Gasthof Schäffer

Gasthof Schäffer is a family-run inn and restaurant in the Naturpark Mürzer Oberland beside the Neuberg monastery. Run by Karolin & Thomas Schäffer, the house blends traditional inn culture with gourmet cuisine, offers external catering by its award‑winning chef, and operates guestrooms with overnight and short‑stay packages that combine culinary experiences with hiking, fishing and glasswork visits; the business is recognised by Gault&Millau, Falstaff and a la Carte. The interior presents a traditional, cosy Austrian inn atmosphere with comfortable, homely rooms, including romantic rooms and large double rooms. Decor is gemütlich and rooted in regional hospitality and the surrounding nature‑park. The cuisine is regional, seasonal and creative, adapting menus to the seasons and promoting a local, seasonal philosophy. The kitchen practises farm‑to‑table sourcing—regional honey, daily eggs from its hens, self‑smoked salmon and char from its own breeding—and offers classic Austrian dishes alongside inventive contemporary plates; surprise multi‑course evening menus are available by reservation. Head chef Thomas Schäffer was Austria’s best apprentice, is a EuroSkills champion and is described as Europe’s youngest master chef after training in several acclaimed 'hauben' restaurants. Specialties include confited and tartare char with horseradish cream and caviar; beef tartare from alpine ox; bouillabaisse‑style fish soup; crispy char fillet with wild‑garlic risotto; Tom Kha stew with seafood and basmati rice; and ragout of Schneealm chamois (Gams) with semolina dumplings.