As we prepare to open our café, we’ve been gathering all sorts of experiences – the good, the bad, and the delicious. Here, we’ve put together a list of our favorite gluten-free options in the area, but as always, be sure to double-check when you visit. This is just a quick overview to help you navigate the local restaurants, mountain huts, and shops.
Schloss Stuben
A traditional Austrian inn with a cozy, rustic vibe. So far, the trout with lecsó has been a reliable gluten-free choice. Haven’t tested the rest of the menu yet, but there are always salads and other safe options.
🌐 schloss-stube.gusti.at
Payerbacherhof
Another classic Austrian spot with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The staff are very attentive, but be sure to mention celiac disease clearly – and maybe even double-check.
🌐 payerbacherhof.at
Reichenauerhof
One of our all-time favorites – we’ve never had any trouble finding gluten-free options here. Sadly, it’s temporarily closed at the moment.
🌐 reichenauerhof.com
Cake Shop:
Le petit Pâtisserie
A charming little patisserie in Reichenau, known for its stunning cakes. The owner, Sophie Hirschegger, puts incredible effort into her creations. They’re as delicious as they are beautiful. Note: the opening hours are a bit limited.
Eurospar and Billa in Reichenau
Both stores have a solid selection of gluten-free products. Each has a dedicated gluten-free section, and Billa even offers gluten-free Kaiser rolls in the frozen aisle.
Naturfreundehaus Knofeleben
About 6.5 km and 700 meters of elevation from us, this is one of our favorite hiking destinations. It’s not accessible by car, but it’s worth the trek. Nearly everything here is gluten-free unless obviously not (e.g., bread, certain soups). Just ask Marco, the hut manager, for guidance.
🌐 knofeleben.at
Speckbacher Hütte
Another great hiking destination, though this one is also reachable by car. Alexandra, the hut keeper, is very knowledgeable about gluten-free options and always happy to help. Highly recommended.
🌐 die-speckbacher.at
Looshaus am Kreuzberg
A popular spot with fantastic views and excellent food. We’ve had great experiences here every time – never a problem with gluten-free options.
🌐 looshaus.at
Waldburgangerhütte
About 4 km (and 650 meters of elevation) from Waldschlössl, this hut is run by Maria, who bakes and cooks everything herself. The lentil soup and cranberry cake are both gluten-free. The hut is open on weekends and public holidays from May 1 to June 30, and from September 1 to October 26.
Pottschacherhütte
A good choice if you’re planning a longer hike or a relaxed bike ride, or if you prefer a shorter walk from the parking area. Just ask Bianca, the hut keeper, about gluten-free options.
🌐 pottschacherhuette.naturfreunde.at
Waxriegelhaus (Rax)
One of our top winter spots. Just a 20-minute drive from Waldschlössl to Preiner Gscheid, then a 3.5 km hike up (or 1.8 km if you take the shortcut over the meadows – about 300-350 meters of elevation gain). They usually have soup, lentil stew, and occasionally sausages and gluten-free bread.
In winter, the way back down is a fun 1.8 km sledding run. In spring and summer, it’s a great family destination or a nice spot to wait for the bus after a longer Rax tour.
🌐 waxriegelhaus.naturfreunde.at
Neue Seehütte (Rax)
I’ve generally had good experiences with smaller huts where you can talk directly to the owner, and this one is no exception. The lentil soup was a safe choice here, as it often is.
🌐 neue-seehuette.at
Damböckhaus (Schneeberg)
Another absolute recommendation. About 15-20 minutes from the cog railway’s top station on Schneeberg, or about an hour if you take the route via Waxriegel. For those feeling ambitious, you can hike up all the way from us – but that’s quite a trek, so let’s chat about it first. They usually have gluten-free rolls, lentil soup, and more.
🌐 damboeckhaus.at
Filzwieser’s Berggasthaus Friedrichhütte (Stuhleck)
A bit of a local secret for those skiing at Stuhleck. You’ll need to ask about gluten-free options, but they usually have one or two good choices.
🌐 friedrichhuette.at
