Wine and wellness – the perfect combination in the Wachau
Wine and wellness in one place: tasting at our on-site winery, Penthouse Spa above the rooftops of Dürnstein. Here is how the combination works at Pfeffel.
News
News from the hotel and the Wachau
Stories, seasonal tips and useful information about Gartenhotel Pfeffel and the loveliest region of Lower Austria.
A romantic weekend in the Wachau – tips for couples
A romantic weekend in the Wachau: Danube walks, wine tasting, Penthouse Spa and a sunset over the vineyards. Here is how to plan two days for two.
Day Spa in the Wachau – a day trip without an overnight stay
Day spa in Lower Austria: penthouse pool, sauna and Danube views in Dürnstein – bookable without an overnight stay. Here is how a day at Pfeffel works.
Hotel with pool and sauna within 1.5 hours of Vienna – the Wachau option
Looking for a 4-star hotel with outdoor pool and sauna no more than 1.5 hours from Vienna? Here is why Gartenhotel Pfeffel in Dürnstein is an obvious answer – and what alternatives exist.
Wellness hotel in Lower Austria for a weekend – what really matters
What makes a good wellness hotel in Lower Austria – and who is better off in a small, personal house than in a large spa temple? An honest take for a weekend roughly 1–1.5 hours from Vienna.
Staying with the winemaker in the Wachau – a hotel with its own winery
Planning a wine weekend in the Wachau and looking for a hotel that is also a winery? We explain why combining a 4-star hotel with its own winery is rare in the Wachau – and what to look out for.
Hiking the Welterbesteig – Stage Tips around Dürnstein
180 kilometres through one of Europe's most beautiful cultural landscapes. We present the loveliest day stages around Dürnstein – ideal for relaxed hiking.
By Boat Through the Wachau – the Most Beautiful Danube Routes from Dürnstein
Experience wine and World Heritage from the water: the DDSG boat service connects Dürnstein, Spitz, Weißenkirchen and Melk – a relaxed outing for connoisseurs.
Apricot Blossom in the Wachau – the Most Beautiful Time for a Short Break
When the apricot trees bloom in late March, the Wachau turns into a sea of soft pink blossoms. Discover the best time to visit and the loveliest walks through the orchards.
Smaragd, Federspiel, Steinfeder – Wachau Wine Made Simple
Three terms that accompany every wine lover in the Wachau. What lies behind the classifications of Vinea Wachau – and which wine suits which occasion?
Penthouse Spa with Danube View – Wellness above the Rooftops of Dürnstein
A sauna landscape on the rooftop, a pool with views of the castle ruin and relaxation rooms where time stands still. What makes our Penthouse Spa so special.
Advent Magic in the Wachau – Christmas Markets and Winter Indulgence
When the Danube disappears into mist and the vineyards lie under snow, the quietest – perhaps most beautiful – time of year begins in the Wachau. Our tips for a contemplative Advent stay.
The Pfeffel family
A house carried by one family
For more than 50 years, Gartenhotel Pfeffel has been a family-run hotel in the Wachau. What started as a small inn is now a 4-star house with its own winery, penthouse spa and a lively bunch of nine children growing up here – you might meet them in the garden while sitting on the terrace.
“We want you to feel less like in a hotel and more like a guest in a house that belongs to a family – with everything that comes with it.”
Who personally welcomes you
We are not an anonymous hotel team but a family who welcomes guests in person. You always know who you are dealing with.
Leopold Pfeffel
Senior of the family
Has been part of the house from the very beginning and is the keeper of our family's story.
Mag. Karoline Pfeffel
Managing Director, hotel operations
Leads the hotel with a clear sense of quality, calm and what guests truly need.
Mag. Cornelia Pfeffel-Schachenhofer
Department head, hotel operations
Quietly makes sure that every stay runs smoothly and personally.
Alexander Pfeffel
Department head, hotel operations
Your contact for special wishes, events and individual enquiries.
And then there are our nine children – they grow up in the hotel and are simply part of the picture.
Direct booking
Why book directly with us?
When you book directly, every enquiry reaches us without detour – and you have a personal contact from the very start.
Best-price guarantee
On our website you always get the best available rate – no comparison portals needed.
Free cancellation
You can cancel free of charge up to two days before arrival – flexibility for last-minute changes.
Personal advice
You speak directly with us – not with a call centre. We're happy to find the right room together.
A small welcome
As a direct booker we welcome you with a small token in your room – our way of saying thank you.
Free wellness access
Our Penthouse Spa with pool, saunas and quiet rooms is naturally included for hotel guests.
Frequent questions
What guests often ask us
What guests say about us
Reviews from over 1,900 guest voices
The reviews below come from independent platforms – nothing we wrote ourselves. We are grateful for every single piece of feedback.
As of April 2026. Click a source to read all reviews.
Contact
Speak with us directly
Some questions are best answered personally. Just give us a call or write to us – you'll hear back from us, not a bot.
The Wachau is waiting. So is the Gartenhotel.
If you're looking for a personally run house with tranquillity, fine dining, wellness and a special location, we look forward to your enquiry – by phone or via the form.