Five Cozy Fine-Dining Gems in Tirol
Gasthof Einhorn Schaller in Schwaz
Specializing in traditional Austrian food, Florian Knapp and his wife Selina are serving customers in Schwaz and have built a solid reputation. The rustic decor and the nostalgic charm in the old parlors makes this lovely inn a favorite gathering spot. In its venerable history, the tables have been crowded with inspiring people – captured in drawings, paintings and carvings on the walls all around. If you enjoy privacy while eating, sit down on the tiny kitchen parlor’s only table for an intimate dining experience.
Matreier Tauernhaus in Matrei, East Tirol
Matreier Tauernhaus is a storied spot to dine at an elevation of 1,512 meters. The original location opened more than 800 years ago as a mountain refuge for those daring to cross Felbertauern Mountain Pass, and you can still enjoy shelter and warmth here. Inside the lovely “Bauernstubn” (‘farmer’s parlor’), the wood paneling with paintings of famous local artist Albin Egger-Lienz transport patrons back to time long past. The storied establishment serves local specials like trout, “Kasnocken” and East Tirol “Schlipfkrapfen”.
Gasthof Gemse in Zams
Gasthof Gemse in Zams has been operated by the Haueis Family since 1726 and has bragging rights for being among the oldest family-run restaurants in the country. The elaborate timber paneling in the old parlor dates back to the 18th century and shows that little seems to have changed – which is a good thing. The storied and cozy parlor seats 30 people and is a wonderful spot for family reunions and celebrations. Owner and executive chef Seppl Haueis’ menu is both upscale and accessible, featuring a comforting menu of Austrian and Tirolean dishes to a sophisticated level. The dedicated chef-owner has earned multiple international awards over the years and he showcases a bounty of seasonal ingredients from his own farm, herb garden and hunting grounds in his dishes.
Landgasthof zum Wilden Mann in Lans near Innsbruck
Only ten minutes by car from Tirol’s capital Innsbruck you will find this country inn named “Wilder Mann” (which translates to ‘wild man’). Deeply rooted in tradition, this inn has been around since the 16th century, and it’s still going strong. Antique furniture decorates the beautiful, themed dining parlors that bear names like “Jägerstüberl” (‘hunter’s parlor’) or “Weberstube” (‘weaver’s parlor’) and host hungry guests for memorable dining experiences. “Wilder Mann” inn has consistently enjoyed a reputation as the epitome of fine dining in Tirol and is synonymous with immaculately prepared local specialties.
Gasthof Herrnhaus in Brixlegg
Deeply steeped in history, Herrnhaus inn was a meeting place for patriots and was frequented by Tirolean freedom fighter and folk hero Andreas Hofer during the Tyrolean Rebellion against the revolutionary Napoleonic invasion in the early 19th century. Christian Moigg is running this storied place in third generation and specializes in traditional Tirolean food with an international twist. Antiques, timber paneling and tiled stoves serve as the decor in the beautiful oriel rooms. However, it is in cooking game that the kitchen really comes into its own, with all of its game sourced from own hunting – on which it has built a deserved reputation.
Having worked overseas for years, Klaus Brunner returned home to explore Tirol with his camera and microphone in tow. Home is where the heart is.
