Traditions, customs and stories are afforded great significance in Hallstatt. You will come to recognise this time and again during your stay with us, just as you’ll come to learn about many of them on your outings. But we’d like to tell you the story of our lakeside hotel before you arrive for your stay.
Kainz house – origins and history in 10 facts
The year is 1770. Ignaz Stephan Seeauer assumes proprietorship of his father’s house including salt works, at the time known as Kramser Salt Works House.
In the early 19th century, tourism brings the first visitors to Hallstatt, and the Seeauer family wishes to chip in. Ignaz’s heir Franz Karl Seeauer, together with his mother, begins running an inn with rooms alongside the salt works. The inn is opened by his mother.
In 1850, the old Seeauer house is given over fully to the inn, with Franz Karl Seeauer soon raising it to Hallstatt’s best-running business. The house would later become known as Kainz house.
Only a few years later, Franz Karl Seeauer purchases a brewery, henceforth serving guests in the inn beer of his own making. The inn’s prominence spreads, attracting ever more tourists, counting among them such celebrities as Professor Friedrich Simony. Professor Simony is known throughout Austria for his research and exploration of the Dachstein region.
By now, the year is 1884/85. Franz Karl Seeauer acquires two houses neighbouring his inn and, together with his son Carl, begins expanding the house. Hotel Seeauer is born.