Nature’s Finest: Schloss Hotel Fiss In Tyrol Is A Complete Reset

I must have used the word wholesome about 10 times a day while staying at Schloss Hotel Fiss in Tyrol. From hiking in the mountains and an Alpine herb workshop, to morning swims with a breathtaking backdrop and tons of fantastic local food, this really is a place to reset and feel good.

We were in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, a beautifully Tyrolean area in western Austria, about an hour from Innsbruck. Well known as a ski destination, it is now attracting lots of visitors during summer and early autumn, with people wanting to escape high temperatures and enjoy that pure Alpine air.

As its names suggest, the five-star Schloss Hotel is based in the village of Fiss, known for its hikes and trails. Staff can help organise said hikes and after taking a cable car from behind the hotel, we set off on a three hour yomp up the mountains with local guide Christian. The scenery en route was simply breathtaking and at the top we could see mountains from four countries – the Zugspitze in Germany, the Wildspitze in Austria, the Ortler in Italy and the Piz Alpetta in Switzerland. Feeling on top of the world in every sense, you could see how connected we all are. 

Coming back down through the lush green Urgtal valley, we plonked ourselves down for a ‘Jause’ or snack by the river. We were joined by some gorgeous guests with their unique, wonderful soundtrack – the clanging of cowbells as Tyrolean cattle munched on their own Jause of grass nearby.

Back at the hotel it was time for more munching; Schloss Hotel Fiss is all inclusive and the food is top notch. You can graze on pasta and meats, apple strudel and chocolate cake, at lunch and in the afternoon. Breakfast is a fantastic help-yourself buffet with fresh fruit, carafes of smoothies, delicious local cheeses and bread, bacon, waffles, pancakes and eggs. 

At dinner my green salad alone had about eight different types of leaves and divine dressings. The evening menu changes regularly with dishes like saddle of beef, smoked duck and salmon fillet. The hotel also has its Beef Club, which has a Michelin star and four Gault&Millau toques. With just 45 seats it’s wise to book in advance.

Schloss Hotel Fiss prides itself on working with local farmers and producers. We visited in September during its Culinary Autumn programme where said produce is showcased in the hotel. I tried a fabulous kiachl – a deep-fried doughnut from the region – washed down with a Starkenberger beer. There was a guy playing the accordion and yodelling, and chefs cooking Tomahawk steak with the mountains behind. You couldn’t have got more picture perfect Tyrolean. And it all felt totally authentic, this is their DNA. 

At the very welcoming bar, manager Sam Lutz was on hand to help with drinks choices. After chatting about what foods I leaned towards, he suggested an Alpine Negroni with their homemade Angostura Bitter and local Kössler 16/60 Gin. Perfection. 

The staff here – many of whom are dressed in traditional Tyrolean dress – are so helpful and full of personality. As this hotel is family-run and owned, you really feel that filter through with daily cheery greetings of ‘guten morgen’ and ‘schönen tag’. 

Schloss Fiss has 135 rooms, all individually and sympathetically designed for this Alpine region and each with a terrace or French balcony. There were also local Valentina & Philippa shampoo and lotions in the bathroom, as well as toasty underfloor heating.

Outside of the hotel, the cute village of Fiss is well worth a wander for its bars and knick-knack shops. Its Baroque parish church with its high altar is surprisingly ornate inside. While about a 20 minute walk away is the pretty Wolfsee, a lake where you can amble, play volleyball or take a picnic.

Back at the hotel there are daily programmes of events. We took part in an Alpine herb workshop in German and English and made a thyme-rose hair rinse, a herbal salt, a yarrow balm and a powdered deodorant. The ingredients – like mugwort, lavender, roses and juniper – were sourced and foraged locally. Our lovely teachers told us these recipes had been passed down for generations and to paraphrase their German, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’.

We popped our heads into the very impressive kids’ club with an indoor slide, wooden toys, craft classes and books. Work was also underway on a substantial activity centre, PeaX, due to open in summer 2027. Set over three floors the indoor/outdoor space will have ninja climbing and obstacle courses, Bit-Pong and the iWall, an interactive gaming wall designed for physical play. 

Winter 2026/2027 will also see two dedicated ski-in/ski-out lifts giving faster access to the slopes. Plus its smart storage system will have ventilation to dry your skis, boots, hats and gloves. Very fancy. 

There’s a well equipped gym and a good choice of classes. I joined Pilates with a wonderful instructor who, speaking both English and German, really put us through our paces. It was clear from the ‘oofs’ and ‘aahs’ in the class that stretching noises are universal.

Unwinding, I took myself off to the fabulous sauna area – including the dedicated family one. For about half an hour I had it to myself and it was bliss. Meanwhile the adult sauna is ‘textilfrei’, or textile free, so no swimming cossies allowed. You go as Mother Nature intended but you can still wear a towel. It’s worth shedding not just your clothes, but all embarrassment for the experience. 

There’s a great kids’ water slide, jacuzzi, hot tub and the main swimming pool seamlessly goes from indoor to outdoor. I happily spent the mornings swimming here before breakfast, where the water was warm and the mountain view spectacular. With the sun shining and my mind calmed, it was, dare I say it again, so wholesome. 

Margaret at Schloss Fiss

C&TH Key Notes

Push the boat out… And make the most of the seriously good buffet breakfast, where you can return for as many courses as you like. There is fresh fruit, eggs cooked to order, bacon, sausages, local honey, cheese and delicious Tyrolean pastries. 

You must try… The outdoor pool and jacuzzi first thing in the morning. With its picture perfect mountain backdrop and fresh air, it really sets you up for the day. 

Bag a seat… In the Fireplace Lounge, where you can keep toasty by its roaring fire and enjoy a hot chocolate or a hot toddy.

The Last Word: For a totally wholesome trip in Tyrol, Schloss Hotel Fiss ticks every box. Great for adventurers, skiers, foodies and multi-generation breaks, it is the perfect place to reset and unwind. 

Room rates at Schloss Hotel Fiss start from €542 in summer and €746 in winter. This includes breakfast, afternoon buffet and dinner. For more visit schlosshotelfiss.com 

Margaret’s flights from London Gatwick to Innsbruck, and return flight from Munich had a carbon footprint of 297kg of CO₂e (ecollectivecarbon.com)