Bloggers Dagmar and Bruno from Lucky Ways visited the Berghotel Rehlegg in Ramsau and brought along many interesting insights into the hotel.
Not only we, but also the bloggers Dagmar and Bruno of Lucky Ways try to minimize the ecological footprint when traveling. For us, they stayed at the Berghotel Rehlegg and spoke to host Franz Lichtmannegger about his sustainable hotel concept – and brought along many insights into the hotel. They shared their experiences with us:
Modern mountain lodge with a long tradition
The mountain farm home to today’s hotel dates back to 1452. When the grandfather bought the farm a good 100 years ago, they were considered as “Zuageroaste”, means strangers who had to fight for the recognition of the locals. Soon it was clear to both hosts that they had to develop an ecological hotel concept to meet the requirements of the highly sensitive mountain region in the National Park Berchtesgaden. In the foreground: the responsibility towards the locals and the tourists, but also the animals, flora, and fauna.
High Tech for the roof and bacteria for cleaning
A lot of responsibility for a hotel – how to handle in everyday life? “An aspect is that the hotel binds more carbon dioxide than it emits. Besides, the natural resources are saved through two solar thermal systems located on the hotel roof and a photovoltaic system. Thus, we can generate 70% of the energy required at the Rehlegg. The remaining required energy is sourced to 100% from the water power of the river Inn. Merely for the energy need of the cogeneration unit propane has to be obtained. As compensation we support the association ‘excellent climate’ with reforestation projects – for example, in Panama where they already planted 14,000 trees,” reports Franz Lichtmanneger.
Franz smiles when telling about the micro-organisms used at the hotel for cleaning. It required persuasion to convince the housekeeping that micro-organisms are a better alternative, than customary chemical cleaning materials for the hotel company and also for the staff. Micro-organisms are tolerated well by allergy sufferers, are ground water-neutral and antistatic. This becomes apparent when dusting.
Hotel owned cosmetic line based on meadow herbs
Franz’ niece Stefanie watches over the garden of the Berghotel Rehlegg. Both Bloggers meet her one day later on the rustic wooden terrace where she reports with bright eyes about 70 different alp herbs growing on the meadows all around the mountain hotel. These are part of the ingredients used for the cosmetics line belonging to the hotel, “Rehlegger Kräuterfee” (Rehlegger Herbal Fairy) which at the moment is still produced out, soon, however, following strict ecological guidelines it will be produced at the hotel.
Gourmet’s bar with home dishes
What would a hotel be without its restaurant and the pleasures linked with it? The Berghotel Rehlegg focuses on regional and seasonal kitchen and thus the prevailing part of the food is covered regionally. Regarding fish and meat, it is even 100%. Thus, the hotel supports small farms, that aim at respectful handling of their animals and condemn mass breeding. Besides, the hotel always buys the whole animal and in the hotel kitchen, every part is processed. Exact planning and creativity are asked for the preparation – the guests also appreciate this. It is especially impressive that even the Black Alpine Pig which was threatened is bred again: Up to the butchering after 18 months the animals live completely species-appropriate and are not stressed until the end.
Four days which passed too fast
After days of hiking adventures, lake-excursions, relaxed hours at the spa and in the lovingly decorated rooms we have to say goodbye to the Berghotel Rehlegg. Our result: “Only occasionally one experiences a hotel where ecology and comfort go so well hand in hand. And when even the service is perfect and the hotel kitchen meets all wishes, one feels closer to heaven. What borders on magic with only just 700 meters about sea level.”
Live your adventure for your own taste – With this slogan Dagmar and Bruno on their blog Lucky Ways provide tips and information for the individual traveler, who travels on his own, in his own tempo, self-sufficiently and off the beaten tracks and does not feel a contradiction between wilderness and adventure as well as culture and pleasure. If they have are not staying at a nice hotel, they travel off-road with their Landrover Discovery with a roof tent. Check out their Facebook and Instagram channels as well!
