D A H O A M
We write the year 2005. Bernhard takes part in the Bike Transalp for the first time. The most famous mountain bike race in the Alps, with spectacular MTB routes and fantastic views. This year it leads from Mittenwald in Germany to the Adria in Italy. He cannot believe his eyes as he rides up the Wildkogel. The panorama of the Hohen Tauern, from the Großvenediger in the west to the Großglockner in the east, is simply breathtaking. One thing is clear to him: He will be back. And soon! So it comes as no surprise that our next summer holiday will be spent in one of the stage towns. What our children did not know back then was that their father was so impressed that he even wanted to look for a holiday home. A second home to relax in, somewhere in the wide valley of the Salzach, was his idea. We have to admit that every time we drive down the Pass Thurn, we are already looking forward to seeing this unique panorama again. The beautiful nature of the Pinzgau region is addictive. More than 18 years in the Wildkogel Arena have flown by. Not only in summer, but also in winter the mountain calls. All four of our children are so addicted to skiing that they have enrolled in the Innerhofer snow sports school. We discovered beautiful places, had a lot of fun and made many new friends.
The origin of Der Drahtesel
In the summer of 2021, after an extraordinary year in which we were barely in Austria because of the pandemic, Bernhard finally enjoys a beer and a schnapps at the Batzingerwirt after a bike ride. Or a couple. He overhears the Dutch owner telling a guest that he and his wife want to put the hotel up for sale. An hour later, Bernhard is on the phone with Erika. "Should we buy the Batzinger?" And so one thing led to another.
The Batzingerwirt becomes the Drahtesel. We did not have to think long about the name. The Drahtesel symbolises the beginning of our Austria adventure and many beautiful trips on two wheels together with friends and family.
GREEN HAPPINESS
We have been proudly bringing our family and friends to Austria for many years. It is a great feeling to share our happiness with them. With Der Drahtesel we hope to be able to do this on a larger scale. The feeling of pure freedom, relaxation and joie de vivre. This is what it should feel like when you come to Der Drahtesel. Take a deep breath, recharge your batteries and feel close to the nature. There should be room for rest and regeneration. Nature should not only be on the doorstep, but also in the idyllic rooms. Green happiness: literally and figuratively. Green in the house, sustainable, local, recycling, charging station. Add to this the style of the hotel, which is meant to be both detailed and cool, elegant and alpine. Not too hip, no, and above all not elitist. But cosmopolitan. It was to be a favourite place. For hotel guests and locals. A hotel where people meet after cycling, skiing or working. And which brings the local community back together. Guests can do their own thing, but they can also be taken along. By mountain bike, on foot, on a sledge, on skis... We are there for our guests! Arriving, chatting, refreshing, inside in the lounge or outside on the terrace. Our guests' experience is our priority, from the very first moment. After a long journey, we want our guests to check in in a lounge chair rather than at the reception desk. The less hotel chitchat, the better. Relax in the lounge with a snack and a drink. And the hotel breakfast is simply delicious. Our menu is slim, all dishes are freshly prepared with local, honest and organic products.
Lots of wood, clean lines, bold colours and an extra large terrace with views of the mountains await you. For those who wish to move a little more after the many activities, our fitness room is at your disposal. Coming home... is our motto
Echt HEMA
We are a real HEMA family (typical Dutch company). Our grandparents had two HEMA franchises, which were later taken over by their two daughters. Bernhard and Erika took over the store in Drenthe, where all the children grew up. Lieke, Merel, Joost and Emma. 1 son & 3 daughters. All four have chosen a different education and graduated from the University of Groningen. But now it was time for our family to embark on a new adventure. When Bernhard and Erika came up with the idea of buying the hotel - formerly the Batzingerwirt - all four were asked if one of them would like to run the hotel. Merel and her fiancé Koen took the opportunity and moved to Austria to run the hotel. Joost is currently working at HEMA and is doing an internal training at the Dutch company. Emma and Lieke concentrate on the business side of Hotel Der Drahtesel and are responsible for marketing, the website and bookings, and have their own jobs.
We are a cosy, warm and hardworking family. We are convinced that we can pass on to our guests the love, peace and cosiness that we have found in Austria.
We look forward to your arrival!