The holiday home,
nestled in nature
In the heart of the Ybbstal Alps, far from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism, lies Nestelberg – a place with historyand soul. For several hundred years, this mountain farmhouse has shaped the life of one family. Host Reinhard, who spent his childhood here, and his wife Sonja now share this special place with guests who seek peace and authenticity.
Host Reinhard
“As a child, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents here in Nestelberg. Life as a mountain farmer was simple and tough back then – and yet my grandparents always radiated peace and contentment. This memory is deeply rooted in me, and it is exactly this feeling I want to share with our guests.”
A place to feel good. A temporary home.
Nestelberg is more than just a holiday home – it’s a retreat where tradition, nature, and heartfelt hospitality come together. A place where arriving feels like coming home. Here, in the quiet presenceof the majestic Ötscher, you’ll experience the freedom – in every season – to explore nature outdoors or find peace inside.
Welcome to a world that brings the essentials back into focus.
Host Sonja
“Since 2020, we’ve been welcoming guests to our holiday home – and it’s truly close to my heart that they feel at home here. That’s why I decorate with old treasures from the barn or attic, as well as with natural elements from outdoors.”
The legendary Ötscher –
a mountain full of stories
Majestic and mysterious, the Ötscher rises above the landscape, its name derived from Slavic origins meaning “father mountain.” At 1.893 meters, it’s not only an imposing presence in the Ybbstal Alps, but also a place that has fascinated people for centuries.
Even the Celts and Romans worshipped this mountain, and to this day, countless legends and myths surround it. It is said that hidden treasures lie deep within its caves and that powerful beings guard the region. The so-called “Ötscher spirit,” who is said to play tricks on hikers, is said to roam here too. But the Ötscher is more than a mountain of legends. Its rugged cliffs, expansive alpine meadows, and dense forests make it a paradise for nature lovers. In summer, spectacular hiking trails and the famous Ötscher Gorges – often called the “Grand Canyon of Austria” – attract visitors. In winter, the mountain draws both skiers and ski tourers.
Those who reach the summit are rewarded with a panoramic view that touches the soul. The Ötscher is a place that unites peace, adventure, and magic – a mountain where the stories of the past and the experiences of today come together.
Fire pit at the holiday home with a view of the Ötscher
History and origins
of the holiday home
The farmhouse at Nestelberg tells a story full of life and tradition. Several hundred years old, it bears the traces of a rich and eventful past. Originally owned by the Carthusian monastery of Gaming, it later passed into the hands of lumberjacks and farmers. For five generations, the house has belonged to the family of host Reinhard, who took it over from his parents in 2014.
At the beginning of this new chapter, the farm still served mainly agricultural purposes. But working in the aging and increasingly dilapidated building became more and more of a challenge. It quickly became clear: something had to change.
The first renovation work began with the goal of making the house suitable for private use. Past construction mistakes from the 1990s were reversed, and instead, reclaimed wood from the farm’s own stock, as well as authentic heirlooms and original farmhouse items, were used as decorative elements.
With great craftsmanship and dedication, the house was restored piece by piece. Along the way, the idea was born: to share the special charm of this place with others – and to bring new life to the old farm.
Rustic meets modern:
The architecture
The holiday home was built using materials that have long been available in the region: stone, clay, lime, and wood. This traditional building method was preserved to maintain the home’s authentic charm. At the same time, it was equipped with modern technology to ensure the highest level of comfort.
Today, Nestelberg unites historical authenticity with contemporary standards. It’s not just a retreat – it’s a living piece of history that breathes the spirit of the Ybbstal Alps.
Host Reinhard
“One of my favorite photos – my grandma skiing in Nestelberg in the late 1930s. Nestelberg has always had a close connection to skiing – back then as a way to get around, and today as the perfect setting for winter adventures at the foot of the Ötscher.”
Live the simple.
Feel the calm.
Enjoy the special.
#slowliving
