90 Years of Hochfirst.
, hospitality runs in the family
Hosts & History
Preserving what’s good and embracing the new. Our great-grandfather Valentin Gstrein knew this long ago when he laid the foundation for the Hochfirst in 1934. At the Hochfirst, it’s our tradition to offer you, quite simply, the very best. Excellent service. A luxurious atmosphere. Award-winning cuisine. Outstanding comfort. Today, we welcome you to the Hochfirst as the third and fourth generations of our family.
Sincerely, Your Host Family, Karl Fender
Naming
The "Hochfirst" Mountain
Host Karl Fender on the Hochfirst
1934 | How it all began.
Not too long ago, the Ötztal Valley still looked just like it does in Ludwig Ganghofer’s famous mountain novels: archaic, untamed, with peaks rising ruggedly and boldly into the sky, and cliffs that stand awe-inspiringly guarding the scattered high-altitude alpine pastures. Back in 1934, the Hochfirst was built under the leadership of hotel pioneer Valentin Gstrein and according to the plans of the famous architect Franz Baumann, in the shadow of the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Ötztal Alps.
1934–1950 | Advertising brochures from days gone by. Advertising back in the day.
Not only has our hotel changed over the years, but our promotional offers also looked a little different back then. It’s nice to see that, then as now, our guests’ comfort always comes first.
1951 | The Construction of the Tower.
The first expansion was also forward-thinking: the modern tower addition added another 45 beds to the hotel. Hotelier Valentin Gstrein once again demonstrated his keen business sense and saw a significant increase in guest numbers. He was always a step ahead of his time. Even back then, the Hochfirst stood out with a passenger elevator—a rare luxury for that era.
1969 | A New Era.
The first generational transition took place in the 1960s: Valentin Gstrein’s son Franz, along with his wife Hanni, took over the Hochfirst. With forward-thinking vision, Franz Gstrein expanded the Hochfirst to include an additional 80 beds and a seminar room. The new indoor swimming pool—the largest in the Ötztal at the time—was the talk of the town. The legendary “Rendezvous Bar” brought glitz and glamour to Obergurgl, with stars like Udo Jürgens and Roberto Blanco performing there.
1993 | The Complete Renovation.
In 1993, Franz Gstrein handed over his life’s work to his daughter Daniela and his son-in-law Karl Fender. They initiated a complete renovation: The entire Hochfirst, including all guest rooms, the hotel lobby, the reception area, and the conference rooms, was remodeled, renovated, and expanded. After several months of construction, the Hochfirst shone in new splendor in December 1993.
1998
Karl and Daniela Fender are opening the Beauty Farm on the first floor—yet another cutting-edge innovation. The seven treatment rooms greatly expand the range of beauty and treatment services offered. In addition, 26 more guest beds are being added.
1999
Just six years after the complete renovation, the next major development is underway: a new dining room, buffet area, and wine cellar are being added to the Hochfirst. As a result of the expansion, the day bar and the hotel lobby will be relocated.
2004
The “Alpen Spa” wellness area is being renovated and expanded. Spanning 1,500 m², it offers the ultimate in relaxation with a 220 m² indoor and outdoor pool, a saltwater grotto, an aromatic steam bath, a bio sauna, a traditional sauna, a natural waterfall, and relaxation rooms.
2007
Former Federal Chancellor Dr. Alfred Gusenbauer confers the title of Kommerzialrat on Karl Fender.
2008
The Chamber of Commerce has rated the Hochfirst as ****Superior. In addition, the hotel’s standards will be raised once again: This summer, the Hochfirst Superior double rooms and Royal Suites will undergo a complete renovation.
2009
On behalf of the Federal President, Tyrolean Governor Dr. Günther Platter presents Mr. Karl Fender, Commercial Counselor, with the Golden Medal of Merit of the Republic of Austria. In addition, Hochfirst becomes an official partner of Porsche Germany. Renovation of the fireplace area, sunroom, and wine tasting room.
