The Hörl Family – Your Hosts at the HOCHKÖNIGIN

Family-run. Rooted in Maria Alm. Hosts for generations.

Behind the HOCHKÖNIGIN is the Hörl family. Over the years, the former Thalerhof has grown into our family-run 4-star superior hotel in Maria Alm in the Hochkönig region – and an idea has become a special place shaped by several generations of our family.

Since 2023, Stefanie Geisler-Hörl and Thomas Hörl have been leading the HOCHKÖNIGIN together into its next chapter. With fresh ideas, a strong sense of responsibility and something that has never changed: our personal way of making guests feel truly welcome.

Because here, family isn't simply part of our history. It's part of everyday life.

From the Thalerhof to the HOCHKÖNIGIN

A family story rooted in Maria Alm

Some stories don't begin with a grand plan. They begin with a house, a family and a genuine passion for hospitality.

For around 40 years, Josef and Hildegard Hörl ran the Thalerhof in Maria Alm. Step by step, the traditional village hotel developed into a place with a character all its own. Plans were made, new spaces created, ideas reimagined – and in 2019, this journey was given a new name: the HOCHKÖNIGIN.

Following extensive renovations and new developments, the hotel became the 4-star superior hotel in Maria Alm you see today. Modern, elegant and deeply connected to the Hochkönig region.

Another important chapter began in 2023, when Stefanie Geisler-Hörl and Thomas Hörl took over the management of the HOCHKÖNIGIN together, continuing what their parents had built while adding their own ideas for the future.

Not everything stays the way it once was. And that's a good thing. Because for us, a family story is also about having the courage to write new chapters.

From the Thalerhof to the HOCHKÖNIGIN

A family story rooted in Maria Alm

Some stories don't begin with a grand plan. They begin with a house, a family and a genuine passion for hospitality.

In 1979, Notburga and Alois Hörl laid the foundations for the Thalerhof in Maria Alm. What began as a traditional inn with guest rooms continued to grow and evolve over the decades. When Sepp and Hildegard Hörl took over, the next generation stepped in – and with them grew not only the hotel, but also the idea of what a holiday with the Hörl family should feel like: personal, warm and always evolving.

The hotel was extended, renovated and reimagined. The Dengl Alm was created, new rooms and wellness areas were added, and the restaurant and reception grew along with the hotel. The biggest transformation came in 2019: the Thalerhof became the HOCHKÖNIGIN – a family-run 4-star superior hotel in Maria Alm in the Hochkönig region.

But the story was far from finished. The rooms in what is now our RESIDENCE were redesigned, and in 2024 another special retreat was added high above the hotel: our rooftop TIARA SPA.

A lot has changed since 1979. One thing hasn't: behind this hotel is a family that continues to shape and develop it from one generation to the next.

Our most important milestones – from the Thalerhof to today's HOCHKÖNIGIN – at a glance:

Timeline of the HOCHKÖNIGIN in Maria Alm – from the Hörl family's Thalerhof in 1979 to the TIARA SPA in 2024

The Hörl Family – the People Behind the HOCHKÖNIGIN

To truly get to know the HOCHKÖNIGIN, you should also get to know the people behind it. You might meet some of us over breakfast, others at reception or working behind the scenes. And just a few kilometres away, another member of the family makes sure that some of the finest ingredients from our own organic farm find their way into the HOCHKÖNIGIN kitchen.

May we introduce? The Hörl family.

STEFANIE GEISLER-HÖRL

Host & Managing Director

A mum of three, a passionate host and one of the driving forces behind the HOCHKÖNIGIN. Since 2023, Stefanie Geisler-Hörl has been running the family-run hotel in Maria Alm together with her brother Thomas Hörl, leading it into the next generation.

Her heart lies in developing the HOCHKÖNIGIN and in marketing. She loves thinking big when it comes to new ideas – as long as one thing remains unchanged: the personality, genuine warmth and welcoming atmosphere that have always defined the hotel.

And when Stefanie isn't busy dreaming up something new? She loves spending time with her family in the place she calls home and others come to enjoy on holiday: Maria Alm in the Hochkönig region.

THOMAS HÖRL

Host & Managing Director

A host, family man and someone who likes to keep an eye on the bigger picture. Since 2023, Thomas Hörl has been running the HOCHKÖNIGIN together with his sister Stefanie Geisler-Hörl, leading the hotel into the next generation.

His main areas of responsibility are Food & Beverage and Controlling – although anyone who knows Thomas knows that his role rarely ends where the job description does. He gets involved, thinks ahead and is always there when a decision needs to be made, a solution found or simply an extra pair of hands is needed.

What matters most to him? Continuing to develop the HOCHKÖNIGIN without losing sight of its roots – as a family-run hotel in Maria Alm where personality and genuine hospitality will always be at the heart of everything.

