At 1,400 meters above sea level, where alpine pastures meet the commanding presence of the Hochkönig, stands Birgkar, a retreat that transcends the conventional notion of accommodation. Here, nestled in the pristine mountain landscape of Mühlbach, simplicity and intention converge to create what owner Birgit Burgschwaiger calls "A Slow Place for what truly matters."
"A Slow Place for what truly matters. Birgkar is dedicated to balance in space, time, and connection. No excess, no distractions. Just what is. Design that breathes. Togetherness that leaves room. Food that is honest," explains Burgschwaiger, articulating the essence of her vision.
Each thoughtfully designed space embodies the Wabi Sabi philosophy, celebrating natural materials, clean lines, and the beauty of intentional emptiness. At Birgkar, luxury is redefined not through excess, but through essence, offering guests exactly what is essential and nothing more.
Birgit Burgschwaiger, Owner of Birgkar : Photo courtesy of Birgkar
A VISION BORN FROM MOUNTAINS AND MINDFULNESS
For Birgit Burgschwaiger, Birgkar represents the culmination of a background rooted in hospitality, design, and a deep connection to the alpine region. "My background lies in hospitality, design, and a deep connection to the alpine region. Over the years, I've developed a strong appreciation for places that allow space, for silence, for clarity, for real encounters," she reflects.
The vision behind Birgkar grew from a desire to create a retreat that reflects these values: simplicity, quality, and balance. "I wanted to offer guests a place that doesn't overwhelm, but grounds, through thoughtful architecture, mindful hospitality, and the natural rhythm of the mountains," Burgschwaiger explains. "Hosting here is less about providing service in the traditional sense, and more about creating an atmosphere where people can simply be."
The property itself has a storied past, dating back to around 1850 when the original Birgkarhaus served as a shelter for mountain climbers and travelers. This legacy of sanctuary continues today, reimagined through a contemporary lens that honors tradition while embracing refined simplicity.
The idea began with a simple but strong intention: to create a place where architecture, landscape, and inner stillness meet. The property itself, tucked away in the mountains of Mühlbach, felt like it was waiting for something quiet and meaningful to take shape.
It was the long-held dream of the Burgschwaiger family to bring such a retreat to life, a place that reflects their deep connection to nature, clarity, and conscious living. With vision, dedication, and care, they made this dream a reality.
"We wanted to create a space that feels grounded, honest, and timeless. The aesthetic is quiet, yet deeply expressive, shaped by the seasons, touched by nature, and meant to reconnect guests with what truly matters."
— Birgit Burgschwaiger, Owner
THE ARTISTRY OF ALPINE MINIMALISM
"The design is inspired by Wabi Sabi — the Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in simplicity, imperfection, and transience. We wanted to create a space that feels grounded, honest, and timeless," Burgschwaiger notes.
"Natural materials like wood, stone, and linen were carefully chosen to reflect the surrounding alpine landscape. The architecture is reduced to the essential — clean lines, generous light, and intentional emptiness invite calm and clarity. Every element has space to breathe," she describes.
"Minimalism here is a mindset. Wabi Sabi inspires the architecture, natural materials, clean lines, intentional emptiness. Every space is thoughtfully crafted, every detail is tangible. Nothing is too much, yet everything feels just right," Burgschwaiger emphasizes.
Rather than impress with extravagance, it invites stillness. Rather than imposing upon the environment, the architecture of Birgkar seems to emerge from it. Clean lines and generous light form sanctuaries where guests can truly exhale. Every space is thoughtfully crafted, every detail is tangible. Nothing is too much, yet everything feels just right.
Inside, the chalets blend traditional Salzburg mountain living with contemporary comfort. Natural materials such as wood, linen, and woven baskets bring warmth, texture, and a sense of ease. Every detail reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship and the surrounding landscape.
"One of the most important challenges, and at the same time, a guiding principle, was preserving the natural landscape in its original form and treating it with the respect it deserves. Every step in the process was shaped by this commitment."
— Birgit Burgschwaiger, Owner
The result is a retreat that sits in conversation with its surroundings rather than dominating them, a place where human intervention enhances rather than diminishes the natural beauty.
Photo courtesy of Birgkar
THE GENTLE RHYTHM OF MOUNTAIN DAYS
"Time follows the same principle: enough space for connection, enough freedom for solitude. No pressure to socialize, no obligation to withdraw — just a natural balance that feels effortless," Burgschwaiger explains, describing the unhurried pace that defines a stay at Birgkar.
