Biohotel Gralhof is an enchanting organic hideaway on the shores of Lake Weissensee in Carinthia – often called the most pristine lake in the Alps. Operated by the Knaller family for over a century, the Gralhof embodies “hearts in heaven, roots in the soil,” as their motto goes. The property is steeped in history: its collection of rustic wooden buildings has evolved over ~500 years, originally a farmhouse and inn dating back to the 16th century. Today, Gralhof stands as a shining example of how to blend age-old Alpine traditions with modern sustainability and hospitality. The setting is storybook-beautiful and exceedingly tranquil. Nestled on a 200-acre estate of meadows and forest within the Weissensee Nature Park, Gralhof has its own private lakeshore complete with a little natural beach, a sunbathing lawn, and a dock that stretches into the crystal-clear waters. (Weissensee is so pure that you can drink from it – and indeed the hotel uses it as drinking water after filtration.) In summer, guests start their day with a dip in the lake’s turquoise shallows, often accompanied by nothing but ducks and the gentle ring of cowbells from nearby pastures. In winter, the lake freezes into Europe’s largest natural ice-skating rink, and the hotel provides skates for guests to glide under the winter sun. The rooms in Gralhof are cozy and uniquely charming, each telling a story. Some are in the centuries-old main house, with creaking wide-plank floors, low ceilings, and heirloom furniture – you might sleep under hand-carved timbers that have aged to a rich patina. Others are in the newer addition, showcasing sustainable architecture with untreated larch wood, large windows, and simple, modern alpine décor. All rooms forgo excessive tech (Wi-Fi is available but you’re encouraged to unplug), instead offering touches like balconies or terraces to breathe in the lake air, and baskets for carrying your towel down to the sauna or lake. The bathrooms feature natural cosmetics and toiletries made by a local organic producer. Gralhof’s intimate size (only about 20 rooms) ensures a peaceful, almost retreat-like atmosphere. Sustainability at Gralhof is exemplary – not just a checklist but a way of life that the Knaller family transparently shares with pride. The hotel is one of the top 5 lowest CO₂-emission hotels in the BIO HOTELS group, with only ~7.8 kg CO₂ per guest-night – an incredibly small footprint. How do they achieve this? For heating, Gralhof uses a biomass furnace burning wood chips harvested from their own forests (a renewable cycle). Electricity comes entirely from certified green sources, specifically a local hydroelectric provider just 30 km away. They have implemented rigorous energy-saving measures and insulation in their historical buildings without compromising their character. The culinary concept is farm-to-table in the truest sense: the Knallers run an organic farm on-site that supplies a large portion of the kitchen’s needs. They raise free-range pigs and Highland cattle on their pastures – the source of organic meats for the kitchen and the house-made sausages and hams sold in their little farm shop. A sizable organic garden provides herbs, lettuce, and vegetables in season. What they cannot produce themselves, they procure from close neighbors: the dairy products (butter, yogurts, milk) come from their next-door neighbor, the Jakober organic farm, just a short walk away, and other ingredients come from within the region whenever possible. The result is an ever-changing, hyper-seasonal menu that brims with authenticity. Breakfast is a hearty alpine spread including fresh eggs gathered that morning, farmstead cheeses, homemade jam, and artisanal bread delivered daily from the village bakery. In the afternoon, the “snack time” might feature fresh-baked apple cake or elderflower syrup made from blossoms the family foraged. Dinner is a delight: typically a set menu with two choices, always including a vegetarian option. One evening you may savor tender organic beef roulade (from Gralhof’s own herd) with garden vegetable ragout, and the next, a vegan forest mushroom risotto with herbs picked earlier that day. Wednesdays are meat-free day at Gralhof – a tradition they instituted to reduce the carbon footprint (livestock being a larger emitter) and to inspire guests with creative vegetarian cuisine. They promise you won’t even miss the bacon at breakfast on that day, and indeed, few do – the spreads of fruits, cereals, and cheese are more than satisfying. Beyond food and energy, the hotel’s sustainable practices extend to every detail. Rooms are cleaned with eco-friendly products and laundry is done with biodegradable detergents. Waste is diligently separated and minimized – they’ve virtually eliminated disposable plastics and even have upcycled decor (like lamps made from old milk cans). The Gralhof team encourages guests to arrive by train and offers free pickups from the nearest station. Once here, you really don’t need a car – trails begin from the doorstep, and a free nature park shuttle (with electric buses) stops near the hotel to take you to trailheads or the village, a service the Gralhof lobbied for and proudly offers to guests. For those who do drive electric cars, there’s a charging station on site. Activities and relaxation at Gralhof revolve around nature and simple pleasures. The hotel’s petite wellness area includes a wood-fired lakeside sauna cabin – imagine warming up in a panoramic sauna, then plunging into the clear lake even in winter (a true Finnish-style thrill!). They also have a “bio-sanarium” (a gentler sauna) and offer yoga classes occasionally on the lakeshore. The expansive grounds are a haven: hammocks strung between trees, a wildflower meadow buzzing with bees (the hotel keeps a few beehives, yielding delicious honey), and hidden benches where you can sit with a book or simply admire the view of Weissensee’s turquoise waters against the forested mountains. Birdsong and cowbells provide the soundtrack. In the evenings, there might be an informal herbal workshop in the garden or a guided stargazing session – the lack of light pollution makes for magnificent night skies. Gralhof also engages guests with culture: every summer they host “Jazz unterm Birnbaum”, a small jazz festival under the old pear tree, drawing musicians from all over the world for an intimate concert series. It’s an extraordinary experience for guests to enjoy world-class jazz with a glass of organic wine, under open skies, amidst nature. This event and other art workshops (sometimes there are painting or photography retreats hosted at the hotel) highlight the family’s belief that sustainability includes nurturing the soul and community. Most of all, what guests love about Biohotel Gralhof is the authentic family atmosphere. Michael and Corinna Knaller, the current hosts, are often found chatting with guests, sharing tips on the best secret swimming spot or inviting you to help feed the farm animals if you’re interested. Their children might be playing by the lake, and their friendly dogs might greet you on the path. It feels less like a hotel and more like visiting extended family on their farm by the lake – albeit family that will cook you amazing organic meals and make sure your room is perfectly comfy. The connection to nature and community is palpable: staying here, you become part of the Gralhof way of life, even if just briefly, contributing to their gentle footprint while reveling in the simple luxuries of clean water, fresh food, and natural beauty. When it’s time to leave, many guests find themselves already planning a return. Biohotel Gralhof offers not just a vacation, but a restorative way of living, where sustainability isn’t a concept but a feeling – the quiet joy of hearing a crackling fire and crickets at night, knowing you’ve left hardly a trace on this pristine place other than perhaps a heartfelt thank you in the guestbook.