With 600 years of hospitality under its belt, the Goldener Hirsch is as much a part of Salzburg’s history as Mozart, the cathedral and the castle.
In the heart of the Old Town, on the Getreidegasse main street, steps away from all the main attractions: Mozart’s birthplace, the cable railway up to Hohensalzburg Castle, The Sound of Music film locations and Christmas Markets.
The look is Austrian country house, with ancient stone arches and wood, white walls, traditional fabrics and a massive hand-carved reception desk that looks like a museum antique. Walls are dotted with old prints and hunting trophies. Hirsch means deer and the hotel’s leaping deer logo is everywhere. But the comforts are plush and quality is first-rate; staying here is a treat.
In three historic buildings, the rooms are different in shape and size but all have the same rustic-chic character. Many of the hand-painted antique beds, cupboards and chests were rescued from nearby farms after the Second World War. Bathrooms are contemporary, often with marble tops, heated towel rails and separate toilets. Cleverly hidden away is all the 21st-century technology needed by today’s international travellers.
The hotel is home to two of Salzburg’s best-known eating spots. For cosiness, there is the 250-year-old s’Herzl, where wood-panelled walls sport photos of the world-famous musician and actors who have eaten here.
What was a medieval blacksmith’s is now the light, bright Goldener Hirsch, whose gourmet menu focuses on local produce, for example venison with asparagus, wild garlic gnocchi and mushrooms. Much-requested is table four in one corner, where conductor Herbert von Karajan always sat.
The gourmet breakfast buffet served in a separate first-floor room continues in a similar (local) vein, with cheeses, breads, hams and eggs, and you can also order eggs Benedict or Palatschinken, Austria’s version of pancakes.