Morning begins with the soft light of day and the comforting aroma of fresh bread. Breakfast is delivered directly to the chalet and, in good weather, is served on the terrace with sweeping views. Ingredients are sourced from nearby alpine farms such as Dientalm, where traditional methods and deep respect for nature remain central.
As the day unfolds, guests might explore hiking trails that begin at the doorstep, seek the perfect spot for quiet reflection, or simply surrender to the luxury of unscheduled time. In the evening, traditional Pinzgau specialties can be enjoyed without leaving the chalet. For a more personalized experience, a private chef can prepare meals on site. A curated wine fridge offers a thoughtful selection, with the option to request specific bottles to suit individual tastes.
For those seeking culinary adventures beyond Birgkar, the region is full of treasures, both culinary and natural. "Guests will find several excellent restaurants nearby, including award-winning spots with Gault&Millau toques, where regional ingredients meet refined alpine cuisine," Burgschwaiger notes. Within a short distance, a variety of culinary experiences await, from rustic alpine huts and historic inns to Michelin-starred restaurants.
"It's less about luxury in the conventional sense, and more about a sense of clarity, calm, and quiet inspiration. We welcome travelers who seek depth rather than distraction, those who appreciate simplicity, silence, and authenticity."
— Birgit Burgschwaiger, Owner
NATURAL WELLNESS AMIDST ALPINE SPLENDOR
At Birgkar, wellness isn't confined to designated spaces or scheduled experiences, it permeates every aspect of the stay. It exists in the quality of the air at 1,400 meters, the natural materials that surround guests, and the profound silence that allows for genuine rest.
Each chalet offers a private and peaceful environment where nature, comfort, and authenticity come together. From a quiet moment by the fireplace to a soak in a warm outdoor hot tub beneath the stars or a session in a private sauna, every element supports rest and renewal. The feeling of wellness is present in the smallest details: the scent of natural materials, the gentle play of light, the quiet presence of the surrounding peaks.
"For those who love the outdoors, Birgkar is perfectly positioned: hike-in/hike-out, bike-in/bike-out, and ski-in/ski-out experiences start right at the doorstep. Whether it's a sunrise hike to a hidden peak, a peaceful forest trail, or skiing straight into the powder, the surrounding nature is not just close — it's part of the experience," Burgschwaiger describes.
"It's a place where simplicity meets richness, in taste, in landscape, and in every moment of the stay," she adds.
Photo courtesy of Birgkar
A RETREAT FOR THOSE WHO VALUE THE ESSENTIAL
"We welcome travelers who seek depth rather than distraction — those who appreciate simplicity, silence, and authenticity," Burgschwaiger explains when describing her ideal guests. "It is for guests who feel nourished by nature, inspired by thoughtful design, and drawn to places that allow space: for rest, for reflection, and for real presence. Whether it's a solo retreat, a couple's escape, or quiet time with close friends or family — the people who find their way here are often looking to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters."
As for the future, they plan to continue evolving gently, always guided by the same principles. "We plan to continue evolving gently, always guided by the same principles. That might mean adding a few handpicked experiences that align with the spirit of the house, or deepening collaborations with local artisans and nature-based practitioners. Growth, for us, doesn't mean more — it means deeper," she reflects.
A SANCTUARY FOR THE SOUL IN TODAY'S HYPERCONNECTED WORLD
In a world dominated by excess and acceleration, Birgkar stands as a quiet reminder of another way of being, one where presence takes precedence over productivity, where simplicity reveals itself as the ultimate sophistication, and where the mountains teach their ancient lessons to those willing to listen.
"A place that doesn't need to be loud to have an impact," as Burgschwaiger puts it. The experience of Birgkar is not defined by extravagance but by simplicity, stillness, and a meaningful connection to nature and tradition. It is a place to arrive, to stay, and to return to, shaped by the rhythm of the mountains and the timeless joy of simply being.
For those fortunate enough to experience this alpine sanctuary, Birgkar offers more than accommodation, it provides a temporary home for the soul, a place where the essential is honored and everything else falls away. In the embrace of the Hochkönig mountains, guests discover that true luxury lies not in having more, but in needing less and appreciating what remains with greater depth and clarity.
Photo courtesy of Birgkar