2011
The rooms in the Königskogl category and the Residenz suites are undergoing a complete renovation. The double rooms and suites will feature exclusive and timelessly elegant furnishings. The formerly steep staircase leading to the ski storage room will be replaced by a passenger elevator, and the ski storage room itself will be modernized.
2012
The wellness offerings are being expanded: A Tyrolean sauna cabin is being built in the outdoor area, and a Swiss stone pine clothing sauna is being constructed in the pool area.
2013 | The year is all about a major renovation.
35 double rooms in the Festkogl and Zirbenkogl categories, as well as the Gurgl, Hochfirst, and Kristall suites. The expansion will also include the Hochfirst Lounge and the Gourmetstube. The hotel lobby and the winter garden will be expanded.
2014 | The Hochfirst celebrates its 80th anniversary.
To mark the anniversary, the hotel industry association of the Chamber of Commerce awarded it 5 stars. But that was no reason for the Fender family to rest on their laurels. New room categories are being introduced: the “Seenplatte” single and double rooms and the “Spiegelkogl” junior suites. A highlight of a special kind are the two luxurious panoramic suites on the newly built 5th floor.
2016 | Grand Reopening & Redesign.
Hochfirst Shop During the 2016/17 season, the small but exquisite hotel shop opened its doors in the Hochfirst***** lobby. Treat yourself or your loved ones to exclusive gift ideas: fine schnapps from the premium Rochelt distillery, high-quality decanters from the Tyrolean glassworks Riedel, teddy bears and stuffed animals from the traditional Steiff brand, fur blankets, and much more. New as of November 2016: Exclusive silver accessories from the world’s leading brand, Christofle. Gourmet Retreats Redesigned The restaurant at the Hochfirst*****, with its cozy dining rooms, is a culinary destination worthy of a top culinary award. Gourmets are sure to find their own quiet, stylish spot to enjoy themselves in these newly designed retreats—from a hearty, nourishing breakfast to a 6-course gourmet dinner. A highlight is the gleaming and sparkling Crystal Room. New Hochfirst Bar The Hochfirst Bar and the cozy fireplace area have been given a fresh new look.
2017 | New luxury suites at the Hochfirst.
Since the winter of 2017/18, the Hochfirst***** has been sporting a new “crown”: The expansion of the top floor and the addition of a new roof level have created two new suites that meet the highest standards for a vacation residence. This forward-looking investment in quality is also a lovely nod to the early years. After all, even at its opening in 1934, the Hochfirst featured an elegant flat roof. Today, the Sky Suite and the Penthouse Suite impress with their expansive glass walls, offering magnificent views of the surrounding three-thousand-meter peaks and the valley floor. Inside, a modern, elegant chalet style invites guests to relax. In addition to the two new suites, a new Panorama Suite has also been created on the 5th floor.
2018 | New Santé Wine Shop.
It was a labor of love for us to create even more space for your passion for fine wines to flourish. The new “Santé” wine bar has become a true gem and offers a stylish setting for wine tastings with our sommelier or for an exclusive private dining experience featuring a gourmet menu. In an inviting atmosphere featuring fine materials and reclaimed barrel wood, you can enjoy rare wines from the world’s finest wine-growing regions. The finest Riedel glassware brings out the full bouquet of each wine.
2019 | Award for the Gourmestube.
Our gourmet restaurant was awarded 2 toques by Gault&Millau in 2020.
2020 | New Hochfirst Beauty & Luxury Rooms.
The Hochfirst Beauty & Spa area has been completely redesigned: Five spacious, new treatment rooms offer exclusive beauty treatments and massages in a special atmosphere. The “Spiegelkogl” double rooms and the luxurious “Mountain Suites” have been furnished in a modern, elegant chalet style. The spacious bathrooms, featuring a bathtub, shower, and flat-screen TV, serve as oases of relaxation. The vacation experience is crowned by glass-enclosed balconies and large windows that offer views of an impressive mountain panorama.
2022 | Member of Hideaways Hotels.
The Hochfirst is a new member of the renowned HIDEAWAYS HOTELS Collection. This collection brings together hand-selected, owner-operated properties that stand out for their uniqueness—we are proud and delighted to now be a part of it.
