Hiking in Flachau

The Pongauerhof has been a member of Wanderhotels since 2023. As Jens & Maria are the youngest hoteliers in the Wanderhotels group, we would like to introduce them and their beautiful Pongauerhof here. A personal interview and atmospheric pictures are the best way to explain what makes a hiking vacation in Flachau so special.

Hiking hotel with heart

Jens took over the hotel at the age of 22 and has been the manager of the Pongauerhof hiking hotel ever since. He is a friendly guy, always ready with a joke and with a keen eye for his establishment. For all you romantics out there: Jens already has a girlfriend, Maria, who balances out his chaotic nature with her organized nature and is a real asset to the hotel—and to him, of course.

Maria's role at the Wanderhotel Pongauerhof is "girl Friday": reception, office, breakfast service, evening service. And when things get busy in the kitchen, she helps out there too. As a trained hotel and hospitality assistant, she worked at another hiking hotel for six years. Her positive experiences with the concept of cooperation motivated her to join the Pongauerhof as a member of the hiking hotels.

Jens grew up in the hotel and earned pocket money as a child by playing the accordion for guests. He later completed an apprenticeship as a chef and gained experience in other establishments before joining his parents' business in 2021. Today, he is the managing director, hiking guide, caretaker, and chef—quality and regionality are particularly important to him in the kitchen.

Q & A mit Maria und Jens

Maria: "I don't have a real favorite place—I see the entire hiking hotel as my favorite place." Jens: "The Kaminstüberl—it's especially cozy in the evening by the open fireplace."

"Vacuuming the dining room after breakfast!" laughs Maria. Jens adds: "And when a toilet is blocked, I get to fix it. There are more pleasant jobs, but what needs to be done has to be done."

"There will always be bigger, more luxurious hotels, but I will never find the authenticity and warmth that I experienced here again."

Maria: "Jens has it easy with me as a cook—a good Frittatensuppe will do 😊."

Jens: "Veal Wiener schnitzel with parsley potatoes and cranberries."

Maria: "The Path of Good Wishes" – the perfect tour, even if I don't have much time. It starts right in front of the hotel and takes about 1.5 hours. This themed trail draws your attention to the little things in nature that are often overlooked. I love the peace and quiet, so it's the perfect balance to the often stressful and noisy everyday life at the hotel. Of course, I also do this tour with our guests." Jens: "Mountain tour to the Penkkopf with a stop at my friend's place on the Kurzeggalm – they have the best snacks with homemade products."

Maria: "TEAM Sweet: Kaiserschmarrn" Jens: "Bacon"

Maria: "Alpine pasture." Jens: "As a passionate hunter, the forest, of course."

Maria: "TV – The Mountain Doctor"

Jens: "TV – Eberhofer crime series"

Beagle Kira, 4 years old – enjoys meeting lots of other dogs at the hotel.

Maria: "Summer"

Jens: "Winter"

Maria: "Exciting crime novels, not sappy romance novels." Jens: "Eberhofer crime novels and 'Der Anblick' – a magazine about hunting and nature in the Alps."

Maria: "As a trained sommelier: wine, of course, preferably red." Jens: "Wine."

Maria: "Hiking is the perfect balance to everyday life at the hotel. What could be better than exercising in our beautiful natural surroundings? Not only is it good for my body, but it also allows me to switch off from all the stress and just enjoy myself. In that sense, hiking is just as "effective" for me as it is for our guests, whom I can show the wonderful natural surroundings."

Jens: "Because it's the perfect balance and nature is so diverse and beautiful in every season."

Maria: "Mind reading—but only to anticipate guests' every wish, of course." Jens: "Four hands would sometimes be very useful in the kitchen!"

"Leave everyday life behind, feel free, and enjoy your vacation at the Pongauerhof hiking hotel to the fullest."