A business with a tradition

Our history, from early times until today

The history of our hotel dates back to 1958. It was in that year my father's parents purchased the Wagnerstall (former carpenter's building) and opened up a little village shop there. In 1962 they purchased the adjoining Kasstecherhaus (former lace-up shoe shop) and moved in with their 4 children. Since the shop was no longer big enough, they linked the shop and their house in 1963. Even at that time my grandparents were aware of the growth in tourism and they planned to construct an area to include 12 spacious guest rooms and a breakfast room. From 1963 to 1982 the old wooden building and the former stable area became the main building, and it is this floor plan that remains to this day.

In 1982 my parents, Anneliese and Herbert Lohninger, then decided to take over their own parents business and moved from Upper Austria – where my mother came from – back to Rauris. They worked hard to help my grandparents, until they in 1991 – as parents themselves to 3 little girls – officially took over the hotel.

From this point on, the bed and breakfast establishment became cosy "Pension Lohninger", providing a half-board option and a wellness area. With a great deal of attention to detail and hospitality, they forged many friendships with regular guests, which have lasted to this day.

For financial reasons my parents closed the food shop in 2005. By that time the shop area spanned 550 m².

In 2006 I took over the hotel from my parents and worked at full tilt; in 2010 we used the empty business space, turning our cosy, family guesthouse into a hotel with a snug, reception area, 2 comfortable apartments, 18 extensive well-being double rooms and family rooms, along with a wellness area made from genuine Rauris marble.

In 2014 we rearranged our hotel offer to provide breakfast. Then in January 2016 there was a great deal of joy when my daughter Sarah came into the world. In May 2018, I enjoyed wonderful wedding celebrations with my husband Ewald. In November 2019 our son Valentin was born, making our happiness together as a family complete.
From then to now we have done a great deal in terms of tourism, business and technical aspects – we too in the Birkenhof are always working on change, endeavouring to give and offer our best.

Today's Birkenhof has developed, thanks to a great deal of love and endeavour, and we invite you to stay for a while and enjoy yourself. Birkenhof – a very special breakfast hotel.

Doris Kloiber