JOSEF HÖRL

A Host at Heart

For decades, Josef “Sepp” Hörl shaped and developed the Thalerhof and later the HOCHKÖNIGIN together with his wife Hildegard. Ideas became renovations, renovations created new favourite places – and step by step, the former inn grew into today's 4-star superior hotel in Maria Alm.

In 2023, he handed over the day-to-day management to the next generation. A life entirely without the HOCHKÖNIGIN? Not quite. He still enjoys stopping by, keeping an eye on what's happening and usually has a practical solution ready before anyone else has even finished explaining the problem.

And when he's not at the hotel, you'll most likely find him enjoying his other great passions: farming and the mountains around Maria Alm.

HILDEGARD HÖRL

A Host at Heart

For many years, Hildegard Hörl shaped the Thalerhof and later the HOCHKÖNIGIN together with her husband Sepp. With a genuine feel for people, an eye for the little details and plenty of warmth, she has left her own personal mark on the hotel.

Today, the next generation has taken over the responsibility. But Hildegard hasn't said goodbye to the HOCHKÖNIGIN altogether. You'll still find her around the hotel from time to time – and if you're looking for a personal tip for Maria Alm and the Hochkönig region, she's certainly someone to ask.

Her greatest passion is right outside the door: nature. Hiking, gardening and the mountains around Maria Alm are simply part of life for Hildegard. And a favourite trail? Chances are, she knows more than just one.

Marina Hörl at Hotel die HOCHKÖNIGIN Maria Alm wellness hotel 4 star superior hotel Hochkönig region

MARINA BRUGGER

A Heart for Guests & a Head for Numbers

Marina knows the HOCHKÖNIGIN from many different perspectives. As a member of the Hörl host family, she is there for guests as well as working behind the scenes. You may meet her at reception, while in the background she takes care of the accounts with a keen eye for detail.

A listening ear for guests, a natural feel for people and a good head for numbers – Marina brings it all together. And when things get a little busy? She keeps calm, stays on top of things and, with her warm and welcoming manner, makes sure guests feel right at home at the HOCHKÖNIGIN.

SEPP HÖRL Junior

Farmer at Heart & Deeply Rooted in His Home Region

Sepp's workplace may be a little way from the HOCHKÖNIGIN, but it is closely connected to the hotel. Together with his family, Sepp Hörl Junior runs the organic Ebengut farm in Maria Alm, continuing another part of the family's tradition.

The farm supplies the HOCHKÖNIGIN kitchen with organic eggs and beef, among other products. For the Hörl family, regionality isn't about travelling many kilometres – it's a natural connection between farming, the hotel and its cuisine.

And when there's a little time away from the farm? Sepp loves heading into the mountains around Maria Alm and the Hochkönig region with his family. Home, in every sense of the word.

MARTHA HÖRL

A Host with a Green Thumb & a Passion for Good Food

Martha feels at home in several areas of the HOCHKÖNIGIN. Together with Thomas, she looks after Food & Beverage, helping to keep everything running smoothly wherever hospitality and good food come together.

Her second passion grows right outside the hotel: Martha lovingly takes care of the flowers in the garden and our herb garden. Planting, tending and seeing what is flourishing throughout the seasons brings a little piece of nature in Maria Alm into everyday life at the HOCHKÖNIGIN.

And as a mum of three, she knows that the best things often need a little time, attention and care. That goes for little people just as much as it does for flowers and herbs.

Rooted in Maria Alm. Connected to the Hochkönig.

For the Hörl family, Maria Alm is much more than the address of the HOCHKÖNIGIN. It is our home. We know the mountains, the trails and our favourite places. Our roots are here – and to this day, part of our family runs its own organic farm right here in Maria Alm.

Our guests can feel this close connection to the region too: in our personal tips for days out, in locally sourced products, in the views of the Steinernes Meer mountains and, of course, on the plate.

Because for us, regionality isn't simply a nice phrase for a hotel brochure. It's a natural part of everyday life.

The 4 women from the hotel die HOCHKÖNIGIN

What Being a Host Means to Us

A hotel can have beautiful rooms, a wonderful spa and seriously good food. But in the end, it is the people who turn it into a place you want to return to.

For us, being a host means being there in person, listening and sharing the place we call home with our guests. Recommending a favourite trail. Knowing where to find the best view that day. And sometimes simply taking the time for a conversation.

The HOCHKÖNIGIN is constantly evolving. It grows, new ideas take shape and the next generation takes on responsibility.

One thing should always remain: the feeling of being a guest of people – not simply staying at a hotel.

Perhaps We’ll Meet in Person Soon

By now, you already know our names and faces.

We’d much rather tell you the rest in person – perhaps over breakfast, at the bar, somewhere around the hotel or during a chance encounter in Maria Alm.

We look forward to welcoming you.

The Hörl Family & the TEAM OF THE QUEEN

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