for the first time.
With the construction of a modern kitchen, 20 comfortable rooms, cozy dining lounges, and a large banquet hall, ideal conditions were created for events such as weddings, family celebrations, and corporate functions.
1980
The daughter Hildegard took over the business together with her husband Johann Langanger.
Plans for further expansion — already envisioned by the next generation — were set into motion.
1990 - Expansion of the Business
This phase focused particularly on expanding leisure facilities in and around the hotel
(including a driving range and landscaped hotel gardens), as well as upgrading the rooms to a 4-star standard.
A spa area featuring a steam bath, whirlpools, solarium, outdoor pool, and a café was created.
Seminar Rooms for Training and Education in Styria
The main focus was on the development of state-of-the-art seminar rooms.
Upon completion, these facilities made the hotel highly attractive for conference guests from both Austria and abroad.
1991
Awarded the fourth star as the seminar and country hotel "Häuserl im Wald!
1993
The driving range was removed to create more space for guests seeking relaxation.
During this time, an outdoor pool in the hotel garden was built.
2003-2007
A ski storage room for winter and a bicycle room for summer were added. The kitchen was upgraded with new, advanced equipment. Additionally, both mobile and fixed internet stations were installed, and the TV lounge was renovated.
The entire operation transitioned to renewable energy with the installation of a modern woodchip heating system. Sustainability was further enhanced by replacing all windows
in the main building.
In 2007, the former café was converted into a modern reception area with a separate hotel entrance.
2008-2013
A storm destroyed the outdoor pool, which was subsequently rebuilt as a new heated pool.
A new playground was constructed, and an asphalt curling lane was added, allowing year-round use of the facility.
The former “Waldstüberl” was replaced by today’s wine cellar.
2015
Son Christian took over the business together with his wife Margret Langanger, representing the third generation.
2016-2018
The sauna area was expanded, modernized, and optimized.
In preparation for the upcoming smoking ban in gastronomy, the outdoor guest garden was completely redesigned.
With 6,897 votes, Häuserl im Wald achieved 4th place in the ranking of “Most Popular Culinary Enjoyment Spot with a View.”
2019-2020
A major renovation combined the pension dining room with the TV lounge, creating a larger buffet area.
The hotel roof was also renewed and better insulated.
During the quieter COVID period, the old guesthouse was demolished
and replaced with a bicycle parking area including e-charging stations.
2021
Construction of an 800 m² artificial ice rink for year-round ice skating and curling.
Additionally, the seminar room underwent a major renovation and was upgraded to the latest technical standards.
Smaller saunas were combined into a spacious bio sauna.
2022
Part of the barn was converted into staff apartments to create new employee accommodation and the entire roof of the building was renewed. A photovoltaic system was installed on the south side, contributing significantly to sustainable and energy-efficient self-sufficiency.
The seminar hotel also received its first 4 Flipcharts certification.
2023
To ensure operational security during the energy crisis, a high-performance emergency power generator was installed.
This allows uninterrupted operation of seminar facilities, guest services, and the restaurant in the event of a power outage.
At the same time, the relaxation area in the hotel garden was redesigned.
The hotel was awarded its first Golden Flipchart for 2022, further enhancing its 4 Flipcharts classification.
2024
The seminar break room was renovated and redesigned in a modern style.
A new, cozy relaxation area was also added to the sauna.
This year, the hotel received the Golden Flipchart Award for 2023 with an outstanding overall satisfaction rating of 99.33%.
2025
The Erzherzog Johann Suite is being transformed into a modern suite suitable for both families and seminar leaders.
The seminar hotel was once again part of the Golden Flipchart Award ceremony for 2024.
The restaurant entrance was redesigned to be barrier-free, and the establishment was honored as a “Kulinarium Steiermark” business
by the provincial governor.
Additionally, the hotel once again achieved the 4 Flipcharts certification, signaling outstanding seminar and conference quality.
The success story continues…
Throughout the years, the traditions of our house have been preserved with great personal dedication
and the next generation continues to uphold these values.
Although the “Häuserl im Wald” has grown into a hotel over time, our goal remains the same:
to maintain a warm, personal, and family-friendly atmosphere while ensuring the well-being of our guests in every possible way.
Your Family Langanger
