In the second part of our interview, we, Sabine and Alexander Springenschmidt, tell you more about our philosophy, reveal what we think makes a good host and talk about current challenges. 

In your opinion, what makes a good host?

Sabine: He is friendly and welcoming and at the end of the day you should be able to say: You've tried everything to make the guest happy.

Alex: Of course, there will always be things you can't do. But it's about wanting and trying.

What are the biggest challenges for you at the moment?

Sabine: Inflation, without a doubt. And while it's easier to get employees, it's difficult to get qualified employees. The knowledge is no longer the same as it used to be. But we would like to emphasize this: We keep hearing from acquaintances that they wouldn't want to be in our shoes - so much responsibility and so much work! Yes, of course the whole thing is associated with many challenges, but what Alex and I feel first and foremost is gratitude. Because my parents have placed great trust in us and entrusted us with their life's work, the Jägerwirt. After all, they made the house what it is today.

Alex: So we approached it with a lot of gratitude, but also a lot of courage. Those are two important prerequisites. We don't take anything for granted.

You, Sabine, grew up with tourism from an early age, Alexander was a career changer as a teacher. Wasn't that just as challenging?

Sabine: I wouldn't say so, because Alex loves people. For me, there is no better host than him. He likes to serve, approaches people, is interested and has a quick grasp of things. When he gets to grips with a new topic, he quickly knows what it's all about.

Alex:Yes, the host role suits me. We already had a perfect division at the Chillhouse, our hotel in Bali, which we are now continuing at the Seehotel Jägerwirt: Sabine takes care of the business and marketing aspects, what the rooms should look like, what is on offer, etc. And I get to be the host. And I get to be the host and deal with the sports program. We complement each other perfectly.

That sounds excellent! Where did this perfect duo actually meet?

Sabine: We got to know each other on the Kitzsteinhorn. While snowboarding.

Now let's focus on tourism: has the way we travel changed over the years?

Sabine: What we have noticed is that people, at least in Austria, book at shorter notice and tend to stay for shorter periods of time. What's more, today's guests are looking for more than just a few days of doing nothing. Perhaps this also has something to do with corona, but people want meaningful conversations, have become more conscious and spiritual and have said goodbye to too much superficiality. You can feel this shift.

Alex: Maybe it also has a bit to do with the fact that we're both like that, Sabine and me. We are known to attract people who are similar. But in any case, guests these days want to engage more with the mental world, a healthy body and mind are important to them, whereas their time is too precious for superficial conversations.

That fits in wonderfully with your new philosophy at the Seehotel Jägerwirt, doesn't it?

Sabine: Yes! We want our guests not only to have experienced physical relaxation when they go home, but also to be able to take something away mentally from their time out with us. That is our philosophy at the Seehotel Jägerwirt. And that he always leaves with an open heart. Because the longest way is from the brain to the heart. If mankind manages to move more from the brain to the heart, the world stands a good chance.

How and with what do you create a good balance to everyday hotel life in your free time?

Sabine: Firstly, there's our family, our three children Leander, Louan and Cosma, who give us a lot. I'm also a forest person. When I'm in the forest for an hour or two, I'm recharged. I go for a walk, look for mushrooms or simply enjoy the time out.

Alex: I need sport and extremes, that's the best way to switch off. Whether it's skiing, diving in the lake or in the snowboard park.

The Turracher Höhe is a veritable land of milk and honey in this respect. Finally: What do you think is special about this region?

Sabine: The Turracher Höhe is an unparalleled place of power, with this enchanting lake in the middle. And that also means that no matter how much is built here, the lake is a natural barrier. This center will therefore always exist. The Swiss stone pine forests are also magical. You can completely recharge your batteries here. It's a feeling that's hard to put into words. You just notice it when you drive up here from the valley. Everything becomes lighter.