Tradition & hosts
3 star Hotel & Gasthof Markterwirt in Altenmarkt in Pongau
The Markterwirt in the centre of Altenmarkt im Pongau is an over 900 year old gem and can look back on a very long history. Let the active tradition and hospitality in the cosy snugs work their magic on you. The Schneider Family and team look forward to welcoming your to the 3 star hotel and gasthof in Altenmarkt, Salzburger Land.
The Markterwirt over the years
- In 1528 erteilte the Archbishop of Salzburg gave saction to build the “Taffern in Altenmarghkt“. Thus the groundstone for today’s Markterwirt was laid
- A year later, in September 1529, building of the tavern was completed.
- Until the mid-19th century the Markterwirt was the only licensed guesthouse in Altenmarkt.
- The building complex of wood with stabling for around 10 horses only survived for 120 years. The annual flooding of the Zauchbach river caused massive damage over the years, so that the building had to be completely rebuilt in 1652. In addition three further snugs were panelled and next to the existing stable a second riding stable for a further 12 horses was built.
- With the rebuilding of the tavern the floodwater from the”Zauch” couldn’t be totally eliminated, but the sturdier building withheld smaller natural catastrophes.
- The basis (cellar vaults, the vaulted ceiling in the entrance hall) have remained until today. In addition to general maintenance work, renovation work was undertaken in 1704 and 1705
- The economic situation was difficult for many years: The troubles of the Napoleonic War in the 19th century were also felt at the Markterwirt in Altenmarkt. The landlord had to accept compulsory provision of accommodation, firstly for the Kaiser’s troops and later the French troops. Drinks for the soldiers had to be provided free of charge. However, the landlord was not spared the alcohol tax for the free beer and wine.
- The gasthof is situated on a strategic route, der the pass over the Hohe Tauern. Thus over the years a number of well-known personalities have stayed overnight at our gasthof. Franz Josef von Habsburg-Lothringen (1848 – 1916 Kaiser of Austria plus Apostolischer King of Hungary 1867 – 1916) visited the Markterwirt.
- The following count amongst our guest too: Rudolf Kirchschläger (Presiden of the Republic of Austria from 1974 to 1986), Otto von Habsburg-Lothringen (1916 – 1919 Kaiser Prince, Archduke of Austria, King Prince of Hungary), Sarah Margaret Ferguson „Fergie“ (Duchess of York), Sir Edmund Percival Hillary (first to climb Mount Everest on 29th May 1953) etc.
- The partly remaining vaulted ceiling plus the furnishings with ancient farmers’ furniture and the wooden facade have maintained the character of the house. The Markterwirt is today cosy holiday accommodation with a whiff of nostalgia. The owners have changed often during the long-standing history, however the house has been owned by the Schneider Family since the 4th July 1752
Your host Family Schneider
The Schneider Family has been at the helm of gasthof an 3 star Hotel Markterwirt in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee since 1752. With the marriage of Franz Schneider (today’s owner) and Magdalena Gössl in 1976 the Viennese wine tavern “Schneider-Gössl” with hotel and apartments joined the Markterwirt. Together with the long-standing team it’s our priority is to offer our guests cosy holiday accommodation, good Austrian cuisine plus warm hospitality and to let old traditions live on.
Franz Schneider senior. runs the 3 star Hotel and Gasthof Markterwirt in Altenmarkt im Pongau together with his son Franz junior. They also rund the Alpen Appartements Zauchensee. Both owners are passionate fly fishermen and hunters. Thus impressive trophies decorate the public areas of the gasthof.
The children Diana, Franz and Magdalena graduated from Hotel School. Magda Schneider runs the “Schneider-Gössl” business wine tavern and adjoining hotel and apartments in Vienna. The youngest Magdalena helps with management.
Daughter Diana Schneider worked for many years in her parents’ business. In 2008 her son Stefan was born. Together with her life partner Jo they built their own guesthouse Altenmarkt im Pongau in 2009. At the Gasthof Krallinger you can enjoy Diana’s down-to-earth home cooking.
Franz junior became the proud father of daughter Isabelle in December 2009, in December 2012 his son “little-Franzi” was born. Together with his partner Sabine the Schneider Family has grown some more.
