Hosts & History at Pichlschloss

Name: Landsitz Pichlschloss - Heindl OG
Address: Stadlob 125, Neumarkt in der Steiermark, 8820, AT
Telephone: +43 3584 2426

The history and tradition of the Hotel Landsitz Pichlschloss

Pichlschloss is not a run-of-the-mill hotel. It is a historic building steeped in history, shaped by the people who have lived, worked and welcomed guests here. On 31 May 1332, the castle was first mentioned in a document under the name “Pühlern”, which means “people of the Pichl”. From 1885 onwards, Pichlschloss served as a “spa hotel”. Since then, Pichlschloss has fulfilled many roles: it served as a sanatorium for lung diseases, a maternity home and a convalescent home. The castle has been family-owned since 1926. It was at this time that Grete Paumgartner, the grandmother of the hostess Katrin Heindl, married into the Pichlschloss family. Today, it is a peaceful country retreat for guests seeking nature, seclusion and a personal atmosphere.

This history is palpable within the house: in the rooms, in the park and in the woods, in the stories that are passed on. Pichlschloss is a family-run hotel in Austria, though not in the conventional sense. It is a place that has been repeatedly repurposed, maintained and developed over the years.

View of a residential building featuring an outdoor terrace with green umbrellas and decorative shutters — The charming outdoor terrace invites relaxation amidst the serene landscape of Neumarkt.

A house that has grown over time and has many uses

Pichlschloss is closely associated with the themes of relaxation and health. During the era of pulmonary tuberculosis, it was used as a sanatorium. The fresh air, the location and its connection to medicine characterised this period. This ethos was later preserved. The castle has always been a place where people could come to regain their strength.

During the Second World War, Pichlschloss served as a maternity home. Around 3,000 children were born here. Women from the region, officers’ wives and also heavily pregnant mothers from Graz found a safe haven here. As a result, the castle became part of many families’ own history.

After this period, Pichlschloss developed into a convalescent home for civil servants. Guests often stayed for several weeks at the time, and members of the government also visited the house. A special memento from this era is the telephone line laid specifically for Minister Helmer. What sounds like a matter of course today was something special back then.

Daily life in the house was different too. Breakfast was still carried to the rooms on heavy trays. In the mornings, the clatter of cups and coffee pots echoed through the corridors. Farming was in full swing: cows, pigs, chickens, fields and woods were all part of the picture. Where the barefoot trail and Kneipp pool are located today, there used to be an ice pond. In winter, blocks of ice were cut out and stored in the earth cellar to keep food cool throughout the summer.

Rustic country house with white exterior and wooden accents surrounded by greenery — A serene setting offers a peaceful escape amid lush nature, perfect for relaxation.

Three generations of female leadership

Pichlschloss has been strongly shaped by women over three generations. The grandmother, Grete Paumgartner – affectionately known as ‘Mutti’ in the house – ran the business with great care. After the war, it was important to her that good food was served and that everyone could relax and recharge their batteries.

Later, the mother of the current hostess, Helga Gerke, took over the house. She, too, continued to run the business at a time when much was changing. Farming was scaled back somewhat, as food was more readily and cheaply available in shops. At the same time, the idea of maintaining this place remained. A healthy lifestyle remained important, and Dr Lennart Gerke ensured this was upheld.

Katrin Heindl and Matthias Heindl have revived many of these traditions. Fields, woodland and farming were already in place. This gave rise to a desire to do more themselves again, to produce goods more consciously and to collaborate more closely with local farmers. In this way, Pichlschloss is building on its history.

Hosts with character

Today, Pichlschloss is run as a quiet, cosy and intimate establishment. The hostess, Katrin Heindl, focuses primarily on the running of the house, the guests, the atmosphere and the well-being of everyone. Her husband, Matthias Heindl, is responsible for the outdoor areas, the farm, the technical aspects and everything that grows, needs tending and requires maintenance.

This division of tasks suits the character of the house. Inside and outside belong together. The house, the farm, the garden, the paths, the kitchen and the people form a small world of their own. Genuine, authentic and unpretentious.

A large proportion of the staff come from the local area. Many have been associated with the hotel for years. You can see this in everyday life: regular guests are recognised, preferences are remembered and little habits are noticed. This creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Vintage room featuring green walls, a grand piano, and a chandelier for stylish ambiance — This vintage-style lounge invites relaxation with its charming decor and elegant design.

Tradition and the present day

The history of the Pichlschloss is important, but the hotel does not dwell on the past. Over the years, the building has been adapted time and again: from a sanatorium to a maternity home and finally to the retreat it is today. What has remained is the conviction that this place offers something special.
Today, the team at Pichlschloss focuses on guests seeking peace and quiet, who value a healthy environment and prefer the advantages of a family-run establishment over those of a large hotel chain. Many guests stay longer; some have been returning for years. This fosters acquaintances, conversations and sometimes even friendships.

Pichlschloss combines tradition and the present not through grand gestures, but through its ethos: operating mindfully, strengthening regional cycles, preserving spaces, welcoming people and not over-shaping nature. Even the fact that there is no swimming pool is part of this story. Not everything needs to be built just because it is possible. Some things are better left as they are.

So, anyone visiting the Pichlschloss today is not just stepping into a hotel in the Murau region. They are coming to a place that has been welcoming, nurturing and supporting people for almost a century. A traditional establishment steeped in history, with a warm, personal touch and a clear sense of what should remain unchanged.

If you’d like to experience this special place for yourself, you can book your stay directly online or make an enquiry with no obligation.

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